I mentioned in my previous posting that I have asked my direct reports to set some goals for 09, including a personal area of improvement that will increase their performance at Rockfish. My personal area of improvement is accounting. I've always known in business that black ink is better than red, a sale is not a sale until you collect the money, and to always pay your taxes on time. However, by the end of 09 I intend to be able to have an intelligent conversation with my accountant. Can I hire that expertise? Yes, and I have and will always do so. However, as our company continues to grow small details will start to have a more significant impact and I want to be able to spot those details well in advance by paying close attention to the numbers. I'm confident that improving my accounting skills in 09 will make Rockfish a better company and ensure a better future.
Another related personal goal that I have for 09 is to read less and to learn more. I'll will be reading for quality and not quantity. I've always got a dozen books waiting in line to read. Add to that blog and magazine subscriptions, websites I frequent, and numerous email newsletters and it's obvious that I'm an information junkie. I can't wait to get to the next book so I often rush through the current one. To that end I'm choosing my reading in a few concentrated areas. One of those areas is accounting. Based on online reviews, I've ordered:
- Financial Statements: A Step-by-Stop guide to Understanding and Creating Financial Reports
- Accounting for Non-Accountants: The Fast and Easy way to Learn the Basics
- The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemondade Stand
Why do I blog about this? To hold myself accountable (no pun intended). If you're an accountant that reads our blog, invite me to lunch in December and quiz me. Also, if you have any recommended blogs or books on this subject then please let me know.