How Banks Can Empower the Modern Office of the CFO

Today’s CFO is no longer just the organization’s lead book-keeper and number-cruncher. Financial leaders are stepping into broader strategic roles — guiding business direction, analyzing cashflow dynamics, forecasting client behavior, shaping ESG priorities, and much more.

From managing daily operations to influencing long-term strategy, the Office of the CFO is evolving fast. But with that evolution comes complexity ... and that’s where banks have a real opportunity to step up.

What we're hearing on the ground

Across industry events like TEXPO, Carolinas Cash Adventure and Regional AFPs, one theme keeps surfacing: How can AI and automation elevate Finance teams? From keynote stages to hallway chats, Finance professionals are eager to explore real-world use cases — not theory — for technology that helps them move faster, see further and act smarter.

This mirrors what we’re seeing in the field: Companies need automation to unlock capacity. Teams are looking for ways to stop juggling spreadsheets and start focusing on strategic growth and customer success.

Why this matters more than ever

A true 360-degree view of the business is no longer optional — it’s essential. That means centralizing data, making it visible and ensuring it’s actionable. Legacy systems and fragmented processes can’t keep up. CFOs need connected tools that surface insights in real-time, adapt to change and reduce manual pain points. AI and process automation aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the infrastructure of the next-generation Finance team.

Banks: From service providers to strategic enablers

Banks have always played a key role in financial management — but now, they can be catalysts for transformation. Beyond deposit and lending services, financial institutions are uniquely positioned to guide corporate clients toward next-gen financial tech that simplifies operations and drives results. By introducing AI-powered platforms and workflow automation, banks can help clients eliminate inefficiencies, modernize their Finance functions, and better predict and manage cashflow — without the friction of a long tech search or complex implementation.

Partnership is the power move

Banks don’t need to build everything in-house. Strategic partnerships with technology providers can speed up time-to-value and bring proven, scalable solutions to market. Esker’s solutions are available in a single platform that can modernize Finance operations across both Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash cycles — making it easier for businesses to control spend, speed up collections and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time.

These solutions not only support your clients — they open new revenue opportunities for Treasury Sales teams and deepen relationships.

Learn more about becoming an Esker partner.

Make your move

Treasury and Cash Management teams have a chance to become true advisors. By bringing innovative solutions to the table, you help clients thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.

Feeling limited by your current solution? It might be time to switch to Esker — the only software vendor recognized in both Gartner® Magic Quadrants for Procure-to-Pay and Invoice-to-Cash. Let’s talk about how your bank can be the driver of financial transformation — we’re ready when you are.