This book throws light on one of an emerging feature of the modern Finance Function which has previously received little attention in academic and research circles - the development of Finance Business Partnering as the model for cross-functional communication and decision support. It covers the topic from two complementary angles - the experience of the author and his colleagues in developing learning programmes of world class companies and focused research into their practices.The book is highly readable because, after three early chapters to set the scene, the focus is on engaging case studies which describe what some of these leading companies are actually doing, the challenges they face and the lessons learned. The concluding chapter then puts forward some provisional conclusions which should contribute to a healthy ongoing debate about the best ways to define, identify and develop the right set of skills for the Finance Business Partners of the future.