Articles
How We Tamed the Budget Monster
An AFP member explains how a siloed work culture and time-consuming annual budget process created a rift between finance and the business at his company, and how creating a culture of forecasting promoted collaboration.
An AFP member explains how a siloed work culture and time-consuming annual budget process created a rift between finance and the business at his company, and how creating a culture of forecasting promoted collaboration.
06/05/2023
The Journey from FP&A to CFO
Many of the skills that make FP&A a strategic partner to the business lead well into the skills that make the CFO a trusted advisor. It’s no surprise then that FP&A has become a career stop for many on the path to CFO. At an AFP FP&A roundtable, one CFO shared his story of how he went from working almost exclusively in FP&A to becoming a CFO.
Many of the skills that make FP&A a strategic partner to the business lead well into the skills that make the CFO a trusted advisor. It’s no surprise then that FP&A has become a career stop for many on the path to CFO. At an AFP FP&A roundtable, one CFO shared his story of how he went from working almost exclusively in FP&A to becoming a CFO.
06/05/2023
Bringing the Best of FP&A to the Organization
Nikita M. Miller, FPAC, has kept an FP&A lens on her work since her first job, before FP&A was even in her job title. Her interest in looking at the business as a whole ultimately led to her current role as Director of Facilities plus FP&A at The Kresge Foundation in Detroit.
Nikita M. Miller, FPAC, has kept an FP&A lens on her work since her first job, before FP&A was even in her job title. Her interest in looking at the business as a whole ultimately led to her current role as Director of Facilities plus FP&A at The Kresge Foundation in Detroit.
05/24/2023
Add “Change Measurement” to Your “Change Management” to Increase Success
Focusing only on the technical aspects of change within an organization can result in a new system that operates precisely the way it should — and is still a failure. Successful change management requires that we consider the human factor, engaging stakeholders as they move through the various stages of adoption.
Focusing only on the technical aspects of change within an organization can result in a new system that operates precisely the way it should — and is still a failure. Successful change management requires that we consider the human factor, engaging stakeholders as they move through the various stages of adoption.
05/22/2023
FedNow Is Coming! So What?
For corporate practitioners dealing with money movement, it would have been hard to miss news of the pending launch of FedNow. The Federal Reserve has been working on this instant payment offering since 2019. FedNow is the first major new payment capability delivered by the Fed in more than four decades. As of this writing, FedNow is slated for delivery in July 2023.
For corporate practitioners dealing with money movement, it would have been hard to miss news of the pending launch of FedNow. The Federal Reserve has been working on this instant payment offering since 2019. FedNow is the first major new payment capability delivered by the Fed in more than four decades. As of this writing, FedNow is slated for delivery in July 2023.
05/16/2023
CTP Profile: From the Back Office to Head of Treasury for the Largest Bank in Africa
When Mahmood Radhi, CTP, graduated from college, he headed into the back office of the treasury department of The Arab Investment Company. “Being in such an entry-level position enabled me to learn the whole cycle of treasury’s deal processing, as well as its relevant stockholders, both internal and external,” he said.
When Mahmood Radhi, CTP, graduated from college, he headed into the back office of the treasury department of The Arab Investment Company. “Being in such an entry-level position enabled me to learn the whole cycle of treasury’s deal processing, as well as its relevant stockholders, both internal and external,” he said.
05/15/2023
What's on the Minds of APAC Treasury Professionals?
AFP’s Himashi Soriano shares key takeaways from the first AFP Asia-Pacific Treasury Advisory Council meeting of 2023. The topic at the top of treasury professionals’ minds? Managing liquidity and risk during an uncertain geopolitical and economic climate.
AFP’s Himashi Soriano shares key takeaways from the first AFP Asia-Pacific Treasury Advisory Council meeting of 2023. The topic at the top of treasury professionals’ minds? Managing liquidity and risk during an uncertain geopolitical and economic climate.
05/05/2023
Getting Your Talent Right Matters for FP&A
In 1975, 83% of the market value of S&P 500 companies was composed of tangible assets such as PPE (property, plant and equipment), inventory, cash, land or stuff you could touch. By 2020, that was down to 10%. The intangibles include goodwill, brand equity, licensing, customer lists, R&D, and intellectual capital assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, preference rights and data capabilities. They also include the value of human capital.
