Cube: FP&A Tool for Spreadsheet-Native KPI Tracking
Published on 2025/07/07 by Jasper Sutter
Introduction
For finance teams, spreadsheets are both indispensable and inadequate. They offer unmatched flexibility and familiarity but become chaotic and error-prone as businesses scale. Many companies try to graduate to enterprise FP&A platforms, only to find them rigid, expensive, and disruptive. Cube offers an alternative: modern FP&A software that integrates directly with Excel and Google Sheets, preserving the workflows finance teams know while adding much-needed automation and control. For SMBs and mid-market firms looking to level up their planning and reporting without abandoning spreadsheets, Cube makes a strong case for meeting you where you already work.
What is Cube?
Cube is a cloud-based financial planning and analysis (FP&A) platform designed for finance teams who live in spreadsheets but want more power, control, and collaboration. Rather than forcing teams to learn a new system, Cube layers on top of Excel and Google Sheets, automating data consolidation, streamlining reporting, and providing real-time visibility into KPIs. It also offers audit trails, role-based permissions, and smart collaboration features to reduce errors and improve accountability. With AI-enhanced anomaly detection and forecasting, Cube turns static spreadsheets into a more dynamic, reliable foundation for budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
Key Features
- Spreadsheet-Native Interface:
- Automated Data Consolidation (AI-Assisted):
- KPI Tracking & Reporting:
- Version Control & Audit Trails:
- Collaboration Tools:
Works directly with Excel and Google Sheets to minimize learning curve.
Uses AI to reconcile and consolidate budget, forecast, and actuals data faster.
Build real-time dashboards to track key financial and operational metrics.
Track changes, roll back, and maintain compliance across stakeholders.
Assign tasks, share models, and collaborate securely in one system.
What We Like
- Familiar interface lowers adoption barrier
- Fast implementation compared to full FP&A suites
- Responsive customer support
- Great for SMB and mid-market finance teams
What Could Improve
- Pricing may be steep for smaller businesses
- Less robust than enterprise FP&A or BI tools
- Still relies on spreadsheets’ inherent limitations
Who It’s For
Finance & FP&A Teams
Improve planning, budgeting, and forecasting while keeping spreadsheet-based workflows intact.
SMB & Mid-Market Companies
Gain modern FP&A capabilities without overhauling processes.
CFOs & Controllers
Get better visibility and control over financial KPIs without complex software.
Pricing Overview
To request a quote, visit their official pricing page.
- No free plan
- Paid plans reportedly start around $1,250/month based on customer feedback (as of July 2025)
How It Compares
Tool
|
Strengths
|
Weaknesses
|
Cube
|
Spreadsheet-native, fast deployment
|
Less robust than BI tools
|
Anaplan
|
Extremely feature-rich, scalable
|
High complexity, very costly
|
Workday Adaptive
|
Comprehensive FP&A functionality
|
High learning curve, enterprise-focused
|
Pigment
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Collaborative, KPI-focused planning
|
Steep learning curve, higher cost
|
Cube stands out for offering modern FP&A enhancements while letting finance teams continue using the spreadsheets they already rely on.
Final Verdict
Cube delivers on its promise to modernize financial planning while respecting the habits of the finance professionals who rely on spreadsheets every day. It adds automation, collaboration, and AI-driven insights without requiring teams to upend their workflows or learn a completely new system. For SMB and mid-market finance teams looking to upgrade without overcomplicating, Cube hits the sweet spot — though smaller businesses may find its pricing a stretch, and more advanced enterprise teams may eventually outgrow its capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- FP&A software designed for spreadsheet lovers
- Quick to deploy and intuitive to use
- Ideal for SMB and mid-market finance teams
- Helps track KPIs and automate consolidation
- Pricier than spreadsheets alone, but much easier than enterprise software
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