Lease Management Critical for Streamlining Lease Accounting

Taking control of your leases can lead to significant cost savings and improved financial performance

A lease portfolio typically represents one of the largest business expenses within an organization's budget. However, many companies lack full visibility into their lease terms, which can lead to costly overpayments and errors. With the recent changes in lease accounting standards, there is a unique opportunity for organizations to take control of their leases and improve their financial performance. In this article, we will explore why leases demand more attention, the benefits of improved lease controls, and the best way forward towards efficient lease administration.

I. Leases Demand More Attention

1. Regulatory compliance: The introduction of new lease accounting standards, such as IFRS 16 and ASC 842, has brought lease accounting to the forefront. Companies must now recognize lease assets and liabilities on their balance sheets, increasing the need for accurate and up-to-date lease data.
2. Cost reduction: Poor visibility into lease terms can lead to overpayments, missed opportunities for renegotiation, and inefficiencies in lease administration. By paying closer attention to leases, organizations can identify and address these issues, leading to substantial cost savings.
3. Risk mitigation: Inaccurate or incomplete lease data can result in financial misstatements, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Proper lease management helps organizations mitigate these risks by ensuring compliance with accounting standards and providing a solid foundation for decision-making.

II. Benefits of Enhanced Lease Controls

1. Enhanced financial reporting: Implementing robust lease controls and management systems ensures that organizations have the necessary data to comply with lease accounting standards, leading to more accurate and transparent financial reporting.
2. Cost savings: Effective lease management allows organizations to identify opportunities for cost savings, such as renegotiating lease terms, avoiding overpayments, and streamlining lease administration processes.
3. Improved decision-making: With better visibility into lease data, organizations can make more informed decisions about their lease portfolio, such as identifying underutilized assets, evaluating lease versus buy scenarios, and optimizing lease terms.
4. Risk reduction: By ensuring accurate lease data, companies can reduce the risk of financial misstatements, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.

III. Best Way in regard to Lease Administration

1. Centralize lease data: Consolidating all lease data into a centralized lease management system provides a single source of truth for lease accounting and administration, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Implement lease management software: Specialized lease management software can help organizations automate lease administration processes, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and generate valuable insights into their lease portfolio.
3. Establish a lease management team: A dedicated lease management team, responsible for overseeing the lease administration process, can help ensure that leases receive the attention they deserve and that the organization remains compliant with lease accounting standards.
4. Regularly review and update lease data: To maintain accurate lease data and identify opportunities for cost savings, organizations should regularly review and update their lease information, such as lease terms, payment schedules, and critical dates.

As lease accounting standards continue to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to take control of their leases and implement effective lease management processes. By doing so, companies can unlock significant cost savings, enhance financial reporting, and mitigate risks associated with poor lease visibility. Embracing a proactive approach to lease management will not only improve your organization's financial performance but also ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory requirements.