As an FP&A manager, managing ad hoc requests, process management, and special projects is a multifaceted task that requires a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to handling these responsibilities effectively: **Step 1: Prioritize Requests** Begin by categorizing ad hoc requests based on urgency and impact. This helps in allocating resources and time efficiently. **Step 2: Streamline Processes** Establish clear protocols for process management. This includes setting deadlines, defining roles, and creating a workflow that ensures accountability. **Step 3: Tackle Special Projects** For internal restructures, focus on communication and change management. For financial re-statements, ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. **Step 4: Analyze Labor and Utilization** Use analytics to assess workforce efficiency. This data can inform decisions on hiring, training, and deployment of staff. **Step 5: Validate Dashboard Data** Regularly check Power BI dashboards for accuracy. This involves cross-referencing data sources and updating metrics as needed. **Step 6: Report Persuasive Evidence (PE)** Compile PE reports that support financial statements. Ensure that the evidence is robust and aligns with the financial narrative. **Step 7: Adjust Financials** Review financials periodically and make adjustments for any discrepancies or changes in the business environment. **Step 8: Review and Reflect** After completing tasks, review the outcomes and reflect on the process. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes. By following these steps, an FP&A manager can ensure the successful completion of their duties, contributing to the organization's financial health and strategic goals. Remember, the key is to be proactive, organized, and adaptable to the dynamic nature of financial planning and analysis. #publicis #publicissapient #publicisgroup #amazon #intel #fpna
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As an FP&A Manager, adopting best practices in financial reporting and global consolidation is crucial for accurate financial analysis and strategic decision-making. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist with this process: **Step 1: Establish Clear Reporting Standards** Begin by setting uniform reporting standards across the organization. This includes defining key financial metrics, reporting formats, and timelines to ensure consistency. **Step 2: Implement Robust Financial Systems** Invest in robust financial systems that can handle multi-currency transactions, intercompany eliminations, and consolidation adjustments. Ensure the system is scalable and can integrate with other business systems. **Step 3: Train the Team** Conduct training sessions for the finance team on the new reporting standards and systems. Emphasize the importance of accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). **Step 4: Streamline Data Collection** Streamline the data collection process to minimize errors. Automate data entry where possible and establish a routine for data validation and reconciliation. **Step 5: Foster Collaboration** Encourage collaboration between different departments to ensure that financial data reflects operational realities. Regular meetings and open communication channels can facilitate this. **Step 6: Review and Analyze** Actively participate in business reviews, providing insights and analysis on financial data. Use variance analysis, trend analysis, and other financial models to support strategic decisions. **Step 7: Provide Thought Leadership** Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes. Share your insights with the team and advise on potential impacts on financial reporting and consolidation. **Step 8: Continuous Improvement** Regularly review the financial reporting process for improvements. Solicit feedback from the team and stakeholders to refine practices and enhance the quality of financial information. By following these steps, an FP&A Manager can effectively support the adoption of best practices in financial reporting and global consolidation, thereby providing valuable thought leadership within the organization. #publicis #publicissapient #publicisgroup #amazon #intel #fpna
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CEO & Founder at Aimplan - Extending Power BI with planning, forecasting, and enhanced reporting to help organizations exceed their goals
Finding FP&A talent is hard. Here's why: Things are changing fast with technological advancements. And FP&A requires people who can provide strategic insights. The old siloed finance function doesn't cut it anymore. FP&A professionals must tell compelling stories. With so much new data available, FP&A must have the ability to work cross-functionally with IT and data scientists to build predictive models that drive decisions. While Excel still matters, FP&A must be comfortable learning new planning and analytics software like Aimplan.com and others to automate processes and get better analytics. Take note: Companies are now hiring for potential, not just credentials.
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CFOs often ask me what to look for when hiring for an FP&A role. Having been fortunate enough to work with 100's of FP&A leaders across different companies… Here are some key factors to consider for your next hire: 1. Hire a data analyst rather than a finance analyst → You can teach finance but you can't teach the data mindset. 2. Hire a strategic thinker, not just a budget manager → Numbers follow strategy, not the other way around. 3. Hire a storyteller, not just a spreadsheet expert → Data is useless unless you can tell the story behind it. Prioritize curiosity over credentials. And that's how you build a winning FP&A team.
