Articles
Case Study: Oracle Upgrades its FP&A Team
Oracle deployed an elite team of FP&A consultants to work hand-in-hand with the operations, while investing heavily in developing finance talent.
Oracle deployed an elite team of FP&A consultants to work hand-in-hand with the operations, while investing heavily in developing finance talent.
07/17/2019
Case Study: How Shell is Changing FP&A
David Gold of Royal Dutch Shell discusses his organization’s decision to move high-level FP&A analyses to shared service centers.
David Gold of Royal Dutch Shell discusses his organization’s decision to move high-level FP&A analyses to shared service centers.
07/16/2019
Why Treasury Teams Miss Out on Key TMS Functionality
Many treasury professionals miss out on a lot of the functionality that their treasury systems offer because they tend to have a narrow focus during implementation.
Many treasury professionals miss out on a lot of the functionality that their treasury systems offer because they tend to have a narrow focus during implementation.
07/15/2019
Confronting BEC Scam Evolution
One type of payments fraud that continues to evolve is business email compromise (BEC). Fully 80 percent of organizations experienced these scams in 2018.
One type of payments fraud that continues to evolve is business email compromise (BEC). Fully 80 percent of organizations experienced these scams in 2018.
07/09/2019
Automation: Critical for Treasury Connectivity
Automation is incredibly important when it comes to achieving optimal treasury connectivity. It cuts down on manual processes greatly, freeing up treasury to add more strategic value to the organization.
Automation is incredibly important when it comes to achieving optimal treasury connectivity. It cuts down on manual processes greatly, freeing up treasury to add more strategic value to the organization.
07/01/2019
FP&A Business Partnering: Build a Collaborative Relationship
Becoming a better business partner largely depends on the interpersonal and business skills of the FP&A team. Here are three actions FP&A can take to build trust into a collaborative partnership.
Becoming a better business partner largely depends on the interpersonal and business skills of the FP&A team. Here are three actions FP&A can take to build trust into a collaborative partnership.
06/25/2019
Defining FP&A: How Are We Supposed to Do This Job?
There is a mismatch between formal education and the role of the FP&A professional. As a result, FP&A as a whole has become increasingly difficult to define.
There is a mismatch between formal education and the role of the FP&A professional. As a result, FP&A as a whole has become increasingly difficult to define.
06/25/2019
Retail Treasurers' New EMV Challenge
Just when retail treasurers seemed to be getting their minds wrapped around EMV chip cards, they now find themselves facing a new security challenge—EMV Secure Remote Commerce (SRC).
Just when retail treasurers seemed to be getting their minds wrapped around EMV chip cards, they now find themselves facing a new security challenge—EMV Secure Remote Commerce (SRC).
06/25/2019
Survey: Bank Relationships Determine Companies’ Cash Mix
Bank relationships are core to businesses’ operating cash investment mix, according to the 2019 AFP Liquidity Survey, underwritten by State Street Global Advisors.
Bank relationships are core to businesses’ operating cash investment mix, according to the 2019 AFP Liquidity Survey, underwritten by State Street Global Advisors.
06/25/2019
Fran Townsend: Five Crisis Management Tips
Fran Townsend, Executive Vice President for Worldwide Government, Legal and Business Affairs at MacAndrews and Forbes Inc., is the featured speaker at the Certification Luncheon at AFP 2019. She will discuss how crises can be mitigated with the right combination of leadership, courage and discipline.
Fran Townsend, Executive Vice President for Worldwide Government, Legal and Business Affairs at MacAndrews and Forbes Inc., is the featured speaker at the Certification Luncheon at AFP 2019. She will discuss how crises can be mitigated with the right combination of leadership, courage and discipline.
06/20/2019
5 Key Insights On AI and Predictions from Avi Goldfarb
Author Avi Goldfarb will be the featured speaker at the FP&A Luncheon at AFP 2019. He recently joined us on the AFP Conversations podcast, and we discussed using AI to make predictions in all areas of life and business. Here are five takeaways from that interview.
Author Avi Goldfarb will be the featured speaker at the FP&A Luncheon at AFP 2019. He recently joined us on the AFP Conversations podcast, and we discussed using AI to make predictions in all areas of life and business. Here are five takeaways from that interview.
06/19/2019
Introducing the AFP FP&A Maturity Model, Version 2.0
AFP has introduced the second version of its FP&A Maturity Model. Its goal is to offer a roadmap for excellence in FP&A in the near term and help address changes on the horizon.
AFP has introduced the second version of its FP&A Maturity Model. Its goal is to offer a roadmap for excellence in FP&A in the near term and help address changes on the horizon.
06/18/2019
Comparing KYC Utilities: What Do Treasurers Want?
The rise of various utilities has brought to light a potential solution to solve KYC compliance headaches for treasurers. Unfortunately, treasurers haven’t exactly been flocking to them.
The rise of various utilities has brought to light a potential solution to solve KYC compliance headaches for treasurers. Unfortunately, treasurers haven’t exactly been flocking to them.
