Blue Onion

?? Exciting news! The video recording of our expert panel event in LA from this past August is now ready for you to watch on demand! ??????? Featuring our CEO & Co-Founder Lyndsey Bunting and industry experts L'AGENCE's Lee Lachmund + RKE LLP's Charmaine Barney, check out the insights they shared on some of the top ecommerce financial operation challenges! The conversation highlighted the importance of investing in technology to streamline financial processes with our panelists sharing real-world examples of how solutions like Blue Onion transformed their operations, drastically reducing the manual workload associated with order-to-cash reconciliation. ?? Check it out now! ?? https://lnkd.in/g5fSEHhn

Future CFOs need both financial acumen and strong leadership skills to drive strategy and long-term growth. ?? According to a recent survey by the PICPA adaptability is key for CPAs eyeing the CFO role. ????? Emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic thinking are also must-haves for aspiring CFOs. While CPAs transitioning to CFOs must embrace a strategic mindset shift towards future-focused growth and forward-thinking leadership. ?? Are you ready to lead the finance team of the future? Read more below ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02QF2lw0 #CFO #Leadership #FinanceTransformation

Exciting news from Amazon ahead of their Prime Big Deal Days on October 8 & 9! ??? Amazon is enhancing its ecommerce operations for sellers and shoppers with new updates to its Buy with Prime with Prime and Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment services. Shoppers can now pay via PayPal with Buy with Prime, and soon Prime members can link their PayPal account for fast, free shipping. ???? Sellers are also now able to display estimated delivery dates on Google Shopping ads, Google search results, and TikTok ads, improving the shopping experience. ? https://hubs.ly/Q02QRmpX0 #Amazon #ecommerce #BuywithPrime

We love podcasts here at Blue Onion, and with summer wrapping up and fall among us, we thought we'd share some of the episodes we found most intriguing from The Accounting Podcast, The Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast, and Oh My Fraud that aired this past spring and summer! ??? Take a listen ?? and let us know your thoughts on some of these riveting topics! ?? The Accounting Podcast ?? Episode 384: https://hubs.ly/Q02QmfkZ0 ?? Episode 385: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ql_k_0 ?? Episode 386: https://hubs.ly/Q02Qmm5T0 ?? The Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast ?? Episode 39: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ql_fk0 ?? Episode 40: https://hubs.ly/Q02QmjJl0 ?? Oh My Fraud ?? Episode 61: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ql_Rz0 ?? Episode 64: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ql-YD0

Many companies are still just scratching the surface when it comes to implementing machine learning and generative AI into their business practices. One of those companies working on making the most of this growing tech is Walmart. ?? Leveraging AI to enhance customer experience, boost sales, and streamline operations, Walmart's pioneering approach showcases the power of AI in retail, paving the way for ultra-personalized shopping experiences. ???? Recently, the giant retailer reported 4.8% revenue growth, bolstered by 21% growth in its ecommerce function. Walmart executives credited the ecommerce growth to several factors, including improvements in deliveries, but generative AI's impact clearly stood out. By helping with populating and cleaning up their catalog, they were able to "create or improve over 850 million pieces of data" by using "multiple large language models" (LLMs) - something that would have taken "nearly 100 times the current headcount to compete in the same amount of time." The revised catalog made it easier to match products to customers' "intent" when shopping coupled with data from AI-enhanced search capabilities. ???? To explore more on how other retailers are automating their ecommerce function and propelling growth, check out our latest case studies ↙? https://hubs.ly/Q02QF2ld0 For more on Walmart ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02QF1W40 #AI #Innovation #RetailTransformation

Insights from a recent Dice report highlighted a generational gap in workplace generative AI adoption! ?? Tech pros aged 18-34 are embracing generative AI, with 2 in 5 using it weekly. But for those 55+, the tech isn't on their radar. ?? At Blue Onion, we're helping accounting and finance teams - from young accountants eager to learn to advanced controllers to high-level CFOs - get their best work done accurately and efficiently with our advanced machine learning algorithms. Learn more about the benefits of working with machine learning and AI for automating financial processes by reaching out to us! ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02PWT4j0 #AI #GenerativeAI #MachineLearning

