Most finance teams don’t fail because of bad hires—they fail because the structure, goals, and support systems aren’t strong enough. That’s a serious issue when companies rely on finance to guide smart decisions, reduce risks, and manage growth.
The truth is that building a high-performing finance team doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a clear plan and consistent effort. You need the right people, but you also need the right setup so they can actually do their jobs well. If you’re a team lead, a CFO, or even a business owner, you can’t afford to overlook the basics that make a finance team run efficiently.
This article will walk you through the practical steps that matter most.
Hire for Learning, Not Just Experience
It’s easy to focus only on resumes and years in the field when hiring. But strong finance teams aren’t just full of experts—they’re full of learners. The world of finance changes quickly. New tools come out. Regulations shift. Market behavior evolves.
So, you need team members who know how to adjust and grow. During interviews, ask people how they’ve picked up new tools or tackled unfamiliar tasks. See how they talk through solving problems they’ve never seen before. That tells you more than any title ever will.
Candidates who have pursued online MBA finance programs, especially from institutions like William Paterson University, often bring this exact mindset. Their education is shaped by both academic theory and real-world application.
The curriculum includes hands-on learning, research-based projects, and the option to tailor the capstone course to a student’s career focus—whether that’s portfolio analysis, credit risk, or M&A strategy.
Hiring professionals from programs like this gives your team an edge in both skill and adaptability.
Use Tools That Actually Save Time
Finance teams often get buried in manual work—copying numbers, formatting spreadsheets, and pulling reports. This slows everything down and leaves little time for analysis or planning.
Good tools don’t just look nice—they save hours. Start by identifying where your team spends too much time. Then find tech that handles that work faster and more accurately. Whether it’s budgeting software, expense management tools, or dashboards for reports, the right setup gives your team more space to focus on the big picture.
And here’s where many companies go wrong: they buy tools no one uses. So before you invest, involve your team in the decision. Test options together. Choose tools that are simple, reliable, and easy to train on.
Make Meetings Short and Purpose-Driven
Many finance teams lose hours each week in meetings that don’t lead anywhere. If a meeting doesn’t help move work forward, it’s time to rethink it. Long meetings drain energy and break focus. You don’t need a full hour to share updates or check in.
Instead, run short meetings with a clear purpose. A quick stand-up once or twice a week works well. Focus on blockers, progress, and next steps. Keep things tight. If there’s a need for a deep dive, set up a separate time with only the people involved.
Also, use visuals. Dashboards or charts make it easier to show progress without walking through every number. When meetings are efficient, your team can spend more time doing real work.
Celebrate Progress in Real Time
Don’t wait for quarterly reviews or year-end reports to say “well done.” Recognition works best when it’s timely and specific. A quick message after someone wraps up a tough project or solves a tricky issue can go a long way.
You don’t need big rewards. Most people just want to know their work matters. A short mention in a team meeting, a thank-you email, or even a note from leadership makes a big impact.
Recognizing progress also boosts morale and keeps the team connected. It encourages others to step up and reinforces the kind of work you want to see more of.
Choose Managers Who Build Others Up
Promoting someone because they’re good at their own work doesn’t always lead to success. Leadership is about guiding others, not just hitting individual targets. A strong manager helps the team grow, supports people when they struggle, and makes space for ideas.
When choosing team leads or finance managers, look for people who listen well, give helpful feedback, and care about team results. They don’t need to have all the answers—but they should help others find theirs.
Coaching, patience, and trust-building matter more than being the smartest person in the room. A team with a supportive leader works better together and stays engaged longer.
A high-performing finance team doesn’t build itself. It takes planning, consistency, and a real focus on people. The best teams aren’t just made of top talent—they’re built around clear roles, simple systems, honest feedback, and ongoing learning.
These steps aren’t complex, but they make a difference. When done well, they turn a busy finance department into a strategic, reliable, and valuable part of the business.
