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The end of the year is almost here, and with December 19?being the busiest expense day last year, we know your work is starting to heat up. Don¡¯t stress! Use this handy checklist to reduce distractions, increase productivity, better communicate with your team and finish the year out strong (not to mention prepare for a better 2018).

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Read the whitepaper to learn more?tips and resources for a smoother year-end

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Set the stage

Start by reducing distractions so you can focus on the tasks at hand:

• Turn off messaging and phone alerts, turn on email auto-responder: Schedule at least one hour per day of distraction free working.
• Schedule social media time: Taking a social media break is OK, just not every five minutes. Allow yourself only a few times each day to check and post updates.
• Allow for breaks, especially lunch: Don¡¯t burn the candle at both ends. Take a walk, don¡¯t eat lunch at your desk (if you can help it) or get a cup of coffee with a coworker.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and stay healthy!

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Prepare your team

Taking time now to address questions and concerns will make for a smoother busy season:

• Hold a year-end planning meeting:?Gather your team together and create a game plan for tackling the next few weeks.
• Open the doors of communication:?Make it clear your team knows how to get in touch with you and each other when questions or concerns arise.
• Create a vacation calendar:?Make sure everyone knows who will be out of the office and when they'll be gone.

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Maximize productivity and?improve your expense processes

By evaluating your current expense process, making necessary updates and moving to an automated and mobile system sets you up for future success:

• Review your current expense process:?Look for opportunities for improvement, and ensure you are set up for successful automation.
• Implement small process changes:?Cut out unnecessary steps and update out-of-date policies to be more relevant.
• Look for opportunities to automate now: It's ime to kiss spreadsheets goodbye.
• Plan for automation next year:?Make note of processes that can be automated, and the tools you need to make this happen.
• Consult a technology partner:?»ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is?here to help! We can review your current situation, make recommendations and create a short-term and long-term plan.

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Reward yourself and your team

There¡¯s a light at the end of the tunnel, so make sure to schedule some kind of celebration for you and your team:

• Treat your team:?Whether it¡¯s coffee, cookies or lunch, show your team your appreciation.
• Treat yourself:?You deserve it!
• Set that out-of-office:?Taking much-deserved time off? Don¡¯t forget to set your out-of-office, and RELAX!

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This list?doesn¡¯t have to stop at the finance department. Share it with other teams, so they too can end 2017 feeling more accomplished. Download and save a copy !

Want to bring the year in for a landing? Read our whitepaper about how you can get all this on your list completed and more to get your new year off to a great start.