Finance and accounting often do not hold Human Resources (HR) to the same standards as other departments because it is believed that HR is different and people initiatives cannot be measured or managed. However, having different standards for HR is a disservice to both HR and the company, resulting in less return from HR expenditures.  HR professionals are quite capable of playing by the same rules as their colleagues in other departments and can deliver tremendous business value, but finance and accounting professionals need to have a realistic sense of what may be expected.

 

This course explores five expectations that finance and accounting professionals should have for HR. These expectations are met today in some companies but not in many others. The first is, that as a support function, HR needs to align some of its initiatives to the key business goals of the organization and directly contribute to achieving those goals. Second, HR should be expected to create business cases for their major planned expenditures, just as other departments would. Third, HR should be expected to create a business plan for the coming year which would contain specific, measurable goals for which HR will be accountable. Fourth, HR should be expected to execute the business plan with discipline and deliver the planned results. Fifth, HR should be expected to be accountable for achieving their planned results.

 

None of this sounds revolutionary but many HR functions do not meet all of these expectations today. Consequently, the potential for improvement is tremendous if all three parties work together, but finance and accounting first must know what may be reasonably expected from HR, which is the goal of this course.

Learning Objectives
  • Discover what can reasonably be expected from Human Resources (HR) in terms of alignment, business case and business plan creation, disciplined execution, and accountability
  • Explore the reasons why these expectations are not always met
  • Identify steps to help HR meet these expectations
Last updated/reviewed: March 21, 2024
77 Reviews (383 ratings)

Reviews

4
Anonymous Author
The course provided a good bridge between Finance and HR. While it can seem obvious to have strategic alignment, a business case and a plan it might be harder for some to implement. Examples provided were good. It would be nice for examples to include something besides sales. Providing references to sources of HR KPIs and other resources was helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
This course was incredibly insightful and clearly reiterated the significance of aligning the organization's business goals to HR goals. The instructor shared helpful techniques for defining a compelling business case as well as many relevant examples. Several key learnings which I'll be able to leverage in the workplace.

5
Member's Profile
What an insightful course! 700 measures! Who knew!? David Vance's presentation was clear and provided report examples as well as a great explanation of alignment and Return on Investment (ROI). The bonus article and Site (with reports and measures) were helpful and appreciated additions.

4
Anonymous Author
As an HR professional, It is important to be measured in the same manner as my other department heads. I do not agree that HR does not want to be held accountable, but do agree that with assumptions of executives, HR does not get the training needed to be a valuable asset to Finance.

2
Anonymous Author
Having worked closely with HR for over 20 years, I felt that this course was full of negative statements about HR and very judgmental. HR team is a strategic business partner for Accountants, and having a positive approach is very important for successful collaboration.

5
Member's Profile
Some of the points may not be valid or questionable, as my experience with HR so far is somewhat different. However, expectations set out in the course from CFO's perspective is correct, especially regarding strategic alignment and disciplined execution.

4
Anonymous Author
Nice overview level course and providing some impact. Summary near the start of the course really provided the key to the entire course and that is that HR should be held accountable and should be treated as professionals, just like every other department.

3
Anonymous Author
It was interesting, although I think I misunderstood the purpose of this lesson. I thought it would discuss how Accounting/Finance should work with HR to produce financial statements, but it is more about how to set up a measurable business plan with HR.

5
Member's Profile
I was at first (being in HR) a little hurt that there seemed to be such negative statements about HR and accountability. But going through the entire course, I see how those statements have evolved and what I can do to help MY department to bust those!

4
Anonymous Author
At one point worked in an HR Department recruiting Accounting - Finance Professionals. Interesting to see how a highly functioning HR department holds itself accountable and beneficial to the organization at large. Very interesting course and insight.

5
Anonymous Author
I liked the emphasis placed on HR being accountable and also being a true partner in helping to meet the goals of the business. HR does add value, and I believe that this course helps to emphasize the importance of HR having a seat at the table.

5
Member's Profile
This changed the way I think about HR and it's relationship to the overall business. I hope to take the items discussed and implement in my business as a way to hold HR accountable and get more out of that department.

5
Anonymous Author
This course provided some insight on enhancing the HR departments at organizations to look at the financial side of operations and how it is necessary to establish goals and expectations for the department.

5
Anonymous Author
Practical advice for finance leaders to help partner/manage with HR. It's important to ensure HR departments are not driving major decision-making without quantitative and business-case support

4
Member's Profile
Like the detailed examples and provided some interesting ideas - measuring some of the benefits could be difficult to isolate - i.e. did the additional training lead to a 2% increase in sales.

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed this course as I was able to gain ideas and direction on how to align strategically with the organization goals. HR is not taught this often enough, so I appreciate the course!

4
Member's Profile
An interesting perspective on applying accounting type measurements to HR. There is no more impactful resource than people and I liked the information and thought-provoking discussion.

5
Anonymous Author
David makes a very good case that HR departments should be held to the same measurable performance standards as other departments, and gives good examples on how to achieve this.

3
Anonymous Author
This was an interesting class. A bit challenging as they covered a lot of specifics but very helpful. It was interesting how all the departments tied together at the end.

5
Anonymous Author
Overview of what Finance and Accounting should expect from HR provided a look into a department that accounting professionals don't typically have a lot of insight around.

4
Member's Profile
Informative class on measureable metrics that HR can use to support the key objectives and initiatives for the organization and holding them accountable to the results.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a good course. HR and Finance frequently have difficulties working together. The course highlights a lot of the assumptions with ways to change expectations.

