Best FP&A Software Platforms for CFOs: Features, Benefits, and Reviews

CFOs today need more than spreadsheets in their toolkit to manage financial planning.

As organizations grow, planning cycles become slower, forecasts lose accuracy and teams spend more time gathering data than analyzing it. FP&A Software addresses this by centralizing data, automating reporting and giving finance leaders a clear view of where the business stands — and where it could go next.

Today we will explain what FP&A software is, the benefits it delivers and the factors to weigh when choosing a platform.

We’ll also look closely at some of the most established and emerging providers in North America, with a lens on how they’re being adopted across the UK and Europe as well.

Before we get into everything you need to know about FP&A in more detail, and cover the top FP&A tools, here's a first look at the brands on our list. 

What is Financial Planning & Analysis Software?

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) software is designed to help finance teams plan, forecast, and analyze with more accuracy and less manual effort. At its core, the software brings together data from accounting systems, sales platforms, HR tools, and other business applications into a single environment for planning and reporting.

Finance teams can model scenarios, track performance against budget, and update forecasts in real time. The result is a clearer picture of both short-term financial health and long-term strategic direction.

What Does FP&A Software Do?

FP&A platforms typically support four main activities:

• Budgeting & Planning: Create structured annual budgets and operating plans that align financial targets with business objectives. Many platforms include driver-based models to make adjustments easier and more transparent.

• Forecasting & Scenario Modeling: Move beyond static budgets with rolling forecasts and what-if analysis. Finance teams can model best-case, worst-case, and most-likely outcomes to test strategies before making decisions.

• Reporting & Performance Management: Automate the production of dashboards, variance reports, and management presentations so leaders have timely insight into performance against plan.

• Data Integration, Consolidation & Analysis: Pull actuals from ERP, CRM, HR, and other systems into one central environment, reducing manual reconciliation and ensuring a single version of the truth for decision-making.

Together, these capabilities help CFOs and their teams shift focus from data collection to decision-making, turning financial information into practical insight.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best FP&A Platform

Selecting the right FP&A platform depends on more than just features and benefits.

In episode 60 of the CFO Show Podcast, John Hagerty and Mellisa discuss how EPM & FP&A tools should be seen not just as a software solutions, but as a business solutions.

CFOs need to weigh how well a solution fits the company’s size, structure, and future plans.

CFOs should consider:

• Ease of Use: A system that looks powerful on paper won’t help if the finance team finds it difficult to operate. Look for a platform with a familiar interface and clear workflows to encourage adoption.

• AI & Automation Capabilities: Many modern platforms embed AI to improve forecasting, highlight anomalies, and automate routine reporting. Consider whether the tool’s AI features are practical, transparent, and easy for the team to adopt.

• Integration Capabilities: The platform should connect smoothly with existing systems — ERP, CRM, HR, and payroll. Strong integrations reduce manual work and ensure forecasts always use the latest data.

• Scalability: A tool that works today may fall short in three years if the business grows. Choose software that can support additional users, larger datasets, and more complex models without major rework.

• Flexibility: Every organization has its own drivers and KPIs. The software should allow customization of models and reports so finance can reflect what truly matters for the business.

• Total Cost of Ownership: Pricing varies widely across providers. Consider subscription costs alongside implementation, training, and ongoing support. A slightly higher subscription may be more cost-effective if it reduces consulting fees or manual work.

• Deployment Model: Most FP&A platforms are cloud-based, but some also offer on-premises options. Cloud delivery usually means easier updates and lower IT overhead, but data security policies may influence the choice.

By reviewing these areas, CFOs can focus on platforms that not only check the feature boxes but also align with how their finance team works today and how it will operate tomorrow.

With that, let's review the list of well known FP&A software and tool providers.

Vena

Vena is an AI-powered Complete FP&A platform that combines Excel’s familiarity with enterprise-grade automation, workflow, and security. By layering a central database and process controls onto spreadsheets, it eliminates version-control issues while preserving the modeling flexibility finance teams rely on. With recent releases, Vena has leaned heavily into agentic AI, and AI-powered planning to give finance leaders faster insights and more automation.

Best For

Vena is used by over 2,000 companies of all sizes, and is particularly well-suited for mid-market organizations and scaling enterprises that want to move off manual spreadsheets without abandoning Excel. It’s a strong fit for finance teams that need structure and auditability, but also want the agility of AI-driven analysis and natural language tools.

Key Features

• Centralized data model with Excel as the interface
• Pre-built templates for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Rolling forecasts and driver-based planning
• Workflow and task management for approvals and reviews
• AI-powered FP&A Copilot for quick insights and variance explanations

Integrations

Vena integrates natively with Microsoft 365 and Power BI, as well as ERPs and business systems including NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, and Salesforce. Data flows in automatically, creating a single source of truth for finance teams.

