This session reframes planning as a performance system. We’ll explore how finance leads the “performance story” in three critical roles:
- Navigator (planning): setting targets, allocating resources, and defining what winning looks like
- Interpreter (analysis): explaining what happened, what changed, and which levers matter
- Translator (communication): turning complexity into clear direction for executives, boards, and operational leaders
Why is this relevant right now?
Credit unions are being asked to do more with less while navigating uncertainty. In that environment, the winners aren’t the ones with the most detailed spreadsheets, they’re the ones who can align quickly, forecast intelligently, and act decisively. This session shows how finance can become the engine of that alignment.
What attendees will take away
You’ll leave with a clear framework and concrete best practices you can apply immediately, including how to:
- Build an integrated planning rhythm that connects strategy, budget, forecast, and execution (instead of treating them as separate processes)
- Strengthen variance analysis so it goes beyond “what happened” and answers “why” and “what to do next” (including drill-down into operational detail)
- Use forecasting and scenario planning to recalibrate plans throughout the year—capturing opportunities and responding early to threats
- Assess plan risk by running strategic plans through market scenarios to understand impacts to margin, liquidity, profitability, and resource needs
- Drive aligned execution across teams by tailoring performance data and accountability to individuals and functions (financial + operational + statistical + profitability views)
- Unlock value with member/customer segmentation to retain high-value relationships, expand wallet share, and address value erosion
- Modernize two high-impact planning areas that often get treated as “just expenses”:
- Personnel & payroll planning (headcount, hires, transfers, departures, compensation changes, cost analysis)
- Capex & project-based planning (making initiatives measurable, funded, and accountable)
Who should attend
Ideal for CFOs, FP&A leaders, finance managers, controllers, strategy leaders, and operational leaders who want planning to drive execution—not just produce reports. If your budget cycle feels like compliance, takes too long, or doesn’t translate into day-to-day decisions, this session is for you.