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Strategic FP&A Advisor | Helping CFOs Leverage AI-Powered Tools for Real-Time Decision Making & Growth | Amature Chef By Night | Firmbase
Totally agree! I see this all the time as well—FP&A is evolving, and so should the hiring criteria. While Excel is still part of the job, it’s business acumen and the ability to turn data into actionable insights that really move the needle. I’ve had similar conversations with finance leaders who tell me how much more valuable their teams became when they stopped prioritizing Excel mastery and started focusing on hiring strategic thinkers with a solid grasp of modern tools. We’re in 2024, and the future of FP&A is about agility, collaboration, and leveraging AI-powered technologies to stay ahead. Time to let go of the "Excel wizard" obsession and build teams that can truly drive the business forward!
The cost of hiring the wrong FP&A person can easily reach $40K. Yet, I'm seeing many businesses with misguided priorities when hiring FP&A talent. Here’s the #1 mistake over 50% of companies make (and what to look for instead). In recent conversations with finance leaders, I've noticed a recurring theme when it comes to new FP&A hires: - "Excel wizard needed for fast-paced work" - "Seeking a data cruncher for Excel models" - "Must be expert in VLOOKUPs, INDEX, Excel" - "Looking for FP&A with advanced Excel skills" It feels as if they're trapped in a time loop. Don't get me wrong, I know that FP&A involves a lot of number-crunching. Absolutely, technical modeling skills matter. And yes, Excel remains an important component in FP&A's toolbox. But, c'mon -- it’s 2024. Mastery of Excel is definitely NOT the most important quality to seek in your next FP&A hire. Being an Excel power-user doesn’t automatically translate into strategic insights or better forecasts. Plus, you should build your financial models using modern technology and continuous planning methodologies. This will allow you to turbocharge your team's speed, productivity and decision making process. Hiring FP&A primarily based on Excel skills is missing the mark. Big time. To succeed in FP&A today, your team needs to go beyond outdated forecasting processes. Prioritize hiring business-savvy individuals who are skilled in aligning data with business objectives. TAKEAWAY It's time to move past yesteryear's job requirements. If you’re still hiring based on Excel skills above everything else -- don't. Your FP&A team should consist of strategic thinkers, not Excel technicians. Focus on FP&A hires who can leverage business insights and AI-powered technology to drive better, faster decisions.
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Building a winning FP&A team goes beyond just finance skills. Here's how to hire for impact and strategic growth.
CFOs often ask me what to look for when hiring for an FP&A role. Having been fortunate enough to work with 100's of FP&A leaders across different companies… Here are some key factors to consider for your next hire: 1. Hire a data analyst rather than a finance analyst → You can teach finance but you can't teach the data mindset. 2. Hire a strategic thinker, not just a budget manager → Numbers follow strategy, not the other way around. 3. Hire a storyteller, not just a spreadsheet expert → Data is useless unless you can tell the story behind it. Prioritize curiosity over credentials. And that's how you build a winning FP&A team.
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FP&A Director | 23+ Years in Finance | Data-Driven Decision Making | Financial Analysis | Driving Financial Growth | Cost Optimization | Financial Modeling | Budgeting | Forecasting | Mentoring | Strategic Finance.
CFOs, are you struggling to find the perfect FP&A talent? ( Focus on these factors when hiring ) I've had the privilege of working with countless FP&A teams across various industries, and here's what I've learned: 1- Data mindset over finance knowledge: While a strong financial background is essential, a data-driven mindset is equally crucial. Look for candidates who can analyze complex data sets and extract meaningful insights. 2- Strategic thinking is essential: FP&A professionals should be able to see the bigger picture and understand how their work aligns with the company's overall strategy. They should be able to anticipate future trends and proactively plan for them. 3- Storytelling skills matter: Data is useless without a compelling narrative. Look for candidates who can effectively communicate complex financial information to stakeholders at all levels, from the boardroom to the front lines. 4- Prioritize curiosity over credentials. A curious mind is always hungry for new insights and can adapt to changing business needs. Look for candidates who are passionate about learning and are always seeking to improve their skills. Want to build a winning FP&A team? Focus on these factors when hiring. Let me know if you have any questions. —————————————- 📥 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲: Download my work in PDF format by visiting my profile ➡️ [https://lnkd.in/dsNJG6aG] and clicking (𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐅𝐏&𝐀 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬). Your journey toward financial excellence begins. —————————————- 🤝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 ⤵
