The Scripts Holding Our Month End Together Had One Author

Description and use

Scripts managing month‑end close were scattered across 63 systems without owners or documentation. Implementing an automation registry, service account, and registration process reduced risks and improved control.

Problem

Automated month‑end close relied on 63 undocumented scripts, many running on orphaned accounts or personal schedulers, leading to delays and risk when an unknown script caused an 11‑hour late close.

Outcome

The team now has a controlled, documented automation inventory, reducing risk of unexpected failures and improving operational stability.

Workflow

• Identify all automated jobs in the estate
• Document each job’s purpose, owner, schedule, and account
• Create an asset record for each script
• Implement a registration form and version control for new scripts
• Review and audit scripts quarterly
• Stop and remove unattributed or obsolete scripts

Evidence

The inventory we built afterwards found sixty‑three automated jobs running somewhere in the estate.

Source

The handover covered what he knew he did.

Source