Finance leaders using NetSuite are entering a new phase of transformation.
The automation, analytics and AI features built into NetSuite are reshaping what modern finance teams can do. Yet as organizations gain access to more real-time data, they face a new challenge: having the right people to interpret it. The next essential skill for NetSuite finance teams is data literacy, the ability to read, understand and act on data-driven insights.
Why data literacy matters for finance
Finance teams already sit at the intersection of strategy, performance and compliance. As NetSuite automates more reporting and forecasting functions, leaders need professionals who can evaluate the quality of that data, interpret trends and translate insights into business action.
Data literacy means understanding what data is telling you and what it is not. In NetSuite, that can include reading dashboards built through SuiteAnalytics, validating real-time financial metrics, or identifying anomalies in revenue or expense reports. Without data-literate talent, teams risk misinterpreting trends or over-relying on automation outputs.
For CFOs, the key question has become clear: Do your teams know how to think critically about data? Because automation can calculate, but only people can contextualize.
The technology keeps evolving, but insight still depends on people. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who combine finance expertise with data literacy, helping organizations translate analytics into smarter business decisions.
How data-literate finance teams use NetSuite
Data literacy in NetSuite finance teams goes beyond understanding reports. It empowers teams to:
- Validate automated results before presenting them to leadership
- Identify the root cause of performance changes in real time
- Design dashboards that reflect business goals rather than generic KPIs
- Collaborate with IT and analytics teams to improve data models and integrations
- Communicate findings clearly to executives and stakeholders
For example, a data-literate finance manager can use NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW) to analyze customer profitability across multiple subsidiaries, spotting trends that drive strategic pricing or market expansion.
When teams can interpret patterns rather than simply view them, finance becomes a true driver of business intelligence.
The skills gap shaping hiring decisions
Organizations are now competing for finance professionals who understand both accounting principles and data analysis. According to the Anderson Frank Careers and Hiring Guide (2026), demand for NetSuite talent with analytics experience has risen by 27% over the past year, underscoring the essential nature of these capabilities.
In many cases, employers are prioritizing candidates who can use SuiteAnalytics, NSAW, or business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau. These skills help finance teams measure performance, forecast accurately and connect financial outcomes to operational metrics.
For business leaders, the takeaway is simple. Hiring data-literate finance talent is no longer a nice-to-have; it is essential for staying competitive in a market where decisions move faster than ever.
Finance transformation starts with capability. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who understand how to turn raw data into actionable insight, ensuring your systems deliver measurable results.
Building data literacy within existing teams
For organizations that want to strengthen data literacy internally, there are practical steps to take:
- Invest in targeted training: Offer courses that help finance staff understand analytics fundamentals, visualization, and data quality management.
- Encourage cross-functional learning: Pair finance professionals with analytics or operations teams to build data awareness.
- Promote a culture of questioning: Encourage employees to challenge reports, verify data accuracy, and explore the story behind the numbers.
- Use certification pathways: Support continuous learning through NetSuite training and business intelligence certifications.
These steps help finance professionals become active participants in automation rather than passive recipients of reports.
The future of finance depends on people
As AI and analytics become core to NetSuite’s finance functions, the best-performing organizations will be those that combine automation with human insight. Data-literate professionals will bridge the gap between raw numbers and strategic outcomes, ensuring systems deliver both speed and understanding.
