Listen "#8: Embracing Tech in Finance | AI, cutting costs & optimizing SaaS with Julio Martinez (CEO, Abacum)"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of The Efficiency Code, Julio Martinez, CEO of Abacum, provides a deep dive into the future of finance, technology, and operational efficiency. With a unique perspective as both a former finance leader and a SaaS provider, Julio shares insights on how AI and technology are transforming finance teams.Key discussion points include:The true meaning of sustainable growth from a financial perspectiveHow AI is revolutionizing finance operationsThe critical skills finance professionals need to developStrategies for optimizing technology investmentsAdvice for negotiating with SaaS providersJulio challenges traditional notions of corporate growth, emphasizing the importance of lean operations, critical thinking, and strategic partnership. He argues that the most successful finance teams will be those that leverage technology to become more strategic, focusing on value creation rather than manual tasks.Timestamps: (00:00:00) -- Introduction(00:02:02) -- Defining sustainable growth and the importance of free cash flow (00:04:09) -- The current constraints of finance teams and talent density (00:05:21) -- AI's potential impact on finance operations (00:07:11) -- Future of finance workforce and AI integration (00:09:04) -- Practical AI use cases in financial analysis (00:14:22) -- The need for integrated data and operational insights (00:16:45) -- Evolving skill sets for finance professionals (00:21:39) -- Advice for optimizing technology investments (00:27:30) -- Negotiating with SaaS providers: focusing on value over price (00:34:57) -- Tips for managing SaaS costs and contract visibilityA must-listen for finance leaders, procurement professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and financial strategy.
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