4
Anonymous Author
This course emphasizes how HR is not very different than other departments when it comes to strategy setting. I found this course to be a good review.

4
Anonymous Author
This course was helpful for me as a CFO to understand what role HR should play in contributing to the overall business success of the organization.

5
Member's Profile
Part of my role in Finance deals heavily with HR. So, this course really came in handy because we really have not discussed this at my organization.

5
Anonymous Author
This course helped me see the importance of holding HR accountable to the same standards as the other business departments of my organization.

3
Anonymous Author
Good introductory course to highlight the strategic relationship between accounting/finance personnel and HR, although somewhat repetitive.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course! In finance I find aligning with HR is sometimes difficult but this will be a great resource for future annual budgeting.

4
Anonymous Author
This course was pretty effective and the instructor does a nice job of bridging traditional business discipline with the HR function.

5
Anonymous Author
Great CPE! Great topic, organized presentation and very helpful. I will share this with colleagues. Love the focus on execution!

5
Anonymous Author
Course was well put together, the instructor was clear and concise. I was able to gain a better understanding of the topic

5
Anonymous Author
This course was different from any I'd taken before. It was interesting to see how HR should align with company goals.

4
Anonymous Author
Interesting insight into the HR world and how important strategic alignment with finance would be benefitable.

5
Anonymous Author
Great presentation to understand the importance of HR within the budgeting and planning process of a Company.

5
Anonymous Author
The course was enlightening on what can and should be expected for HR as a partner with the business' goals.

4
Anonymous Author
This was a good reminder that HR dept shouldn't be it's own island...many times they're treated that way

5
Anonymous Author
The presentation was concise and the Instructor's explanation was simple, clear and easy to understand

4
Anonymous Author
Good course. I didn't realize HR should be so involved in meeting the business goals of the company.

5
Anonymous Author
Very Informative. I had no idea of all the requirements that needed to ne met by HR for accounting.

5
Anonymous Author
I liked the tone of the slides and the refreshing perspective regarding HR's role in organizations.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative course! I will be taking this back to our HR department and utilizing. Thank you!

3
Anonymous Author
Interesting perspective on partnering with HR teams for change and key initiatives across the org.

5
Anonymous Author
very insightful and an interesting view on KPIs for HR. Something I will remember as i go forward

5
Anonymous Author
hard hard hard and difficult, diffucult for me. HR is still far from finance and easy to control

4
Member's Profile
This was a great course.. I can't wait to inform my HR department of finance's expectations :D

5
Member's Profile
This course offers a quick recap of the HR department and how they are held accountable.

5
Anonymous Author
Lots of good information. Presenter was easy to listen to. Good take away calculations.

4
Anonymous Author
An interesting way to look at HR and Accounting together. I recommend this to everyone!

4
Member's Profile
Very interesting and detailed overview of this topic that doesn't get discussed enough.

5
Anonymous Author
HR is in title, but this course is a good reminder for all organizational expectations.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course. You can tell that you are extremely passionate about the subject matter.

4
Anonymous Author
A thorough examination of HR and how the HR department should function in a business.

5
Member's Profile
This is a great course every financial person who has HR report to them should watch.

5
Anonymous Author
great review of the world of HR and how their work along side accounting and finance

4
Anonymous Author
Good lesson with some helpful HR, measurement, and goal-setting concepts. Thanks.

5
Anonymous Author
I believe that this course would be beneficial for any individual in any industry.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course on reasonable expectations from HR for Finance departments

5
Member's Profile
I liked the instructor and the course. Gave me some things to think about.

5
Anonymous Author
The course was informative, and a nice change from the typical coursework.

4
Member's Profile
This class is a good backdrop from which to evaluate you own organization.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overall view of how HR can be run like any other business department.

5
Anonymous Author
This course on expectations with HR was very insightful. Would recommend.

5
Anonymous Author
Good course. Interesting topic and observations which are relevant.

4
Anonymous Author
Information was good but was challenging to stay engaged throughout.

5
Anonymous Author
I love attending account and finance class. They are my favorite.

4
Anonymous Author
Course presenter was thorough and course content was appropriate.

3
Member's Profile
Not bad...could be worse. Grammar in the exams is horrendous.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course. I'm planning to take more with this instructor.

5
Anonymous Author
David si great. I enjoyed this course so much. Great summary

4
Anonymous Author
This was a good lesson to help understand HR's perspective.

4
Anonymous Author
Informative course with good examples from HR perspective

4
Member's Profile
good info. good info. good info. good info. good info

4
Member's Profile
This class was very informative. I learned new concepts.

4
Member's Profile
Good course. I recommend to take this course by everyone

5
Anonymous Author
Very thorough class with detailed examples, insightful!

3
Anonymous Author
good unique view of HR department's goals and objectives

5
Anonymous Author
Course is interesting and well structured and presented.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to What Finance and Accounting Should Expect from HR14:48
  Strategic Alignment10:28
  Business Case9:44
  Business Case Continued..15:07
  Business Plan9:22
  Disciplined Execution7:44
  Disciplined Execution Continued..12:02
  Accountability for Results2:34
  Conclusion9:22
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  What Finance and Accounting Should Expect from HR 1:31:11
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: What Finance and Accounting Should Expect from HRPDF
  What Finance and Accounting Should Expect from HR Glossary/IndexPDF
  Bonus ArticlePDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam