Finance
Tim Maynard, Azzurri CFO
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As Finance leaders we're faced with increasing working capital pressure compounded by shifting economies, markets, regulations and performance. We need to balance our roles between a range of internal and external responsibilities and like other leaders our involvement in the organisation as a whole is getting broader and more active.
Internally we keep cash flowing and make sure supply chains are financed, and we must constantly assess new sources of funding while focussing on forecasting, risk and ROI. Cost pressure never goes away and we need to keep a constant watch for potential cost elimination. From a communication and engagement perspective, we need to keep investors and stake holders informed and often get actively involved in customer matters.
These are exciting times for Finance leaders, as increasingly we're taking an active role in strategic purchasing decisions across every other department, rather than just writing the cheques. As we come out of the recession, planning for growth is one of our next key challenges.
I work with my IT department to make sure the Finance function utilises technology that maximises efficiency and collaboration, and allows me to quickly analyse and respond to shifting demands and performance. Technology is fundamental to our cash flow processes from billing to collection, and compliance requirements such as VAT. It's also throwing up new opportunities for cost saving and resource control, and facilitating the desired shift from CapEx to OpEx.
I feel it's vital for Finance leaders to partner with IT, to close any technology gaps that might be preventing timely transaction processing and reporting, and to shape management information for better, faster decision-making and control of resources - all of which have a direct impact on overall performance.
Burning questions
- How can technology help you reduce and control operating costs?
- How can you take CapEx out of the investment equation?
- Do you know how much your nearest competitors are spending and saving on ICT?
How are we helping?
- Providing analysis of ICT resources to highlight and deliver cost savings
- Identifying and unlocking new sources of funding
- Implementing ICT that makes Finance more efficient
- Providing applications that give Finance visibility and control over resources
- Supporting the shift from CapEx to OpEx with purchasing and financing innovations
Would you like to talk to other Finance leaders within our customer community?
When Azzurri say they can save you money, they mean it. They have always delivered on every cost saving initiative they have promised, including a 27% saving over the course of our last contract.
Sean Whetstone, Head of IT Services, Reed Specialist Recruitment