From firefighting to forward thinking: How CFOs can lead with strategy, automation and agility

Source: SAP Concur Conversations

How CFOs can lead with strategy, automation and agility

In today’s world, CFOs are being asked to do the impossible — be strategic and tactical, innovative and compliant, hands-on and high-level. And they’re doing it all while managing rising costs, shifting regulations, aging systems and growing demands across the org.

So what does it really look like to lead finance today?

In this SAP Concur Conversations podcast, Jeanne Dion (VP of the Value Experience Team at SAP Concur) sat down with PEX CEO Toffer Grant to talk about the evolving role of the CFO, the technology reshaping finance and the mindset shifts required to move from survival mode to strategy.

They covered everything from automation to agility, cross-functional leadership and even what Toffer would put on a “CFO vision board.”

Here’s what stood out — and why it matters.

5 key takeaways from the conversation

CFOs aren’t just guardians of the budget — they’re architects of the future

“Finance teams used to be down the hall — the people you never saw. Today, they’re at the center of transformation.”

– Toffer Grant

The role of the CO has expanded beyond compliance and reporting. Today, CFOs are deeply involved in company strategy, culture and growth. That’s especially true in smaller or mid-market businesses, where finance leaders often wear multiple hats.
But even in enterprise orgs, finance now touches every function — and with the right tools, the CFO can be a catalyst for innovation, not just a gatekeeper of spend.

Automation isn’t just about saving time — it’s how you unlock strategic thinking.

“Automation frees finance from the hamster wheel so they can lead, not just report.”

– Jeanne Dion

Every CFO knows the grind of month-end close. But what if the team wasn’t stuck chasing receipts or wrangling spreadsheets? What if they could spend that time exploring new markets, supporting cross-functional initiatives or helping the CEO shape product strategy?
Toffer described automation as a force multiplier — a way to shift from tactical execution to high-value contribution.

“You don’t need to handwrite journal entries anymore. The software handles that. The shift now is making sure what goes in is accurate — and that’s where the value lives.”

– Toffer Grant

Digital transformation starts with one question: where does it hurt?

“If you don’t know your current process, you’re not ready to choose tools.”

– Jeanne Dion

One of the most practical points in the episode came when Jeanne and Toffer broke down how to implement change successfully. It starts with mapping pain points. Where are people losing time? What’s slowing the team down? What’s keeping them from thinking bigger?

“Talk to your bookkeepers. Your AP managers. Find out what they actually spend time on. That’s where automation should begin.”

– Toffer Grant

Only once you know what “now” looks like can you build toward a better future. Or, as Jeanne puts it: “You have to understand your process before you define what nirvana looks like.”

Finance can (and should) be a team sport

“Strategic vision has to be collaborative. The CFO can’t do it alone — but they can lead the way.”

– Jeanne Dion

Cross-functional collaboration came up again and again in this conversation. As Toffer noted, PEX uses OKRs across teams, with the finance leader embedded in nearly every initiative.
Why? Because finance touches everything — employees, vendors, customers, systems. And a CFO who can step out of their silo and into the broader business can create alignment, not just accountability.

“Finance isn’t just compliance anymore. It’s culture. And CFOs have a huge influence on how the company works — and thinks.”

– Toffer Grant

Agility = automation + education + culture shift

“There’s no book called CFO for Dummies. You build your knowledge by getting your hands dirty.”

– Toffer Grant

Agility came up late in the episode, but it’s central to the whole discussion. In a world where markets shift fast and talent turns over, agility is the real competitive advantage. But it’s not just about speed. It’s about accuracy, clarity and flexibility. And that means building tech literacy, creating shared vision and empowering people to move — confidently.

“We’ve got a new generation of employees who can Google or ChatGPT their way into a better process. That’s not a threat — that’s an opportunity.”

– Toffer Grant

Turn finance into your strategic advantage

The CFO role is changing, and the most effective leaders are the ones who lean into agility, automation, and cross-functional alignment. Finance is no longer just about compliance or cost control. It is about enabling smarter decisions, shaping company culture, and driving long-term growth.

Together, PEX and SAP Concur give finance teams the tools they need to lead with clarity and confidence. By combining automation, real-time visibility, and seamless integration, we help finance leaders move faster, reduce friction, and turn spend management into a strategic advantage. Learn more about the partnership and schedule a demo here.