Articles
The Story of Money: An Interview with Author Sean Cover
While most people don’t think too deeply about money and how it works, from the way we spend our days working to earn it, to the way we acquire everything we own by spending it, money is the catalyst that drives the entire world.
While most people don’t think too deeply about money and how it works, from the way we spend our days working to earn it, to the way we acquire everything we own by spending it, money is the catalyst that drives the entire world.
10/25/2021
FPAC: Remaining Agile Through Constant Change
A global symbol of excellence, the FPAC designation establishes a set of core competencies for the corporate FP&A profession and addresses areas that are not necessarily covered by traditional accounting degrees. AFP caught up with Junn Nguyen, FPAC, senior financial analyst at Illumina in Singapore, to discuss his decision to earn the FPAC, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
A global symbol of excellence, the FPAC designation establishes a set of core competencies for the corporate FP&A profession and addresses areas that are not necessarily covered by traditional accounting degrees. AFP caught up with Junn Nguyen, FPAC, senior financial analyst at Illumina in Singapore, to discuss his decision to earn the FPAC, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
10/13/2021
Managing People Effectively is Top Priority for Practitioners as They Prepare for Next Crisis
One of many lessons that companies have learned throughout the coronavirus pandemic is the importance of the health and well-being of their people. Now, as organizations around the world emerge from the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, managing people effectively is key in withstanding future crises.
One of many lessons that companies have learned throughout the coronavirus pandemic is the importance of the health and well-being of their people. Now, as organizations around the world emerge from the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, managing people effectively is key in withstanding future crises.
10/05/2021
CTP Profile: Driving Success in the Treasury Function
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Pulat Yunusmetov, CTP, treasury manager at Danone, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Pulat Yunusmetov, CTP, treasury manager at Danone, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
10/04/2021
APAC FP&A Advisory Council Discusses Control vs. Value-focused Finance
What type of finance organization do you want to be? Moving from a control-focused to a value-focused finance function starts with a vision of what is possible. Last month, the APAC FP&A Advisory Council held a discussion around this topic and explained how their organizations function through both a control- and value-focused lens.
What type of finance organization do you want to be? Moving from a control-focused to a value-focused finance function starts with a vision of what is possible. Last month, the APAC FP&A Advisory Council held a discussion around this topic and explained how their organizations function through both a control- and value-focused lens.
10/04/2021
Five Scenario Modeling Methods for Better Forecasting
Finance’s response to unpredictability is to be prepared for everything by holding multiple points of view simultaneously. But how can you act on that and build into your finance toolkit?
Finance’s response to unpredictability is to be prepared for everything by holding multiple points of view simultaneously. But how can you act on that and build into your finance toolkit?
09/27/2021
2021 Executive Institute: Skills for the Modern-Day Leader
As companies continue to navigate through times of uncertainty, executives need to keep their skills sharp to lead at the best of their ability. That is why the AFP 2021 Executive Institute, sponsored by PNC Bank, is designed to help senior-level financial professionals find a renewed sense of purpose and learn brand-new ideas that might transform their organizations.
As companies continue to navigate through times of uncertainty, executives need to keep their skills sharp to lead at the best of their ability. That is why the AFP 2021 Executive Institute, sponsored by PNC Bank, is designed to help senior-level financial professionals find a renewed sense of purpose and learn brand-new ideas that might transform their organizations.
09/21/2021
Experts Weigh in on the Digital Transformation of Treasury: Part Three
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the momentum toward a digital-first strategy as companies sought to stay competitive and relevant. But what exactly does that mean? In part three of a series of articles based on the discussion, we bring you the perspective and experience of Veikko Koski, CEO of FinanceKey.
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the momentum toward a digital-first strategy as companies sought to stay competitive and relevant. But what exactly does that mean? In part three of a series of articles based on the discussion, we bring you the perspective and experience of Veikko Koski, CEO of FinanceKey.
09/20/2021
CTP: Lifelong Learning and Connections
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Shankar Ramaswamy, CTP, treasury business partner at a global travel firm in India, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Shankar Ramaswamy, CTP, treasury business partner at a global travel firm in India, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
09/15/2021
AFP Announces Global Partnership with Smart Train on CTP Exam Prep Courses
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and Smart Train have announced a formal partnership to offer exam preparation courses for finance professionals based in Vietnam. The courses will equip financial professionals with the tools they need to earn the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification.
