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This research examines the pressure on CFOs to forecast future events, which requires linking financial and operational planning.

Findings include:

• Planning remains fragmented, and this is causing dissatisfaction. Just one in five CFOs surveyed said that their planning processes were “highly integrated”. Most organizations employ a patchwork of planning tools. Just one in 10 are “highly satisfied” with their operational planning tools.
• Spreadsheets are the most widespread tool used for all types of operational and financial planning activity, yet satisfaction with tools is highest among those using packaged applications, not spreadsheets. Also, tellingly, the use of spreadsheets is highest in the US, where satisfaction levels are lowest; spreadsheet use is lowest in Germany, where satisfaction levels are highest.
• Almost 40% of CFOs called their processes “time-consuming”. Just 2% of CFOs strongly agreed that “performing an enterprise-wide, bottom-up reforecast is a quick and easy process.”
• The process changes and costs involved in improving links between operational and financial planning, plus the distraction of other business projects, are the biggest hurdles facing firms striving for greater integration between operational and financial planning. Yet the survey and in-depth interviews show that companies who overcome the challenges, see tangible and lasting returns.

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