When managing a project that requires finance department resources, which stakeholder should you approach?

In a project that requires resources from the finance department, the appropriate stakeholder to approach is a functional or line manager. This individual typically oversees the finance department’s operations and resource allocation. They have the authority to assign personnel and budgetary resources necessary for the project’s needs. Engaging with the functional or line manager helps ensure that you are aligned with departmental priorities and processes, facilitating smoother cooperation and resource integration into the project.

The project sponsor, while important for overall project support and direction, usually does not manage specific department resources directly. Vendors are external parties engaged to provide goods or services, and project team members are often focused on task execution rather than resource allocation. Therefore, effectively engaging with the functional or line manager is crucial for accessing the necessary finance resources to achieve project goals.