In an economic environment characterized by uncertainty and volatility, the quality of the financial close assumes even greater importance as an indicator of a company's financial excellence. Shareholders, creditors, lenders, and analysts are all looking for evidence that a company is well run and financially viable during these troubled times. In addition, the same processes used to conduct the financial close for external reporting are also being optimized to deliver internal management reporting more quickly and more accurately. Putting critical financial information into the hands of managers faster allows them to react more effectively to changing markets.