Small business forecasting often fails because it is treated as a static, spreadsheet-based exercise rather than a continuous decision-making process.  Many small businesses rely on outdated assumptions, manual models, and limited scenario planning, which makes forecasts unreliable as conditions change. Without regular updates, driver-based analysis, and clear cash flow visibility, forecasting for small businesses becomes reactive, leaving leaders unprepared for revenue shift

Choosing the right financial planning and analysis (FP&A) tool now depends on how well each platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI). It has been mixed into FP&A to aid finance professionals in deciphering data and making savvy decisions on how to steer company growth. Since then, the top FP&A software tools   have raced to implement AI into their software in order to stand out in this area and give their customers the best experience. Whether companies need stronger f

AI in finance is accelerating faster than anyone expected, transforming how CFOs, FP&A teams, and accountants analyze data, automate workflows, and support decision-making.  According to new data from the 2025 Datarails AI in Finance Executive Report , AI is no longer an experimental tool on the sidelines, it’s becoming a core operational layer for analysis, automation, reporting, compliance, and decision support. As organizations adopt AI technology across analysis, reportin

CEOs today expect instant clarity on business performance, and the fastest way to deliver it is through the right FP&A metrics.  With markets shifting quickly, leaders want real-time insight, not just reports, making it essential for FP&A teams to highlight the performance metrics CEOs rely on most. So, what are the FP&A metrics CEOs want on demand? This article breaks down the five FP&A metrics CEOs want right away, explaining why they matter, how they influence strategic de

Many SMBs are moving away from top down and bottom up forecasting because traditional models can’t keep pace with modern business agility.  While top-down forecasting often overestimates potential and bottom-up builds are too time-consuming, today’s finance teams need faster, data-driven models that adapt in real time. This article explores why SMBs are abandoning outdated forecasting methods, what’s replacing them, and how driver-based and rolling forecasts offer a more flex

Modern Chief Financial Officers (CFO) are expected to do more than manage numbers, they must also balance leadership, strategy, and accountability.  To succeed, finance chiefs must act as both the CFO who drives growth and collaboration, or the good guy , and the CFO bad guy who enforces discipline and risk control, a.k.a the bad guy . This duality defines the best CFOs, transforming them from financial gatekeepers into true CFO strategic advisors who guide sustainable busine

These CFO Conferences 2026 provide actionable strategies to enrich your finance leadership in the year ahead.  Whether you’re seeking the top conference for 2026 in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, each conference featured here offers valuable insights, expert sessions, and peer networking opportunities designed to help finance executives stay ahead of industry trends.  Selecting the right finance conference is now more important than ever. Mark your calendars now!  Why Attend CFO

Avoiding forecasting mistakes is essential for maintaining accurate, data-driven financial planning.  Even small errors in a forecast can lead to poor decisions, cash flow issues, and missed growth opportunities. The truth? Most forecasting  mistakes don’t come from bad data. Instead, they come from process gaps, human bias, and overconfidence in static spreadsheets. This guide breaks down the common forecasting mistakes finance teams make, and shows how to prevent them using