Built a Financial Dashboard that cut reporting time from 2 weeks to 2 days
Built a Financial Dashboard that cut reporting time from 2 weeks to 2 days
Built a Financial Dashboard that cut reporting time from 2 weeks to 2 days
Built a Financial Dashboard that cut reporting time from 2 weeks to 2 days
Duration
Duration
Duration
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
Industry
Industry
Industry
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Location
Location
Location
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Agile Tech, a fast growing Saas company, was struggling with the burden of slow and inconsistent financial reporting.
The leadership team usually had to wait for almost 2 weeks just to receive updated reports on revenue, expenses and customer metrics.
This lag created a consistent problem, which was that strategic decisions were being made based on outdated data.
Agile Tech, a fast growing Saas company, was struggling with the burden of slow and inconsistent financial reporting.
The leadership team usually had to wait for almost 2 weeks just to receive updated reports on revenue, expenses and customer metrics.
This lag created a consistent problem, which was that strategic decisions were being made based on outdated data.
Agile Tech, a fast growing Saas company, was struggling with the burden of slow and inconsistent financial reporting.
The leadership team usually had to wait for almost 2 weeks just to receive updated reports on revenue, expenses and customer metrics.
This lag created a consistent problem, which was that strategic decisions were being made based on outdated data.
Agile Tech, a fast growing Saas company, was struggling with the burden of slow and inconsistent financial reporting.
The leadership team usually had to wait for almost 2 weeks just to receive updated reports on revenue, expenses and customer metrics.
This lag created a consistent problem, which was that strategic decisions were being made based on outdated data.
The Step by Step Approach
The Step by Step Approach
The Step by Step Approach
We utilized our fractional CFO expertise with a clear goal in mind - to replace Agile Tech's slow & manual reporting with a more streamlined & automated system that provided them with clarity and speed.
This was a 6 month project.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we made it happen.
We utilized our fractional CFO expertise with a clear goal in mind - to replace Agile Tech's slow & manual reporting with a more streamlined & automated system that provided them with clarity and speed.
This was a 6 month project.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we made it happen.
We utilized our fractional CFO expertise with a clear goal in mind - to replace Agile Tech's slow & manual reporting with a more streamlined & automated system that provided them with clarity and speed.
This was a 6 month project.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we made it happen.
We utilized our fractional CFO expertise with a clear goal in mind - to replace Agile Tech's slow & manual reporting with a more streamlined & automated system that provided them with clarity and speed.
This was a 6 month project.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we made it happen.
Understanding their pain points
Understanding their pain points
Understanding their pain points
The first step was to sit down with Agile Tech's finance and leadership team to understand how their reports were being prepared.
This discovery phase turned out to be crucial, as we uncovered major issues that needed to be resolved immediately.
The first step was to sit down with Agile Tech's finance and leadership team to understand how their reports were being prepared.
This discovery phase turned out to be crucial, as we uncovered major issues that needed to be resolved immediately.
The first step was to sit down with Agile Tech's finance and leadership team to understand how their reports were being prepared.
This discovery phase turned out to be crucial, as we uncovered major issues that needed to be resolved immediately.
The first step was to sit down with Agile Tech's finance and leadership team to understand how their reports were being prepared.
This discovery phase turned out to be crucial, as we uncovered major issues that needed to be resolved immediately.
Data had to be manually pulled from the billing system, CRM, payroll software & spreadsheets.
Data had to be manually pulled from the billing system, CRM, payroll software & spreadsheets.
Data had to be manually pulled from the billing system, CRM, payroll software & spreadsheets.
Data had to be manually pulled from the billing system, CRM, payroll software & spreadsheets.
Lots of errors due to manual data entry and version mismatches.
Lots of errors due to manual data entry and version mismatches.
Lots of errors due to manual data entry and version mismatches.
Lots of errors due to manual data entry and version mismatches.
Every reporting cycle involved dozens of emails, just to track down the right numbers
Every reporting cycle involved dozens of emails, just to track down the right numbers
Every reporting cycle involved dozens of emails, just to track down the right numbers
Every reporting cycle involved dozens of emails, just to track down the right numbers
By the time reports reached the leadership team, the data was around 10-14 days old, which meant that decisions were being made based on outdated data.
