Finance business partnering: Design principles to orchestrate value

Learn from business case studies

Based on interviews with finance directors, CFOs, business partners, and HR directors, this report describes how Toyota Sales and Marketing UK and a small- to medium-sized manufacturer, which we will call Mancunia (to protect its anonymity), systematically apply the four principles to orchestrate value.[HP1]

Toyota Sales and Marketing UK has effectively implemented the four design principles, ensuring that their finance business partners are integral to the value creation process.

Mancunia, a small- to medium-sized manufacturer, also applies these principles systematically, demonstrating how smaller companies can leverage business partnering for success.

The report contrasts them with two other companies, Cornelius and Delta (again to protect their anonymity). Although these two companies adopt the narrative of business partnering, they lack a systematic approach.

Overcoming barriers to effective business partnering

By comparing these four cases, we identify barriers to effective business partnering. These barriers include a lack of clear strategy, insufficient training, and poor communication channels.

The report provides recommendations on how finance business partners can meet value creation expectations. Key recommendations include adopting a systematic approach, investing in training, and enhancing communication channels.