For startups and scaleups with aspirations for rapid growth, or slower and steadier growth, finance operations play a pivotal role. These emerging businesses are in a unique position to optimise their financial systems and tools without disrupting years or even decades of progress. It’s much easier - and less disruptive - to make fundamental changes when the foundations are still being built rather than tearing down the walls to make those changes later.
Today, we’ll be exploring not only why startups and scaleups have such an advantage but how they could (and should) be using it for long-term success.
Natural Agility
One of the great things about startups is their inherent ability to operate in an agile way to overcome problems and continue to evolve. They can adapt that much faster than a more established competitor. This agility also extends to their financial operations. Unlike established corporations with entrenched systems, startups can implement more modern and forward-thinking financial practices without the burden of overhauling outdated legacy systems that are less likely to be compatible with the latest technology. This flexibility is a significant asset in establishing efficient and scalable financial operations.
Technology and Innovation
The modern financial landscape is heavily influenced by technology and innovation with many SaaS providers now offering automation and management tools that businesses could only have dreamed of even a few years ago. Startups, often being more tech-savvy by design, are well-positioned to integrate the latest financial tools and technologies into their business and build a practical and cohesive tech stack, a suite of digital software and tools to streamline finance operations, reduce errors, increase financial controls, improve financial reporting and reduce costs.
Leaner Operations
As the first few years of any business are all about maximising value for money before eventual expansion, many startups operate on lean principles, which means aiming for maximum value and minimal waste. This approach is particularly beneficial in finance operations as by focusing on essential processes and using intelligent automated solutions, startups can achieve a higher level of efficiency. Unlike larger corporations with standardised procedures that could have been in place for decades, these businesses can also develop more bespoke and affordable finance systems. This cost-effectiveness is vital in the early stages, where resources are often limited.
Streamlining for Scalability
Managing growth effectively is one of the key challenges for startups and as businesses expand, their financial operations must do likewise, evolving to support larger scales of operation. By implementing easily scalable financial systems early on, startups can streamline their financial processes and avoid the pitfalls often associated with rapid growth. Using automated and connected software which integrates with your existing accounting software is an ideal way to achieve this.
Giving C-Levels Control; And Their Time Back
In the fast-paced environment of startups and scaleups, C-level executives often find themselves juggling roles. The key to maintaining control while keeping so many plates spinning is to automate routine financial tasks and implement robust financial management systems. This should allow executives to focus more on strategic growth and less on micromanaging financial details. Effective finance operations provide C-levels with clear, concise, and up-to-date financial information, without the need to pull data from multiple sources.
Building Trust with Investors
For startups and scale-ups, managing investor relations and planning for future funding rounds is often a key goal. Solid financial operations demonstrate to potential investors that the company is well-managed, has a clear understanding of its financial health and has the necessary financial processes and controls in place. Consequently, this instils trust and makes these businesses a more attractive investment proposition due to being better prepared for growth.
Building Your Tech Stack with Fintoca
If you’re facing any problems in your startup or scaleup with finance operations - or you’re ready to transform your finance function’s processes, controls and reporting capabilities, Get in touch today where we can chat more about the possibilities of implementing a bespoke, cleverly connected finance tech stack that’s flexible enough to scale with your business.