By the time reports reached the leadership team, the data was around 10-14 days old, which meant that decisions were being made based on outdated data.
By the time reports reached the leadership team, the data was around 10-14 days old, which meant that decisions were being made based on outdated data.
By the time reports reached the leadership team, the data was around 10-14 days old, which meant that decisions were being made based on outdated data.
Automating Data Flows
Automating Data Flows
Automating Data Flows
Once the dashboard was built, the next step was to eliminate the manual work that slowed everything down.
We set up automated data integrations between Agile Tech's key systems.
Once the dashboard was built, the next step was to eliminate the manual work that slowed everything down.
We set up automated data integrations between Agile Tech's key systems.
Once the dashboard was built, the next step was to eliminate the manual work that slowed everything down.
We set up automated data integrations between Agile Tech's key systems.
Once the dashboard was built, the next step was to eliminate the manual work that slowed everything down.
We set up automated data integrations between Agile Tech's key systems.
The billing platform fed live revenue and churn data
The billing platform fed live revenue and churn data
The billing platform fed live revenue and churn data
The billing platform fed live revenue and churn data
The CRM automatically updated customer acquisition and retention metrics.
The CRM automatically updated customer acquisition and retention metrics.
The CRM automatically updated customer acquisition and retention metrics.
The CRM automatically updated customer acquisition and retention metrics.
Payroll & expense management tools pushed updated cost data into the system
Payroll & expense management tools pushed updated cost data into the system
Payroll & expense management tools pushed updated cost data into the system
Payroll & expense management tools pushed updated cost data into the system
These integrations meant that reports updated themselves in real time. The finance team no longer had to chase down spreadsheets or double check for mismatched numbers. All information was consistently updated and correct.
This major improvement helped Agile Tech save time, reduce errors and most importantly, gave them some peace of mind.
These integrations meant that reports updated themselves in real time.
The finance team no longer had to chase down spreadsheets or double check for mismatched numbers.
All information was consistently updated and correct.
This major improvement helped Agile Tech save time, reduce errors and most importantly, gave them some peace of mind.
These integrations meant that reports updated themselves in real time. The finance team no longer had to chase down spreadsheets or double check for mismatched numbers. All information was consistently updated and correct.
This major improvement helped Agile Tech save time, reduce errors and most importantly, gave them some peace of mind.
These integrations meant that reports updated themselves in real time.
The finance team no longer had to chase down spreadsheets or double check for mismatched numbers.
All information was consistently updated and correct.
This major improvement helped Agile Tech save time, reduce errors and most importantly, gave them some peace of mind.
Designing the Dashboard Framework
Designing the Dashboard Framework
Designing the Dashboard Framework
Once the pain points were clear, the next step was to design a framework for the new financial dashboard -an effective tool that could solve Agile Tech's problems.
We started off by mapping out the reporting requirements across the leadership team of Agile Tech and their investors.
Each group cared about slightly different metrics. However, they all shared one thing in common - they needed reports that were accurate, timely and easy to interpret.
To achieve that, we created a blueprint of what the dashboard needed to include:
Once the pain points were clear, the next step was to design a framework for the new financial dashboard -an effective tool that could solve Agile Tech's problems.
We started off by mapping out the reporting requirements across the leadership team of Agile Tech and their investors.
Each group cared about slightly different metrics. However, they all shared one thing in common - they needed reports that were accurate, timely and easy to interpret.
To achieve that, we created a blueprint of what the dashboard needed to include:
Once the pain points were clear, the next step was to design a framework for the new financial dashboard -an effective tool that could solve Agile Tech's problems.
We started off by mapping out the reporting requirements across the leadership team of Agile Tech and their investors.
Each group cared about slightly different metrics. However, they all shared one thing in common - they needed reports that were accurate, timely and easy to interpret.
To achieve that, we created a blueprint of what the dashboard needed to include:
Once the pain points were clear, the next step was to design a framework for the new financial dashboard -an effective tool that could solve Agile Tech's problems.