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and Smart Train have announced a formal partnership to offer exam preparation courses for finance professionals based in Vietnam. The courses will equip financial professionals with the tools they need to earn the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification.
09/14/2021
Creating Value in the FP&A Function
Last year, AFP formed its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, director of FP&A Practice at AFP, is profiling individual members of the council every month. This month, he spoke with Cecile Francais, head of FP&A at Cartier China.
Last year, AFP formed its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, director of FP&A Practice at AFP, is profiling individual members of the council every month. This month, he spoke with Cecile Francais, head of FP&A at Cartier China.
09/14/2021
Pinnacle Finalists: Bechtel, HCSC and Micron
Bechtel, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and Micron are finalists for the AFP 2021 Pinnacle Award. Sponsored by MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group NYSE: MUFG), the Pinnacle Award was established in 1997 to recognize excellence in treasury and finance. Finalists were selected by a jury of treasury and finance professional peers. Decisions were based on innovative solutions that progress the efficiency and effectiveness of their organization’s treasury and financial operations.
Bechtel, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and Micron are finalists for the AFP 2021 Pinnacle Award. Sponsored by MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group NYSE: MUFG), the Pinnacle Award was established in 1997 to recognize excellence in treasury and finance. Finalists were selected by a jury of treasury and finance professional peers. Decisions were based on innovative solutions that progress the efficiency and effectiveness of their organization’s treasury and financial operations.
09/13/2021
The AFP FP&A Momentum Index: Results from Q3
The AFP Momentum Index survey was developed by members of the AFP FP&A Advisory Council, finance practitioners representing various industries and companies. It is administered by the Research Department of AFP, and the data is from a survey of independent FP&A practitioners. The Index has a single composite score based on three individual sub-scores that will be tracked over time.
The AFP Momentum Index survey was developed by members of the AFP FP&A Advisory Council, finance practitioners representing various industries and companies. It is administered by the Research Department of AFP, and the data is from a survey of independent FP&A practitioners. The Index has a single composite score based on three individual sub-scores that will be tracked over time.
09/09/2021
CTP: Achieving a Holistic View of Treasury
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Siddhant Jain, CTP, treasury analyst at Moody’s Corporation in India, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Siddhant Jain, CTP, treasury analyst at Moody’s Corporation in India, to discuss his decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected his life and career journey.
09/08/2021
Investing in Talent Development
In a recent episode of the AFP Conversations podcast, AFP President and CEO Jim Kaitz spoke with Dennis Carey, vice chairman of Korn Ferry. Kaitz and Carey discuss how, as companies focus on seizing new opportunities and adapting to the constantly changing environment, they must build on employees’ talent to remain competitive.
In a recent episode of the AFP Conversations podcast, AFP President and CEO Jim Kaitz spoke with Dennis Carey, vice chairman of Korn Ferry. Kaitz and Carey discuss how, as companies focus on seizing new opportunities and adapting to the constantly changing environment, they must build on employees’ talent to remain competitive.
08/30/2021
AFP and LeanUp Announce Collaboration to Support Treasury Professionals
AFP and LeanUp, LLC (LeanUp) have reached an agreement that will allow both organizations to more fully serve the needs of the corporate treasury profession. Through this alliance, new and renewing members of LeanUp communities will become members of AFP, and AFP members will be offered a substantial first-year discount to join LeanUp communities.
AFP and LeanUp, LLC (LeanUp) have reached an agreement that will allow both organizations to more fully serve the needs of the corporate treasury profession. Through this alliance, new and renewing members of LeanUp communities will become members of AFP, and AFP members will be offered a substantial first-year discount to join LeanUp communities.
08/26/2021
AFP Announces Global Partnership with NOESIS on CTP, FPAC Exam Prep Courses
AFP and NOESIS have announced a formal partnership to offer exam preparation courses for treasury and finance professionals based in Singapore and Malaysia. The courses will equip financial professionals with the tools they need to earn the CTP and the FPAC certifications.
AFP and NOESIS have announced a formal partnership to offer exam preparation courses for treasury and finance professionals based in Singapore and Malaysia. The courses will equip financial professionals with the tools they need to earn the CTP and the FPAC certifications.
08/25/2021
Enabling Digital Finance to Predict an Uncertain Future
“Digital finance is about a mindset and awareness of data and how we use it to make better business decisions.” At the AFP FinNext Asia session, “Enabling Digital Finance,” Lance Rubin, CEO of Model Citizn, and Giles Male, co-founder of Full Stack Modeller, presented a paradigm for harnessing your technology stack in service of finance goals.
