Mid-Year Forecasts: A Strategic Reset or a Financial Reality Check?

Introduction Six months ago, your forecast looked solid. The plan was ambitious but reasonable. The board approved it. The teams aligned around it. And then… reality happened. Now it’s mid-year—and the numbers are in. Growth is off pace. Costs aren’t behaving. Cash isn’t moving the way it should. What felt like confidence in January now […]

Forecasts in Context: From Blind Assumptions to Benchmark-Validated Roadmaps

Introduction In today’s volatile environment, forecasting is no longer just a finance function—it’s a survival skill. Yet many organizations are placing unprecedented trust in AI-generated projections without validating the assumptions beneath them. Forecasts are built faster than ever. But speed has come at a cost: strategic blind spots, inflated expectations, and unrecognized financial risk. The […]

Benchmarking Your Way to Better Board Conversations

Introduction Boards don’t just want numbers—they want meaning, relevance, and context. A forecast with no benchmark is a guess. A performance report without a peer comparison is a missed opportunity. And a strategic plan without industry validation is a risk. Benchmarking changes the conversation from “here’s what we think” to “here’s how we compare, and […]

When AI Gets It Wrong: The Dangerous Illusion of Forecasting Accuracy

Introduction Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing financial forecasting. From dynamic revenue models to automated scenario planning, AI-powered tools promise greater speed, precision, and responsiveness than traditional methods ever could. And in many ways, they deliver. But buried in all that power is a growing blind spot—one that FP&A leaders and CFOs can’t afford to ignore: An […]

The Hidden Risks of AI Forecasting: What CFOs Need to Know Before Uploading Financial Data

Introduction AI tools like ChatGPT-4.1 are changing how quickly finance professionals can build and test forecasting models. In just minutes, a CFO or analyst can upload a CSV file and generate a predictive output that used to require coordination between finance, IT, and data science teams. While this accessibility is exciting, it also introduces significant […]

Sell-side M&A: Elevate Value, Ignite Bidding Frenzy

Introduction In the high-stakes world of sell-side mergers and acquisitions (M&A), robust growth can capture buyer interest, but financial weaknesses uncovered during due diligence can significantly undermine valuations. Financial GPS™, powered by CxO Analytics, equips companies to strengthen their financial foundation before entering the market, ensuring they achieve premium outcomes. This case study explores how […]

When Sales Forecasts Outpace Financial Reality

How one FP&A team used Financial GPS to validate assumptions, surface hidden risks, and course-correct their growth strategy. Introduction In today’s volatile market environment, forecasting isn’t just about projecting numbers — it’s about building credibility, aligning strategy, and making decisions that can impact millions in capital allocation. Yet many finance teams still build forecasts in […]

Sharpening Forecasts

Welcome to today’s episode where we dive deep into the critical world of financial forecasting. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, accurate financial forecasting is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s a vital tool that guides strategic planning and helps companies navigate both opportunities and potential pitfalls

The Hidden Risks of Relying on Excel for Financial Forecasting

Introduction For decades, Excel has been the cornerstone of financial forecasting, widely trusted by finance teams for its flexibility and familiarity. However, as businesses grow more complex and data-driven, the limitations of Excel are becoming increasingly evident. From frequent human errors to scalability challenges, relying on Excel for forecasting can expose organizations to significant risks […]

AI-Powered Boardroom: Enhancing Strategic Oversight and Decision-Making

Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, corporate boards face increasing pressure to make well-informed, strategic decisions. Financial performance, industry trends, and external economic factors all influence a company’s future, yet many boards still rely on static internal reports. This limited view can create blind spots, leading directors to miss emerging risks, competitive shifts, and […]