From invoice tools to reporting dashboards, most CFOs now have a full stack of finance software. But is it actually paying off?

It’s never been easier to build a finance tech stack.

One tool for approvals. Another for expenses. A dashboard here. A reporting add-on there.

Before long, you’ve got six systems, three integrations, and a team that’s drowning in logins.

But here’s the question more CFOs are starting to ask:

Is this stack actually saving time – or creating noise?

Here’s how to sense-check your stack:

1. Can everyone explain what each tool is for?

If your team can’t articulate why they’re using a tool, it’s probably not essential. Great tools are visible, useful, and embedded in day-to-day workflows.

2. Can you measure time or cost savings?

Software should drive ROI – through speed, accuracy, or cost reduction. If the promised savings are vague or untracked, it’s time to review the license.

3. Are your tools talking to each other?

Disconnected systems breed manual work. The strongest finance stacks are tightly integrated – minimising duplication, errors, and end-of-month chaos.

4. Do your reports come faster (and cleaner)?

More tools should equal more clarity, not less. If reporting still takes three weeks, your stack isn’t doing its job.

Tech should reduce workload – not just rebadge it.

If your finance stack isn’t saving time, improving accuracy, or freeing up your accounts team… it’s not stacking up.

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