Finance is changing fast. It’s no longer just about tracking numbers or closing books at month-end. Today, finance teams need to think like business partners. They must understand the bigger picture, respond quickly to change, and guide others through tough decisions.
The pressure to stay sharp, flexible, and involved has never been higher. This shift calls for new habits, stronger communication, and a deeper connection with the rest of the business.
One person who lives this approach is Ron Monteiro. He’s the Speaker, Facilitator, and Coach at Clear Concept Inc., and Founder of KiCT and has over 15 years of experience in senior finance roles. He’s worked at Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup, and Kruger Products, moving from analyst to Director of FP&A and VP of Finance.
Ron is also a coach, consultant, and author of the book Love Mondays, where he shares how people can enjoy their work again. Through his talks and company, he helps finance professionals build the confidence and skills they need to lead with clarity.
In this article, you’ll learn how Ron approached writing a book while working in finance, and how small steps can lead to real growth. You’ll also explore his lessons on staying effective in uncertain times, building trust, leading change, and becoming a stronger voice in business.
Why Ron Monteiro Wrote a Book While Working in Finance
Writing a book while working in finance may sound unusual, but Ron Monteiro made it simple. He believes in a growth mindset. That means staying open to change and being willing to try new things.
Like many in finance, Ron is introverted. But he learned that real growth comes when you step into something new.
How the Writing Journey Began
Ron wasn’t always into books. He hardly read earlier. But in the last ten years, that changed. After starting his company, he met people who had written books.
Seeing them do it made him think, “Why not me?” They weren’t special. They just made time and followed through. So, Ron picked a habit. He wrote for 30 minutes a day.
No long hours, no big pressure. Just a small daily effort. That’s how the book came together. He says anyone can find 10 to 30 minutes each day for something they care about.
What Love Mondays Is About
Ron’s book, Love Mondays, helps people enjoy the work they do. It’s not only for finance folks. The ideas fit anyone who wants to feel more connected to their job.
The book has three parts:
1. Ron’s Personal Journey: How he found a career he enjoys and what helped him get there.
2. Leading Teams: How leaders can help their teams feel more excited to start the week.
3. Monday Mavericks: Stories from 20 people, like FP&A expert Paul Barnhurst, who love what they do.
The Main Message
You don’t need luck to enjoy your work. You need small steps, daily effort, and belief that change is worth it. Ron’s story proves that.
How Can Finance Professionals Stay Effective in Uncertain Times?
Finance today isn’t just about numbers. It’s about thinking like a business partner, not just an accountant. That shift needs strong communication, clear thinking, and the ability to adjust quickly.
Shifting from Accounting to Business Thinking
An accounting background builds useful skills. It teaches how money moves through a business. But to grow in FP&A, you need more than that.
You need to understand how the whole business works. Working with teams like sales, supply chain, and marketing helps build that view.
It’s not just about tracking numbers. It’s about knowing why they matter. Being part of product decisions or pricing talks turns finance into a key player, not just a support role.
The Value of Soft Skills for Finance Professionals
You can’t influence decisions if people don’t understand you. That’s why soft skills matter. You need to explain ideas, ask questions, and speak clearly in meetings.
Many finance people start off quiet. But confidence can grow. Practice, coaching, and feedback help you learn how to lead conversations. Being able to share your view clearly makes others trust your input.
Making Decisions Without All the Answers
Today’s business world changes fast. Prices shift, markets move, and plans break often. You can’t wait for perfect data. You need to decide with what you know.
That means:
- Focus on what drives the biggest results
- Use the 80/20 rule to save time
- Adjust plans often instead of once a year
Most of all, stay close to the business. Don’t just send reports. Join the team in making choices. When finance helps shape actions, not just explain outcomes, it becomes truly valuable—especially in uncertain times.
How Can Finance Professionals Build Stronger Business Influence
Strong FP&A teams do more than just report numbers. They help the business make better choices. That starts with building trust, learning what matters to others, and offering insights that are practical and clear.
