Your team is resistant to learning new accounting software. How can you overcome their pushback effectively?

In this dynamic world change is inevitable, hence proper change management plan is must. Explain the reasons for the change, how it will affect employees, and what the benefits and challenges are. Discuss the pros and cons of the changes to help employees feel heard and identify potential roadblocks. Recently we have implemented an AI based tool for assessment of customer payment behaviour tracking, I would like to share my approach to keep the team motivated: - Train well and set the expectation at the outset. - Understand what drives the team. -Create positive culture by encouraging collaboration within team -Celebrate Success for every small milestone. - Doesn't need monetary reward every time, but a small recognition, thank you note.

To overcome resistance to new accounting software, I suggest, starting with clearly communicating the benefits, such as increased efficiency and accuracy. Share success stories from other organizations to illustrate positive outcomes. Followed by comprehensive training through various formats like workshops, online tutorials, and one-on-one sessions, ensuring ongoing support is available. Also, offer incentives and recognize efforts of those who embrace the change and assist others. Lastly, address concerns by listening, providing reassurance, and maintaining transparent communication about the implementation timeline and expectations.

To get your team on board with new accounting software, explain the benefits clearly, involve them in the process, provide good training, and support. Listen to their concerns and show how the change can make their work easier and more accurate.

One thing I learned to integrate during the assessment process of a new accounting is to integrate part of the staff doing the day to day processing, data entries and data analysis in order to integrate their input. Usually, the managers that take decisions are not the ones knowing very well challenges staff can encounter during the implementation. So it is crucial to consult and to take into consideration the staff point of view.

Effectively communicating the benefits of new accounting software to team is crucial. Here are key points to emphasize: Explain how the software automates repetitive tasks, saving time and allowing focus on strategic activities. Highlight the software’s ability to minimize human errors, ensuring more accurate financial data and reducing corrections. Point out the software's capability to provide detailed analytics and reports, aiding in more informed decision-making. Clarify that the software is designed to make daily work easier, not just a management decision. Be open about the reasons for the change, aligning it with team goals, and offer training and support. Focusing on these benefits helps team see the software as a valuable tool.

Communication benefits: Frame the conversation around how the software aligns with their professional goals and daily challenges. Illustrate how it will streamline repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic and rewarding aspects of their work. Emphasise that adopting this technology is a step towards modernizing their role, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement. By connecting the software’s benefits to their personal and professional growth, we shift their view from seeing it as a burden to recognizing it as an opportunity for enhancement and empowerment.

It is all about showing what the benefits and lead by example. I had some experience as this in the past and after showing the results, my team was not only convinced to use the new technology but also suggested improvements in the process

It’s a mixture of alot of elements to bss honest, backing up your team and at the same time less by example is essential. Engage personals in informal discussion and understand thier fears, ensure testing should be properly performed and stakeholders expectations are aligned and lastly there should be periodic session for training and external expert should be engaged for afterwards concerns.

Through demonstration on the benefits and the importance which has a positive impact on time saving and reduction in number of people engaged in the work.

Introducing training sessions to help the accounts team resisting to learn new accounting software is important. Training sessions are gatherings where the members acquire knowledge and develop skills that help them to learn new accounting skills. These training sessions can include online tutorial, virtual meetings and mentorship. Training can help the accounting team acquire the required knowledge that focus on real life scenarios. Online tutorials offered by LinkedIn can help to train accounts team real life scenarios that are being faced at the work place. There also help accounts team to grow their career and build confidence in using the new accounting system.

This would be the most important step in achieving the desired results from the implementation of software. Having a comprehensive training plan in place is crucial for successful deployment of new software. Schedule multiple sessions with employees, answering their questions, and work with real time data. Create knowledge base section on the intranet and also introduce some sort of AI prompt that can provide solutions or suggestion to employees issues in real time which would be very helpful in ensuring the smooth transition from old to new system.

It todays world, the pilot testers can easily create avatar driven, short sharp videos as a cool way for an FAQ. These short videos will help fill the gaps and get people understanding a bit more about the software.

Offer comprehensive training sessions to ensure everyone feels confident using the new system. Consider hands-on workshops, tutorials, and one-on-one support.

- Listen: Schedule individual or group meetings to understand their specific concerns and reasons for resistance. - Feedback: Collect feedback on what aspects of the new software they find challenging or intimidating. - Customize Content: Develop training materials that are relevant to their roles and emphasize how the software will make their jobs easier. - Varied Approaches: Offer different types of training sessions (e.g., tutorials, one-on-one sessions) to accommodate various learning styles. - Peer Learning: Consider setting up peer support networks where team members can help each other learn and troubleshoot. - Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve the training program based on input from team members.

