The numbers are clear. As of recent data, QuickBooks holds a 37.49% share of the accounting software market, with over 229,000 companies using it. These tools offer speed, security, and accurate results, making them essential for modern business operations.
But software alone doesn’t solve problems—people do.
Today’s finance professionals do more than run reports—they lead with insight, collaborate across teams, and adapt fast. That’s why many turn to finance communities and CFO communities for answers, ideas, and real support, not just theory.
So ask yourself: Are you just using the tools, or are you connecting with the people who know how to use them to drive real change?
FP&A Community Spaces You Should Know About
These FP&A communities bring together every type of finance professional—from analysts to CFOs—to exchange insights, solve challenges, and sharpen their skills. Each group offers a space for real conversations, expert advice, and practical support, helping members stay sharp and connected in today’s fast-changing finance landscape.
FP&A Community by Datarails
Datarails, a platform built for FP&A work in Excel, started its own Slack group and online resource center for finance professionals last year. The FP&A Community is a trusted place where finance leaders from around the world can connect, share advice, and learn from each other.
Inside the group, you’ll find some well-known FP&A professionals, including:
- Anders Liu-Lindberg – Advisor to senior finance leaders and co-founder of the Business Partnering Institute
- Christian Wattig – Ex-FP&A leader at Unilever and founder of FP&A Bootcamp
- Carl Seidman – FP&A expert who works with Fortune 500 companies
- Annette DeYoung – Former FP&A head at JL Clark and Berner Food and Beverage
- Asif Masani – FP&A Manager at Coursera and an educator
- Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) – Host of FP&A Tomorrow and seasoned finance leader
The group follows a no-sales policy, values professionalism, and keeps conversations private. It also features a podcast called FP&A Today, where finance leaders talk about real issues and give useful tips. The Slack group sometimes hosts Q&A sessions with these experts as well.
CFO.Chat
CFO.chat is a private Slack group for CFOs, started in 2020 by Shiny, a company that matches businesses with part-time executives. The goal is to give CFOs a trusted place to share knowledge and support one another, just like startup founders have done for years.
It’s free to join, but membership is reviewed to keep the quality high. Inside, CFOs talk about finance topics, ask for help, and get advice from others in similar roles. The platform also shares job leads, useful content, and events to help each finance professional grow professionally and expand their network.
Finance Alliance Community
Finance Alliance continues to grow as one of the most active global communities for finance professionals. Originally launched in 2022 by The Alliance—a platform focused on career development—it has become a go-to Slack space where members freely exchange ideas, ask questions, and support one another in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
The group now covers even more relevant topics, including budgeting, forecasting, finance metrics, automation tools, and the changing role of finance in strategic planning. From CFOs and finance directors to analysts and those aiming to move up, every finance professional can find real value in the conversations and connections made here.
Off the Ledger by Airbase
Airbase, a company that helps businesses manage spending, created Off the Ledger, a private Slack space for people working in finance and accounting. Since its launch in January 2020, the group has grown from just 50 to over 5,000 members.
This is a quiet, sales-free place where the finance professional can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others in similar roles. Members talk about things like hiring, accounting software, reporting rules, and job advice. Airbase built this group to help people stay connected, especially when remote work made it harder to chat and share ideas with teammates.
Real Growth Happens Together
Success in finance isn’t just about mastering numbers—it’s about building strong connections, learning from real experiences, and staying sharp in a fast-moving world. The right tools matter, but the right people make the difference.
The four communities we’ve covered are more than networking spaces—they’re active hubs for shared learning, honest advice, and practical solutions. They give the finance professional a place to ask tough questions, offer support, and sharpen their thinking alongside others who face similar challenges.
Now is the time to plug into these conversations. Share your voice. Learn something new. Help someone else grow. Choose one community and start showing up—you never know which connection or piece of advice will shape your next big step.
The table is set. Pull up a seat. Your next move starts with a conversation.
FAQs
What are the benefits of joining a finance community?
Finance communities offer access to a network of peers, industry experts, and mentors. They help you stay current with trends, regulations, and technologies shaping the financial world. These groups also offer knowledge sharing through webinars, newsletters, and workshops.
How do finance groups differ from general professional networks?
Finance groups focus specifically on the finance sector’s challenges, certifications, compliance updates, and innovations. Unlike general networks, they host targeted discussions and events relevant to financial analysis, investment, budgeting, and planning.
What are the top finance professional organizations I should consider?
Some of the most respected include the CFA Institute, AICPA, ACCA, and the Financial Management Association (FMA). These organizations offer certifications, global networking opportunities, and thought leadership.
Are finance memberships worth the investment?
Memberships often provide discounts on training, access to members-only job boards, free or discounted event entry, publications, and the ability to connect with finance peers worldwide.