Discover the most impactful finance content of 2025. From comprehensive guides to expert insights, this curated collection features our top educational pieces to help you plan smarter for the next year.
This year marked a turning point in how finance teams think about automation, AI, and operational efficiency. Research emerged, guides were published, case studies documented real transformations, and conversations with finance leaders revealed the challenges they navigate every day.
As 2025 closes, this collection brings together the content that resonated most with finance professionals. These are the pieces that sparked conversations, generated the most engagement, and delivered real educational value to teams facing complex operational challenges.
Whether someone is on call during the holidays, planning 2026 strategy, or simply looking for insightful reading during the break, this curated collection is designed to provide clarity and confidence heading into the new year.
Why We Created This Collection
Every piece in this collection earned its place through a combination of reader engagement and educational impact. These aren't just popular resources; they're the ones that finance teams reported made a difference in how they think about their work.
From comprehensive implementation guides to groundbreaking research on finance operations, this bookshelf represents the ideas shaping the future of finance. Consider it a reading list for strategic planning, whether the goal is refining close processes, evaluating AI tools, or preparing for growth in 2026.
The Curated Bookshelf
The Complete Guide to Close 2026
A flagship resource for finance teams looking to transform their month-end close. This guide walks through every stage of the close process, from planning and preparation to execution and continuous improvement. It's packed with frameworks, checklists, and real-world strategies that finance leaders can implement immediately.
Smarter Finance with AI Masterclass
A structured learning experience designed for finance professionals ready to implement automation in their operations. This masterclass combines tactical guidance with strategic thinking, covering not just the "how" but the "why" behind modern finance automation. Perfect for teams planning their 2026 technology roadmap.
Automated Financial Consolidation: Finally, A Cure For The Closing Blues
A deep dive into the technical and strategic considerations of consolidation automation. This white paper breaks down complex concepts into actionable insights, making it essential reading for finance leaders at multi-entity companies. If consolidation is on the 2026 agenda, this is the place to start.
50 Million Journal Entries: What We Learned About Finance Operations
An analysis of 50 million journal entries that uncovered patterns, inefficiencies, and opportunities in finance operations. The research reveals insights about how finance teams actually work in practice.
Real-World Application With Leanpay Case Study
Sometimes the best way to understand what's possible is to see it in action. This case study shows how Leanpay transformed their finance operations, reduced close time, and scaled efficiently across multiple entities. It demonstrates that the concepts discussed in guides and research translate into real business outcomes.
Agentic Performance Management: A New Category in Finance Technology
Nominal introduced Agentic Performance Management as a new category in finance technology. APM represents a fundamental shift in how finance teams can operate, moving beyond traditional automation to truly intelligent, autonomous systems. For anyone thinking about the future of finance operations, this piece explains the category Nominal built.
AI Implementation: A Strategic Roadmap for Finance Teams
AI implementation isn't about technology alone; it's about change management, process design, and realistic expectations. This guide delivers practical advice on how finance teams can successfully adopt AI tools, addressing the real questions finance leaders face.
Read the Implementation Guide →
From AI Assistance to Autonomous Execution: How Finance Workflows Are Changing
Not all AI is created equal, and understanding the differences matters for making smart technology decisions. This piece breaks down the spectrum from simple assistance to full autonomy, helping finance leaders evaluate tools and vendors with greater clarity.
From Complexity to Clarity: Clear Entity Strategies
In this webinar, finance leaders discussed the real challenges of managing multi-entity operations and shared strategies that work. The conversation covered practical questions about organizational structure, technology selection, and change management.
Scaling Finance Operations with AI
A webinar exploring how finance leaders have scaled their operations using AI. The discussion covered everything from initial pilot projects to organization-wide implementation, offering honest insights about what worked and what didn't.
Download the 2025 Nominal Review: Get the full collection of this year’s most impactful finance content, including expert guides, case studies, and AI insights—accessible wherever you are.
How to Use This Collection
Every finance team is at a different stage of its journey. Here's how to approach this collection based on where the team currently stands:
For teams planning 2026
Start with the Close Guide and AI Implementation Guide to build a strategic roadmap. Then dive into the research on journal entries to understand where the opportunities are.
For teams evaluating AI tools
Read the Autonomous Execution piece first to understand what questions to ask, then watch the Scaling Finance Operations webinar to hear how teams have been through the process.
For teams dealing with multi-entity complexity
The consolidation white paper and entity strategies webinar provide both the technical foundation and practical strategies needed.
For teams building a business case
The Leanpay case study, combined with the 50 million journal entries research, provides the data and real-world examples that resonate with executives.
For anyone curious about the future of finance
Start with the APM piece to understand where the industry is heading, then explore whichever topics are most relevant.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The finance profession is evolving faster than ever, and the teams that thrive will be those that stay informed, think strategically, and act decisively. This collection represents the foundation of knowledge that forward-thinking finance leaders are building on.
As teams plan for 2026, these resources offer the clarity and confidence needed to build the finance operations they envision. Whether reading during a quiet holiday moment or preparing for January planning sessions, the insights here can shape how finance teams approach the year ahead.
Ready to transform finance operations in 2026? Book a demo to see how Nominal can help automate reconciliations, streamline consolidation, and close faster with confidence.
