We recently hosted an insightful webinar discussing the unique challenges and opportunities for CFOs in private equity-backed (PE-backed) companies. If you missed it, here are some of the highlights that will give you a taste of the valuable information shared by our expert speakers. Watch it on-demand here.

Speed and Agility in Value Creation

Chad Hensley, a CFO with extensive experience in high-growth SaaS companies, emphasized the importance of speed in value creation for PE-backed businesses. He noted that the first 100 to 180 days post-investment are critical for setting the stage for success. During this period, CFOs must be agile and ready to implement significant transformations quickly. Chad shared that tools like Tesorio have been instrumental in enabling rapid adaptation and achieving swift time-to-value in various businesses.

Embracing Technology and Asking for Help

The fast pace of technological advancements can be both exciting and overwhelming for finance leaders. Chad advised CFOs to leverage the wealth of knowledge and resources available through their private equity sponsors. By raising their hand and seeking help, CFOs can access valuable transformation documents and tech stack recommendations, leading to faster problem-solving and more efficient operations.

Transformational Impact of Tesorio

Chad shared his firsthand experience with Tesorio’s Finance Operations Platform, particularly its AR automation solution. He highlighted how the tool helped streamline accounts receivable processes, allowing his team to focus on high-priority tasks. By implementing Tesorio, Chad's company reduced the noise of numerous billing issues and identified the core customers needing attention. This led to more effective collection strategies and improved overall efficiency.

The Role of AI in Finance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in finance, though it is still evolving. Chad pointed out that AI can handle repetitive tasks and improve data hygiene, freeing up finance professionals to focus on more strategic activities. He sees AI as a crucial enabler in the future, helping to manage the growing complexity and volume of financial data.

Optimizing Workflows with New Technologies

New technologies are ripe for automating various finance workflows, leading to significant efficiency gains. Chad mentioned the potential of AI to streamline the order-to-cash conversion cycle, reducing errors and manual labor. By automating data extraction and invoice generation, companies can achieve more accurate and timely financial operations.

Addressing the Talent Gap in Finance

The webinar also touched on the talent shortage in the finance sector, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement. Chad stressed the need for continuous learning and adapting to new technologies to bridge this gap. By leveraging tools like Tesorio and embracing AI, finance teams can manage their workloads more effectively and mitigate the impact of talent shortages.

To gain deeper insights and hear more from our expert speakers, watch the full webinar now! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to navigate the complexities of being a CFO in a PE-backed company and drive success through innovation and technology.