Dear colleagues,

We recently launched the 9th Annual FP&A Trends Survey, a project dedicated to uncovering trends and shaping the future of our profession, and we are grateful to everyone who has already taken part. If you haven’t had the chance yet, we invite you to join this global initiative and share your insights. Your voice matters, and your contribution can make a real difference.

Speaking of impactful insights, there’s an ongoing debate in our FP&A community: should we strive to be data-driven or data-informed? While data-driven decisions rely heavily on analytics, data-informed approaches combine data with human intuition, business acumen and experience — recognising that data alone doesn’t have all the answers. This balance is becoming even more essential as we adopt advanced technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, to enhance our decision-making processes.

In this issue, you’ll find expert perspectives on how to use AI and data science to support informed decisions, build data-focused cultures and elevate forecasting capabilities.

Stay inspired!

Best regards,

Larysa Melnychuk, CEO and Founder
FP&A Trends Group & International FP&A Board

FP&A Trends Group has launched the 9th Annual Survey. As FP&A evolves into a strategic powerhouse — blending data, technology, and human expertise — your input will help define the trends driving our profession.

By contributing, you’ll help identify the key challenges facing modern FP&A and what’s needed to overcome them. In return, you’ll receive the final report in July 2025, packed with valuable insights. The survey takes just 10–12 minutes, and sharing it with your network is greatly appreciated.

Complete the survey now and make your voice heard!

By Dr Stylianos Kampakis, CEO at Tesseract Academy

AI and data science are reshaping FP&A, offering new ways to boost accuracy and drive strategic impact. But how do you get started without getting overwhelmed? This piece breaks down the essentials, from key concepts to practical first steps.

Read this article to explore how you can harness AI and data science in your FP&A practice, with tips to build confidence and drive smarter decisions.

By Gizelda Ekonomi, Senior Commercial Finance Manager at Vodafone UK

What if your forecasts didn’t just predict the future but helped shape it? The most forward-thinking organisations are using data and AI to create forecasts that are not only accurate but also adaptable to rapid change. It’s about transforming uncertainty into opportunity with every insight.

Read this article to uncover the key steps for building a resilient, data-driven forecasting approach, including a real-world case study from an FTSE 50 company.

By Christian Martinez, Finance Transformation Senior Manager at Kraft Heinz

Creating a truly data-driven culture requires more than just implementing new tools or hiring data experts. It’s about instilling a mindset across your organisation where data is integral to decision-making at all levels. This transformation involves aligning leadership, fostering collaboration and ensuring that all team members have the skills and resources needed to use data effectively.

Read this article to learn about three essential strategies and practical steps for developing a data-driven culture in your organisation.

FP&A Trends digital events are vendor-agnostic and complimentary. If you are not able to join the live session, you can register to receive the recording later.

22 January 2025

AI has the potential to transform FP&A, yet only 6% of organizations have successfully adopted AI/ML in finance, according to the 2024 FP&A Trends Survey. The key to overcoming this gap is effective change management.

Register for this Digital North American FP&A Circle for a senior panel discussion on how to navigate complex challenges in AI adoption.

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