A Job Catalogue is like your General Ledger, but for people instead of money.
A great example of why I love client conversations.
One of the bits I love most about my job is talking to clients in informal settings and working through the challenges they face on projects. These relaxed, candid conversations often spark innovative approaches to problem-solving that I can use time and time again. Recently, I had one of these enlightening discussions over a well-earned drink, and I have a feeling it will be entering my internal hall of fame as one of my favorite lightbulb moments.
We started to delve into the specifics of the Job Catalogue when the client had the light bulb moment they came from a Financial background and said something along the lines of “the Job Catalogue is like your General Ledger, but for people instead of money.” — It’s going to be one of those explanations I will keep in my black book.
In my mind this was almost a perfect analogy both serve as the backbone of their respective systems, ensuring consistency, standardisation, and a centralised repository of critical information.
The integration of a Job Catalogue in an HCM platform with other modules such as payroll, performance management, and talent acquisition mirrors the integration of a GL with other financial modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and budgeting.
Both Job Catalogues in HCM platforms and General Ledgers in Finance ERPs serve as foundational elements in their respective domains. Their roles in centralising, standardising, and streamlining critical organisational processes highlight their importance in ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with strategic goals. By understanding these parallels, organisations can better appreciate the value these systems bring and leverage them to drive success.
This analogy not only helped my client but also deepened my own appreciation for the interconnectedness of different business systems. The light bulb moment we shared underscores the value of looking at familiar concepts through new lenses, and it’s a conversation I won’t soon forget.
