Finance professionals place a premium on “insight. When asked where innovation is most needed in the finance function, more than 80% of finance leaders responded that it was most needed in the delivery of business insight, and this is a recurring theme of FSN’s recent research. Yet for many organisations, insightfulness, i.e. the ability to … Continued
The boardroom is the nucleus of an organisation where senior executives make (hopefully profitable) strategic decisions. But as technology has spawned disruptors and new, agile business models, the competitive landscape has changed. These days boardrooms need different information to make critical decisions. Senior executives need breadth of data, from market analysis to operational scrutiny, but … Continued
1.Set aside more time for finance process innovation Few finance functions plan for innovation and process improvement or set aside funding, time and resources. 11% of finance functions never discuss innovation and a further 54% say they would “if only they could spare the time”. Given this data, it is perhaps not surprising that only 12% … Continued
Balanced investment in both customer-facing and finance systems drives the best overall performance across a business, but most innovative investment is still concentrated at the front end. So how can companies rebalance this top-heavy approach? The technological revolution has been a boon for customers, from online shopping to product recommendations, targeted advertising to precise delivery … Continued
In business, start-ups are envied and feared in equal measure. Incumbents watch as these nimble disruptors tear up traditional business models and steal their customers with ruthless efficiency. The start-up mentality has become a by-word for innovation, agility, focus and intensity. So how can CFOs tip the balance in favour of innovation? 1 Understanding the … Continued
There is no doubt that the union of Adaptive Insights and Workday is a good deal for both entities. Both are respected organisations and as many have said there is a good cultural fit. Both companies have an open and welcoming culture. But what are the deeper motivations and wider market implications of the deal? … Continued
Around 70% of CFOs say that there forecasting process is “respected”, “inclusive” and “strategically aligned”, but only 40% say that the outcome is “insightful”, i.e. reveals unexpected insights and pathways to better performance. Despite the huge effort expended in the forecasting process it seems that it often fails to live up to expectations. So, the obvious question … Continued
1.Spreadsheets: The Ultimate Disruptor Spreadsheets are without doubt the accountants’ favourite tool and there is no sign of that love affair abating soon. The Future of Financial Reporting Survey from FSN highlights that just 32% of CFOs believe that finance functions will be able to move away from spreadsheet reporting by 2030. Businesses talk obsessively about disruptive … Continued
After years of doubt and prevarication CFOs have finally accepted the inevitability of moving core financial processes to the cloud. After all, the cloud holds such promise…doesn’t it? But recent FSN research, “The Future of Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting” exposes the unpalatable truth that few organisations are fully benefiting from the cloud……..and that’s because they … Continued
As the year-end looms, CFOs in corner offices around the globe are poring over 2017 budget proposals, allocating resources and approving 12-month plans based on data they know will be out of date even before the Christmas trees have been recycled. This might suffice for another year or two, but nimble disruptors are appearing in every sector, … Continued