Association for Financial Professionals

For William M. Washington III, AFP board member and Global CFO, 2024 was a year that demonstrated the importance of being agile and adaptable. He explained, “With over 70 nations — nearly half the world's population — selecting new leaders, our firm, with offices in many of these countries, had to constantly adapt to the ever-changing macroeconomic landscape. "Some of our offices faced elections, political unrest, and even war, highlighting the need for empathy and strength. Swiftly responding to these changes has been crucial for maintaining stability and driving growth. This experience has also underscored the power of uniformity and collaboration; when we all row in the same direction, we can tackle global challenges more effectively and ensure alignment with our overall goals.” Learn how you can incorporate agility into your processes: https://lnkd.in/e6HB8xAD See more lessons learned from 2024: https://lnkd.in/eEavT3Qj

Take control of your bank relationships by using the 2025 Commercial Account Analysis Benchmarks: https://hubs.ly/Q030frlW0 Inside, you’ll find: - Bank Fee Analysis Trends - Guidance on Using the Benchmarks - All-In and Balance Benchmarks - Industry-Specific Insights - Strategies to Save Treasury Strategies, a division of Curinos

AI, machine learning and advanced ERP systems are transforming AP by streamlining processes, uncovering insights and optimizing payments. The AFP Financial Operations Guide: Automating Accounts Payable Processing shares how AI-enabled AP solutions are making an impact: - Detect cash flow bottlenecks and optimize payment schedules. - Predict supplier and customer behaviors to strengthen relationships. - Leverage blockchain for secure, automated contract management. - Enable mobile access for seamless approvals and payments anytime, anywhere. Download the guide: https://hubs.ly/Q02_MdsY0

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to stay laser-focused on the next deliverable or deadline. But taking a moment to zoom out and see the bigger picture can actually help your team generate more innovative outcomes and mitigate risk. Natalie Nixon, PhD, creativity strategist and AFP 2024 Certification Keynote speaker, explains how you can break free from the tunnel vision of daily tasks: https://lnkd.in/d2bPMVTv

The AFP FP&A Forum Grant Program helps high-potential students and professionals, who might not otherwise be able to attend the event, participate through complimentary registration. Grant recipients will receive complimentary registration to the 2025 AFP FP&A Forum, March 17-19, at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Learn more and apply or share with someone who might be interested. https://hubs.ly/Q02_ZQFx0 The AFP DEI Initiative is supported by founding partner Invesco, partner J.P. Morgan and contributing partner Fitch Ratings. #FPAForum2025 #financeevent #DEI

AI has the power to transform financial operations, but it comes with significant—and often hidden—costs, as outlined in the AFP FP&A Guide to AI-Powered Finance. Understanding these costs is critical to maximizing AI's value. How is your organization preparing for the financial impact of AI? Download the guide for more: https://hubs.ly/Q02_XG8G0 #AI #Finance #FP&A #CFO #Innovation

2024 is the year we were reminded of the value of getting the fundamentals right and seeking continuous improvement. Read on to see what some of the members of our global FP&A Advisory Councils learned from this past year. 🏢 “Many smaller organizations try to practice a 'DIY' method of financial planning and analysis. They utilize accounting or other finance teams to 'fill the need' without the true knowledge, processes and discipline required. What results is an unsustainable and less-than-desirable outcome. [...] The quicker an organization is able to set up a practicing FP&A department/operation/skill set, the quicker they can get to more insight. And insight provides immeasurable but significant ROI and competitive advantages.” — FP&A Advisory Council member 📚 “Fixing or circumventing problems caused by not having good, fundamental knowledge, skill or data is a drain on your most important resources, time and goodwill." — Ashley Merritt, FPA, R&D Portfolio Finance Manager 🔍 “We're used to the saying, ‘If it ain't broke, don't fix it.’ An idea that stuck with me this year is that I can work on something while it is still working. That was part of Tucker Bryant's message at AFP 2024. We can take the time to periodically look at all of our functions and processes and decide if they can be improved or discontinued, whether they’re working or not.” — Jermaine Stanislaus, FPAC, Senior Financial Analyst Ready to hone your fundamentals? Explore AFP's comprehensive library of on-demand content: https://lnkd.in/emGiCYsC See more lessons learned from 2024: https://lnkd.in/eEavT3Qj

Gain instant credibility and stand out as a subject matter expert among your peers in treasury and finance by leading an educational session at #AFP2025, October 26-29 in Boston. Submit your proposal by February 7. https://hubs.ly/Q02_ZVRl0

Bring your team to the AFP FP&A Forum, March 17-19 in Austin, and enjoy special pricing and opportunities to deepen your collaboration. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02_-11y0 #FPAForum2025 #financeevent

AFP gathered insights from hundreds of corporate practitioners and bankers on what matters most in a successful banking partnership. From financial stability to technological support, the 2024 Bank Relationship Management Survey showed us the priorities and challenges of both sides. To help interpret and apply these insights, AFP brought together treasury experts and industry leaders. Their discussion covered current challenges like integration issues, increased due diligence and evolving service expectations. Read the highlights: https://hubs.ly/Q02_Xgjc0