Chris Ortega

According to a group of corporate finance professionals, one of the most significant issues facing corporate finance teams is refocusing team members toward higher-value work such as interpreting data and advising on issues and solutions rather than allowing them to continue performing rote, manual tasks.

“The biggest risk that is clear to me is to continue the antiquated and outdated people strategies, performance, process, understanding, lagging platform adoption, and not understanding… Show more

According to a group of corporate finance professionals, one of the most significant issues facing corporate finance teams is refocusing team members toward higher-value work such as interpreting data and advising on issues and solutions rather than allowing them to continue performing rote, manual tasks.

“The biggest risk that is clear to me is to continue the antiquated and outdated people strategies, performance, process, understanding, lagging platform adoption, and not understanding the deep relationships that we need to build instead of keeping the status quo,” offered Chris Ortega, CEO of Fresh FP&A. “To me, that is 100% the biggest risk that we now face in the accounting and finance space.” Show less

While the business looks to Accounting, Finance, and FP&A for guidance, these teams continue to confront the fast-changing realities of our new normal. Learn practical strategies and tactics you can apply immediately to confront uncertainty; discover tools you can use to assess opportunities in people, process, and partnership to prepare for tomorrow; and explore use cases where FP&A has shifted their value proposition from scorekeepers to value advisors.

In a free-form Q&A format, experienced leaders in FP&A, corporate finance, and corporate strategy will discuss FP&A best practices from their different perspectives. Although they may not agree on everything, they’ll dissect common FP&A issues in terms you’ll understand and with tips you’ll be able to immediately put to work. From hiring and forecasting, to business partnering and executive presentations, come with your questions and leave with a better view of FP&A.

Discussion on IPO Readiness

Growth Journey insights, perspective and thoughts.

Deal with uncertainty through technology.

"The most important place to start to implement any business strategy is to start with your people."

Check out my most recent podcast on, "The 4 building blocks for FP&A professionals that have emerged during the pandemic "

Business Talk Library sits down with Chris Ortega; Finance Influencer & Entrepreneur. World's Top 10 Voice in Accounting, Finance & FPA. What you'll learn -

1) What is means to look for opportunities to Fail
2) The bread and butter of any successful business
3) The importance that culture plays in building a successful company
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The Business Talk Library is a social media show and platform that shares honest and… Show more

Business Talk Library sits down with Chris Ortega; Finance Influencer & Entrepreneur. World's Top 10 Voice in Accounting, Finance & FPA. What you'll learn -

1) What is means to look for opportunities to Fail
2) The bread and butter of any successful business
3) The importance that culture plays in building a successful company
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The Business Talk Library is a social media show and platform that shares honest and authentic conversations on the journey of entrepreneurship. We feature conversations with entrepreneurs across all industries with a wide array of experience that we believe will be valuable to you as a business owner. Show less

As new economic realities take hold, organisations must adapt the range and speed of scenario plans to remain in business.

Covid19 has impacted so many businesses, lives and is establishing a new normal. Check out how to thrive!

Next-generation FP&A leaders are emerging every day, and they’re ready to transform their organizations from finance out.  

Chris Ortega, Director of Finance, Americas for Emarsys is one of those leaders.

Currently artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is having a major impact in our personal, professional and business lives. With the introduction of phone assistants, data analytics and deep-thinking AI and ML is gaining momentum.

When COVID-19 entered Ohio, businesses were forced to either shut down completely or transition into a fully remote office. Some organizations and individuals were also tasked with turning conferences with hundreds of registrants into an online learning event.

COVID 19 pandemic is impacting all corners of the world - where, why, what and how can we as finance professionals contribute and can we learn from other regions?

In this panel discussion, we talk to Finance Leaders from China, the US and the UK/EU to share responses and learn from each other.

Q&A will be facilitated by Christopher Argent, Founder of Generation CFO.

With the evolution of technology, focus on business partnership and data driven decision making its becoming even more important for future finance & accounting professionals to develop the skills, talents and passion to be future ready. In this session, we will explore many areas affecting this shift and how prepare & enable accounting & finance students.

The decision cycle will help you make knowledgeable decisions that drive results for your organization. You can use this process when making important forecasting and planning decisions.

During this session, we will explore AI and ML solutions existing in accounting and finance. As well as, discuss how AI and machine learning will impact people, process and performance strategies. You will also gain a better understanding whether your team and organization are ready for AI and ML.

Learning Objectives:

Review existing uses cases around the application of AI & ML technologies in accounting & finance teams.

Deep understanding on how AI & ML will impact people,… Show more

During this session, we will explore AI and ML solutions existing in accounting and finance. As well as, discuss how AI and machine learning will impact people, process and performance strategies. You will also gain a better understanding whether your team and organization are ready for AI and ML.

Learning Objectives:

Review existing uses cases around the application of AI & ML technologies in accounting & finance teams.

Deep understanding on how AI & ML will impact people, processes and technology adoption & readiness for accounting & finance teams.

What is the future of AI & ML application for high performance & partnership accounting & finance teams?

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How AI & ML will impact people, performance and processes in accounting & finance teams.

