{"id":27237,"date":"2025-01-07T11:39:04","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T16:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=27237"},"modified":"2025-02-10T09:40:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T14:40:09","slug":"essential-metrics-saas-cfos-need-to-drive-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/essential-metrics-saas-cfos-need-to-drive-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"The essential metrics SaaS CFOs now need to drive growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/trends-insights\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Trends &amp; Insights<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe essential metrics SaaS CFOs now need to drive growth\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-01-07T11:39:04-05:00\">January 7, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"The essential metrics SaaS CFOs now need to drive growth\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/essential-metrics-saas-cfos-need-to-drive-growth\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/david-appel\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/David-Appel-headshot-2023-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"David headshot\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">David Appel<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-traditional-metrics-fall-short-for-saas\">Why traditional metrics fall short for SaaS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A shocking 40% of SaaS CFOs report they&#8217;re not having the impact they want on their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason is clear: traditional financial metrics simply don&#8217;t capture the unique dynamics of the subscription model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a world of recurring revenue and long-term customer relationships, traditional accounting principles can obscure what\u2019s really going on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the complexities you might face are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revenue recognition becomes increasingly complex as your business scales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multi-year customer relationships require sophisticated tracking and forecasting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varying contract terms and billing models add layers of complexity to measurement and analysis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International expansion can mean currency, tax regulation, and compliance challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And through it all, systems integration remains a constant challenge as fragmented financial, billing, and CRM systems can prevent a holistic view of performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, \u201cstandard\u201d financial metrics aren\u2019t enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SaaS companies need a specialized toolkit to truly measure, understand, and optimize their growth engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d13fd8b3c42&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d13fd8b3c42\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-1215x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-1215x810.jpg 1215w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1215px) 100vw, 1215px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-metrics-that-actually-matter-for-growth\">The metrics that actually matter for growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To thrive, SaaS CFOs must focus on a targeted set of metrics that reveal the health of their revenue streams, customer relationships, and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These metrics fall into three critical categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-revenue-health\">1. Revenue health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) forms the foundation of sustainable growth, providing a clear picture of your predictable revenue stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Net Revenue Retention (NRR) serves as a key indicator of product stickiness and expansion success, while Revenue Churn functions as an early warning system for customer satisfaction issues, allowing you to address problems before they impact your bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-customer-economics\">2. Customer economics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) reveals whether your outgoing spend is helping you grow profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a direct measure of the cost-effectiveness of your go-to-market strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) provides the true measure of your customer relationships to help you understand which customer segments are more profitable and deserving of increased focus, while CAC Payback Period shows how quickly you recover your acquisition investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these metrics paint a complete picture of the financial impact of your customer strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-operational-efficiency\">3. Operational efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rule of 40 helps balance growth and profitability, providing a quick litmus test for investors and executives to help assess whether the company\u2019s growth strategy is sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Cash Burn Rate becomes essential for managing runway and timing fundraising efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gross Revenue Retention demonstrates the fundamental strength of your core business, independent of expansions and upsells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s these three metrics which provide a view into the ongoing health of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d13fd8b48c3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d13fd8b48c3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1403897241-1200x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1403897241-1200x810.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1403897241-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1403897241.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-numbers-to-actionable-insights\">From numbers to actionable insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Metrics by themselves don\u2019t drive growth\u2014actions do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider this scenario: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your NRR drops from 110% to 95%.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real story lies beneath the surface numbers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is this driven by increased churn, or reduced expansions, or both?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are specific customer segments or regions more affected?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What&#8217;s the impact on your growth trajectory and valuation?