Driving Success Through Effective Change Management

Effective change management is no longer an optional skill set for finance and accounting professionals—it’s a critical driver of successful organizational transformation.

This was the key theme of the IMA-hosted webinar, Driving Success Through Effective Change Management, sponsored by BlackLine. This insightful session featured Dominique Charles, Solutions Marketing Manager at BlackLine, and Ann Cox, BlackLine’s Principal Customer Success Manager. They broke down the essential components of successful change management and shared actionable strategies for professionals at all levels.

If you missed the live event, this is an in-depth summary of the key points covered, as well as practical takeaways to apply in your own organization. Check out the on-demand video for the full discussion and real-world examples shared during the webinar.

Change management is the structured process of transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from their current state to a desired future state. While this may sound straightforward, executing it successfully requires much more than updating systems or revising workflows. The human element—ensuring alignment, buy-in, and adoption across the board—is what ultimately determines the success of any change initiative.

Dominique and Ann emphasized the high stakes of getting change management right, noting that 70% of change initiatives fail. These failures are often linked to a lack of buy-in, communication, and leadership support.

On the flip side, organizations that invest in effective change management find tremendous benefits:

• Higher success rates for projects and process improvements

• Faster adoption and implementation of new systems

• Enhanced employee morale with reduced resistance and smoother transitions

• Stronger long-term performance post-implementation

The speakers identified several common challenges organizations face during change management efforts. These pitfalls often derail even the most promising initiatives.

1. Lack of Vision and Alignment – Transformations require clear goals and strategic alignment from leadership across all departments.

2. Cultural Barriers – Without understanding the organization’s unique culture, resistance to change will usually remain high.

3. Change Fatigue – Overloading teams with too many initiatives in a short period leads to burnout and disengagement.

4. Outdated Processes with New Technology – Implementing cutting-edge tools without adjusting underlying processes results in inefficiency and frustration.

By recognizing these pitfalls early, organizations can plan proactively to overcome obstacles and drive successful outcomes.

For finance and accounting professionals responsible for leading change, Dominique and Ann provided several actionable strategies that can make all the difference:

1. Build a Change Network

One of the most impactful strategies is creating a network of champions—key individuals who advocate for and facilitate change within their teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical; involve stakeholders from across departments, including IT, HR, and operations.

• Recognize and reward champions’ contributions to maintain their motivation and engagement.

2. Prioritize Clear and Consistent Communication

Open and proactive communication is at the core of any effective change management strategy. Leaders must craft clear, targeted messages that resonate with their audiences.

• Explain the “why” behind the change—from strategic goals to individual benefits.

• Maintain ongoing feedback channels so employees can voice concerns and offer input.

3. Engage Employees Early

When employees are involved from the beginning, whether during testing or planning, they feel empowered rather than imposed upon. This fosters ownership and minimizes resistance.

• Encourage participation in early stages of the change process.

• Leverage feedback to refine strategies in real time.

4. Invest in Comprehensive Training and Support

A successful transition doesn’t stop at implementation. Regular training and continuous support ensure employees fully adopt and integrate changes into their workflows. Provide resources like:

• Easy-to-use guides and FAQs

• Self-service tools that address common concerns

• Ongoing webinars and training sessions to reinforce learning

Dominique and Ann underscored the critical role of leadership in navigating organizational change. Strong leaders not only set the vision but also reinforce it at every stage, maintaining alignment across teams.

Ann pointed out, “Leadership must go beyond strategy—they also need to act as motivators, champions, and communicators who ensure everyone feels part of the transition.” Building trust at every level of the organization is essential for lasting success.

Change management is a cornerstone of successful finance transformation, and BlackLine's BeyondTheBlack conference offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in this critical area. The conference offers sessions tailored to navigating organizational change and gaining actionable strategies to lead your team through transitions.

Sessions like “Powering the Controller's Organization Through Change” and “Change Management: Driving Transformation with Confidence” teach you how industry leaders are fostering alignment, building trust, and empowering teams during periods of transformation. These sessions, along with many others, will provide practical tools and insights to help you overcome resistance, engage stakeholders, and drive lasting results.

Beyond the sessions, the conference is an opportunity to connect with peers and industry experts. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build a network of support that extends beyond the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your change management strategies and position your organization for success in an ever-evolving landscape.

For finance and accounting professionals, mastering change management is increasingly important in a landscape of rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs. By focusing on collaboration, communication, and ongoing support, your team can successfully lead the transformation that drives meaningful results.

Every organizational transformation is an opportunity to grow and improve. With the right strategies, you can lead with confidence and create lasting impact within your finance and accounting operations.