In the evolving field of management accounting, the integration of machine learning techniques is reshaping traditional forecasting methods, which have historically relied solely on human expertise. This shift not only necessitates a new set of skills but also transforms the work dynamic from individual effort to a focus on team-based communication and collaboration. This raises the question: How can effective communication and collaboration occur in teams with professional diversity, in effect, in teams where members ‘speak different languages’?
This paper presents a case study from a Swiss automotive distributor's project aimed at advancing analytical liquidity forecasting through visual process mapping. This study explores how the meta-process of the visual process mapping (i.e., the process of the process) supports data science-based forecasting. By analyzing meeting transcripts and materials collected during the data-science-based liquidity forecasting project, we draw the conclusion that for management accounting-related data science projects, the process of creating visual process maps to support the data science task is instrumental in opening channels of collaboration by filling up the communication gaps presented in a diverse team.