We started off by mapping out the reporting requirements across the leadership team of Agile Tech and their investors.
Each group cared about slightly different metrics. However, they all shared one thing in common - they needed reports that were accurate, timely and easy to interpret.
To achieve that, we created a blueprint of what the dashboard needed to include:
Core Financial Metrics (revenue growth, churn & burn rate)
Core Financial Metrics (revenue growth, churn & burn rate)
Core Financial Metrics (revenue growth, churn & burn rate)
Core Financial Metrics (revenue growth, churn & burn rate)
Operational indicators (payroll, vendor spend & recurring expenses)
Operational indicators (payroll, vendor spend & recurring expenses)
Operational indicators (payroll, vendor spend & recurring expenses)
Operational indicators (payroll, vendor spend & recurring expenses)
Customer Centric Metrics (acquisition costs, retention & lifetime value)
Customer Centric Metrics (acquisition costs, retention & lifetime value)
Customer Centric Metrics (acquisition costs, retention & lifetime value)
Customer Centric Metrics (acquisition costs, retention & lifetime value)
We also helped Agile Tech find a business intelligence tool that could integrate seamlessly with the dashboard. We made sure that the tool could handle real time updates, allowed for full customization and allowed for different teams to have access to information that's most relevant to them.
In addition to that, we presented early designs of the dashboard to the leadership team, asking them how they would prefer to consume the data. Some preferred visual charts, while others wanted tables and drill down capabilities.
Getting the dashboard framework right was an important step because it laid the foundation for everything else that came after.
We also helped Agile Tech find a business intelligence tool that could integrate seamlessly with the dashboard.
We made sure that the tool could handle real time updates, allowed for full customization and allowed for different teams to have access to information that's most relevant to them.
In addition to that, we presented early designs of the dashboard to the leadership team, asking them how they would prefer to consume the data. Some preferred visual charts, while others wanted tables and drill down capabilities.
Getting the dashboard framework right was an important step because it laid the foundation for everything else that came after.
We also helped Agile Tech find a business intelligence tool that could integrate seamlessly with the dashboard. We made sure that the tool could handle real time updates, allowed for full customization and allowed for different teams to have access to information that's most relevant to them.
In addition to that, we presented early designs of the dashboard to the leadership team, asking them how they would prefer to consume the data. Some preferred visual charts, while others wanted tables and drill down capabilities.
Getting the dashboard framework right was an important step because it laid the foundation for everything else that came after.
We also helped Agile Tech find a business intelligence tool that could integrate seamlessly with the dashboard.
We made sure that the tool could handle real time updates, allowed for full customization and allowed for different teams to have access to information that's most relevant to them.
In addition to that, we presented early designs of the dashboard to the leadership team, asking them how they would prefer to consume the data. Some preferred visual charts, while others wanted tables and drill down capabilities.
Getting the dashboard framework right was an important step because it laid the foundation for everything else that came after.
Making data actionable
Making data actionable
Making data actionable
We worked with the leadership team to decide which KPI's actually mattered for Agile Tech's growth.
Together, we narrowed focus to the metrics that actually drove strategic decisions:
We worked with the leadership team to decide which KPI's actually mattered for Agile Tech's growth.
Together, we narrowed focus to the metrics that actually drove strategic decisions:
We worked with the leadership team to decide which KPI's actually mattered for Agile Tech's growth.
Together, we narrowed focus to the metrics that actually drove strategic decisions:
We worked with the leadership team to decide which KPI's actually mattered for Agile Tech's growth.
Together, we narrowed focus to the metrics that actually drove strategic decisions:
MRR & churn showed the health of subscriptions
MRR & churn showed the health of subscriptions
MRR & churn showed the health of subscriptions
MRR & churn showed the health of subscriptions
Customer acquisition cost vs lifetime value revealed marketing efficiency.
Customer acquisition cost vs lifetime value revealed marketing efficiency.
Customer acquisition cost vs lifetime value revealed marketing efficiency.
Customer acquisition cost vs lifetime value revealed marketing efficiency.
