COVID-19 and potentially other black swan have taught us the importance of recruiting & having great synergistic team, ensuring their welfare, making sure we assess the skill sets required for the changing world and leveraging technology to ensure best performance.

This article explores how financial services businesses can guide investments in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) design. It also provides recommendations on how to do so wisely and thoughtfully, and not rush through projects, which may necessitate re-investment later and consume valuable resources at a critical time.

To provide the best support to the business leaders, FP&A needs to quickly leverage the accounting information at hand. This article covers three critical aspects of telling the business story behind the numbers.

FP&A Digitalisation was discussed at several FP&A Boards in the past but the recent mindset shift has changed the perspective. It went from anxiety before the implementation to peace of mind in fully controlling the processes and confidence in the quality of provided FP&A insights.

Scenario planning came to the forefront and even these had to be quick, flexible, and adaptable. Our six panel members took us through how they had to adapt and change system and processes for the “New Normal”.

2020 has been a turbulent year and few departments have felt this as much as FP&A. We have been looked to as saviours of the company, guardians of cash, and stewards of planning, re-planning, and some more planning. It should also give cause to reflections on how we can improve and be ready for what comes next.