6 things to achieve in the next one year in your department

What is your job and what does your department do?

Compliance, accuracy and timeliness are the three I would call the "price of admission" for accounting/finance. You have to be flawless on those, then you get to focus on other things.

Value-add goals could include a portfolio of KPIs that your team will pull together each period and review. If you already are doing this, simple review of the validity and evaluate the portfolio to ensure is robust and covering key business drivers.

Process Improvements are always pretty good fillers to "Goal" lists. Everyone can improve something, so just give some thought to where you might be weak and focus there.

I am in the accounts department.

I like the idea of becomming a valuable partner to other departments at the company. I want to be invited and welcomed when others are planning something new or big. That means I have to have an open mind and be flexible and creative in finding ways to assist in making things happen instead of just being seen as the one always explaining why something can't be done. For me, this falls under the category of knowing what is coming instead of picking up the pieces following a debacle. That's better for all of us.

I also think it is important that my team become experts in their areas so I know they will be contacted for assistance instead of having everything run through me. This way I know I have talented people who are challenged and my time is freed up to work on bigger picture items.

While these are great goals towards building a strong and dynamic team, don't put them down if you aren't willing to plan to make this happen. Excuses for not following through on these don't do good things for your long term success.

Our company implanted something similar this for 2014. Every department created their own operational plan and department heads reported on their progress in the staff meetings. It has proven to be a worthwhile exercise because it keeps the goals towards the top of your To-Do list
There are many things that could be added to your list, particularly if you are a relatively new company. Some suggestions: Implement a new software package, expand usage of a software package, improving or expanding your monthly financial package, and as Chris mentioned, process improvements.