Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization

Editorial Reviews. Review. Managers in every firm attempting a lean transformation need to read this book and make their numbers real. --Jim Womack, author.
Table of contents

This explosive issue and its implications are fully explored in Real Numbers. The authors, each a chief financial executive, describe how management accounting evolved to this point and how simplicity and clarity can be restored — particularly in a lean organization. Companies throughout the world are using lean principles to dramatically change the competitive landscape while generating new profitability and market share.

As these companies transform, however, financial executives are usually not prepared for how lean principles affect finance and do not know how to streamline accounting.

What is Lean Accounting... in under 10 Minutes

The management accounting model illustrated in Real Numbers points the way to unlocking the true profit potential of lean. The authors, both leaders in their companies' lean transformations, guide the reader through the necessary changes in finance that will allow accountants to become valued business partners instead of bean counters. You will also learn the simple rules of an accounting system that replaces the outdated approach focused on inventory value.

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This title is also available as an e-book from Amazon. Jean Cunningham is widely recognized for her pioneering work in Lean Accounting, IT, HR and other non-production functions such as lean business management and the lean office. Jean is principle of Jean Cunningham Consulting, which provides lean business management services including workshops, kaizen events, and strategic coaching. Jean is co-author of Real Numbers: Womack and Daniel T.

Orry has studied lean production in both the U. He has taught workshops on management accounting in a lean business and given workshops on lean leadership to senior executives.


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Orry is the co-author of the Shingo Prize-winning book Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization. Making things better through lean thinking and practice. Real Numbers by Jean E. Cunningham and Orest J. Recommend to a Colleague.

Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization

Jun 04, Stephen rated it really liked it Shelves: Nov 06, Mike Thelen rated it really liked it. Jun 22, Josh Patrick rated it really liked it Shelves: The world of accounting has never really provided numbers that were meaningful to those who make decisions about how to run a business. This book helps accountants, bookkeepers, controllers and CFO's shed that albatross. This books gives a good outline of how to install an accounting system that is understandable and will help produce results in companies.

Too often I wander into a company where traditional accounting methods are used and the numbers lie. They don't help management see what is re The world of accounting has never really provided numbers that were meaningful to those who make decisions about how to run a business. They don't help management see what is really going on in the company.


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I think it's time the accounting world gets away from compliance reporting and provides information that is useable and accurate for management. The authors point out that precise is not usually needed, but accurate is. Lou Mobley once taught me that the only number that makes sense is the one to the 4th digit. Getting the 5th or 6th digit right doesn't make sense. Getting the 4th digit right does. Getting rid of allocated costs is another gem in this book. An allocated cost is just another excuse to make things look better than they really are. Using real costs in a manner that real people can understand will help business managers understand what changes they can make to improve the effectiveness of their operation.

Remember Lean is a whole company operation that never gets done. This book points out why this is true. I gave the book 4 stars because the beginning was a rehash of what lean is and didn't help move my knowledge base forward. The second half of the book more than made up for my disappointment in the first half. Dec 29, Bob Wallner rated it it was amazing Shelves: I understand now why this is required reading for the Shingo Silver Certification. I have had this book in my library for a while and have held off reading as accounting is one of my least favorite topics.

Real Numbers is not your ordinary Accounting Book. The book is really a general Lean book focused on how a company support group - accounting - can not only report on lean improvements, but can proactivel I understand now why this is required reading for the Shingo Silver Certification. The book is really a general Lean book focused on how a company support group - accounting - can not only report on lean improvements, but can proactively contribute to the lean efforts of the organization.

Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization by Jean E. Cunningham

I would highly recommend this book to anyone in lean. Real Numbers will not cause this reaction. Jun 27, Sue rated it really liked it. I am officially a geek. Loved the challenge at the end This is a must read for financial people. Jul 17, Frank Dodd marked it as to-read. Lean Accounting Techniques for a real world. Martin Hrabal rated it liked it Jul 19, Harrison Jorritsma rated it liked it Nov 16, Pam rated it liked it Feb 24, Hisham Mannaa rated it it was amazing Dec 07, Chad B Trail rated it it was amazing Apr 14, Janet Silva rated it liked it Apr 27, Shannon rated it liked it Aug 30, Clark rated it it was ok May 13, Jim Hoekstra rated it it was ok Mar 23, Cor rated it really liked it Mar 20, Michael Buettner rated it really liked it Nov 20,