Pricing

Vena offers subscription pricing based on user count and modules. Exact pricing is available on request. Independent surveys highlight Vena’s strong customer satisfaction and competitive total cost of ownership.

Request a Vena Demo

Workday Adaptive Planning

Workday Adaptive Planning is a cloud-based platform known for its scalability and ease of use. It supports financial, workforce, and operational planning in one environment, making it popular with companies that want to connect finance with other functions.

Best For

Adaptive Planning is a strong fit for mid-sized to large enterprises that need a system capable of handling complex, multi-department planning. It’s especially valuable for organizations already using Workday ERP or HCM, but it integrates well with a broad range of systems.

Key Features

• Driver-based planning and rolling forecasts
• Multi-scenario and multi-entity modeling
• Self-service dashboards and reporting tools
• Workforce, sales, and operational planning modules
• Built-in financial intelligence for consolidation and reporting

Integrations

Adaptive Planning integrates natively with Workday, and also connects with ERPs and CRMs such as NetSuite, Oracle, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, and Salesforce.

Pricing

Pricing scales with users, data volume, and modules. Quotes are provided directly by Workday.

What People Are Saying

Users highlight Adaptive Planning’s ease of use, flexible modeling, and strong integration capabilities, which help streamline forecasting and reporting. However, many note a steep learning curve during setup, with complex configuration often requiring significant training or external support.

Anaplan

Anaplan is an enterprise-grade planning platform known for its flexibility and ability to model highly complex scenarios. Its in-memory calculation engine supports planning at scale, making it a common choice for global organizations with large data volumes.

Best For

Best suited for large enterprises that require multi-dimensional modeling and want a single platform for both financial and operational planning. Companies with strong IT and FP&A resources will benefit most from Anaplan’s power and customizability.

Key Features

• Hyperblock in-memory calculation engine for real-time modeling
• Unlimited scenario creation and comparison
• Support for global, multi-entity, and multi-currency planning
• Connected planning across finance, sales, supply chain, and HR
• Extensible API and partner ecosystem for tailored solutions

Integrations

Anaplan integrates with ERP, CRM, and HR systems through APIs, connectors, and middleware (e.g., MuleSoft, Boomi). It also offers add-ins for Excel, Google Sheets, PowerPoint, and BI tools like Tableau and Power BI.

Pricing

Anaplan pricing is quote-based and generally positioned at the high end of the market.

What People Are Saying

Reviews on G2 praise Anaplan’s flexibility and customizable modeling, noting it adapts well across finance and operations. However, some report performance issues with very large models and mention a learning curve when scaling advanced features.

Mosaic

Mosaic positions itself as a strategic finance platform built for fast-growing companies, particularly in the tech and SaaS sectors. It combines financial and operational data to give CFOs a more complete view of performance and growth metrics.

Best For

Mosaic is well-suited for small and mid-sized businesses, especially venture-backed SaaS companies that need real-time insights and standardized KPIs like ARR, churn, and CAC. Its quick deployment makes it appealing for lean finance teams.

Key Features

• Automated data consolidation with 150+ pre-built metrics
• Real-time dashboards for SaaS and financial KPIs
• Three-statement modeling and scenario planning
• Collaboration tools and AI assistant (“Arc AI”) for analysis
• Dedicated headcount and workforce planning features

Integrations

Mosaic connects with QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero, Sage Intacct, Salesforce, HubSpot, Stripe, Chargebee, ADP, BambooHR, Workday, and data warehouses like Snowflake and BigQuery.

Pricing

Pricing is subscription-based and varies by company size and modules.

What People Are Saying

Users frequently    Mosaic’s ease of use, smooth onboarding, and outstanding customer support, along with strong integrations that streamline reporting and analysis. On the downside, some note a learning curve around advanced features and limitations in customization compared to larger FP&A platforms.

Jirav

Jirav is a cloud-based FP&A tool focused on small and mid-sized businesses. It delivers budgeting, forecasting, and dashboarding in a package that’s easier to use than enterprise-grade systems, while still offering three-statement financial modeling.

Best For

Jirav is a strong option for startups, agencies, and mid-sized companies that have outgrown spreadsheets but don’t need the complexity of enterprise platforms. It’s also popular among accounting firms and fractional CFOs who manage planning for multiple clients.

Key Features

• Driver-based modeling for P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Pre-built industry templates and KPI dashboards
• Rolling forecasts and scenario analysis
• Department-level workforce and expense planning
• Board-ready reports and variance analysis

Integrations

Jirav connects directly with accounting systems like QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite, as well as payroll and HR tools such as Gusto and ADP. CRM and billing integrations, including Salesforce and Stripe, are also supported.

