Confessions Of The Finance Function

Finance leaders and their teams are under enormous pressure. Last year’s CFO Mindset Report from AccountsIQ revealed that 85% of CFOs need an extra one to two days per week just to manage their workload, while 76% feel they’re not fully in control of their organisation’s financial health. If that doesn’t scream ‘urgent need for support’, we don’t know what does. Support in finance software isn’t a nice-to-have - it’s make-or-break for any finance team trying to stay ahead.

As we gear up to launch our second report in the CFO Mindset series, we’re doubling down on our mission to uncover and tackle the most pressing challenges facing finance professionals across industries. Last year’s findings highlighted the growing need for technology to help teams stay in control - but it raises a critical question: who is actually there to help finance teams adapt, thrive, and get the most out of this new tech?

Support is not a wish list item when it comes to finance software. It’s a consistent, non-negotiable need. Yet too many teams are still forced to settle for slow responses, poor onboarding, and generic guidance. So, what does truly good support look like, and why does it matter so much?

Onboarding that actually works

Whether with entry-level systems or ERP software, onboarding can be mediocre at best. Finance teams dread complex setups, cookie-cutter training, and the risk that new systems will disrupt daily operations. The difference between a good and a bad onboarding experience is stark. Exceptional onboarding is hands-on, structured, and ongoing. It sets clear milestones, offers personalised guidance, and ensures teams feel confident from day one - not like they’re left to figure it out themselves.

And here’s the kicker: the quality of support after go-live is just as important. Slow responses, boilerplate answers, and limited availability frustrate teams and waste time. Great support is personal, patient and proactive. It turns software from a frustrating tool into a partner that actually helps you get things done.

Why support isn’t optional

Workload pressures aren’t going away. Finance leaders are juggling tighter deadlines, growing responsibilities, and mounting expectations. That’s why software support is the backbone of effective financial management.

Take Stott and May, a global technology recruitment agency, for example. They were struggling with a fragmented system that slowed reporting and hampered decision-making. By switching to AccountsIQ, they unified multi-entity accounts, slashed month-end closing from weeks to days, and gained real-time insights that genuinely improved strategic planning. Crucially, this was supported by a team that listened and guided them long before go-live - and continued to provide hands-on support well after the system was in place.

Good support in finance software isn’t optional. It’s proactive onboarding, responsive assistance, and intelligent automation that together deliver efficiency, confidence, and growth. Finance teams don’t just want it - they need it. And if a solution can’t deliver, it shouldn’t even be on the shortlist.

Ready to see support done right? Explore how real, responsive support transforms finance teams - Dive into AccountsIQ’s Support Centre →

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