The following Insights post is contributed by Andy McBride – VP of Finance at Opportunity International and expert JPK Group Presenter.
Inexpensive cloud based collaboration, planning and reporting software has become widely available in recent years. These tools can significantly improve a variety of processes in Finance and Accounting departments. In our discussion, we will highlight several uses of cloud based spreadsheets; how we transformed the annual budget process for a fraction of the cost of a major planning tool, provided critical visibility to project spending for a global program management team, and improved cash management with a collaborative tool to track disbursements before they are paid.
Changing processes requires vision, effective planning, new skills and the support of senior leadership. We’ll discuss the challenges of implementing these tools, highlight key obstacles to manage, and resource considerations.
This technology lives up to the claim of changing the way you do business. It is the CFO’s responsibility to provide more accurate financial plans, and deliver financial information faster than ever. Cloud based collaboration tools enable Finance to deliver on both those objectives.
About Andy
Andy is a driven finance and accounting leader with progressive experience delivering operating income performance, transforming finance and accounting teams, enhancing planning processes, managing consolidations and proactively identifying profit improvement opportunities. He has started and re-tooled finance teams at three organizations. He has had a diverse career, working for both public and private companies; for-profit and non-profit; including both domestic and international experience.
