Articles
3 Forecasting Challenges FP&A Must Face During Fast Growth
Budgeting and forecasting is always a challenge—even in a stable environment. But it’s doubly difficult for organizations that are experiencing rapid growth.
Budgeting and forecasting is always a challenge—even in a stable environment. But it’s doubly difficult for organizations that are experiencing rapid growth.
09/06/2016
New Research Finds Finance Organizations Are 'Still Mired in Grunt Work'
FP&A teams should spend more time advising management on strategy and less on lost-value work, according to new research from Adaptive Insights.
FP&A teams should spend more time advising management on strategy and less on lost-value work, according to new research from Adaptive Insights.
09/01/2016
FP&A Leadership within the Business Units
By working closely with operations, FP&A can identify key business drivers, help pinpoint savings and growth opportunities, and ensure business leaders execute the plan.
By working closely with operations, FP&A can identify key business drivers, help pinpoint savings and growth opportunities, and ensure business leaders execute the plan.
09/01/2016
Solving Pension Risk in a Volatile Economy
Employee retirement plans have some hidden risks that aren’t always obvious. What’s a CFO or treasurer to do?
Employee retirement plans have some hidden risks that aren’t always obvious. What’s a CFO or treasurer to do?
09/01/2016
SWIFT: Hacking Incidents Are ‘Here to Stay’
SWIFT has revealed that there have been more successful cyberattacks on its member banks, resulting in fraudulent payments instructions being sent across its network. Could corporations be next?
SWIFT has revealed that there have been more successful cyberattacks on its member banks, resulting in fraudulent payments instructions being sent across its network. Could corporations be next?
08/31/2016
Reaching an Analytics Inflection Point
The confluence of external pressures, technological advances and the shifting role of FP&A is bringing the function to an inflection point.
The confluence of external pressures, technological advances and the shifting role of FP&A is bringing the function to an inflection point.
08/31/2016
Think the First Brexit Was Tumultuous? More Could Be On the Way in the EU
Markets have recovered since the Brexit referendum vote. But treasury and finance executives must be prepared for the worst -- especially those with business in the EU, says economist Nouriel Roubini.
Markets have recovered since the Brexit referendum vote. But treasury and finance executives must be prepared for the worst -- especially those with business in the EU, says economist Nouriel Roubini.
08/30/2016
Develop Your FX Risk Strategy with New Executive Guide
AFP's latest Executive Guide, underwritten by Chatham Financial, aims to support treasury practitioners in developing a strategy and policy to manage foreign exchange risk.
AFP's latest Executive Guide, underwritten by Chatham Financial, aims to support treasury practitioners in developing a strategy and policy to manage foreign exchange risk.
08/30/2016
Keys to Navigating Emerging Market FX Risk
Emerging market currencies are often more volatile than their G7 counterparts and their exchange rates are typically more sensitive to geopolitical and economic events.
Emerging market currencies are often more volatile than their G7 counterparts and their exchange rates are typically more sensitive to geopolitical and economic events.
08/29/2016
Blockchain & Instant Payments: Bedfellows or Opposites?
Although both instant payments and blockchain may seem to complement one another, their processes are more or less at odds.
Although both instant payments and blockchain may seem to complement one another, their processes are more or less at odds.
08/29/2016
How FP&A Can Counter Forecast Bias
While more companies are trying to perfect the science of forecasting, there’s one thing that continues to stand in the way of making pure data-driven decisions: human nature.
While more companies are trying to perfect the science of forecasting, there’s one thing that continues to stand in the way of making pure data-driven decisions: human nature.
08/26/2016
Two Words to Describe Treasury Today? Chaotic and Fragile.
One word to describe today and tomorrow’s environment for treasurers might be chaotic. It’s such a negative word! If that’s too harsh, perhaps fragile will do.
One word to describe today and tomorrow’s environment for treasurers might be chaotic. It’s such a negative word! If that’s too harsh, perhaps fragile will do.
08/25/2016
Mastering Uncertainty: A Key Risk Tool for Finance Executives
Mastering uncertainty is critical for finance executives. But is it even possible? AFP spoke with risk expert Nader Mousavizadeh.
Mastering uncertainty is critical for finance executives. But is it even possible? AFP spoke with risk expert Nader Mousavizadeh.
08/24/2016
Changing Your Passwords Every 6 Months Actually Hurts Cybersecurity. Here's Why.
Computer scientist and AFP Annual Conference speaker Dr. Jennifer Golbeck explains why changing your passwords every six months is a bad idea -- and what treasury and finance professionals can do to improve their cybersecurity.
Computer scientist and AFP Annual Conference speaker Dr. Jennifer Golbeck explains why changing your passwords every six months is a bad idea -- and what treasury and finance professionals can do to improve their cybersecurity.
08/24/2016
Will UK Banks Begin Charging Treasurers for Deposits?
It just got more expensive for corporate treasurers to keep their organization’s money in the UK. Royal Bank of Scotland announced last week that it would begin charging some corporate customers for holding their cash.
It just got more expensive for corporate treasurers to keep their organization’s money in the UK. Royal Bank of Scotland announced last week that it would begin charging some corporate customers for holding their cash.
