As Finance and Accounting teams embrace new platforms and gain more access to data insights from across the organization, the role of Financial Operations is becoming increasingly vital. Financial Operations professionals are emerging as key players in managing the complex processes that connect financial data, systems, and workflows. With more software solutions and data at their disposal than ever before, they ensure that organizations' financial operations are efficient, transparent, and well-integrated across multiple platforms.

What is Financial Operations?

Unlike a traditional Controller who focuses on accounting, payroll, tax, and compliance, Financial Operations sits at the intersection of finance, systems, and operations. Typically, those in these roles come from a finance or accounting background and have experience in areas such as financial reporting, auditing, or controllership. Many hold CPAs, are skilled in operations, and are handy with systems. Overall, they have a deep understanding of both financial principles and the systems needed to support operational efficiency.

This hybrid of financial expertise and operational know-how sets Financial Operations apart from traditional finance roles. The professionals in these positions are responsible for managing how deals are structured, revenue is recognized, and payments are processed. They don’t just focus on debits and credits but also ensure the financial systems work cohesively across various departments and platforms.

Streamlining Financial Systems

At the heart of Financial Operations is the need to streamline processes across multiple financial systems. As companies adopt more complex software tools—such as CRM systems, ERP platforms, and financial automation tools—Financial Operations professionals are tasked with ensuring seamless integration between these systems. This is where platforms like Tesorio’s Connected Finance Operations become incredibly valuable, as they unify financial data and workflows, helping teams gain real-time visibility into financial performance, cash flow, and revenue trends.

For example, a common responsibility for Financial Operations teams is managing the end-to-end process for how deals are booked, how they are processed through systems like Salesforce and NetSuite, and how they ultimately contribute to the company’s financial reporting. 

Their focus is on ensuring that data flows smoothly across systems, enabling better decision-making and more accurate financial reporting. This includes everything from structuring deals and managing collections to automating processes like commissions and payments.

The Role of AI and Automation in Financial Operations

With financial systems becoming increasingly complex, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming critical to helping Financial Operations teams manage workflows efficiently. Automating routine tasks such as invoicing, payment processing, and collections allows these professionals to focus on more strategic aspects of their roles. 

For example, automated accounts receivable systems can send reminders to customers and escalate overdue payments, reducing the time spent manually following up on outstanding invoices. AI can also help with Cash App,  monitor AP portals for payment and predict which customers are likely to delay payments, allowing the Financial Operations team to proactively manage potential cash flow issues.

Beyond tactical tasks, AI is also helping Financial Operations professionals analyze vast amounts of financial data. This enables them to identify trends, spot inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize financial processes. 

Collaboration Across Departments

Financial Operations doesn’t operate in isolation—it requires close collaboration with other departments, especially sales, customer success, and accounting. For instance, these professionals often work closely with sales teams to ensure that deals are structured in a way that aligns with financial policies and revenue recognition standards. This is particularly important in companies with subscription-based business models, where deal structure can have a significant impact on revenue recognition.

Additionally, Financial Operations teams frequently collaborate with customer success teams to manage renewals and upsell opportunities. As businesses increasingly focus on expanding existing customer relationships, the role of Financial Operations becomes more critical in managing collections and ensuring payment terms align with customer retention strategies. This ability to collaborate across departments ensures that the company’s financial health remains intact while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Preparing for the Future

The growing importance of Financial Operations cannot be overstated. As businesses continue to generate more data and adopt more software solutions, the demand for professionals who can integrate these systems and optimize financial workflows will only increase. Platforms like Tesorio’s Connected Finance Operations will be crucial for teams tasked with unifying data and managing increasingly complex financial processes.

Financial Operations is set to become an essential function for companies looking to scale their operations and remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven world. By streamlining financial workflows, automating processes, and leveraging AI, Financial Operations professionals can help their organizations become more agile and better prepared for the future. 

For organizations looking to thrive in the evolving financial landscape, investing in both Financial Operations talen and the right techology is key. This emergine role is not just about keeping the books - it's about running the business, connecting systems, and driving efficiency across the entire financial ecosystem.  

Ready to transform your financial operations? 

Learn more about how Tesorio can help you streamline processes and drive efficiency. Check out our self guided product tour to see our platform in action or take a step further and schedule your personalized demo.