Embracing tech in finance: AI, cutting costs and optimizing SaaS

Welcome to The Efficiency Code, your guide to unlocking peak performance in finance and procurement. In this series, we decode the strategies of top industry leaders who are redefining efficiency and optimization. From embracing technology to effective spend management, discover how to achieve more with less. Join us as we crack the code to sustainable growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Julio Martinez, CEO of Abacum, a leading FP&A software company helping finance teams work smarter and make better decisions. Julio is an experienced leader with a background in corporate finance, operations, and technology. Before founding Abacum, he worked with global teams to streamline processes, drive efficiency, and accelerate growth. Now he’s on a mission to transform finance functions through innovative tools and automation.

Finance isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about driving strategic decisions and making a real impact on business growth. Julio shares his perspective on why free cash flow is king, how finance teams can use AI and automation to work more efficiently, and why strategic finance leaders must embrace technology to stay ahead.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

• Focus on free cash flow, not just revenue
• Embrace technology to improve efficiency
• Get ready for AI-driven financial forecasting
• Shift from number crunching to strategic thinking
• Prioritize value over cost in procurement decisions
• Centralize software management to control SaaS expenses

Focus on free cash flow, not just revenue

‍Growing revenue is good, but if your business isn’t generating strong cash flow, you’re not setting yourself up for long-term success. Sustainable businesses make sure they’re profitable and financially stable, not just growing for the sake of it.

What to do

‍Regularly check your unit economics and cash flow margins. Make sure your growth strategy isn’t just about increasing revenue but also about making the business more financially solid.

Finance teams need to get on board with technology

‍A lot of finance teams are still stuck in old ways of working, even though technology could save them a lot of time and effort. Other departments, like sales and HR, have already embraced automation—finance needs to catch up.

What to do

Look at where your team is wasting time on manual tasks and explore automation tools. AI-powered forecasting, automated anomaly detection, and better FP&A software can make a huge difference.

AI is changing finance - don’t get left behind

‍AI is already helping finance teams automate routine tasks, but it’s getting even better. In the next couple of years, AI will be a game-changer for forecasting, transaction processing, and financial planning.‍

What to do

‍Start testing AI-driven tools now. Use AI for things like fraud detection, predictive analytics, and transaction classification so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Finance leaders need to be more than just number crunchers

With AI handling the repetitive tasks, finance professionals need to step up and focus on big-picture strategy. The role of finance is shifting towards analysis, insights, and guiding business decisions.‍

What to do

‍Help your team build skills in data analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning. Make sure they’re spending less time on manual reporting and more time on work that actually drives business growth.

Procurement leaders should prioritize value over cost

Trying to cut costs too aggressively can backfire. If you pick the cheapest option without thinking about long-term value, you could end up with a solution that doesn’t work well, costing you more time and money in the long run.‍

What to do

‍When negotiating with vendors, focus on total value—how well the solution fits your needs, its long-term benefits, and how easy it is to implement—rather than just the price tag.

Know exactly what you’re spending on SaaS

‍SaaS costs can spiral out of control, especially when different teams sign up for their own tools without a clear strategy. If you’re not keeping track, you could be wasting money on software nobody is even using.

What to do

‍Do a full audit of all your software subscriptions at least once a year. Cut tools that aren’t being used, consolidate where possible, and make sure you’re getting real value for what you’re paying.

A lean finance team is a strong finance team

‍Instead of hiring more people as the company grows, finance leaders should focus on making their teams more efficient. The best leaders build small, high-impact teams that use technology to do more with less.‍

What to do

‍Regularly assess whether your team is focused on high-value work. Automate low-value tasks, streamline processes, and make sure every role adds real strategic value.

Final thought

‍Finance and procurement are changing fast, and leaders who embrace AI, automation, and a focus on efficiency will come out ahead. It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about making smart investments in the right tools, the right people, and the right processes.

What are you doing to future-proof your finance and procurement teams?