Accountants of small businesses can influence the company culture and business reputation in several ways. Often ethical behavior within an organization begins with how the money is handled. When paychecks are issued regularly and bonuses paid to employees as promised, trust is enhanced. Accountants can be involved in designing employee and officer incentives that foster and support an ethical culture. When a tough ethical decision must be made in accounting, how does the tone at the top influence the accountant's decision? Accountants must be willing to push back with ethical concern and verbalize what is the most appropriate ethical behavior.
When vendors are paid timely and customers are treated with respect during a collection call, the company reputation is protected and enhanced. It also sends a message to the rest of the organization that those outside the organization are valued. Furthermore, when customers receive high levels of care and vendors are treated fairly, the behavior influences the attitude of others within the organization. Performing multiple roles within the organization allows the small business accountant a lot of control over how the organization is perceived.
Because many organizations have high self-interest, fair treatment of all stakeholders can be very impactful. When it is within the accountant's responsibility, contract terms and conditions must be negotiated fairly and then enforced when it comes to financial obligations. When there is an opportunity for the small business accountant to manipulate earnings or unduly withhold payments to vendors, the decision and actions the accountant makes will shape the culture and reputation of the entire business. When the most ethical decision is made by the accountant, the whole organization becomes a more ethical organization, and its business reputation is protected. The small business accountant has great influence over the business culture and the business reputation. When those inside and outside the organization feel safe in their dealings with the accounting department, the organization develops a more trusting culture and reputation.
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Heather Bain CMA, CPA
Consultant
Bain CPA Business Strategies, LLC
Houston TX
United States
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