It's almost here: the end of 2020. Many of us are looking forward to waving this year goodbye. It's been a tough one on global health, the economy, and many businesses. Yet no matter the circumstances, the end of 2020, like every other year, will bring with it that annual finance ritual: the year-end close.

Many finance teams still end their fiscal years on December 31, leading to frustration, long hours, and missed holiday festivities. In the midst of all this, we often forget how important the period close is to the business. Decision-makers at every level rely on fast, trustworthy numbers to measure outcomes and adjust plans. Now, more than ever, it's critical to get the right numbers as quickly as possible-because who knows what 2021 will bring?

In today's uncertain environment, you can't afford to be slowed down by manual processes and inaccuracies. An automated close that connects stakeholders and systems is critical for getting timely, accurate information into the hands of decision-makers. With that in mind, here are 9 recommendations to move towards an automated close for faster, more accurate results.