06/18/2019
AP Automation: Speeding Up the Approval Process
There are multiple pain points in accounts payable (AP) processes that payments operations professionals can resolve by using automation. One of the most obvious is how it can drastically reduce manual approval processes.
There are multiple pain points in accounts payable (AP) processes that payments operations professionals can resolve by using automation. One of the most obvious is how it can drastically reduce manual approval processes.
06/17/2019
Libor: Why 2022 is Coming Faster Than You Think
Corporate treasury departments still have time to prepare for the transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), but 2022 will be here before you know it. That was the view from a meeting Monday morning at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Corporate treasury departments still have time to prepare for the transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), but 2022 will be here before you know it. That was the view from a meeting Monday morning at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
06/11/2019
Uncharted Waters: Managing the Tax Risks of Cash Pools
It is often the responsibility of treasury to coordinate with a third-party bank to set up a cash pool, and as a result, certain embedded tax risks can be overlooked.
It is often the responsibility of treasury to coordinate with a third-party bank to set up a cash pool, and as a result, certain embedded tax risks can be overlooked.
06/11/2019
Discovering and Reporting Fraud: Tips From the FBI
How can organizations best discover fraud, and who should they contact once they do? AFP’s new Payments Guide, underwritten by MUFG Union Bank, provides some helpful tips from the FBI.
How can organizations best discover fraud, and who should they contact once they do? AFP’s new Payments Guide, underwritten by MUFG Union Bank, provides some helpful tips from the FBI.
06/10/2019
PSD2: Pros & Cons of Payment Initiation Service Providers
PSD2 obliges banks to grant access to payment accounts to Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs). Let's evaluate PISPs and the services that they provide.
PSD2 obliges banks to grant access to payment accounts to Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs). Let's evaluate PISPs and the services that they provide.
05/28/2019
Want to Switch From Accounting to FP&A? Read This.
FP&A is growing more attractive to accountants. So how can you switch from accounting to FP&A?
FP&A is growing more attractive to accountants. So how can you switch from accounting to FP&A?
05/28/2019
Survey: Financial Professionals Garnered 3.5% Raises in 2018
Treasury and finance professionals earned an average 3.5 percent base salary increase in 2018, according to the 2019 AFP Compensation Survey.
Treasury and finance professionals earned an average 3.5 percent base salary increase in 2018, according to the 2019 AFP Compensation Survey.
05/28/2019
KYC: A Headache for Treasurers and Banks
Treasury professionals often list KYC compliance among their biggest pain points. But what they may not realize is that KYC is also huge headache for banks.
Treasury professionals often list KYC compliance among their biggest pain points. But what they may not realize is that KYC is also huge headache for banks.
05/21/2019
Using Psychology When Analyzing Financial Statements
Some of the more popular tools of financial analysis are financial statement ratios. But how can we add value to these ratios? One answer is to use psychology when analyzing financial statements.
Some of the more popular tools of financial analysis are financial statement ratios. But how can we add value to these ratios? One answer is to use psychology when analyzing financial statements.
05/16/2019
E-Invoicing Hasn’t Broken Through in the U.S., But It Should
E-invoicing is not a new concept, but it’s had some trouble catching on in the United States. But that could be on the cusp of changing.
E-invoicing is not a new concept, but it’s had some trouble catching on in the United States. But that could be on the cusp of changing.
05/13/2019
FinNext Recap: Three Big Takeaways for FP&A
FinNext 2019 is on the books but the two-day meeting for FP&A professionals still reverberates in my mind. There were so many great insights by so many people—attendees not just speakers—that I decided to put them all down in one document to collect my thoughts.
FinNext 2019 is on the books but the two-day meeting for FP&A professionals still reverberates in my mind. There were so many great insights by so many people—attendees not just speakers—that I decided to put them all down in one document to collect my thoughts.
05/08/2019
The Future of FP&A
FP&A teams have come a long way, but what changes can we expect to see in the future? There are at least five additional changes we’ll see in near future.
FP&A teams have come a long way, but what changes can we expect to see in the future? There are at least five additional changes we’ll see in near future.
05/08/2019
How We Can Survive Our Faster Future With Mindshift Speaker Joi Ito
Jim Kaitz spoke to Joi Ito for the AFP Conversations: Leadership Series podcast. Kaitz and Ito share a similar perspective on technology and its impact on society. Ito is co-author of "Whiplash: How to Survive Our Faster Future."
Jim Kaitz spoke to Joi Ito for the AFP Conversations: Leadership Series podcast. Kaitz and Ito share a similar perspective on technology and its impact on society. Ito is co-author of "Whiplash: How to Survive Our Faster Future."
05/07/2019
Study: U.S. Firms Amassed Cash at a Slower Pace in 1Q19
U.S. companies built their cash reserves and short-term investment holdings at a much slower pace in the first quarter of the year than in the last quarter of 2018, according to the AFP Corporate Cash Indicators®, underwritten by BMO.