In 1975, 83% of the market value of S&P 500 companies was composed of tangible assets such as PPE (property, plant and equipment), inventory, cash, land or stuff you could touch. By 2020, that was down to 10%. The intangibles include goodwill, brand equity, licensing, customer lists, R&D, and intellectual capital assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, preference rights and data capabilities. They also include the value of human capital.
05/05/2023
Pankaj Kabra on Why FP&A Is the ‘Sexiest Role in Finance’
Drawing on both his accounting background and finance experience, Pankaj Kabra, Senior Vice President of Finance for Traveloka and AFP Asia-Pacific FP&A Advisory Council member, has been an active business partner for over a decade. Pankaj discusses the essential skills for FP&A, how to obtain those skills and how working in FP&A prepares you for a number of different careers.
Drawing on both his accounting background and finance experience, Pankaj Kabra, Senior Vice President of Finance for Traveloka and AFP Asia-Pacific FP&A Advisory Council member, has been an active business partner for over a decade. Pankaj discusses the essential skills for FP&A, how to obtain those skills and how working in FP&A prepares you for a number of different careers.
05/04/2023
Synthetic LIBOR: A Peak Behind the Curtain
USD LIBOR, a floating rate benchmark, is being phased out. The original December 31, 2021 deadline was extended to June 30, 2023, as regulators were concerned with the lack of progress in amending LIBOR-based instruments. Despite that extension, regulators determined that a hard cut-off of LIBOR’s publication after June 30 could still have negative consequences for the financial markets. The solution … Synthetic LIBOR!
USD LIBOR, a floating rate benchmark, is being phased out. The original December 31, 2021 deadline was extended to June 30, 2023, as regulators were concerned with the lack of progress in amending LIBOR-based instruments. Despite that extension, regulators determined that a hard cut-off of LIBOR’s publication after June 30 could still have negative consequences for the financial markets. The solution … Synthetic LIBOR!
05/03/2023
As Global Banks Collapse, Corporate Treasurers in the Middle East and Africa Region Consider Potential Effects
As reported by Bloomberg, Credit Suisse “never really learned its lesson from the global financial crisis” of 2008. The effects of the crisis stirred by the missteps of this 166-year-old institution are still being calculated, but it is a fair bet that they will be felt around the world, including the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. For a frontline perspective on how this, plus the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, is affecting the region, we spoke with members of AFP’s MEA Treasury Advisory Council.
As reported by Bloomberg, Credit Suisse “never really learned its lesson from the global financial crisis” of 2008. The effects of the crisis stirred by the missteps of this 166-year-old institution are still being calculated, but it is a fair bet that they will be felt around the world, including the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. For a frontline perspective on how this, plus the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, is affecting the region, we spoke with members of AFP’s MEA Treasury Advisory Council.
05/01/2023
CTP Profile: Finance and Treasury Were the Last Things on Her Mind
Finance and treasury as a profession was the last thing on Isha Goel’s mind. As part of her MBA program, they were required to complete a two-month internship, which she did in the finance department of Apollo International Limited. But her interest was in International Business.
Finance and treasury as a profession was the last thing on Isha Goel’s mind. As part of her MBA program, they were required to complete a two-month internship, which she did in the finance department of Apollo International Limited. But her interest was in International Business.
04/26/2023
Jessie Toh on the Value of Learning from Peers
Five years ago, after 16 years in banking, Jessie Toh made the switch to buy-side treasury. As the Global Treasurer for Coda Payments, a FinTech company headquartered in Singapore, she and her team manage the company’s FX, cash, banking relationships and credit.
Five years ago, after 16 years in banking, Jessie Toh made the switch to buy-side treasury. As the Global Treasurer for Coda Payments, a FinTech company headquartered in Singapore, she and her team manage the company’s FX, cash, banking relationships and credit.
04/25/2023
How to Prepare for a Treasury or Finance Interview
Preparing for an interview can go a long way toward making a good impression on an interviewer. We review seven things to do before your next interview, including questions to help prepare you for an interview.
Preparing for an interview can go a long way toward making a good impression on an interviewer. We review seven things to do before your next interview, including questions to help prepare you for an interview.
04/24/2023
Treasury Interview Questions
Interviewing is an important step for candidates and hiring managers to find the right match. When done well, an interview is a two-way conversation where both parties can share what they’re looking for and what they can deliver.
