In conversations with finance leaders the same picture keeps returning: the close takes too long, ties up the most experienced people and delivers reliable figures only once the decisions have already been made.
A close within two to three days is realistic today, but it does not come from greater effort. It comes from order: a shared data foundation instead of scattered spreadsheets, standardised closing steps instead of personal routines, clearly assigned responsibilities, visible dependencies and automation for recurring work. The corresponding tools are part of the standard; newer closing assistants additionally take over reconciliations and error resolution.
The benefit lies less in accounting than in management. Those who see the figures early spot deviations and liquidity risks in time, instead of steering by the rear-view mirror.