FP&A best practices for 2024

Financial planning and analysis is at the heart of strategic decision-making for businesses, and as we step into 2024, it's crucial to align your FP&A processes with the latest trends and best practices. Finance teams often get asked to do more with less, which makes it important that you adopt the right FP&A tools to amplify your capabilities and create more time for strategic planning.

Building a business case for FP&A software involves getting buy-in from other stakeholders across the organization. Stronger interdepartmental communication and collaboration is a good benchmark to set as a best practice for this year.

Here are some more key practices that leverage technology to enhance collaboration, streamline accurate forecasting and reporting, and unlock more time for high-value strategic analysis.

Embracing technological advancements in FP&A

The finance team isn’t usually first in line to get the latest new software or tech. But staying current with the best tech tools on the market is a competitive necessity. Here are some areas within FP&A software & technology to focus on as you start the year.

Integrated planning & reporting

All too often, the finance team finds itself in a silo. Integrated FP&A planning & reporting software breaks down the walls between careful pre-planning, real-time reporting, and on-the-fly adjustments to what-if models as needed. These solutions bring together financial and operational data, fostering a holistic understanding of the business. Look for platforms that support company-wide planning, allowing different departments to collaborate effectively.

Cloud-based FP&A software is more efficient than emailed spreadsheets

As the business environment becomes more dynamic, leveraging cloud-based FP&A solutions is no longer an option but a necessity. Keeping your most important reports in the cloud means they’re centralized for all contributors and viewers — not passed around as file attachments in email threads. Cloud platforms enhance collaboration, ensure real-time data access, and facilitate seamless integration with other business systems.

Big data analytics

Harness the power of big data analysis to elevate your FP&A game. Predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated scenario modeling empower finance professionals to make data-driven decisions faster. These technologies provide valuable insights, helping organizations stay agile in an ever-changing market. We're not talking about force-fitting some AI or machine learning tech just because it’s trendy. We're talking about leveraging the power of the valuable data your company already has by using sophisticated software to run fast, accurate analysis based on it.

FP&A organizational structure: Trends and best practices

Agile organizational structures

Embrace agile organizational structures within your FP&A team. Cross-functional collaboration and a flat hierarchy enable quicker decision-making. Leverage technology to create a flexible work environment that promotes adaptability and responsiveness.

Create stronger relationships with other departments

Move beyond the traditional finance-as-a-service model and adopt a business partnering approach within your organization. FP&A professionals should actively engage with business units, offering insights and recommendations to drive strategic initiatives. This collaborative model ensures Finance is a proactive contributor to organizational success.

Continuous learning and skill development

The fast-paced nature of business requires continuous learning. Ensure your FP&A team stays updated on the latest technologies and industry trends. Invest in training programs that focus on data analysis, data visualization, and other relevant skills.

Corporate FP&A best practices

Dynamic scenario planning

In an unpredictable business landscape, dynamic scenario planning is a must for future-proofing your financial plan. Leverage FP&A software to model various scenarios and update your models throughout the year as needed. Regularly assess the impact of external factors on your financial outlook. A proactive approach to scenario modeling enables better risk management and strategic decision-making.

KPI tracking and reporting

Implement a robust KPI tracking system to customize reporting to suit your specific organizational needs. Choose FP&A software that provides comprehensive reporting capabilities, allowing you to monitor KPIs in real time and share critical information with stakeholders across the company. Access to accurate, up-to-date data enhances your ability to identify trends and make informed decisions.

Regular reforecasting for proactive risk management

The FP&A function now plays a more proactive role in risk management. Advanced analytics and scenario modeling help identify potential risks, allowing organizations to implement mitigation strategies before challenges arise. Relying on static annual budgets is like hiking without a compass or a weather report. Regular reforecasting is a crucial FP&A best practice: The more frequently an organization in an expansion phase or navigating an uncertain industry landscape can update their forecasts, the better they’ll be able to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Error-free, drag & drop FP&A software

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, FP&A best practices are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape. Embrace technology, foster collaboration, and stay agile in your approach. By incorporating these best practices into your FP&A processes, your organization can position itself for success in the years ahead.

Centage’s error-free, drag & drop FP&A software offers a centralized, collaborative environment to create and update regular reports, and consolidate them for leadership as needed. Learn how our FP&A software can fit your specific needs by booking a demo.