ISG Software Research Analyst Perspectives

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Data Plays a Key Role in the Close-to-Report Cycle

Posted by Robert Kugel on 22 March 2012

Ventana Research recently completed an update to our last benchmark research on the financial closing process. It shows that many companies are taking longer to close today than they did five years ago. Whereas nearly half (47%) were able to close their quarter or half-year period within six business days five years ago, just 38 percent are able to do so in our latest benchmark. Similarly, five...

Topics: Office of Finance, close, Consolidation, Controller, XBRL, Business Analytics, Business Mobility, Business Performance, Cloud Computing, Financial Performance, CFO, Data, Document Management, Financial Performance Management

Process Improvement Is Key to a Faster Close

Posted by Robert Kugel on 21 March 2012

Ventana Research’s new financial close benchmark research reveals that many companies are taking longer to close today than they did five years ago. Whereas nearly half (47%) were able to close their quarter or half-year period within six business days five years ago, just 38 percent are able to do so in our latest benchmark. Similarly, five years ago 70 percent of companies were able to complete...

Topics: Office of Finance, close, Consolidation, Controller, XBRL, Operational Performance, Business Analytics, Business Performance, Financial Performance, Workforce Performance, CFO

Slow Closers Aren’t Serious about Improving Financial Performance

Posted by Robert Kugel on 20 March 2012

The most intractable issues that face finance departments are those that “everyone” knows must be addressed but somehow never muster the collective urgency to do so. Many couch potatoes know they need to watch their diet and exercise regularly. If asked, they would say it’s important or even very important. Yet there they sit. Based on our newly completed benchmark research “Trends in Developing...

Topics: Office of Finance, close, Consolidation, Controller, XBRL, Operational Performance, Business Analytics, Business Performance, Financial Performance, Workforce Performance, CFO