The Hidden Drain: How Poorly Configured Systems Derail Finance Teams at Month-End

Estimated time to read: 4 minutes

For many finance teams, month-end and year-end close cycles are a recurring source of stress. Long hours, manual data checks, version control issues, and last-minute surprises are probably familiar to you and are often seen as “part of the job.” 

But they shouldn’t be. 

The real issue? Poorly configured and poorly integrated finance systems. 

Even the most powerful tools—SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics, NetSuite—can become burdens to your team when they aren’t set up correctly or don’t communicate effectively with each other. 

The Month-End Pain Points 

Poor system design creates ripple effects across your finance function, especially during critical close periods: 

• Manual data entry between disconnected systems leads to errors and delays. 

• Data inconsistencies across departments require time-consuming reconciliations. 

• Workarounds become the norm when systems don’t reflect actual finance processes. 

• Slow, outdated reporting makes it hard to quickly provide insights into the business. 

• Burnout creeps in as teams work late to plug the gaps. 

These issues don’t just affect your internal efficiency—they also delay reporting to leadership, investors, and auditors, creating a knock-on impact across the organisation. 

The Power of Automation 

When your systems are properly configured and integrated—and automation is implemented the right way—the difference is night and day. 

Benefits of automation and integration: 

• Faster close cycles with fewer manual steps 

• Consistent, accurate data across platforms 

• Reduced reliance on spreadsheets and workarounds 

• Improved compliance and audit readiness 

• Time freed up for analysis and value-added work 

Imagine going from chasing numbers to explaining them—using insights to drive business decisions instead of spending days just compiling the data. 

5 Steps You Can Take to Improve Efficiency 

Here’s where to start if you’re ready to improve your month-end process: 

1. Audit your current close process 
   Identify the pain points, bottlenecks, and manual steps in your current workflow. 
2. Evaluate your system setup 
   Are your finance tools aligned with how your team actually works? Or are they forcing unnecessary steps? 
3. Integrate key systems 
   Ensure data flows smoothly between ERP, EPM, procurement, and payroll systems—without needing spreadsheets as a bridge. 
4. Automate where it adds value 
   Focus automation on repetitive, time-consuming tasks—like reconciliations, accruals, or journal entries. 
5. Invest in change management 
   Even the best systems won’t work if your team isn’t on board. Training, communication, and support are crucial. 

How Positive8 Can Help 

At Positive8, we specialise in helping finance teams get more from their systems—whether that means reconfiguring an ERP, integrating tools for a smoother data flow, or automating key finance processes. 

We understand both finance and tech, and we work alongside your team to remove the friction from your month-end.