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The future of financial processes led by the CFO

02 January 2025

John Schouten, Director Product Management | ISPnext

The role of the CFO is becoming increasingly important within digital transformation. Processing invoices digitally replaces manual processes with automated invoice processing, providing efficiency, cost savings and strategic financial insights. Find out how CFOs are using this technology to future-proof their financial processes and maintain control over cash flow, compliance and risk management.

What are financial processes?

Financial processes include all the activities required to manage an organisation's financial records. This ranges from invoice processing and accounts payable management to budgeting, reporting and audit trails. By designing these processes efficiently, an organisation can reduce costs, mitigate risks and make better strategic decisions.

Financial automation plays an increasing role in this. For CFOs, this not only means faster processing, but also the availability of reliable, real-time data for reporting and strategic management.

In addition, modern solutions make it possible to ensure compliance at process level. Think of automatic checks on VAT rules, payment terms and contract agreements. For organisations in regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance or public services, this is of great importance.

The CFO and the future of financial processes

The role of the CFO goes beyond financial reporting. The CFO's job is to develop a vision that integrates technological innovations into the organisation's day-to-day operations.

According to John Schouten, director of product management at ISPnext, the key to success lies in optimising crucial processes such as digital invoice processing. "With digital invoices and automation, CFOs can work more efficiently and leverage data for better decisions," says John.

The future demands data-driven leadership in which CFOs have continuous insight into spending patterns, liquidity risks and supplier agreements. Invoices should no longer cause delays or surprises in this regard. Deploying AP Automation software helps CFOs move faster, make better forecasts and spot discrepancies earlier.

A well-functioning accounts payable department contributes directly to this. When payment processes slow down or go wrong, penalties, supplier problems or cash flow shortages can occur. It is therefore crucial to digitise and automate these processes.

What is financial automation?

Financial automation refers to the use of technologies such as AP Automation software to eliminate manual, error-prone processes. This means organisations can process invoices automatically, manage payments efficiently and get real-time insights into their liabilities and financial position.

By automating financial processes, organisations can:
  • Save time on tasks such as invoice entry and approval.
  • Reduce errors through automatic recognition and validation.
  • Structure compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Optimise cash flow management through real-time dashboards.
  • Measure strategic KPIs faster and more reliably.
For CFOs, this means a shift from operational responsibility to strategic direction of the financial supply chain.
John Schouten ISPnext
"With digital invoices and automation, CFOs can work more efficiently and leverage data for better decisions."

- John Schouten, Director Product Management | ISPnext

Benefits of AP Automation for CFOs

  1. Efficiency and time savings
    Automatic invoice processing eliminates time-consuming, manual tasks such as data entry and matching orders to invoices. This means not only significant time savings, but also improved accuracy.
    "With a smart automation solution, organisations can save up to 80% time on their accounts payable processes," says John. This creates space for finance teams to focus on analysis, forecasting and strategic reporting.

  2. Cost savings
    Reducing errors and improving efficiency leads directly to lower costs. Digital invoice processing ensures that invoices are processed faster, which in turn can result in early payment discounts.
    In addition, the number of erroneous payments and double entries drops dramatically. For CFOs, this means concrete savings as well as a more reliable financial overview.

  3. Real-time insight into financial data
    With automated invoice processing, CFOs have instant access to real-time data on expenses, outstanding liabilities and payment statuses. This supports proactive cash flow management, helps with budget monitoring and improves forecasting.
    Modern AP Automation solutions provide visual dashboards and reporting functionality that enhance strategic decision-making.

  4. Better compliance with laws and regulations
    Thanks to central storage and automatic checks, compliance with both internal and external regulations is made easier. This is especially important in sectors where compliance is a major challenge.
    Audit trails, version control and automatic approval routes ensure that every step in the process is traceable. For the CFO, this means less risk and easier control.

Optimisation of financial processes

Financial process optimisation is all about improving efficiency, accuracy and strategic value within the finance department.

This can be achieved by:
  • Automation of recurring tasks such as invoice processing and accounts payable management.
  • Use of smart software solutions that support data analysis and reporting.
  • Integration with ERP systems such as Infor, SAP or Exact.
These optimisations allow CFOs and finance teams to work faster, smarter and with less risk.

Moreover, this ensures uniformity in working methods, which is essential in international operations or mergers. Standardisation prevents miscommunication and speeds up implementations of policy changes.

How AP Automation supports the CFO's strategy

Implementing Accounts Payable Automation software goes beyond operational gains. By eliminating repetitive tasks, CFOs gain room for strategic leadership. Data analysis, process optimisation and risk assessment take centre stage.

"By using AP Automation, the CFO creates a foundation for strategic decisions," says John. "It is not only a tool to work more efficiently, but also a way to improve the financial health of an organisation."

CFOs who allow financial processes to grow with their strategic vision build agile organisations that can anticipate market changes.

Wondering how Creamy Creation optimises their invoice processing with AP Automation and Infor M3? Read the customer case and discover their approach.
Paul de Kleijne - Creamy Creation
'“The software does what it is supposed to do, we are 'in control” and it works very user-friendly.''

- Paul de Kleijne, Senior Finance Specialist | Creamy Creation

Added value for the entire organisation

Automating accounts payable processes has benefits beyond the finance department. By combining insight into expenses and payment patterns with AP Automation software, departments such as procurement, contract management and compliance also benefit.

"An automated process ensures that all departments involved have access to the same data. This leads to greater collaboration and consistency in decision-making," John adds.

This integrated approach ensures that data no longer remains stuck in silos, but becomes part of a streamlined information flow.

The future of financial transformation

In a world where speed and accuracy are essential, AP Automation software offers CFOs a tangible competitive advantage.

By investing in technologies that streamline invoice processing, unify processes and unlock real-time data, CFOs can make their organisation resilient and scalable.

John concludes, "Moving to digital invoices and AP Automation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for any CFO looking to capitalise on the future of financial transformation."

Wondering how AP Automation can transform your organisation? Request a no-obligation demo!

AP Automation in 5 steps

Download the white paper AP Automation in 5 Steps and get valuable insights to cut costs, reduce errors and optimise your processes.

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John Schouten ISPnext

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