Bringing Clarity to Automated Bookkeeping
The Challenge
Scrutinize is a fintech platform that helps bookkeeping teams automate monthly file reviews and scope estimation. When I joined, the product’s workflows were slow, inconsistent, and difficult for bookkeepers to navigate. Teams struggled with long review times, unclear issue tracking, and unpredictable project scopes.
How I Tackled It
As the lead product designer, I partnered directly with the CEO and engineering team to reimagine the platform. My goal was to simplify complex financial workflows while ensuring accuracy and trust. I focused on high-impact flows like review queues, anomaly detection, and checklist creation, delivering clarity for both everyday users and decision-makers.
From Sketch to Prototype
I mapped end-to-end workflows, identified the riskiest steps in the monthly close process, and built prototypes that focused on efficiency and transparency. We tested with bookkeeping teams early, validating designs for priority queues, anomaly flags, and inline corrections. Their feedback directly shaped the final product decisions and kept development focused on the highest-value features.
The Impact
Designed a unified review queue that reduced context switching for bookkeepers
Introduced auto-generated checklists from detected issues, leading to more predictable project scopes
Improved anomaly triage with clearer visuals and inline corrections, cutting down review times
Helped reduce average monthly file review time by an estimated 30%, while increasing issue detection accuracy
Why It Matters
Scrutinize showed how thoughtful design can streamline even the most complex financial workflows. By focusing on clarity, efficiency, and trust, the product not only made bookkeeping teams faster but also gave them confidence in the accuracy of their work—turning a once painful process into a competitive advantage.