Interviewing is an important step for candidates and hiring managers to find the right match. When done well, an interview is a two-way conversation where both parties can share what they’re looking for and what they can deliver.
04/24/2023
Survey: 65% of Organizations Report Being Victims of Payments Fraud in 2022
Sixty-five percent of respondents report that their organizations were victims of attempted or actual payments fraud activity in 2022, according to the 2023 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan.
Sixty-five percent of respondents report that their organizations were victims of attempted or actual payments fraud activity in 2022, according to the 2023 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan.
04/21/2023
Corporate Finance Interview Questions
Corporate finance interviews include business case or word problem questions to assess candidates' analytical thinking and grasp of business strategy.
Corporate finance interviews include business case or word problem questions to assess candidates' analytical thinking and grasp of business strategy.
04/21/2023
FPAC Profile: Inspired to Become a Business Partner
In 2017, Alex Mbuthia Karuri, FPAC, attended a finance town hall with Smollan’s Global CFO, where he heard an idea that would change his career trajectory: “As finance, we need to start focusing on how we can add value and transform into business partners.” Alex was inspired. His confidence bolstered, he began the journey to become a business partner.
In 2017, Alex Mbuthia Karuri, FPAC, attended a finance town hall with Smollan’s Global CFO, where he heard an idea that would change his career trajectory: “As finance, we need to start focusing on how we can add value and transform into business partners.” Alex was inspired. His confidence bolstered, he began the journey to become a business partner.
04/14/2023
Build Effective Communication into the Finance DNA
When leadership changes prompted a global IT company to rethink its business review process, finance helped transform the process, implementing a new framework to simplify reporting and better communicate the main message.
When leadership changes prompted a global IT company to rethink its business review process, finance helped transform the process, implementing a new framework to simplify reporting and better communicate the main message.
04/14/2023
Career Pathing for Treasury and Finance
A career path is the series of jobs or roles you have as you progress toward your ultimate career goal. It’s also about the skills and education you acquire to help you succeed in your chosen career.
A career path is the series of jobs or roles you have as you progress toward your ultimate career goal. It’s also about the skills and education you acquire to help you succeed in your chosen career.
04/13/2023
Achieving Operational Improvements and Cost Savings with an In-House Bank
After the company had grown through a series of major acquisitions, Comcast Capital Corporation had to navigate cash and liquidity management structures that were complex and fragmented. To create shared liquidity and access cash in a more efficient manner, the treasury team implemented an in-house bank structure.
After the company had grown through a series of major acquisitions, Comcast Capital Corporation had to navigate cash and liquidity management structures that were complex and fragmented. To create shared liquidity and access cash in a more efficient manner, the treasury team implemented an in-house bank structure.
04/13/2023
Improving Trade Finance Efficiency
There have been many initiatives targeting trade finance automation over the last 20 years, yet full digitalization of the core trade finance techniques (L/Cs and documentary collections) seems some way off.
There have been many initiatives targeting trade finance automation over the last 20 years, yet full digitalization of the core trade finance techniques (L/Cs and documentary collections) seems some way off.
04/06/2023
Mind the Data Gap: 7 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls When Preparing for AI for Finance
It was just mid-March when GPT4 blew us away with its applications and advances. Bard is moving quickly on its heels, and DeepMind is not far behind. The obvious outgrowth is that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way companies operate in many sectors, but AI needs a solid data backbone for AI to perform its magic.
It was just mid-March when GPT4 blew us away with its applications and advances. Bard is moving quickly on its heels, and DeepMind is not far behind. The obvious outgrowth is that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way companies operate in many sectors, but AI needs a solid data backbone for AI to perform its magic.
04/03/2023
CTP Profile: He Stepped Right into Treasury
David Oh, CTP, shares his journey into treasury and his role in integrating acquired companies into the group banking infrastructure on AFP Conversations.
David Oh, CTP, shares his journey into treasury and his role in integrating acquired companies into the group banking infrastructure on AFP Conversations.
04/03/2023
What Agile Means for Finance: Key Takeaways from the AFP FP&A Series
Agility has become essential as businesses face increasing complexity and dynamics. Learn how organizations need to be responsive, flexible, and resilient to adapt to environmental changes.
Agility has become essential as businesses face increasing complexity and dynamics. Learn how organizations need to be responsive, flexible, and resilient to adapt to environmental changes.