Pricing

Subscription tiers are offered based on features and user needs. Packages are structured for accessibility to smaller companies, with higher tiers supporting more users and advanced features.

What People Are Saying

Users highlight Jirav’s ease of use, intuitive reporting, and excellent customer support during setup and training, which make forecasting more accessible. At the same time, reviewers mention a steep learning curve, missing features like advanced revenue forecasting, and time-consuming setup as common challenges.

OneStream

OneStream is an enterprise-grade corporate performance management (CPM) platform that unifies FP&A, financial consolidation, and reporting in one system. It’s designed to replace multiple legacy applications with a single solution.

Best For

Best suited for large, complex organizations that need both advanced FP&A and consolidation capabilities. Companies with multi-entity, multi-currency requirements often choose OneStream for its ability to handle scale and regulatory compliance.

Key Features

• Integrated planning, budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation
• Extensible Dimensionality® for detailed operational modeling
• Built-in predictive analytics and scenario planning
• Workflow management and audit trails for governance
• Marketplace of pre-built planning and reporting solutions

Integrations

OneStream connects to a wide range of ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and NetSuite. It also integrates with HR, CRM, and data warehouse platforms, with strong Excel and Office connectivity for reporting.

Pricing

Pricing is subscription-based and customized for each enterprise. Costs scale with user volume, modules, and deployment scope, reflecting OneStream’s all-in-one positioning.

What People Are Saying

Users praise OneStream’s ease of use, strong support during implementation, and ability to integrate multiple data sources for efficient reporting. Many also highlight its flexibility and deep customization options, though some note the complexity of tailoring advanced features can require additional expertise.

Cube Software

Cube is a spreadsheet-native FP&A platform designed to combine the flexibility of Excel and Google Sheets with the structure of a centralized planning system. It’s built for finance teams that want to keep spreadsheets but eliminate manual consolidation and version control issues.

Best For

Cube works best for mid-market companies with established spreadsheet workflows. Finance teams that value Excel’s flexibility but want stronger collaboration, data governance, and automation will benefit most.

Key Features

• Bi-directional integration with Excel and Google Sheets
• Centralized data repository with audit trails
• Scenario planning and driver-based modeling
• Workflow controls for permissions and approvals
• Automation for consolidations and multi-currency support

Integrations

Cube connects with systems like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and HR platforms. It also integrates with Slack, Teams, and BI tools for reporting and collaboration.

Pricing

Cube offers subscription-based plans with tailored packages based on team size and features. Pricing is structured to support mid-market organizations.

What People Are Saying

Users like Cube’s ease of use, strong Excel and Google Sheets compatibility, and responsive customer support, which make adoption straightforward. On the downside, reviewers note limitations with complex calculations and data handling, as well as challenges during setup and implementation.

DataRails

DataRails is the final FP&A tool on our list. Datarails have given themselves a 9.8 rating out of 10 on both "The Finance Weekly", and "Best CFO Tools", websites that they own. The platform itself connects existing spreadsheets to a centralized database, automating consolidation and reporting while allowing finance teams to keep working in the environment they know best.

Best For

DataRails is ideal for SMBs that use Excel, and those that are looking for multiple integrations.

Key Features

• Automated consolidation of spreadsheets into a single source of truth

• Excel add-in for direct data sync between spreadsheets and the cloud

• Real-time dashboards and variance analysis

• Audit trail and version control for transparency

• AI-assisted insights through conversational queries and reporting

Integrations

DataRails integrates with accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, NetSuite, and SAP Business One, as well as CRM and HR systems. It also connects to Excel and PowerPoint for report building and presentation.

Pricing

DataRails offers subscription-based packages tailored to SMB budgets. Pricing is customized based on company size, user count, and feature requirements.

What People Are Saying

Users like DataRails for its responsive customer support. However, many note a steep learning curve, with reporting setup and dashboard building often described as complex, time-consuming, and prone to technical issues. In 2023, the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that DataRails clearly disclose its connection to The Finance Weekly after finding the publication’s software rankings did not adequately identify the company’s sponsorship.

The Right Software Enables CFOs to Lead With Insight

For CFOs, the benefits of a good FP&A platform go beyond efficiency.

Modern FP&A platforms, many now enhanced with AI, enable scenario planning, real-time performance tracking, and stronger collaboration across the business.

The result is a finance function that is more agile, more strategic, and better able to guide the company through uncertainty and growth.

At The CFO Show Podcast, we regularly speak with finance leaders about how they’re adopting these tools and reshaping the role of the CFO. If you’re looking to stay ahead, explore the platforms in this guide, and tune into the podcast for real-world perspectives on how technology and strategy come together in the finance function.