Operating expenses & burn rates highlighted the company's runway
Operating expenses & burn rates highlighted the company's runway
Operating expenses & burn rates highlighted the company's runway
Operating expenses & burn rates highlighted the company's runway
Instead of overwhelming users with walls of data, the dashboard presented these KPI's in a clear and visual format. Charts and trend lines made it easy to spot whether the company was slipping or improving in key areas.
The end result was that the leadership team had more actionable data, that helped them identify trends in advance, ask sharper questions and make better decisions with confidence.
Instead of overwhelming users with walls of data, the dashboard presented these KPI's in a clear and visual format.
Charts and trend lines made it easy to spot whether the company was slipping or improving in key areas.
The end result was that the leadership team had more actionable data, that helped them identify trends in advance, ask sharper questions and make better decisions with confidence.
Instead of overwhelming users with walls of data, the dashboard presented these KPI's in a clear and visual format. Charts and trend lines made it easy to spot whether the company was slipping or improving in key areas.
The end result was that the leadership team had more actionable data, that helped them identify trends in advance, ask sharper questions and make better decisions with confidence.
Instead of overwhelming users with walls of data, the dashboard presented these KPI's in a clear and visual format.
Charts and trend lines made it easy to spot whether the company was slipping or improving in key areas.
The end result was that the leadership team had more actionable data, that helped them identify trends in advance, ask sharper questions and make better decisions with confidence.
Results & Growth
Results & Growth
Results & Growth
The impact of the new dashboard was almost immediate.
The impact of the new dashboard was almost immediate.
The impact of the new dashboard was almost immediate.
The impact of the new dashboard was almost immediate.
Reporting time dropped from 2 weeks to just 2 days, giving the leadership team almost instant access to accurate data
Reporting time dropped from 2 weeks to just 2 days, giving the leadership team almost instant access to accurate data
Reporting time dropped from 2 weeks to just 2 days, giving the leadership team almost instant access to accurate data
Reporting time dropped from 2 weeks to just 2 days, giving the leadership team almost instant access to accurate data
The finance team reclaimed dozens of hours each month, which they could now spend on strategy and growth instead of manual reporting
The finance team reclaimed dozens of hours each month, which they could now spend on strategy and growth instead of manual reporting
The finance team reclaimed dozens of hours each month, which they could now spend on strategy and growth instead of manual reporting
The finance team reclaimed dozens of hours each month, which they could now spend on strategy and growth instead of manual reporting
Leadership team had real time visibility into revenue, expenses & runway, allowing them to make smarter, faster and more confident decisions.
Leadership team had real time visibility into revenue, expenses & runway, allowing them to make smarter, faster and more confident decisions.
Leadership team had real time visibility into revenue, expenses & runway, allowing them to make smarter, faster and more confident decisions.
Leadership team had real time visibility into revenue, expenses & runway, allowing them to make smarter, faster and more confident decisions.
Investors gained more confidence in Agile Tech's reporting, thanks to the newfound clarity & professionalism of their new system
Investors gained more confidence in Agile Tech's reporting, thanks to the newfound clarity & professionalism of their new system
Investors gained more confidence in Agile Tech's reporting, thanks to the newfound clarity & professionalism of their new system
Investors gained more confidence in Agile Tech's reporting, thanks to the newfound clarity & professionalism of their new system
By replacing manual spreadsheets with an automated financial dashboard, we helped Agile Tech transform their operations in a way that is sustainable and truly 'agile.'
No pun intended.
By replacing manual spreadsheets with an automated financial dashboard, we helped Agile Tech transform their operations in a way that is sustainable and truly 'agile.'
No pun intended.
By replacing manual spreadsheets with an automated financial dashboard, we helped Agile Tech transform their operations in a way that is sustainable and truly 'agile.'
No pun intended.
By replacing manual spreadsheets with an automated financial dashboard, we helped Agile Tech transform their operations in a way that is sustainable and truly 'agile.'
No pun intended.
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
Terms & Conditions
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Terms & Conditions
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
Terms & Conditions
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Terms & Conditions
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved