Finance Transformation

Finance strategy

A future-proof finance strategy provides orientation in an environment of technological change, increasing regulation, and rising expectations on CFOs. We help set clear tactical priorities, build finance capabilities in a targeted manner, and create an integrated finance strategy. We enable sustainable improvement in decision-making quality, efficiency, and transparency through modern target operating model design, digital finance, and the use of AI in finance. Finance thus evolves from a mere number cruncher into an active value driver for the business.

Best-in-class 2030+ checklist:

Strategic foresight to address future challenges early and build targeted finance capabilities
Future Finance target operating model, aligned with business strategy and digital transformation agenda
Clearly defined CFO 2030+ agenda with transformation roadmap and milestones

Our finance strategy solutions for best-in-class success:

Finance health check and benchmarking momentum sessions
Finance target operating model (re-)design
2030+ CFO agenda including transformation roadmap
SG&A cost management

CFO strategy Our white paper series

A clear vision and roadmap will future-proof finance and strategically develop the right skills.

Controlling and performance

Modern controlling is far more than just compiling figures – it creates clear decision-making foundations in a complex, fast-paced environment. This requires integrated planning, dynamic simulations, and data-driven analyses that are seamlessly integrated with the ERP system and management processes. AI-supported anomaly detection, auto-commentary, and always-on forecasting render performance management more precise, faster, and virtually seamless. This transforms controlling into an active partner of the business, enabling significantly more effective steering.

Best-in-class 2030+ checklist:

Modern management model that balances financial and non-financial KPIs to enable informed decision-making
Fully automated descriptive und diagnostic commentary, including AI-powered anomaly detection
80% of the business is covered by a modern planning solution thatnables real-time simulations
Tech-driven plan-to-perform process that effectively utilises AI agents and controlling centres of excellence (CoEs)
80% automation of controlling knowledge work and use of self-service dashboards

Our controlling and performance solutions for best-in-class success:

Steering model (re-)design and integrated performance management
Predictive and automated planning, forecasting, and simulation
Working capital and liquidity management
Automation and optimisation of controlling processes
Consolidation transformation
Cost efficiency and cost management
Cost of goods sold (COGS) and product profitability
Advanced reporting and analytics including AI enablement

Future of Steering Forecast Plus

Modern controlling combines integrated planning, AI analytics, and automated processes for sustainable success.

Accounting processes

Modern accounting processes are highly automated, seamlessly integrated, and deliver real-time reporting quality. AI agents, process mining, and smart workflows reduce error rates, accelerate closing processes, and identify operational risks early. End-to-end automation –from order-to-cash to purchase-to-pay – unlocks efficiency potential and creates transparent, reliable figures for all stakeholders. This transforms accounting from a transactional function into an intelligent, proactive core business process.

Best-in-class 2030+ checklist:

100% compliance in financial and non-financial reporting (e.g. sustainability) in accordance with company guidelines
Highly automated accounting processes and stakeholder communication, including AI agents
Continuous process improvement through process mining and AI analytics
Enhanced and automated internal controls, including AI-based real-time anomaly detection
Optimised risk detection and mitigation thanks to modern risk management technologies

Our accounting process solutions for best-in-class success:

Optimisation and automation of accounting processes, e.g. agentic automation of the closing process, process mining, AI-fuelled process excellence
Process diagnostics, performance, and standardisation
Consolidation excellence
Accounting interim support and compliance (accounting firefighting)
Liquidity planning and reporting
Technical non-financial reporting solutions, especially ESG (CSRD, CCF/PCF, EUDR)

Transactional Excellence Accounting Firefighting

Automated accounting with AI, process mining, and end-to-end workflows for maximum quality and efficiency

Organisation and people

The finance organisation of 2030+ is lean, data-driven, and clearly focused on value creation. Standardised GBS structures, clearly defined roles, and a mature business partner model reduce operational burdens and create space for analysis, management, and strategic impact. New skill sets – from advanced analytics to leadership – are decisive for success and require a structured academy approach for continuous upskilling. This results in a future-proof finance organisation that operates efficiently and proactively supports the business.

Best-in-class 2030+ checklist:

Efficient implementation of a lean organisational design (e.g. lean headquarters, centre of excellence, shared services centre, managed services)
85% of operational activities are standardised and centralised in global business services (GBS)
Mature business partner organisation focused on value-creating analytics and the effective use of GBS
100% coverage through process and product ownership
Training and development of finance talent follows a structured academy approach

Our organisation and people solutions for best-in-class success:

Lean organisational design for finance (e.g. lean headquarters, centre of excellence, shared services centre)
Managed services/business process outsourcing
Transition and implementation
Process and product ownership, governance, and role setup
Process excellence
Business partnering – maturity assessment and setup
Finance Academy (in cooperation with WHU), e.g. AI upskilling for finance talent
Talent and change management

People and culture Finance automation managed services

Lean finance, strong business partners, and targeted upskilling will shape the organisation of 2030+.

Technology and data

Technology and data form the backbone of digital finance – from embedded AI in ERP systems to a central data foundation with the SAP Business Data Cloud. A consistent, scalable IT ecosystem is essential for ensuring data quality, automation, and advanced analytics. The right architecture and AI enablement will allow a single source of truth to be created that significantly accelerates and improves financial and business decisions.

Best-in-class 2030+ checklist:

100% integration of systems of record (ERP, Salesforce, etc.) and establishment of a single source of truth
100% data quality according to AI-driven, centralised data governance and data management
80% of decisions based on advanced data analytics and AI
100% automation of rule-based and transactional accounting activities (e.g. invoice processing)
Setup integrated across finance and IT, and a streamlined Finance IT architecture

Our technology and data solutions for best-in-class success:

Planning, integrated reporting, information and data model management
Business-led technology transformation (e.g. S/4HANA,
Business Data Cloud, etc.)
ERP project health check/project management
Finance IT architecture and software selection
Next generation consolidation solutions
AI strategy, agentic AI, AI in finance, AI fuelled process excellence – enablement and implementation
Selection of consolidation software and planning tool
Technical implementation (front end, data layer, ERP, EPM, process mining, and automation)

Data management SAP S/4HANA ERP systems Generative AI Workday financial management

Integrated IT, clean data, and AI enablement form the foundation of the digital finance function.