“Digital finance is about a mindset and awareness of data and how we use it to make better business decisions.” At the AFP FinNext Asia session, “Enabling Digital Finance,” Lance Rubin, CEO of Model Citizn, and Giles Male, co-founder of Full Stack Modeller, presented a paradigm for harnessing your technology stack in service of finance goals.
08/24/2021
Experts Weigh in on the Digital Transformation of Treasury: Part Two
In part two of a series of articles based on AFP's “Digitalization or Transformation" webinar, we bring you the perspective and experience of Nitin Jain, head of Treasury and Capital Markets at Agrocorp International Pte Ltd.
In part two of a series of articles based on AFP's “Digitalization or Transformation" webinar, we bring you the perspective and experience of Nitin Jain, head of Treasury and Capital Markets at Agrocorp International Pte Ltd.
08/12/2021
Asked and Answered: Your Questions about Virtual Account Management
Are virtual accounts right for my business? How do virtual accounts work in X situation or Y environment? Tom Hunt, CTP, AFP director of Treasury Services, sat down with Rajiv Yadlapalli, head of North American Liquidity Product Solutions Specialists at J.P. Morgan, to get answers to these questions — and more — in a recent webinar.
Are virtual accounts right for my business? How do virtual accounts work in X situation or Y environment? Tom Hunt, CTP, AFP director of Treasury Services, sat down with Rajiv Yadlapalli, head of North American Liquidity Product Solutions Specialists at J.P. Morgan, to get answers to these questions — and more — in a recent webinar.
08/10/2021
A Curious Business Mind with Finance Talent
Last year, AFP announced the formation of its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). We’ll be profiling individual members of the council every month. This month we spoke with Kevin Wong, director of Finance, APAC at Blue Bottle Coffee.
Last year, AFP announced the formation of its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). We’ll be profiling individual members of the council every month. This month we spoke with Kevin Wong, director of Finance, APAC at Blue Bottle Coffee.
08/09/2021
Experts Weigh in on the Digital Transformation of Treasury
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the momentum toward a digital-first strategy as companies look to stay competitive and relevant in the current environment. But what exactly does that mean?
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the momentum toward a digital-first strategy as companies look to stay competitive and relevant in the current environment. But what exactly does that mean?
07/26/2021
Increasing strategic agility and growth through Enterprise Payment Optimization (EPO)
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business and helps drive the decision-making processes of most companies. Without the timely receipt of cash, there can be a shortage of liquidity, a slowing growth or even the threat of insolvency. To accelerate the inflow of cash, companies have placed a great deal of emphasis on improving their cash collections’ processes. Inbound customer payments may be handled on a local, regional or even global level depending on a variety of factors including type of industry, geography, or a company’s operational setup.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business and helps drive the decision-making processes of most companies. Without the timely receipt of cash, there can be a shortage of liquidity, a slowing growth or even the threat of insolvency. To accelerate the inflow of cash, companies have placed a great deal of emphasis on improving their cash collections’ processes. Inbound customer payments may be handled on a local, regional or even global level depending on a variety of factors including type of industry, geography, or a company’s operational setup.
07/20/2021
The AFP Community Discusses Payments Fraud
AFP recently hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss how finance professionals are handling payments fraud. Moderated by AFP Director of Treasury Services Tom Hunt, CTP, participants shared what they’re seeing, how they’re handling it, and how the coronavirus pandemic changed things.
AFP recently hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss how finance professionals are handling payments fraud. Moderated by AFP Director of Treasury Services Tom Hunt, CTP, participants shared what they’re seeing, how they’re handling it, and how the coronavirus pandemic changed things.
07/13/2021
Scenario Planning for Turbulent Times
Unpredictability is not an exception to the planning process; it is inherent to the planning process itself. Scenario planning — the ideation and analysis of possible future outcomes — stretches the organizational mindset for the possibility of multiple future outcomes.
Unpredictability is not an exception to the planning process; it is inherent to the planning process itself. Scenario planning — the ideation and analysis of possible future outcomes — stretches the organizational mindset for the possibility of multiple future outcomes.
