Excel is still a popular tool when it comes to preparing financials or analysis. However, we often hear financial professionals complaining about how inadequate Excel can be. So why have we not “rid” ourselves of this seemingly “inadequate” tool. This article explores the pros and cons of using spreadsheets. There are a few best practice tips that may be helpful to the vast majority of spreadsheet users.
Simone da Silva Collins
With 10+ years of industry experience in business partnering, Simone is currently Finance Business Partner in the UK for a financial services enterprise. She has been in both regional and corporate FP&A roles in telecoms, technology and insurance industries, supporting her partners in financial planning and analysis and business partnering. Together with other like-minded FP&A professionals around the world, Simone is engaged with Associated of Financial Professional (AFP) in job task analysis and item writing for the FP&A certification exams.
Simone is originally from Macau in SE Asia. She is a Fellow of ACCA, a certified FP&A and has an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Author's Articles
This article explores the attributes of Big Data and considers whether having more data is always good. First, let's get back to the basics. What is Big Data? Put simply, big data refers to a vast variety of data with which an organisation can engage. The aim is to use big data to improve business performance. This is applicable to profit and non-profit organizations, financial and operational measures.
In a recent ACCA survey about the future of the accountancy professional, digital is listed as one of the 7 quotients for success. ACCA defines digital as “the awareness and application of existing and emerging digital technologies, capabilities, practices, strategies and culture”. One of the more talked about area in technology is artificial intelligence. This article attempts to explore whether artificial intelligence can replace people in the FP&A arena.
FP&A professionals have various desirable attributes. This article looks at these attributes from a diamond perspective – cut, colour, clarity and carat – plus culture.