SME Onboarding Knowledge Base by Ann Musgrove

musgrove_ann — 2025-02-17 16:53:45 UTC

Information Needed from SMEs

Please share critical information that new hires need to know in your area of expertise. Consider:

Core Systems & Tools
- Essential software and systems
- Access requirements
- Basic training resources
Key Processes & Procedures
- Daily operational workflows
- Standard operating procedures
- Important deadlines or timelines
Role-Specific Knowledge
- Key responsibilities
- Best practices
- Common challenges and solutions
Compliance & Regulations
- Important regulatory requirements
- Compliance procedures
- Required certifications

Add your posts to the relevant section. Include attachments like guides, screenshots, or documentation where helpful.

Core Systems & Tools

shereene_harford — 2025-02-17 17:04:14 UTC

Trading platforms such as E*TRADE, Bloomberg Terminal, etc

Portfolio Management systems

Risk management systems

data management systems

compliance and regulatory systems

accounting systems

reporting systems

client relationship management systems

shereene_harford — 2025-02-17 17:11:46 UTC

Trade execution

Trade settlement

trade reconciliation

portfolio management

risk management

compliance and regulatory reporting

client onboarding

financial reporting

Role specific knowledge

shereene_harford — 2025-02-17 17:31:16 UTC

Trader

Portfolio manager

Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Financial Analyst

Operations Specialist

Automated Compliance Review

2025-02-17 17:39:14 UTC

New users should Register with ComplianceTracker.gov and be sure to review the separate onboarding guide found at wiki.learning.us.com.

Attention to Detail is Critical

2025-02-17 17:42:15 UTC

Minor errors in financial compliance can lead to major audit findings. Whether you're reviewing transactions in SAP S/4HANA or reconciling accounts in BlackLine, always verify that entries follow company policy and regulatory standards (e.g., SOX, IFRS 15, ASC 606). Misclassifying a capital expenditure as an operational expense in Oracle NetSuite could lead to financial misstatements and regulatory penalties. Use system-generated exception reports and set up validation rules in Excel to catch errors before they escalate.

Understand Regulatory Frameworks and Internal Controls

2025-02-17 17:53:12 UTC

Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring compliance with laws like Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). If you’re working in Workiva for financial reporting or monitoring transactions in SAP GRC, take the time to understand how internal controls are designed to prevent fraud and errors. Know your company’s control environment, from approval workflows in Coupa to segregation of duties in NetSuite, and follow them rigorously.

Be Proactive in Identifying Compliance Risks

2025-02-17 17:53:37 UTC

Regulators don’t accept ‘I didn’t know’ as an excuse. If you spot an unusual expense claim in Concur, a vendor invoice that doesn’t match the PO in Coupa, or a revenue recognition issue in Workday Finance, escalate it immediately. Compliance failures can result in fines, reputational damage, and even legal action. If something looks suspicious—like duplicate payments, round-dollar transactions, or inconsistent approvals—flag it for review. Better to ask questions early than deal with an investigation later.

Learn Audit and Compliance Tools Early

2025-02-17 17:54:13 UTC

Understanding financial compliance requires knowing how to navigate audit trails and reporting systems. Get familiar with audit and control tools like Workiva for SEC reporting, SAP GRC for risk management, and BlackLine for reconciliation compliance. If your company undergoes SOX audits, learn how control testing works and what auditors look for. Knowing how to pull audit logs, review journal entry approvals, and document control evidence will make you a stronger compliance-focused finance professional.

Compliance and Ethics Are Non-Negotiable

2025-02-17 17:55:18 UTC

Finance professionals are the front line of ethical business practices. Whether you’re reviewing procurement transactions in Oracle or performing due diligence checks in Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, always follow policies to prevent fraud and bribery risks. If you receive pressure to approve a questionable transaction or backdate an entry, report it immediately. Anonymous reporting channels exist for a reason, and ethical lapses can lead to severe legal consequences.

Effective Communication for Regulatory Reporting

2025-02-17 17:55:43 UTC

Compliance is only as strong as the communication behind it. If you’re compiling SEC filings in Workiva or preparing SOX control documentation in AuditBoard, clarity is key. Regulators and auditors expect precise, well-documented financial disclosures. When explaining compliance issues to non-finance teams, use clear examples—‘We can’t recognize this revenue yet because it violates ASC 606 performance obligation rules’ is more effective than citing regulatory jargon.

Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes

2025-02-17 17:56:11 UTC

Regulations change frequently, and staying updated is part of your job. Whether it’s new ESG reporting standards, updates to lease accounting rules (ASC 842), or evolving AML/KYC requirements, proactive learning is crucial. Follow regulatory bodies like the SEC, FASB, and PCAOB, and subscribe to compliance newsletters. Understanding new regulations before they go into effect will keep you ahead of the curve—and out of trouble.

Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes

2025-02-17 18:03:39 UTC

Revenue Recognition (ASC 606, IFRS 15)

2025-02-17 18:05:57 UTC

Key Processes:

Applying the five-step model for revenue recognition (Identify contract, performance obligations, price, allocation, recognition).
Reviewing customer contracts in Salesforce, SAP Revenue Accounting, or Workday Finance to ensure compliance.
Handling deferred revenue and ensuring proper recognition timelines.
Documenting evidence for external auditors in Workiva or AuditBoard.

Background to Upskill:

Read ASC 606 & IFRS 15 to understand how revenue should be recognized across industries.
Learn how SaaS companies handle subscription-based revenue models.
Study common audit findings related to revenue recognition.

Suggested Learning Resources:

EY’s “Revenue Recognition Guide.”
FASB’s ASC 606 overview.