?? Get to know the ecommerce beauty trends that have been taking over 2024! ?? The beauty industry is undergoing a tech-savvy transformation, embracing sustainability, personalization, and inclusivity to meet evolving consumer demands. From AR try-ons to subscription boxes, here's what's shaping beauty ecommerce this year: ?? Sustainability & Clean Beauty: ?? Brands embracing eco-friendly practices ?? Clean beauty gaining momentum ?? Augmented Reality & Virtual Try-Ons: ?? Try makeup virtually from home ?? Enhancing the online shopping experience ?? Personalization with AI: ?? Tailored recommendations ?? Bespoke shopping experiences ?? Subscription Beauty Boxes: ?? Curated boxes for discovery ?? Driving convenience and personalization ?? Social Commerce & Influencers: ?? Shopping on social media platforms ???? Influencers driving sales ?? Rise of Indie Brands: ?? Innovative products from independent brands ?? Flexibility to experiment ?? Inclusivity in Beauty: ?? Diverse range of products ?? Catering to all skin tones ?? Wellness & Beauty Convergence: ??♀? Enhancing well-being ?? Beauty supplements and holistic skincare Join the beauty revolution in 2024! ??? Check out the full scope of the revolution via Retailboss ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02Mk9Y20 #BeautyTrends #Ecommerce #Innovation

TGIF - Friday is in the building! ?? Shed the layers of your “taxing” month with a (not at all forced) laugh. It’s time for our “a-peel-ing” Blue Onion accounting joke of the month: Q: What did the apple say to the tax auditor during the autumn harvest season? A: I'm not trying to avoid taxes, I'm just trying to stay off the cider of the IRS. ????

During this year’s upcoming holiday season, 53% of online sales are forecasted to occur on mobile devices, according to a new Adobe Analytics report. ?? Adobe projects that mobile shopping will “consistently eclipse” desktop going into 2025. Between January and July, consumer spending via mobile devices rose 10.2% year-over-year to $280.4 billion. ???? During those seven months, mobile sales comprised nearly half (47.7%) of all online sales, up from 46.6% the previous year. While mobile personal care purchases made up 77% of all online retail sales, mobile groceries, and apparel sales comprised 68.2% and 60.8%, respectively, of all online retail sales. ??? The rise in mobile shopping can particularly be seen during the holidays. In 2021, 43% of online sales were on mobile, and by last year, mobile overtook desktop for the first time with 51% of online sales, per the report. ???? In the continuous search for deals, Adobe found that consumers are taking advantage of Summer sales on their mobile devices. During events like Prime Day, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day, mobile sales comprised 51% of the average online retail sales, according to Adobe's report. ?? Read more below ?? ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02MqdH90

?? Exciting Insights for CFOs ?? In today’s market, accessing capital is tougher than ever. Investors now demand a higher level of data and scrutiny, reshaping the fundraising landscape. ?? So, how can CFOs secure funding and drive growth in this uncertain time? Here are six actionable steps from the recent F-Suite Leadership Summit: 1. Single version of the truth: Align your finance team on consistent numbers for internal alignment and external communication, crucial for fundraising success. 2. Integrated systems: CFOs and CROs need to align on numbers to simplify reporting and strengthen the strategic narrative for investors. 3. Articulating financial strategy: Prioritize sustainable growth and financial health to stand out in the eyes of investors. Be ready to seize opportunities when the floodgates open! 4. Preparing for M&A: Ensure your company is ready for potential mergers and acquisitions to capitalize on opportunities when they arise. 5. From scorekeepers to game changers: Transition from passive observers to active participants in strategic decision-making, driving the business forward with data insights. 6. Engaging the board: Transform data into actionable intelligence to propel the company forward, engaging boards with compelling data-driven discussions. ?? The future for CFOs lies in excelling in both operational and strategic roles, focusing on unit economics while driving value and growth. Are you ready to embrace the evolving landscape? ?? https://hubs.ly/Q02MkcQF0 #CFO #FinanceLeaders #BusinessStrategy