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Without real-time access to metrics and the ability to perform cohort analysis, such questions remain unanswered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right metrics, combined with robust analytics tools, help you spot trends early, intervene swiftly, and continually refine your strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ai-and-automation-driving-growth-with-next-level-insights\">AI and automation: Driving growth with next-level insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As SaaS businesses grow in complexity, manual spreadsheet management and disparate point solutions simply cannot keep pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With 88% of successful finance leaders now leveraging AI and automation tools (<a href=\"#gate-a21bd1f0-c706-4e66-a650-c490ba625e9b\">\u201cSecrets of Successful CFOs\u201d Sage 2024 report<\/a>), it&#8217;s clear why leading CFOs are embracing AI-driven platforms like Sage Intacct to refine their approach to metrics and drive more informed strategic decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-streamlining-financial-operations\">Streamlining financial operations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For many finance teams, month-end close and revenue recognition are notoriously time-consuming processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced solutions can automatically reconcile accounts, allocate expenses, and recognize revenue according to ASC 606 or IFRS 15 standards\u2014dramatically reducing human error. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of sifting through endless spreadsheets and complex formulas, CFOs and their teams can trust that their data is accurate and always up to date, cutting close times by up to 80%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-time-reporting-and-forecasting\">Real-time reporting and forecasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By continuously integrating data from multiple systems\u2014ERP, CRM, billing, customer support platforms\u2014automation provides a single source of truth, accessible at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CFOs can generate on-demand board reports in minutes rather than days and create dynamic dashboards that instantly reflect new deals, renewals, or churn events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-predictive-analytics-and-scenario-modeling\">Predictive analytics and scenario modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Predictive analytics tools help CFOs anticipate cash flow needs, identify the risk of churn at the customer or segment level, and evaluate the financial impact of prospective pricing or product changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of relying on static, historical models, CFOs gain the ability to test \u201cwhat-if\u201d scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These scenario analyses inform data-backed decisions that can mitigate risk and maximize return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d13fd8b5908&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d13fd8b5908\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"people in office\" class=\"wp-image-18589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1252669747-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-metrics-in-action-nuqleous\">Metrics in action: Nuqleous<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuqleous, a leading SaaS provider of automated retail space planning and performance analytics solutions, faced these exact challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With previous systems unable to deliver the incisive financial reporting and accounting efficiency needed, VP of Finance, Brendan Ahern, knew change was necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After implementing automated SaaS metrics tracking, the transformation was remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monthly close time dropped 80%, from 15 to just four business days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SaaS waterfall reporting that previously took a week now takes just 15 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Revenue recognition is now done automatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, the company has gained real-time insights into customer lifetime value, improved cash flow, and increased net revenue retention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cThe ease of use in the SaaS Intelligence dashboard frees up time to focus on our strategic priorities. <br><br>It gets you out of the minutiae of non-value add activities.\u201d<\/p><cite>VP of Finance, Brendan Ahern<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ask yourself the following questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Can you access key SaaS metrics in real-time?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do stakeholders trust the accuracy and granularity of your metrics?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Are you using predictive insights to guide growth decisions?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Is your finance team spending more time on analysis and strategy than on data wrangling?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you answered &#8220;no&#8221; to any of these questions, it&#8217;s time to upgrade your financial infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, if you can\u2019t accurately judge the financial health of your SaaS organization, how can you be prepared to make the right decisions to grow? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/industry\/subscription-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ready to transform your finance function from a reporting center to a growth engine? Take a Sage Intacct product tour today to see how automated SaaS metrics can accelerate your journey.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your role as a SaaS CFO has fundamentally changed. While traditional cash flow management remains crucial, investors now expect finance leaders to drive both growth and profitability, while forecasting the company\u2019s trajectory in an uncertain market. Your role now is not just to report on past performance, but to chart the right dynamic path forward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1433,"featured_media":20125,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,49],"tags":[195,170,427,153,155],"business_type":[41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[450],"persona":[100],"imagine_tag":[461,468,444,233,471,501],"coauthors":[599],"class_list":["post-27237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-trends-insights","tag-boss-your-business","tag-business-strategy","tag-cfo","tag-growing-a-business","tag-staying-competitive","business_type-growing-business","industry-software-saas"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"David Appel","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1406179050.jpg","imagine_tags":{"461":"Cloud","468":"Grow your business","444":"Intacct Medium Business","233":"Medium Businesses","471":"SaaS","501":"Subscription Saas David Appel"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1433"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27237"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27237\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/20125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=27237"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=27237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}