Recap Certinia RKO FY27 San Diego

Partner Training Day

The week began with an intensive training day for the partner network, focused on Certinia services scoping, project risk management and prioritising client value. AI was also on the agenda. How do you scope AI projects and what does that mean for delivery? Exactly the kind of knowledge that translates directly into client conversations.

Product roadmap and the role of AI

Throughout the conference, we gained deep insight into where Certinia is heading. CEO DJ Paoni interviewed Certinia investor Brian Sheth about the strategic direction of the platform. Raju Malhotra (Chief Product & Technology Officer) and Matthew Byrne (Solution Architect AI) walked us through the AI roadmap. What stood out is that AI at Certinia is no longer a buzzword. It is becoming increasingly concrete. Think agents that automate tasks and smarter tools for quotes and project planning.

Matt Byrne, based in the UK, holds technical responsibility for the AI proposition. His perspective on the human side of digital transformation, on people and culture, closely mirrors how we approach implementations ourselves. Technology only delivers value when it works for the people using it.

 

FM Cloud broadly supported

Certinia’s flagship product is and remains PS Cloud. That was reaffirmed by the leading position Certinia holds as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for AI-Enabled PSA Applications 2025–2026. The strong focus on PSA had created the impression that FM Cloud was quietly moving to the background. Nothing could be further from the truth. In San Diego, it was confirmed that Certinia continues to invest in FM Cloud. That this is more than a passing commitment became clear during the partner session: FM Cloud continues to attract strong interest across the network of partners and clients. The majority of questions during that session centred on exactly this topic.

Key takeaways from San Diego

• Certinia is reinvesting structurally in Financial Management Cloud. The combination of PSA and FM Cloud is seen as the complete proposition for European clients.
• AI is becoming more concrete. Think agents that automate tasks and smarter tools for quotes and project planning. Not a finished product yet, but the exponential growth in use cases is clearly visible.
• The European market is firmly on the agenda. Support for local invoicing requirements, multi-currency processes and the ability to store and process data strictly within the EU.
• The partner network is maturing. What was once a compact community is now an international ecosystem with serious ambitions.
• The human side remains central. Matt Byrne, technically responsible for the AI proposition, emphasised that technology only delivers value when it works for the people using it.
• Certinia is introducing new frameworks designed to accelerate implementations and shorten time-to-value for clients. Less time from kick-off to go-live, more impact from day one.

Growth Partner of the Year International

The highlight of the week came as a surprise. We were named ‘Growth Partner of the Year International’. A recognition for our contribution to international growth, client impact and successful implementations. With a team of 15 people based in Groningen, this is something we are incredibly proud of.

Chris Boonstra, founder: ‘Every day we work to move our clients forward with Certinia. Having that commitment recognised on an international stage gives us even more energy for the future.’

 

Zoo Nights and networking

It was not all business. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance opened its doors exclusively for the Certinia event for one evening. Dinner, networking and a FrogQuest photo challenge with 60 assignments throughout the zoo. The perfect way to truly get to know colleagues and partners. The week closed with a Gala Night where partners and colleagues from across the network came together to celebrate the collective wins of the past year.

What we take home

We return with a clear picture of where Certinia is heading and how we can translate that into value for our clients. The renewed focus on FM Cloud, the AI developments and the investments in the European market all reinforce our approach. And the award confirms that approach is working.

This is not an endpoint. It is a starting point for a strong FY27. We are going to help more clients, make more impact and raise the bar even further.

Curious what we can do for your organisation? Get in touch.