The first Lean Accounting Summit will take place Sept. 22–23 in Dearborn, Michigan. The event, planned to take place annually, will feature more than 20 leaders in the lean accounting sector. Presenters include Tom Johnson, professor of business administration at Portland State University; Brian Maskell, president of BMA Inc.; and Orry Flume, 2004 Shingo Prize-winning author of Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization.

“We’re trying to spark a long-overdue, but needed, revolution in accounting,” says Jim Huntzinger, master guide for Flexware Innovation Inc. and event organizer. “We hope to foster an understanding of what needs to take place and why.” Huntzinger has been involved in lean implementations for more than 16 years and says the transition won’t be quick. He hopes the annual gathering will bring more interest in lean accounting.

The summit is sponsored by Flexware Innovation Inc., the Association for Manufacturing Excellence and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. It will feature several breakout sessions and panel discussions. All activities will be held at the Dearborn Inn and are designed to appeal to both accountants and lean manufacturing practitioners.

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