08/23/2016
Pinnacle Finalists Exemplify Treasury & Finance Excellence
Hyundai Capital America, Intellectual Ventures and World Vision International are finalists for the AFP 2016 Pinnacle Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo & Company.
Hyundai Capital America, Intellectual Ventures and World Vision International are finalists for the AFP 2016 Pinnacle Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo & Company.
08/23/2016
Building a Business Case for Financial Transformation
There’s constant pressure on the CFO from the CEO to do better. To Innovate. To transform the finance organization into both a leaner and a more forward looking analytics hub that provides insight and foresight to the enterprise.
There’s constant pressure on the CFO from the CEO to do better. To Innovate. To transform the finance organization into both a leaner and a more forward looking analytics hub that provides insight and foresight to the enterprise.
08/22/2016
3 Key Obstacles to Working Capital Optimization
Analytics and big data provide many new opportunities for working capital optimization. But three key obstacles must be addressed to get your working capital analytics efforts on track.
Analytics and big data provide many new opportunities for working capital optimization. But three key obstacles must be addressed to get your working capital analytics efforts on track.
08/18/2016
Finance Improvement Initiatives Are Back in Action
Finance transformation is making a fast comeback. According to new research conducted by APQC, CFOs are keenly aware of the need to improve the finance function.
Finance transformation is making a fast comeback. According to new research conducted by APQC, CFOs are keenly aware of the need to improve the finance function.
08/18/2016
AFP Urges Congress to Keep the Stable NAV
With money market fund reform less than two months away, the chances that the floating net asset value (NAV) could still be repealed are slim. Nevertheless, with the cost of funding steadily increasing for U.S. businesses, AFP is making one final push.
With money market fund reform less than two months away, the chances that the floating net asset value (NAV) could still be repealed are slim. Nevertheless, with the cost of funding steadily increasing for U.S. businesses, AFP is making one final push.
08/17/2016
AFP Aware: AFP Gives Back to Orlando
It wouldn’t be the Annual Conference without AFPAware Community Service Day, sponsored by BBVA Compass. Every year, AFP partners with organizations committed to corporate and social responsibility.
It wouldn’t be the Annual Conference without AFPAware Community Service Day, sponsored by BBVA Compass. Every year, AFP partners with organizations committed to corporate and social responsibility.
08/17/2016
Banks, SWIFT Make Moves to Shore Up Cybersecurity
Eight of the world’s largest banks announced have formed a group to combat cyberthreats. Meanwhile, SWIFT is launching a new campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the existing security features in its interface products.
Eight of the world’s largest banks announced have formed a group to combat cyberthreats. Meanwhile, SWIFT is launching a new campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the existing security features in its interface products.
08/16/2016
Money Fund Reform: A Lot of Fuss, But Worth the Attention
While there has been a lot of talk about how much cash will move out of prime money market funds before October 15, talking about exiting prime funds and actually doing it are different things.
While there has been a lot of talk about how much cash will move out of prime money market funds before October 15, talking about exiting prime funds and actually doing it are different things.
08/15/2016
How to Select the Right FP&A Organizational Model
Growing volatility in the business environment, cost pressures and a new focus on enterprise performance is sparking a renewed interest in how to best organize the FP&A function.
Growing volatility in the business environment, cost pressures and a new focus on enterprise performance is sparking a renewed interest in how to best organize the FP&A function.
08/11/2016
A Brexit Would Be a 'Massively Complicated Exercise,' Rachman Says
Ask Gideon Rachman for his thoughts on the Brexit vote and he’ll give you an earful. The London-based journalist also has plenty to say about Donald Trump, geopolitical risk and more. That should come as no surprise, given that Rachman is chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times.
Ask Gideon Rachman for his thoughts on the Brexit vote and he’ll give you an earful. The London-based journalist also has plenty to say about Donald Trump, geopolitical risk and more. That should come as no surprise, given that Rachman is chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times.
08/11/2016
Innovations in Cash Flow Forecasting, Liquidity Management
Introducing an innovative cash flow funding and forecasting model, which can improve management focus on cash. It’s the kind of detail that should be used as a common language between the group CFO and the business units.
Introducing an innovative cash flow funding and forecasting model, which can improve management focus on cash. It’s the kind of detail that should be used as a common language between the group CFO and the business units.
08/10/2016
AFP Members Unlikely to Move Much Money Out of Prime Funds
How much cash will move out of prime money market funds before October? It's hard to say, but it is unlikely that there will be a large change in balances from prime from our short-term/operating cash investors.
How much cash will move out of prime money market funds before October? It's hard to say, but it is unlikely that there will be a large change in balances from prime from our short-term/operating cash investors.
08/09/2016
Today’s Finance Professional Must Be a Jack of All Trades
Why are finance professionals being asked to do more? Because of finance’s connection to business results, it is increasingly seen as strategic business partner.
Why are finance professionals being asked to do more? Because of finance’s connection to business results, it is increasingly seen as strategic business partner.
08/09/2016
Executive Institute: What is Optimal Capital Structure?
