Missed out on the excitement at SuiteWorld 2024? No worries, we’ve got the key insights for you! 

Our team packed up and headed to Las Vegas, where we dove into game-changing discussions on the future of finance and the rising importance of financial operations. With evolving expectations for CFOs and new trends in automation, here are the top takeaways from our session, Powering Connected Finance Operations with AI: A CFO’s Blueprint for Predictable Growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Real-Time Data is Key for Accurate Forecasting
Finance teams can no longer rely on outdated, static data. As Justin Smith, CFO of FinQuery, a Tesorio customer explained, “You need to know how much each opportunity is worth, what stage it’s at, and how that feeds into cash flow forecasting.” Integrating real-time data from your ERP, Salesforce, and other primary data sources is critical for accurate and actionable insights.

2. The Shift from Growth-at-All-Costs to ROI-Driven Growth
The focus has shifted from aggressive growth to maximizing efficiency and ROI. “We’ve held off on hiring because automation tools allow us to scale without adding headcount,” Justin noted. This shift encourages finance teams to automate routine tasks and focus on strategic initiatives that drive long-term value.

3. Data Transformation is Critical for AI Success
As Carlos Vega, CEO of Tesorio, put it, “Data for data’s sake is useless—it’s how you transform it that matters.” Before AI can be effective, finance teams need structured, clean data. It’s not just about adopting AI but about preparing your data for smarter insights.

4. CFOs Are Shifting from Reporting to Strategy
Today’s CFOs aren’t just number crunchers—they’re strategic leaders. “CFOs are now boardroom strategists, playing a central role in long-term planning and capital allocation,” Justin shared. This new role requires finance leaders to have visibility across the entire organization, making automation and real-time insights essential.

SuiteWorld 2024 provided a valuable opportunity to connect with finance professionals, and industry leaders and explore how automation and data are reshaping the future of finance. Connected Finance Operations is about moving beyond spreadsheets, embracing automation, and empowering finance teams with real-time data to drive strategic, informed decisions for predictable growth. As Justin put it, “You can’t cut your way to growth—it’s about making smart investments that scale with the business.”