U.S. companies built their cash reserves and short-term investment holdings at a much slower pace in the first quarter of the year than in the last quarter of 2018, according to the AFP Corporate Cash Indicators®, underwritten by BMO.
04/29/2019
Libor Fallback Language: What Treasurers Need to Know
Fallback language for the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) has been released. This language indicates the rate that corporates would fall back on, should Libor become unusable after 2021.
Fallback language for the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) has been released. This language indicates the rate that corporates would fall back on, should Libor become unusable after 2021.
04/25/2019
Accounts Receivable As An Asset: 4 Steps to Improve the Process
Accounts receivable (AR) as an asset is an important concept for treasury and payments professionals to understand. Improving AR can actually build cash reserves and help the organization better manage its money.
Accounts receivable (AR) as an asset is an important concept for treasury and payments professionals to understand. Improving AR can actually build cash reserves and help the organization better manage its money.
04/23/2019
Leading in a Complex World: 10 Lessons From Leadership Guru Chip Colbert
Being a leader is never easy, nor does it come easily. Here are 10 lessons from leadership guru Chip Colbert.
Being a leader is never easy, nor does it come easily. Here are 10 lessons from leadership guru Chip Colbert.
04/23/2019
FinNext Recap: FP&A in the Age of Disruption
Digital disruption took center stage at the recently concluded FinNext 2019 for FP&A practitioners. More than 300 attendees and a dozen exhibitors gathered to discuss the state of FP&A and how the profession can thrive amid transformative change driven primarily by new technology.
Digital disruption took center stage at the recently concluded FinNext 2019 for FP&A practitioners. More than 300 attendees and a dozen exhibitors gathered to discuss the state of FP&A and how the profession can thrive amid transformative change driven primarily by new technology.
04/22/2019
Open Banking in the UK and PSD2 in Europe: 4 Benefits for Treasurers
PSD2 is considered the foundation of open banking. Why is this important? Because it lays the groundwork for the banking changes that are happening today in Europe and what will soon happen in the rest of the world.
PSD2 is considered the foundation of open banking. Why is this important? Because it lays the groundwork for the banking changes that are happening today in Europe and what will soon happen in the rest of the world.
04/19/2019
PowerPivot and DAX: Business Intelligence for the People
PowerPivot and DAX are the business intelligence tools that give us control.
PowerPivot and DAX are the business intelligence tools that give us control.
04/15/2019
Survey: Treasurers Are Changing Operations to Obtain Financing
New research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce revealed that although financing is generally available, many corporate treasurers have been forced to change how they operate to obtain it.
New research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce revealed that although financing is generally available, many corporate treasurers have been forced to change how they operate to obtain it.
04/10/2019
Are Bots Part of the FP&A Team?
Are bots really part of the FP&A team, or are they just a tool like spreadsheet or an accounting system?
Are bots really part of the FP&A team, or are they just a tool like spreadsheet or an accounting system?
04/09/2019
Survey: Fraud Hits Record High, Impacts 82% of Businesses
Payments fraud continues to soar, as a record 82 percent of organizations reported incidents in 2018, according to the 2019 AFP Payments Fraud & Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan.
Payments fraud continues to soar, as a record 82 percent of organizations reported incidents in 2018, according to the 2019 AFP Payments Fraud & Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan.
04/09/2019
5 Questions for Cindy Rogers on Leveraging FP&A Consultants
After years as an employee,including being a direct report to the CFO, Cindy Rogers, FP&A, struck out on her own as an FP&A consulting professional.
After years as an employee,including being a direct report to the CFO, Cindy Rogers, FP&A, struck out on her own as an FP&A consulting professional.
04/02/2019
Survey: Cyberrisk Remains a Top Concern for Finance Pros
Cybersecurity is among the top risks that financial professionals cite as top areas of concern, according to the 2019 Risk Survey, supported by Marsh & McLennan Insights.
Cybersecurity is among the top risks that financial professionals cite as top areas of concern, according to the 2019 Risk Survey, supported by Marsh & McLennan Insights.
04/01/2019
What Does Worldpay’s Power Play Mean for Payments?
With a multibillion dollar acquisition and a partnership with the world’s largest retailer, payment processor Worldpay had a pretty good week. But what are the greater implications for the payments industry?
With a multibillion dollar acquisition and a partnership with the world’s largest retailer, payment processor Worldpay had a pretty good week. But what are the greater implications for the payments industry?
03/27/2019
Why Hasn’t Finance Embraced AI for Forecasting Yet?
Treasurers and CFOs will feel increasing pressure to adopt AI technologies, such as machine learning and big data analytics, to facilitate financial forecasts. Why isn’t this something that everyone is doing?
Treasurers and CFOs will feel increasing pressure to adopt AI technologies, such as machine learning and big data analytics, to facilitate financial forecasts. Why isn’t this something that everyone is doing?
03/21/2019