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How an FP&A Manager can effectively manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and excel in time-sensitive environments while upholding high integrity: **Effective Project Management for FP&A Managers** In the fast-paced world of finance, FP&A Managers must juggle multiple projects, tight deadlines, and high-pressure situations with poise and integrity. Here's a step-by-step guide to thriving in such an environment: **1. Prioritize Rigorously:** Begin by identifying the most critical projects. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on what drives value to the organization. **2. Plan Proactively:** For each project, create a detailed plan. Break down large tasks into manageable actions. Set internal deadlines that are earlier than the actual ones to create a buffer. **3. Delegate Wisely:** Recognize the strengths of your team members and delegate tasks accordingly. Empower them with the autonomy to make decisions within their scope. **4. Communicate Clearly:** Maintain open lines of communication. Regularly update stakeholders on progress and challenges. Transparency builds trust and facilitates collaboration. **5. Leverage Technology:** Utilize financial planning software to automate repetitive tasks. This frees up time for strategic analysis and decision-making. **6. Monitor Continuously:** Keep a close eye on the progress of all projects. Use dashboards to track key performance indicators. This helps in identifying bottlenecks early. **7. Adapt Flexibly:** Be prepared to pivot when unexpected changes occur. Flexibility is crucial in managing time-sensitive projects without compromising quality. **8. Maintain Integrity:** Uphold ethical standards in all dealings. Ensure accuracy in reporting and forecasting. Integrity builds credibility and fosters a culture of trust. By following these steps, an FP&A Manager can effectively manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and excel in a dynamic environment, all while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. This guide encapsulates the essence of project management for an FP&A Manager, focusing on practical steps to achieve excellence in their role. #publicis #publicissapient #publicisgroup #amazon #intel #fpna
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This skill separates the best from the rest in FP&A ⚖️ Curiosity ❓ What do we mean by Curiosity? Curiosity means wanting to learn new things and understand how stuff works In finance, curiosity helps you grow and perform better in your job 📈 Benefits of Curiosity in FP&A Curiosity helps you to connect with others. Ask questions, and learn from their experiences It can help you to find creative solutions to problems and improve your work 📝 Curiosity examples in FP&A An FP&A analyst asks why the business does things a certain way A junior analyst asks "Can we improve our modelling with new data sources or methods?" An FP&A manager investigates how a new regulation impacts the business 🚀 Boost Curiosity: 3 easy tips Ask questions and have an open mind about new ideas Embrace new tasks and projects that challenge you and help you learn more Stay updated by following news, trends, and developments in the finance world 👀 Howard's View Being curious sets you up for a lifetime of growth Ask questions and seek knowledge every day Be the curious finance professional who drives change! What do you do to stay curious? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hello 👋, I'm Howard. I help finance people move up through mastering soft skills 🚨 Want to get hired or promoted in FP&A? My guide "How to get hired in FP&A" with Nicolas Boucher is live - check the link in my bio 🚨
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Making Financial Planning Easy, Powerful and Fast | Workday Adaptive Planning | IBM Planning Analytics
When I started my first job in FP&A, I thought I had to do everything the hard way. Manual data entry became my daily grind. I believed automating processes would be too costly and time-consuming. I hesitated to ask for expert help, thinking I could figure it out myself. Looking back, I see the lessons clearly: embrace change, act sooner, and seek expertise. If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved countless hours and driven more impactful results. In finance, as in life, the quicker we adapt and leverage the right tools and people, the faster we grow. Don't be afraid to make a change. Invest in what drives progress. And never hesitate to ask for help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 🎯 Message me if you need help in getting started on your FP&A transformation project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #Finance #WorkdayAdaptivePlanning #WDAYPartners #CareerSuccess
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🌟 **Completed a 3-Statement Financial Model for Amazon!** 🌟 I'm excited to share that I've just completed a comprehensive 3-statement financial model for Amazon! 📊 This project allowed me to dive deep into Amazon’s financials, forecasting income statements, balance sheets, and cash flows. Here's what I gained from this experience: ✅ **In-depth Financial Analysis**: Breaking down Amazon's key revenue drivers and cost structures to understand how they impact profitability and cash flow. ✅ **Forecasting and Assumptions**: Making educated assumptions about Amazon's growth prospects, margins, and future capital expenditures while factoring in macroeconomic trends. ✅ **Interlinking Statements**: Ensured the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements were fully integrated, so changes in assumptions are reflected across all three seamlessly. The experience has sharpened my skills in financial modeling, data analysis, and financial forecasting—essential for any financial analyst! Looking forward to applying these skills in future projects. #Finance #FinancialModeling #FinancialAnalysis #Amazon #CFA #FinancialForecasting #GrowthMindset #DataAnalysis
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