In this series of bi-monthly blogs, Western Computer shares our expertise with tips and tricks to help users work more efficiently in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud. Based on our more than 30 years in business—with 1,250+ solution implementations, including more than 350 in the cloud—we share the expertise we have accumulated to enable users to work as proficiently as possible. You can also subscribe to these blogs in our LinkedIn newsletter. 
The Game-Changing Power BI Finance App
For those using the online version of Business Central, the Power BI Finance App introduced in version 25.1 is a standout addition. This app brings 14 pre-configured reports, enabling finance teams to dive deep into data and extract actionable insights effortlessly.
With the Finance App, you can explore a comprehensive snapshot of your organization’s financial health. The intuitive dashboards display key performance indicators (KPIs) for revenue, profitability, and financial stability, giving stakeholders clear visibility into organizational performance. Monthly analysis of income statement and balance sheet accounts is now easier than ever, with reports like Income Statement by Month and Balance Sheet by Month providing comparative views of changes over time.
The app goes further by enabling the comparison of G/L budgets to actuals, helping you identify variances with precision. Liquidity analysis is enhanced, allowing you to track current, quick, and cash ratios over time. Profitability metrics, including gross and net profits, are more accessible, with detailed insights into margins and the underlying figures driving them.
The Finance App also supports advanced analysis of liabilities, breaking down debt ratio and debt-to-equity ratio metrics. EBITDA and EBIT profitability metrics are contextualized with operating revenue and expenses, while accounts receivable metrics offer insights into collection trends and efficiency. Customer and vendor balances can now be categorized into aging buckets, providing granular insights into payment terms and trends.
Moreover, detailed ledger analytics for both customer and vendor sub-ledgers ensure transparency and accuracy, while slicing G/L entries using shortcut dimensions helps you customize reports to your unique needs.
Enhanced Financial Reporting Features
In addition to the Finance App, the Financial Reporting feature in Business Central has been significantly enhanced. The user interface has been refreshed for a more intuitive experience, while new capabilities like importing and exporting column definitions simplify report sharing and collaboration. To help users get started quickly, the release includes new templates for row definitions (5), column definitions (12), and report definitions (5).
For organizations managing consolidations, a new Excel report simplifies the process of bringing together financial data across entities. Fixed Assets reporting also sees meaningful upgrades with an ad-hoc analysis query for Fixed Asset Ledger Entries and three new Excel reports to provide detailed insights into asset management.
Why This Update Matters
The tools and features introduced in 2024 Release Wave 2 are tailored to help finance teams unlock their data's full potential. Whether it’s through the dynamic Power BI Finance App or enhanced reporting templates, Business Central is redefining how financial insights are delivered.
But innovation doesn’t stop here. Microsoft is inviting feedback to shape future updates. Users and consultants are encouraged to share scenarios and suggestions to further refine financial reporting and analytics capabilities.
Take advantage of these enhancements today, and let your voice be heard to influence the next wave of innovation in Business Central. The future of financial reporting is here, and it’s better than ever.
