Why Accountants and FP&A Don’t Always See Eye to Eye (And Why It’s Not Personal)

Let’s discuss one of the most common workplace dynamics that often feels like a tug-of-war: the relationship between accountants and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) teams. If you’ve ever been part of either team, you’ve probably heard (or said) something like this: 

“Why does FP&A keep questioning my numbers?”

“Why can’t accountants just give me the answers I need without all the back-and-forth?” 

It’s a classic case of two teams with the same goal—financial accuracy and business growth—but very different approaches. So, why does it sometimes feel like accountants and FP&A are speaking different languages? Let’s break it down.

The Core of the Tension: Questions, Questions, and More Questions 

Imagine this: It’s month-end close, and the accounting team has been grinding away, double-checking every number, making sure every entry is spot on, and polishing those reports until they shine. Just as they’re about to lean back and finally relax, guess who shows up? FP&A, armed with their never-ending list of questions: 

• Why is this cost so high?

• Can we adjust this forecast?  

• What’s driving this variance? 

For accountants, this can feel like a slap in the face. “I just spent days making sure everything is perfect, and now you’re questioning my work?” 

But here’s the thing: FP&A isn’t questioning the numbers to be difficult or picky. They’re asking because their job is to dig deeper, spot trends, and uncover opportunities to make things better. It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about finding ways to help the business grow and succeed.

The Budgeting Season: A Whole New Level of Frustration 

If month-end close is a headache, budgeting season is a full-blown migraine. FP&A is back with more questions: 

Why is this cost so much? They’re not implying an error. They’re looking for an explanation so they can anticipate trends and forecast more accurately. 

Can we double-check this expense? They’re aligning financial plans with reality to ensure the business is making informed decisions. 

What’s the rationale behind this projection? They’re aligning financial plans with reality to ensure the business is making informed decisions. 

For accountants, this can feel like déjà vu. “Didn’t we already go over this?” But for FP&A, it’s about ensuring the budget aligns with the company’s strategic goals and leaves room for growth. 

The funny part is both teams are actually chasing the same goal—keeping the numbers accurate and helping the business succeed. But the way they go about it? Totally different. It’s like they’re playing for the same team but somehow ended up on opposite sides of the field.

The Bigger Picture: It’s Not About Criticism, It’s About Collaboration 

The truth is that FP&A isn’t out to make accountants’ lives harder. In fact, they’re like the translators between finance and the rest of the company. When they ask questions, it’s not to call out errors—it’s to get ready for the questions they know are coming from the business. Think of it as their way of making sure everyone’s on the same page before the real spotlight hits.

Think of it this way: FP&A is like the detective of the finance world. They’re looking for clues, patterns, and insights that can help the company make better decisions. And sometimes, that means asking tough questions. 

But here’s the key: these questions are asked before going to the business for clarification. It’s about making sure both teams are aligned and presenting a united front. After all, when it comes to financial accuracy, there’s no room for miscommunication.

Why Accountants and FP&A Need Each Other 

At the end of the day, accountants and FP&A are two sides of the same coin. Accountants are the guardians of financial accuracy, ensuring every number is correct and every transaction is recorded. FP&A, on the other hand, are the storytellers, turning those numbers into insights that drive business decisions. 

The good news?

Professionals with core accounting skills are more than capable of performing FP&A tasks. In fact, many accountants transition into FP&A roles because they already have the foundational knowledge. The difference lies in the mindset: while accountants focus on accuracy and compliance, FP&A focuses on analysis and strategy. 

How to Bridge the Gap 

So, how can accountants and FP&A work together more effectively? Here are a few tips: 

1. Communicate Early and Often: Don’t wait until month-end close or budgeting season to start the conversation. Regular check-ins can help both teams stay aligned. 
2. Understand Each Other’s Roles: Take the time to learn what the other team does and why they do it. A little empathy goes a long way. 
3. Focus on the Bigger Picture: Remember, both teams are working toward the same goal. When you focus on the shared mission, the small frustrations become easier to manage. 
4. Ask Questions (Yes, Really): If you’re not sure why something is being asked, don’t be afraid to ask. Clarity can prevent misunderstandings.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Personal, It’s Professional 

At the end of the day, the tension between accountants and FP&A isn’t about personalities—it’s about priorities. Accountants prioritize accuracy and compliance, while FP&A prioritizes analysis and optimization. Both are essential to the success of the business. 

So, the next time FP&A comes knocking with their list of questions, take a deep breath and remember: it’s not about making your life harder. It’s about making the business stronger. And when both teams work together, that’s exactly what happens. 

After all, finance is a team sport. And when accountants and FP&A play on the same team, everyone wins.

Read more: The Dead Horse Theory: When to Quit and Move On