In this issue, we would like to look at key performance indicators (KPIs) from the perspective of a CFO. We will also discover which five important things will improve the effectiveness of a company's planning processes and look into how the analytics of FP&A are connected to the Simpson’s paradox. We will explain why data visualisation is considered to be a game changer for FP&A and then explain the 4 steps necessary to become a more valued FP&A professional.

The challenges of running a modern business get tougher and tougher. Mainly externally driven challenges including regulation, increases in business complexity for example in the level of competition, the nature of competition, a more complex global supply chain, increases in the speed of change, in no small measure driven by the acceleration in computing and digital technologies. All this leads to a more uncertain and more volatile business environment.

The 7th meeting of the Brussels FP&A Board took place on 13 February 2020 at the Robert Half Offices in Groot-Bijgaarden. Hans Gobin, International FP&A Board Ambassador, facilitated the meeting for the first time in Brussels. The meeting was sponsored by SAP and Robert Half.

I would like to share my experience on my company’s journey towards a better budgeting process. I hope this will provide a starting point for fellow finance professionals to explore better ways to improve your own budget planning process.