The accounting profession is in the midst of dramatic change as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain,
machine learning and other technologies quickly transform the way businesses operate and accounting teams function.

In this episode we spoke to Chris Ortega, director of finance, America’s at Emarsys. Chris is an artificial intelligence and machine learning expert, and we discussed how to prepare for implementing new technology, leveraging available content to learn, using AI to beat the competition and more.

Please rate and review us on Apple podcasts or whatever podcast app you’re using to listen!

In FP&A there are plenty of tools, technologies and fancy options at your disposal. However, these eye-catching technologies won’t take your team to the next level without 3 key people processes that your team should be leveraging. As a FP&A leader or CFO your probably bombarded with messages, phone calls and emails from many technology providers. So, in this blog I will explore the top 3 people processes you should be leveraging in order to have a solid foundation.

So, 2019 is here and you want to implement lessons learned from 2018 to accelerate your FP&A team. This article will explore the tools, processes and other areas you need to survive 2019. Let’s begin!

So, you got support from your executive leadership team and you hired or grown some talent in FP&A. Now, you are ready to set your team lose on some business partnership projects to deliver value. Where do you start? How do you start? What projects will have the most impact and value to your business and maximize your FP&A teams’ talent? Well this article will explore three top FP&A business partnership projects to deliver value and supercharge your FP&A team.

A new Visionaries video is now available, check it out! Visionaries brings you topics, #trends, #expertise & #knowledge from the leading minds in FP&A globally. In this video gain an understanding of what it really means when people talk about #AI and #ML, and how it relates to the #Financial #Planning & #Analysis industry with Visionary: Chris Ortega - #Finance Lead: Emarsys and our very own Darren Goonawardana.

AFP set out examine the personal digital readiness of individuals within the finance and treasury function. We asked how ready they are to manage accelerating change in technology, systems and business models. A panel of experts will review several key findings and present concrete actions you can take to prepare yourself for a digital future.

Learning Objectives
- Understand your position relative to their peers, areas where you may need more assistance, and concrete steps to build… Show more

AFP set out examine the personal digital readiness of individuals within the finance and treasury function. We asked how ready they are to manage accelerating change in technology, systems and business models. A panel of experts will review several key findings and present concrete actions you can take to prepare yourself for a digital future.

Learning Objectives
- Understand your position relative to their peers, areas where you may need more assistance, and concrete steps to build your digital plan

- Help senior finance consider their own and their team’s attitudes towards innovation in an effort to build the right team. Show less

Visionaries brings you topics, trends, expertise & knowledge from the leading minds in FP&A globally. In this video gain an understanding of the current and future trends of Financial Planning & Analysis from a visionary: Chris Ortega - Finance Lead Emarsys

Chris will cover:
· What is FP&A? - both in definition and what FP&A is in practice today
· The evolution of FP&A
· The three pillars of FP&A today essential to the optimization of your company
·… Show more

Visionaries brings you topics, trends, expertise & knowledge from the leading minds in FP&A globally. In this video gain an understanding of the current and future trends of Financial Planning & Analysis from a visionary: Chris Ortega - Finance Lead Emarsys

Chris will cover:
· What is FP&A? - both in definition and what FP&A is in practice today
· The evolution of FP&A
· The three pillars of FP&A today essential to the optimization of your company
· Where the future of FP&A is headed

To Follow Chris:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriseortega
Twitter: @1_Future_CEO

Looking to simplify and enhance your FP&A processes? Check out Acterys, the most versatile and affordable solution for Enterprise Planning , Modeling & Analysis with Microsoft Power BI and SQL Server: www.acterys.com Show less

AI & Machine Learning impact on FP&A.

How do you define FP&A and the impact it will have?

For our inaugural episode we’re joined by Chris Ortega, senior finance manager at Emarsys, to discuss artificial intelligence and machine learning. Is AI coming to take your job? How will this affect entry-level accountants? How should leaders prepare their teams?

In the movies, ruthless artificial intelligence is usually responsible for destroying humanity, so it’s no wonder accountants are wary of its influence on the profession. But one AI expert said it’s important to view this technology in context.

Chris Ortega, finance manager for Emarsys North America, discusses the future of FP&A and artificial intelligence, why FP&A may be late adopters of this new technology, and the lessons he's learned on his journey from accounting to finance and employee to leader.

People are the most expensive asset but they are vital to running a successful business and delivering value. However, few organizations understand the why talent management and retention is important to their bottom line. Often it is not until their top talent or higher potential/performance leave before organizations realize the importance to talent management and retention. Before discussing why its important to have effective talent management and retention strategies let us first get some… Show more

People are the most expensive asset but they are vital to running a successful business and delivering value. However, few organizations understand the why talent management and retention is important to their bottom line. Often it is not until their top talent or higher potential/performance leave before organizations realize the importance to talent management and retention. Before discussing why its important to have effective talent management and retention strategies let us first get some definitions out the way. Talent management is programs, initiatives and proactively developing and shaping your talent. Retention strategies are policies, culture and other internal elements that keeps your talent. Now, let’s explore 3 talent management and retention strategies that are important for every organization and how to improve each of them. Show less

Looking to leverage your FP&A team into strategic partnership? One question to ask is how does FP&A drive strategic partnership & value? Strong FP&A teams have a neutral perspective and bring data driven decision making into the partnership. Collaboration, operational knowledge and accountability are elements they bring to the table. Below I will explore three aspects where FP&A teams drive strategic partnership.