Spend Time Where the Work Happens
You won’t understand the real story by sitting at your desk. Step out. Visit the plant. Talk to the warehouse team. Sit with sales or marketing.
This does two things:
- You learn how things actually work, not just what reports show.
- You build trust with the people who know the details.
When people trust you, they share more. You hear what’s really going on. That insight helps you give better advice.
Connect Numbers to Real-World Context
Strong advice comes from mixing facts with what you’ve seen. If you’ve walked through a warehouse and noticed stock that hasn’t moved for years, you know it needs to be written off. That’s not just a guess it’s informed judgment.
This gives your advice weight. People know it’s not just based on a spreadsheet.
Speak Up with Facts, Not Emotion
Confidence doesn’t mean raising your voice. It means staying calm and backing your view with facts. If something feels off, ask a clear question. Suggest a better option. Speak with care, not emotion.
What Makes a Great FP&A Team Today?
- Use AI tools to improve analytics
- Communicate clearly and listen well
- Take ownership instead of waiting for direction
- Work with clean, up-to-date data
In fast-moving times, waiting isn’t an option. The best FP&A teams step forward, ask smart questions, and help shape the next step.
How Should Finance Professionals Drive Change and Prepare for the Future
Leading change in FP&A starts with behavior, not just tools. People don’t follow systems. They follow clarity, purpose, and trust.
Make Change Clear and Personal
Before changing a process or system, explain why it matters. Show each person how the change makes their job better. Maybe it saves time, reduces mistakes, or removes repeat tasks. Don’t assume people will just accept it. You have to guide them.
Also, know your team. Some will lead change. Most will follow if supported well. A few may resist. If resistance slows progress, leaders must make hard choices. That may mean shifting people into other roles to keep the team moving.
The Future of FP&A in 3–5 Years
FP&A will play a bigger role, especially as change becomes constant. Decisions now happen daily, not monthly. And FP&A teams see the full picture. They connect data, people, and business goals.
Even if the CEO doesn’t come from finance, they’ll turn to FP&A for insight. The future needs professionals who blend:
- Sharp technical skills
- Strong people skills
- Fast, clear thinking
What FP&A Teams Need Right Now
Most teams need to speed up. Big companies often take six months to create a budget. That’s too slow today. Teams must think faster, work smarter, and stay open to change.
Learn the basics of finance first. Then grow with hands-on training, short courses, and help from those in the field. Read FP&A books. Follow experts. Most of all, practice listening in business meetings. Speak when it counts. That habit builds real value.
Conclusion
Finance professionals today need more than strong technical skills. They also need to build trust, speak clearly, and stay close to the business. That means asking smart questions, listening well, and acting fast when things change.
You can’t wait for perfect data. You have to work with what you know and adjust quickly. Moreover, leading change in any finance team starts with clear communication and strong leadership.
People follow those who explain the reason behind a change and how it helps them. The best teams move together, support each other, and focus on what matters most. To grow in this field, keep learning.
Spend time with other teams. See how things work beyond the spreadsheet. Speak up when it counts. And when you make decisions, link numbers to real problems and real goals.
The future of FP&A looks bright. Companies need professionals who understand the full picture, work fast, and guide others. The best finance professionals don’t just report the numbers. They help shape what happens next.
FAQs
How can finance professionals handle pressure during tight deadlines?
Break big tasks into smaller steps. Focus on what matters most and keep communication clear and steady.
What should finance professionals do when they make a mistake?
Own it quickly, fix it if possible, and share what you learned. People respect honesty and action.
What books can help finance professionals develop soft skills?
Books like Love Mondays, Crucial Conversations, or Quiet offer great advice on leadership and communication.
Should finance professionals learn storytelling?
Yes. A good story helps people understand data and makes your message easier to remember.
How often should finance professionals update their skills?
Check in every few months. Take short courses, read, or follow experts to stay up to date.ms share insights faster.