We have found that a pilot test with new software is not enough to iron out all of the wrinkles. Doing regular and ongoing check-ins to gain feedback helps to address new issues as they are discovered. We find new issues all the time going through routine and non-routine procedures while also experimenting with new use-cases and testing the limits of the software. Because we are striving for a culture of continuous improvement, we are always trying to improve our processes which, in turn, means we are always requiring feedback.

Resistance is not a new thing for anything new introduced in the organisation. People are used to the old system and they are comfortable in that. Though it may be taking some efforts to gasp the new Software but letting them Understand the benefit of the new software by giving them a demo and pilot testing with their inclusion in the development of the new system will not only give them a recognition of being tester but also motivate him to give his best in understanding the new software. This will result in motivating others to adapt the new one once they will knw the benefits of the new software. Motivate, Include and appraise the efforts of every individual will result into successful implementation of new software.

Rather than a single pilot group, implement the new software in incremental phases across different departments. Monitor each phase closely and collect real-time feedback to make necessary adjustments immediately. This approach not only minimizes disruption but also provides a diverse range of insights and experiences. Celebrate small successes publicly to build momentum and encourage hesitant team members. By gradually integrating the new system and continuously refining the process, you create a more adaptable and resilient transition strategy.

Pilot testing is very important to understand the business model, it's helpful to customise the new software according to business needs. All scenarios to be tested, so that staff doesn't face any issues post live of the new accounting software

Consider beginning with a pilot test that includes a small group of team members who are receptive to change. This group can offer valuable feedback and serve as advocates for the new system within the larger team. Their positive experiences and success stories can be instrumental in persuading skeptical colleagues. Additionally, a pilot test allows you to address any issues before a company-wide rollout, ensuring a smoother transition.

Make sure the points below are 1. Document and FAQ 2. Helpdesk support 3. SOP'S 4. Schedule regular trainings 5. Take necessary feedback to make changes

Key to success on going support is very important, below check list Identify the key areas where the issues faced by the staff Get them resolved with the help technical team Be ready to resolve the immediate issues

When implementing new software within our firm, we have created a group chat for tips and tricks that allow all of the users, regardless of position, to contribute and share tips and tricks that they have found in the new software. Not only does this contribution increase the user's confidence and familiarity with the software, but it increases efficiency across the entire team and reduces the overall learning curve. The ability to chat about different methods of use allows the team to find the most effective way to use the solution instead of each person having to trial and error the process individually.

Ongoing support is really important on new accounting software pre and post implementation. Support team should have a great understanding not only on the software itself but on the end to end accounting processess and intricacies of the whole finance operations. Employing support team members with a great background in Finance and a great interest in digital transformation is a big plus. It will ensure that all software issues will be investigated carefully and solutions will be tailored fit based on the needs of both the system users and the management.

Even after the initial training, it's important to continue offering support as your team adjusts to the new software. Establish a helpdesk or designate a team of 'super-users' who can assist with questions and troubleshooting. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. Ongoing support reinforces the message that you are committed to their success and willing to provide the necessary tools and assistance.

Shift focus from individual recognition to team-based rewards. Create group milestones and celebrate collective achievements, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Implement team-building activities that incorporate the new software, making the learning process enjoyable and collaborative. Publicly acknowledge the group's progress and contributions, emphasizing how each member's efforts contribute to the overall success. This approach not only motivates individuals but also strengthens team cohesion, encouraging everyone to embrace the new system together.

Lastly, it's essential to recognize and reward your team's efforts as they transition to the new system. Acknowledge those making significant progress in learning the software or assisting others. This recognition can be verbal, through small rewards, or even formal incentives. Celebrating milestones and successes creates positive reinforcement and motivates your team to fully embrace the new accounting software.

As a finance professional working with a software company that develops ERP accounting software, I've faced resistance from accountants who are hesitant to change their working patterns. They often worry about data security and user-friendliness. To overcome this, I visit customers to explain the benefits, focusing on how our software simplifies data entry and enhances reporting, which is crucial for management. By providing thorough information and demonstrating how the software can make their work easier, I've been able to convince them to adopt the new system.

Ante posibles cambios, por una absorción, compra o cualquier otra situación, la gente tiene miedo, a que no se cuente con él y lo puedan echar. Cada persona es un mundo, con su situación. Con lo cual es muy bueno que nos jefes apoyen a toda la plantilla, para que vean que no hay problemas con los cambios que se puedan originar..