07/13/2021
Negotiating Loan Contracts with New Reference Rates
On top of the myriad important considerations that non-financial corporates have to take into consideration when negotiating with their banks on loans, management teams are now going through a once in a lifetime transition from primarily the LIBOR-based markets to alternative reference rates. While it can be challenging to understand the implications of agreeing to certain new rates, there are some core considerations that can help simplify the process.
On top of the myriad important considerations that non-financial corporates have to take into consideration when negotiating with their banks on loans, management teams are now going through a once in a lifetime transition from primarily the LIBOR-based markets to alternative reference rates. While it can be challenging to understand the implications of agreeing to certain new rates, there are some core considerations that can help simplify the process.
07/13/2021
CTP: Instilling Tenacity, Innovative Mindsets and Intellectual Curiosity in Treasury Professionals
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Lee-Ann Perkins, CTP, assistant treasurer at Specialized Bicycle Components, to discuss her decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected her life and career journey.
A global symbol of excellence, the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession. AFP recently caught up with Lee-Ann Perkins, CTP, assistant treasurer at Specialized Bicycle Components, to discuss her decision to earn the CTP, and how it has affected her life and career journey.
07/07/2021
Setting Up an Unclaimed Property Process
Unclaimed property is becoming a bigger problem for more companies. State authorities are becoming more active in chasing non-compliance, with the emergence of third-party audit firms that are paid on results. Given compliance is required, what is the best way to achieve it?
Unclaimed property is becoming a bigger problem for more companies. State authorities are becoming more active in chasing non-compliance, with the emergence of third-party audit firms that are paid on results. Given compliance is required, what is the best way to achieve it?
07/06/2021
AFP Survey: Significant Increase in Cash Holdings Within the U.S. Attributed to Pandemic
As organizations gradually recover from the liquidity crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 AFP Liquidity Survey, underwritten by Invesco, revealed that there is a large focus on preserving their cash and safeguarding against any future uncertainty.
As organizations gradually recover from the liquidity crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 AFP Liquidity Survey, underwritten by Invesco, revealed that there is a large focus on preserving their cash and safeguarding against any future uncertainty.
07/06/2021
A Career in FP&A: Thriving in an Uncertain Future
Ken Fick, member of the FP&A Advisory Council and vice president of FP&A at Berkeley Research Group LLC, discusses the unique career path that led him to where he is today.
Ken Fick, member of the FP&A Advisory Council and vice president of FP&A at Berkeley Research Group LLC, discusses the unique career path that led him to where he is today.
06/30/2021
A War for Talent: Upskilling Existing Employees to Drive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Lifelong learning and professional development are integral parts of the employee experience, so why aren’t companies looking toward their own employees when recruiting for new positions? Upskilling talent from within an organization sets up a roadmap for underrepresented groups to advance and allows organizations to build a more diverse culture.
Lifelong learning and professional development are integral parts of the employee experience, so why aren’t companies looking toward their own employees when recruiting for new positions? Upskilling talent from within an organization sets up a roadmap for underrepresented groups to advance and allows organizations to build a more diverse culture.
06/22/2021
Exploring the Digital Transformation of Treasury
In an in-depth four-part series from AFP and Zanders, the big picture of digital transformation and all it entails for the treasury profession is examined. The series, titled “The Digital Transformation of Treasury: A Critical Imperative,” is important — even critical — due to the times in which we live.
In an in-depth four-part series from AFP and Zanders, the big picture of digital transformation and all it entails for the treasury profession is examined. The series, titled “The Digital Transformation of Treasury: A Critical Imperative,” is important — even critical — due to the times in which we live.
06/17/2021
The AFP FP&A Momentum Index: Results from Q2
The total indicator score for Q2 2021 is 5.7, an increase from 1.8 in the first quarter. Measurements of the Actual Most Recent Quarter (MRQ) moved higher, from 0.9 to 2.2, and so did the Outlook for the next six months, from 1.7 to 4.6. The Outlook scored higher than actual, indicating an accelerating business climate. The Risk outlook worsened, from (0.8) to (1.1).
The total indicator score for Q2 2021 is 5.7, an increase from 1.8 in the first quarter. Measurements of the Actual Most Recent Quarter (MRQ) moved higher, from 0.9 to 2.2, and so did the Outlook for the next six months, from 1.7 to 4.6. The Outlook scored higher than actual, indicating an accelerating business climate. The Risk outlook worsened, from (0.8) to (1.1).