So, your looking to shift resources to be strategic partners, expanding team’s skills & talents or driving key business initiatives with consistent execution. Well, one element for FP&A teams to provide value is strategic partnership. Therefore, with any change in direction or focus its important to understand how to start. Below, I will cover a simplified and quick start guide for starting the strategic partnership process.

Why is strategic partnership important? You might be asking yourself this question when going to a sales meeting, working with another department or attending a company meeting. Strategic partnership is paramount as it allows FP&A teams to spend less time on traditional finance functions like reporting, treasury, tax and investor relations. Instead, they are engaged in detailed data analysis, driving key business processes and leading the company business model and overall strategic direction… Show more

Why is strategic partnership important? You might be asking yourself this question when going to a sales meeting, working with another department or attending a company meeting. Strategic partnership is paramount as it allows FP&A teams to spend less time on traditional finance functions like reporting, treasury, tax and investor relations. Instead, they are engaged in detailed data analysis, driving key business processes and leading the company business model and overall strategic direction. Below you will see why strategic partnership is important. Show less

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two elements that will have a vital impact on financial planning analysis (FP&A) being leveraged in organizations. However, to realize the economics of scale of AI & machine learning there are 3 vital elements that need to be present before leveraging these technologies which are massive data, minimum 10 years data history, and focused algorithms. In this post, I will explore 3 impacts AI & machine learning will change FP&A people, processes and… Show more

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two elements that will have a vital impact on financial planning analysis (FP&A) being leveraged in organizations. However, to realize the economics of scale of AI & machine learning there are 3 vital elements that need to be present before leveraging these technologies which are massive data, minimum 10 years data history, and focused algorithms. In this post, I will explore 3 impacts AI & machine learning will change FP&A people, processes and value.

"The future of AI and machine learning related to finance and accounting will revolutionize businesses and value of these teams." - Chris Ortega Show less

In July 2017, I presented at the 2017 AICPA FP&A Conference in Las Vegas over AI (Artificial Intelligence) & machine Learning impact on FP&A. The session received great feedback from attendees and other speakers. So, I wanted to share an article summarizing the presentations main points. The goal of this article is to provide insights into the impact AI & machine learning will have on people, processes and technologies in FP&A. Hope you enjoy!

“Traditional analytics such as profit, cash flow, and return on assets don’t really tell the full story,” said Chris Ortega, an artificial intelligence expert and senior finance manager at Emarsys, a global software-as-a-service marketing cloud company.

AI & Machine Learning impact will have on FP&A from a past, present and future perspective.

What ignited this article? I was talking with some upcoming college graduates from a similar background as myself. They were looking to go into corporate finance/financial planning & analysis (FP&A) after graduating from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. I shared with them lessons I learned from 10 years in the finance game. Why is this important to you? In discussing with them and seeing their reaction/feedback it was clear others could see value in my perspective… Show more

What ignited this article? I was talking with some upcoming college graduates from a similar background as myself. They were looking to go into corporate finance/financial planning & analysis (FP&A) after graduating from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. I shared with them lessons I learned from 10 years in the finance game. Why is this important to you? In discussing with them and seeing their reaction/feedback it was clear others could see value in my perspective.

So, here are my Top 5 lessons learned in the first 10 years of my professional career. Show less

The decision cycle will help you and your association make knowledgeable decisions that drive exceptional results. I myself use this very process when making important forecasting and planning decisions. Today, I am going to share my insights with you and your team so that you can witness the profound impacts of implementing these five simple steps.

As a former public accounting auditor, I have been through my fair share of busy seasons which usually ran from September to April. My busy season experience consisted of 60 - 80 hour work weeks, working on the weekends, learning at an accelerated rate, and then waking up after April 15 trying to realize what the hell happened the past couple of months. For me, this was a character building and learning opportunity that I am privileged and thankful that I got to experience in my career… Show more

As a former public accounting auditor, I have been through my fair share of busy seasons which usually ran from September to April. My busy season experience consisted of 60 - 80 hour work weeks, working on the weekends, learning at an accelerated rate, and then waking up after April 15 trying to realize what the hell happened the past couple of months. For me, this was a character building and learning opportunity that I am privileged and thankful that I got to experience in my career. However, like most, I realized this was not what I wanted to do long term. Show less

No one knows better what it’s like to be a millennial working in finance than millennials themselves, those professional who reached adulthood around the turn of the 2ist century and are now rising into the middle ranks of organizations.

I recently talked to two: Bryon Baxter, senior financial analyst at CommScope, a telecommunication company, and Chris Ortega, MBA, manager of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) at WebLink International.

Moving your finance team from traditional to evolutionary team for your organization. Also, moving from scorekeepers in your organization to value contributors for providing high value business insights.