The Future of FP&A: AI Recap
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is evolving rapidly as AI, machine learning (ML), and automation redefine finance’s role in decision-making. At our Changing the Face of Finance breakfast seminar, industry leaders explored how these advancements are shaping the future of FP&A and driving business transformation.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 AI & ML Are Elevating FP&A’s Strategic Value
AI and ML are enabling finance teams to shift from historical reporting to predictive analytics, improving forecasting accuracy and scenario planning. These technologies accelerate the ability to process and interpret large datasets, providing FP&A teams with real-time insights. However, finance leaders must ensure these tools complement, rather than replace, human expertise.
AI and ML are enabling finance teams to shift from historical reporting to predictive analytics, improving forecasting accuracy and scenario planning. These technologies accelerate the ability to process and interpret large datasets, providing FP&A teams with real-time insights. However, finance leaders must ensure these tools complement, rather than replace, human expertise.
🔹 Automation Is Freeing FP&A for Higher-Value Work
Automation is reducing the burden of manual processes such as data aggregation, variance analysis, and reporting. By eliminating repetitive tasks, finance professionals can focus more on strategy and business impact rather than data reconciliation.
Automation is reducing the burden of manual processes such as data aggregation, variance analysis, and reporting. By eliminating repetitive tasks, finance professionals can focus more on strategy and business impact rather than data reconciliation.
🔹 Challenges in Adopting AI & Automation
While the benefits are clear, adoption comes with hurdles such as data integration, AI trust, and workforce readiness. Technology alone won’t drive success—organizations need to invest in change management, skill development, and fostering trust in AI-driven insights.
While the benefits are clear, adoption comes with hurdles such as data integration, AI trust, and workforce readiness. Technology alone won’t drive success—organizations need to invest in change management, skill development, and fostering trust in AI-driven insights.
Thank You, Panelists!
A special thank you to our panelists for sharing their insights and expertise:
✅ Eric Davis, VP Finance, Waste Management
✅ Gary Richert, Jr, CFO - Industrial & Specialty Products, U.S. Silica
✅ Nate Shea-han, Director, Microsoft
✅ Philip Parker, CEO, Holland Parker
✅ Gary Richert, Jr, CFO - Industrial & Specialty Products, U.S. Silica
✅ Nate Shea-han, Director, Microsoft
✅ Philip Parker, CEO, Holland Parker
Final Thoughts:
AI, ML, and automation are no longer emerging trends—they are essential tools in modern FP&A. To stay competitive, finance leaders must embrace these innovations while balancing technology, human expertise, and thoughtful implementation strategies.
📌 Explore the full recap and our other thought leadership on Substack
📌 Join the CFOF LinkedIn Group for discussion or connect directly
📌 Join the CFOF LinkedIn Group for discussion or connect directly