Hey there, CFOs! 💼

This issue is packed with the intel every forward-thinking finance leader craves. We’re talking AI investments hanging by a thread, treasury teams stepping into a real-time payments revolution, and the daring move to recruit accounting talent from outside the usual mold.

If you want to be in the know—and ahead of the game—on the trends transforming your role and industry, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive deep!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• AI’s High-Stakes ROI Ultimatum for CFOs 💼

• What’s on Your Treasurer’s Mind for 2025? 💭

• Rethinking Accounting Talent: Xactly’s CFO Breaks the Mold 🔍

AI’s High-Stakes ROI Ultimatum for CFOs 💼 read the full 1,165-word article here

Article published: November 13, 2024

The CFO's article, “Half of CFOs will axe AI investment if it doesn’t show ROI next year,” makes one thing clear: CFOs are done waiting for AI to prove itself.

Half of finance leaders plan to cut AI funding if it doesn’t deliver measurable results within a year. Despite this, a hefty 78% are ready to increase spending—but uncertainty about implementation strategy is their Achilles’ heel.

Basware’s AI to ROI report shows that clear, targeted applications like accounts payable automation are delivering a stellar 136% ROI. Yet, 40% of CFOs say lack of change management is sabotaging their AI efforts.

Billerud, a global packaging giant, proves that focused AI can make a difference. By automating invoice processing, they slashed validation times and saw a rapid boost in cost savings and efficiency (16:50).

Key Takeaways:

• ⚖️ ROI Deadline Looms: Half of CFOs will cut AI investments next year if returns aren’t crystal clear—no more blank checks.

• 🔄 Automation's Promise: 70% want AI to eliminate manual tasks, redirecting staff to strategic, high-impact work.

• 🚧 Strategic Clarity Required: Lacking change management and direction slows AI adoption, costing valuable time and money.

• 💰 Proven Payoff: Billerud’s AI transformation shows targeted moves can yield quick, tangible cost savings in finance ops.

What’s on Your Treasurer’s Mind for 2025? 💭 read the full 779-word article here

Article published: November 7, 2024

The CFO Brew article “Here’s what’ll be on your treasurer’s mind in 2025” reveals a whirlwind year ahead for treasury teams, with real-time payments (RTP) taking center stage.

Chris Ward of Truist, speaking at the 2024 Association for Financial Professionals Conference, highlighted how real-time payments aren’t just a convenience—they’re transforming expectations for speed, transparency, and simplicity.

Forget waiting weeks for checks—Ward cites instant payouts as the new norm, reshaping customer relationships (01:40).

However, with increased speed comes a pressing need for robust risk and fraud mitigation strategies.

Looking ahead, treasury functions must adapt. 2025 will see ERP upgrades, API-driven bank integrations, and seamless, digital-first payment processing dominating agendas.

Key Takeaways:

• ⏱️ Real-Time Payments Revolution: Rapid adoption reshapes transactions, boosting speed, transparency, and customer experiences—think payouts in seconds, not weeks.

• 🔐 Fraud Still Looms: Speed doesn’t lessen risk. Treasurers must prioritize advanced fraud mitigation tools to keep real-time payments secure.

• 🔄 ERP Upgrades Ahead: As ERPs modernize, tight bank integration through APIs will drive seamless, digital treasury operations.

• 🚀 Treasury Transformation: 2025 is about digitization, integrated payments, and making treasury functions leaner, faster, and more connected.

Rethinking Accounting Talent: Xactly’s CFO Breaks the Mold 🔍 read the full 1,203-word article here

Article published: November 12, 2024

The CFO Dive article “Xactly CFO looks to non-finance talent to fill accounting gaps” reveals a bold new tactic in tackling the chronic shortage of finance talent: looking outside traditional pipelines.

Xactly CFO Jason Godley isn’t waiting for the talent drought to end. Instead, he’s transforming customer success and sales professionals into finance experts, proving that accounting isn’t just for CPAs.

At Xactly, one employee’s pivot from sales to finance is part of a broader effort to cultivate well-rounded team members who “speak the language of business” (08:15).

Godley’s secret sauce? Strong leadership, hands-on training, and a company culture that encourages growth.

The result? Agility in the finance function, where fresh perspectives make finance more strategic, not just operational.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎓 Train, Don’t Wait: Non-finance hires, with proper training, can thrive in accounting roles—opening up a much-needed talent pipeline.

• 🧠 Finance as a Language: Business acumen trumps traditional backgrounds; mastering finance fluency drives strategic contributions.

• 🌟 Retention Through Growth: Xactly’s rotational programs and culture ensure employees see finance as a path for long-term growth.

• 🚀 Strategic Focus First: Godley emphasizes that accounting is a tool for making strategic moves—not just for “closing the books.”

Why It Matters

The finance world is evolving fast, and those who adapt will thrive.

CFOs have a year to prove AI’s worth or pull the plug, treasurers must master instant payments without compromising security, and rethinking talent pools could be the edge your business needs.

Success isn’t just about riding the wave—it’s about steering it. Stay bold, stay strategic, and let’s shape the future together! Until next time!

Vanessa Carter
Editor-in-Chief
CFO Executive Insights