For those leading large finance teams - how do you decide when to centralize vs embed analysts within business units? We’ve tried both at my company. Embedding builds partnership but centralization drives consistency. I’m convinced that there isn’t a perfect answer but would be curious to hear yours.

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When I worked financial planning and analysis (FP&A) at a fortune 1,000 E&P company, there were 3 of us CPAs centralized in a corporate function, with dotted line reporting of budget inputs and KPIs originating from engineers and accountants embedded in their own business units. They had full time jobs within the respective BU, the monthly inputs for forecast were just an added responsibility. The embedded engineers were key to really understand the story behind the cost/revenue. Most of those engineers also had MBAs which worked well to bridge the gap between the BU and the centralized FP&A corporate function. The centralized group was responsible for aggregating outlook, pulling in actuals, and preparing final board decks, budgets, and monthly forecast updates. FP&A reported to Treasurer who reported to CFO.

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Every couple of years we change to the other side. No strong winning solution here only leadership preference.

There is no clear winner. The only thing I have seen consistently work well is when there is a hybrid approach. There is a centralized team and then analysts who rotate between finance and business. Takes a certain level of ability, but it is one of the better ways.

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