The average management accountant is woefully ignorant of the company's processes and procedures. They do not have a clear understanding of the accounting and administration procedures because these tend to be complex and convoluted. As well, very few management accountants have more than a passing knowledge of the manufacturing processes -- not to mention the engineering and technology the product uses.
To be a valuable contributor to your organization, you must be intimately familiar with the company's products, processes, markets, and customers. You must also have a clear understanding of what people in other departments think, feel, and do. These things are not learned in training classes; They are learned by taking the time and effort -- often in your own time -- to get alongside other people in your organization and become a part of the team.