03/27/2023
Elevating Finance Knowledge for Non-Financial Partners
The Head of FP&A revives and strengthens the influence of the FP&A function at an air navigation services company through proactive measures and improved financial acumen.
The Head of FP&A revives and strengthens the influence of the FP&A function at an air navigation services company through proactive measures and improved financial acumen.
03/16/2023
Does Green Capital Lead to Green Decisions?
"Green investing" stimulates investments in climate-friendly products and low-emission production.
"Green investing" stimulates investments in climate-friendly products and low-emission production.
03/14/2023
Integrating ESG into Enterprise Risk Management for Compliance
Integrating ESG into enterprise risk management programs is gaining importance for organizations and regulatory compliance.
Integrating ESG into enterprise risk management programs is gaining importance for organizations and regulatory compliance.
03/10/2023
In the Midst of Chaos, Treasury Guides Companies to a Safe Landing
Middle East and Africa treasury professionals discuss the financial uncertainty impacting their region.
Middle East and Africa treasury professionals discuss the financial uncertainty impacting their region.
03/09/2023
The Global Rise of Digital Payments and Vetting with KYC
Digital payments have gained popularity due to faster processing and improved security measures. Privacy and security concerns are alleviated.
Digital payments have gained popularity due to faster processing and improved security measures. Privacy and security concerns are alleviated.
03/09/2023
FPAC Certification Transforms Reda Shousha into a Business Partner
Reda Shousha, a finance professional in the Middle East and Africa, shares his career change story.
Reda Shousha, a finance professional in the Middle East and Africa, shares his career change story.
03/08/2023
Manish Sethia: Effective CTPs Understand All Aspects of Finance
Manish Sethia, CTP, discusses the role of a treasurer in managing liquidity effectively and highlights the importance of comprehensive financial knowledge.
Manish Sethia, CTP, discusses the role of a treasurer in managing liquidity effectively and highlights the importance of comprehensive financial knowledge.
03/07/2023
CTP Profile: Every Day Is New in Financial Markets
Nikunj N. Sinha, CTP, shares his career journey in banking and derivatives, starting with an internship in treasury and building a 17-year career in financial markets.
Nikunj N. Sinha, CTP, shares his career journey in banking and derivatives, starting with an internship in treasury and building a 17-year career in financial markets.
03/01/2023
CTP Profile: Let’s Call Her Path to Treasury ‘Unconventional’
Dorella Montanari's unconventional journey in treasury, starting with a degree in Oriental Studies.
Dorella Montanari's unconventional journey in treasury, starting with a degree in Oriental Studies.
03/01/2023
5 Forecasting Tips for a Better March Madness Bracket
Warren Hatch, CEO of Good Judgment Inc, shares five forecasting tips to help you improve your process for filling out your March Madness bracket.
Warren Hatch, CEO of Good Judgment Inc, shares five forecasting tips to help you improve your process for filling out your March Madness bracket.
03/01/2023
CTP Profile: Where There Is None, Create It
Thong Nguyen transitions to treasury management in response to the financial crisis, recognizing the need for dedicated liquidity and market risk management.
Thong Nguyen transitions to treasury management in response to the financial crisis, recognizing the need for dedicated liquidity and market risk management.
02/28/2023
Best Practices for a Resilient Treasury Function
Treasurers are crucial in managing cash and financial assets effectively, ensuring liquidity regardless of economic conditions.
Treasurers are crucial in managing cash and financial assets effectively, ensuring liquidity regardless of economic conditions.
02/28/2023
Overcoming Technical Debt to Enable Agility
Technical debt impedes agility in finance and increases costs over time.
Technical debt impedes agility in finance and increases costs over time.
02/28/2023
The Future of Trade: The Business Case for Digitalization
Streamline trade finance processes and enhance compliance through efficient document management.
Streamline trade finance processes and enhance compliance through efficient document management.
02/23/2023
Puneeta Kapoor, FPAC: How FPAC Certification Enhances Career
Learn how Puneeta Kapoor transitioned from accounting to finance and now focuses on how FP&A can add value to the business.
Learn how Puneeta Kapoor transitioned from accounting to finance and now focuses on how FP&A can add value to the business.
02/21/2023
Connect with your FP&A peers and industry leaders in Austin March 17-19 at the AFP FP&A Forum. Register by January 15 to save $400.