Which is a primary responsibility of the finance department in an organization?

The primary responsibility of the finance department in an organization centers around managing the company's financial health, which includes the payment of wages and salaries. This function ensures that employees are compensated fairly and on time, which is essential for maintaining morale, productivity, and compliance with labor laws. Proper management of payroll also involves budgeting for these expenditures and ensuring that funds are available, which are key responsibilities of the finance team.

In contrast, recruiting and training staff is typically handled by the human resources department, while marketing new products falls under the purview of the marketing or sales departments. The purchasing of equipment is a function often associated with operations or procurement departments, which focus on acquiring the necessary tools and resources to support the production process. Thus, the payment of wages and salaries distinctly aligns with the finance department's core functions, emphasizing the importance of cash flow management and resource allocation.