In this article, the author explains why AI/ML is not magic, even though some might think so. The interaction between the FP&A professionals and the AI/ML toolbox defines the success of the outcome. He also considers why FP&A professionals struggle with AI/ML.

The FP&A Business Partnering Maturity Model, developed by the International FP&A Board, evaluates an organisation's maturity in six dimensions of FP&A Business Partnering and enables them to create a transformation plan. By assessing their approach, knowledge, influence, skills, analytics, and technology, organisations can improve their FP&A capabilities and drive strategic decision-making.

FP&A can be pivotal in helping educate non-financial managers and facilitating a better understanding of financial implications. The responsibility of FP&A is to provide insights into operations that ultimately do have financial implications. Similarly, operations should seek out the counsel of FP&A.

In this article, the author describes how the pandemic taught us to adapt and to react ‘on the fly’. The COVID pandemic was speeding up the adoption of digital technologies and was strongly transforming businesses in all industries, setting the trends for the future. The author outlines three phases of the pandemic and key lessons learned.