06/16/2021
Why Psychological Safety Is Key for FP&A
Typically employees work in teams to maximize their skills and performance. But what makes a successful team?
Typically employees work in teams to maximize their skills and performance. But what makes a successful team?
06/15/2021
The Creative Revolution of the Finance Profession Requires a Mindshift
According to globally recognized innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo, the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. For years he’s been preaching the value of an innovation disruption mindset to organizations and their leadership, a concept that had too often been agreed with, only to be followed by inaction. The technology was at their fingertips, and yet the finance profession, in large part, continued on with what was comfortable, what they’d “always done.” Until they couldn’t.
According to globally recognized innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo, the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. For years he’s been preaching the value of an innovation disruption mindset to organizations and their leadership, a concept that had too often been agreed with, only to be followed by inaction. The technology was at their fingertips, and yet the finance profession, in large part, continued on with what was comfortable, what they’d “always done.” Until they couldn’t.
06/14/2021
Your Hidden Gem Is the Talent You Already Have
When recruiting individuals for new positions, organizations often forget the benefits of building from within and upskilling their current employees. Most people develop their careers step by step, and developing talent from within allows organizations to create targeted training to support employees and build a more diverse company.
When recruiting individuals for new positions, organizations often forget the benefits of building from within and upskilling their current employees. Most people develop their careers step by step, and developing talent from within allows organizations to create targeted training to support employees and build a more diverse company.
06/08/2021
FP&A Continues to Specialize in the APAC Region
Last year, AFP announced the formation of its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). The networking and advisory group meets three to four times a year to discuss best practices, common challenges and innovative initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. We’ll be profiling individual members of the council every month. This month we spoke with Douglas Yeung, senior director of APAC Finance at Genesys.
Last year, AFP announced the formation of its APAC FP&A Advisory Council (FPAAC). The networking and advisory group meets three to four times a year to discuss best practices, common challenges and innovative initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. We’ll be profiling individual members of the council every month. This month we spoke with Douglas Yeung, senior director of APAC Finance at Genesys.
06/04/2021
AFP FinNext Asia: Thriving in an Era of Exponential Change
The world is being profoundly changed by systems leveraging artificial intelligence, which is drastically changing the future of work, including how companies compete, what work is done by humans, and how FP&A professionals can adapt to add value to their organizations. Author and world-renowned future-of-work expert Ben Pring will discuss this topic during his Keynote speech at AFP FinNext Asia, taking place virtually 15-17 June 2021.
The world is being profoundly changed by systems leveraging artificial intelligence, which is drastically changing the future of work, including how companies compete, what work is done by humans, and how FP&A professionals can adapt to add value to their organizations. Author and world-renowned future-of-work expert Ben Pring will discuss this topic during his Keynote speech at AFP FinNext Asia, taking place virtually 15-17 June 2021.
06/04/2021
The Role of FP&A: Better Business Partnering Leads to Better Strategy
How can FP&A make the business view finance as a primary source of insight? Companies have researched these long-term questions for decades, and surveys find that FP&A professionals are buried in basic duties. To help address these questions and provide insight on how to solve the issue, Bain & Company’s Steve Beam joined Anders Liu-Lindberg and AFP’s Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, for a webinar, “Better Business Partnering Leads to Better Strategy.”
How can FP&A make the business view finance as a primary source of insight? Companies have researched these long-term questions for decades, and surveys find that FP&A professionals are buried in basic duties. To help address these questions and provide insight on how to solve the issue, Bain & Company’s Steve Beam joined Anders Liu-Lindberg and AFP’s Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, for a webinar, “Better Business Partnering Leads to Better Strategy.”
06/01/2021
As Fraud Continues to Dominate, Knowing Where it is Evolving is Key
As a follow-up to the 2021 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan, the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) recently held a companion webinar, “Beyond Business Email Compromise (BEC): Where Fraud is Evolving.” The webinar provided attendees with a review the latest trends in payments fraud, the tools being used to prevent fraud and, more importantly, from a risk management perspective, where companies can employ insurance to further mitigate potential risk.
As a follow-up to the 2021 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, underwritten by J.P. Morgan, the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) recently held a companion webinar, “Beyond Business Email Compromise (BEC): Where Fraud is Evolving.” The webinar provided attendees with a review the latest trends in payments fraud, the tools being used to prevent fraud and, more importantly, from a risk management perspective, where companies can employ insurance to further mitigate potential risk.
05/27/2021
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