At the Executive Institute at the 2016 AFP Annual Conference, experts will provide attendees with insights into how they can obtain an optimal capital structure.
At the Executive Institute at the 2016 AFP Annual Conference, experts will provide attendees with insights into how they can obtain an optimal capital structure.
08/08/2016
Want Great Training ROI? Take Them to AFP Annual, One Exec Says
Considering sending your team to AFP Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, this October? Anthony Scaglione, CTP, EVP and CFO of ABM Industries, already has signed up several members of his team. That’s because he believes AFP Annual is a great investment on training and education.
Considering sending your team to AFP Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, this October? Anthony Scaglione, CTP, EVP and CFO of ABM Industries, already has signed up several members of his team. That’s because he believes AFP Annual is a great investment on training and education.
08/08/2016
What Will it Take for ISO 20022 to Gain Traction?
ISO 20022 appears to be the gateway to achieving universal standardization for payments. However, there are currently different versions of it in use all over the world. That’s clearly not a standard.
ISO 20022 appears to be the gateway to achieving universal standardization for payments. However, there are currently different versions of it in use all over the world. That’s clearly not a standard.
08/04/2016
5 Reasons Why Treasurers Should Adopt Multilateral Netting
Treasurers are constantly seeking new ways to improve operations and streamline workflows. One of the most effective solutions, multilateral netting, actually is an ageless classic that can add real economic value.
Treasurers are constantly seeking new ways to improve operations and streamline workflows. One of the most effective solutions, multilateral netting, actually is an ageless classic that can add real economic value.
08/04/2016
Reg 385: Is a Cash Pooling Carve-Out Coming to the Rescue?
Many treasurers are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the news that the Treasury Department is working to carve out cash pooling arrangements from its proposed changes to section 385 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Many treasurers are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the news that the Treasury Department is working to carve out cash pooling arrangements from its proposed changes to section 385 of the Internal Revenue Code.
08/03/2016
Journalist David Gregory: Trump Makes 2016 ‘Most Unique’ Campaign
It’s not easy moderating a panel of high-powered global thinkers and leaders. But that’s the task at hand for David Gregory, author, ex-White House political correspondent and former host of Meet the Press. Gregory will moderate the Sunday keynote session at the AFP Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., on October 23.
It’s not easy moderating a panel of high-powered global thinkers and leaders. But that’s the task at hand for David Gregory, author, ex-White House political correspondent and former host of Meet the Press. Gregory will moderate the Sunday keynote session at the AFP Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., on October 23.
08/02/2016
Could Going Cashless Make Life Easier for Retail Treasurers?
Sweetgreen has gone cashless at some of its locations. If the move is successful, more retailers could follow suit, potentially making life easier for their treasury groups.
Sweetgreen has gone cashless at some of its locations. If the move is successful, more retailers could follow suit, potentially making life easier for their treasury groups.
08/01/2016
Under the Spotlight: Establishing Treasury KPIs
Treasury should not only be measured by looking at P&L statements or balance sheet figures. The best way to measure treasury’s day-to-day activities is by using key performance indicators (KPIs).
Treasury should not only be measured by looking at P&L statements or balance sheet figures. The best way to measure treasury’s day-to-day activities is by using key performance indicators (KPIs).
07/29/2016
The Question for Finance: How Do You Measure What Matters?
AFP recently interviewed Ron Dimon, a director with Deloitte and an expert on enterprise performance management. Dimon and FP&A Manager Bradley Page of Archer Daniels Midland will lead a session about EPM and value mapping at AFP Annual Conference.
AFP recently interviewed Ron Dimon, a director with Deloitte and an expert on enterprise performance management. Dimon and FP&A Manager Bradley Page of Archer Daniels Midland will lead a session about EPM and value mapping at AFP Annual Conference.
07/28/2016
Video: U.S. Businesses Are Hoarding Cash at a Quicker Pace
Mariam Lamech, director, survey research for AFP, discusses the results of the July 2016 AFP Corporate Cash Indicators® (AFP CCI). The latest results show American businesses hoarding cash at a far quicker pace than previous quarters.
Mariam Lamech, director, survey research for AFP, discusses the results of the July 2016 AFP Corporate Cash Indicators® (AFP CCI). The latest results show American businesses hoarding cash at a far quicker pace than previous quarters.
07/28/2016
Brexit Foments FX Frustrations for Nonprofit Treasurers
The impact of the Brexit vote in the U.K. continues to roil treasury. This time, treasury professionals feeling the pain work for non-governmental organizations, or NGOs.
The impact of the Brexit vote in the U.K. continues to roil treasury. This time, treasury professionals feeling the pain work for non-governmental organizations, or NGOs.
07/27/2016
FP&A… and C: Why Communication is Crucial for Finance
As the role of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) expands, and the importance of soft skills rises, there should be some official recognition that technical skills only go so far. If executives cannot tell their story and influence decisions, they are not doing their jobs.
As the role of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) expands, and the importance of soft skills rises, there should be some official recognition that technical skills only go so far. If executives cannot tell their story and influence decisions, they are not doing their jobs.
07/26/2016
