Summit Accounting Partners

The “3 Ps” Behind Confident Accounting

  • People
  • Policies
  • Perseverance

People

Strong teams build strong businesses — and your accounting function is no exception.

Strategic Hiring

  • You can’t do it all — focus on your strengths and bring in skilled professionals to support the rest, including financial operations.
  • Define your ideal employee profile and tailor your hiring strategy to attract the right fit for your business needs.

Effective Development

  • Prioritize training, mentorship, and ongoing development, especially in operational and financial processes.
  • Support team growth by providing clear expectations, constructive feedback, and opportunities for advancement.

Sustainable Retention

  • Understand what drives your team and how to keep them engaged, accountable, and aligned with business goals.
  • Stay informed on market compensation trends and budget accordingly — competitive pay supports both retention and performance.

Policies

Good policies create structure — and in accounting, structure drives compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind.

Operational Clarity

  • Every key function in your business should be backed by a clear, written policy or standard operating procedure (SOP), including all accounting-related workflows.
  • SOPs help your team follow consistent steps, reduce errors, and keep operations running smoothly — even during staff transitions or growth phases.

Financial Accountability

  • Establish specific policies for areas like expense approvals, reconciliations, invoice processing, and payroll to protect your business and ensure audit readiness.
  • Staff should be trained on key financial policies from Day 1 so expectations are clear and consistent.

Preparedness for Oversight

  • In regulated industries or during audits, you may be asked to provide documentation for internal controls, data handling, or financial reporting.
  • Well-documented policies give stakeholders — from lenders to insurers — confidence in your financial systems and compliance posture.

Perseverance

Resilience is built over time — and your financial systems are key to staying grounded through change.

Adaptability in a Changing Landscape

  • Business conditions can shift overnight — whether due to regulation, market dynamics, or economic pressures.
  • Having flexible, well-maintained financial systems makes it easier to adjust and respond strategically.

Realistic Financial Expectations

  • Growth takes time — and profitability doesn’t happen overnight.
  • Understand your cost structure, cash flow, and financial trends so you can plan for the long term without unrealistic expectations. 

Staying Mission-Focused

  • Your mission and values are your compass. Let them guide you — especially during uncertain or difficult periods.
  • When you have a clear “why,” perseverance becomes part of your culture.