Cost Management and Control in Government

Chapter 3

ACEs

Building a Talented, Smart Support Staff of Analytic Cost Experts

Introduction

Even in the business world, few leaders started their careers with an exceptionally strong background in financial management and control. Most managers’ careers started in functional areas, such as engineering, marketing, or manufacturing. As they advance from individual contributor to supervisory roles, they usually assume cost center management responsibilities.

Promotions from that point increasingly require cost management as well as functional expertise. By the time an individual reaches profit center or investment center responsibilities, he or she likely has decades of demonstrated cost management success. Corporate leaders are quite proficient ...