Nothing is more valuable to an organization than the people who run things day in and day out. But people also are the most complex and expensive asset an organization will invest in, so it's essential that finance and human resources (HR) collaborate on workforce strategy and planning.

This alignment is even more important now that more companies are using advanced analytics. Without solid alignment, companies won't fully benefit from their investment in analytics tools, and predictive and prescriptive modeling won't be as effective.

What can finance leaders do to improve alignment with HR? An Oracle study of 1,510 HR and finance executives found two problems to be widespread: skills gaps, and misaligned perceptions and priorities. Improvement in these areas will help clear the way for better collaboration between finance and HR