Three Techniques Data-Savvy CFOs Use To Meet Timing Demands

Three Techniques Data-Savvy CFOs Use To Meet Timing Demands

Resources

by | Jul 24, 2018 | Resources

Three Techniques Data-Savvy CFOs Use To Meet Timing Demands

By Paul Johnson
CPA, CGMA, MBA

It’s no secret that demands from financial services for more data in a shorter time frame are increasing rapidly. As consumer expectations and preferences change as quickly as the tides, business is expected to keep pace with that fluctuating demand.

According to an Aberdeen study, 64% of business managers noticed their decision-making time shrink. Aberdeen also found in a separate study, that 28% of business managers found they needed decision-making data within one hour of a business event, and another 42% needed data within a day.

In light of those statistics, it’s clear that now more than ever, that if financial services CFOs are to keep up, they need faster, and more in-depth, yet accurate methods for data retrieval and analysis. With Sage Intacct, they can do it in three innovative ways.

a group of coworkers working on workplace timing demands

1. Faster book closings for real-time reporting

When books close faster, monthly and quarterly financials more quickly provide answers for faster decision-making.

2. Aggregate data from disconnected systems to boost analysis

CFOs that have the most answers will pull data from outside of their financials. They examine operational data for a more comprehensive analysis of company performance, and they do that through the cloud.

With the cloud, CFOs can see a more panoramic, yet in-depth view of performance. The cloud can join financial systems with the other key solutions a company uses, from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

  • This method reduces data entry and improves accuracy, without breaking a connection with data, as spreadsheets do.
  • Templates can be used to repeat the analysis without repeating setup, or having to reconcile data throughout the company’s various solutions.

a young man working on timing demands

3. Use dashboard reporting to speed decision-making

Customizable dashboards mean CFOs can set their unique KPIs to display in real-time, all at once, from one screen. The data that drives your decisions is available 24/7/365 with financial and non-financial data, for strong growth strategy, and more comprehensive, accurate answers.

Strong cloud-based financial management solutions, like Sage Intacct, help uplift data driven CFOs to do more in less time with everything they need to get up and running with their financials to meet demand.

We want to help you stay on top of your data to get the answers you need when you need them. Give us a call – we are here to help!

Growth Strategy: Ideal SaaS Metrics for Every Stage

Growth Strategy: Ideal SaaS Metrics for Every Stage

Accounting 101

by | Jul 10, 2018 | Accounting 101

Growth Strategy: Ideal SaaS Metrics for Every Stage

By Paul Johnson
CPA, CGMA, MBA

If your company deals primarily in contracts and subscriptions, listen up. This is important. You probably know that paying close attention to your SaaS metrics is absolutely critical to running your business effectively, but are you looking at the right SaaS metrics? Let’s find out…

a business man working on a tablet going over SaaS metrics

For every growing contract and subscription-based business, the key metrics are Churn, Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Committed Monthly Recurring Revenue (CMRR), and Annual or Monthly Recurring Revenue (ARR or MRR).

SaaS businesses use these key metrics to identify trends, measure against benchmarks, develop strong growth strategy, and make the decisions that help define company success.

However, the importance of these metrics and their roles in company growth and product development will change and fluctuate at every stage of SaaS company growth.

SUPER EARLY STAGE TO EARLY STAGE:

These businesses are focused on defining their product-to-market fit. The metrics they need typically aid in gaining traction as the company advances into Stage A.

This means their most important metrics are typically Monthly Recurring Revenue and Annual Recurring Revenue, and Customer Acquisition Costs, and the Sales and Marketing costs associated with closing deals. They are busy setting the initial benchmarks that will help to define success in the months and years to come.

a man working at a laptop

EARLY STAGE TO GROWTH STAGE:

During Series C, D and up, but not quite at the IPO stage just yet, companies focus keenly on efficiency to stay lean.

Companies here examine Gross Margin numbers. They want to know Customer Lifetime Values of revenue to the business, measured up to what it cost to acquire those customers. How much Churn is the company facing, and who is renewing, which can be tracked in Annual Recurring Revenue.

GROWTH STAGE TO PUBLIC:

At the IPO stage and forward, companies value visibility into revenues versus expenses.

These companies need to measure deferred revenues and earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as well as a current, and continually updated window into company expenses and year over year customer growth numbers.

For growing SaaS businesses, working with a scalable cloud-based financial management solution like Sage Intacct allows for an always-current, customizable snapshot into key SaaS metrics, even as they change with every growth stage.

With Sage Intacct, your SaaS metrics extend beyond GAAP to include operational metrics for the bigger picture, all available on board reporting. Your key decision-makers and stakeholders can see critical data whenever it’s needed, so your business is always transparent, and your growth strategies strong.

Give us a ring – we can help make your financial management easier when it comes to growth.