The HR-Finance Disconnect: How HR Can Prove Its Value to Finance

Serah Morrissey, Senior Director of people and culture at Schoox, connected with SHRM to discuss the growing disconnect between HR and finance and why HR leaders must become more intentional about proving business value in measurable terms. Morrissey explained that HR teams often struggle because they “aren’t speaking the same language as finance,” emphasizing that HR initiatives need to be framed around operational outcomes, business priorities, and financial impact rather than activity alone. She also stressed that HR leaders need stronger partnerships with finance teams earlier in the planning process so workforce initiatives are tied directly to organizational goals instead of being viewed as separate people programs. Ultimately, Morrissey’s perspective reinforces that HR earns credibility when it can clearly demonstrate how investments in people, learning, engagement, and culture contribute to measurable business performance and long-term organizational growth.