March 3, 2025
Startups can save time and reduce errors with treasury automation. Automating tasks like cash flow tracking, forecasting, and payment processing not only saves time but also lowers financial risks. Here's how it helps:
For startups, these tools streamline operations, improve decision-making, and support growth. Ready to optimise your treasury management? Let’s dive in.
Treasury automation improves cash visibility, lowers costs, reduces risks, and supports business growth.
Enhanced cash tracking reshapes how startups manage their finances daily. Automated systems provide real-time financial metrics, enabling smarter decisions and proactive cash management.
"Real-time bookkeeping revolutionises financial management by providing businesses with instant access to up-to-date financial data, improving cash flow tracking, expense management, and profitability analysis." 1
With real-time insights, startups can avoid cash flow issues—a common reason for failure. Key features include:
Automating treasury tasks can save both time and money. Here’s what automation can achieve:
| Metric | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | 20–35% annual reduction 2 |
| Processing Speed | 40% faster transactions 3 |
| Manual Task Reduction | Up to 70% of tasks automated 3 |
| Error Prevention | 90% fewer payment errors 3 |
For example, AMFE Global saved 280 hours per year by automating payables, receivables, and payments 4. Similarly, Elitavia cut operational costs by 80% using treasury automation 4.
Automation helps reduce financial risks by improving security and enabling continuous monitoring. A Treasury Management System (TMS) can lower fraud risk by up to 70% 3 while also managing currency and interest rate fluctuations. Key benefits include:
These features ensure better financial stability.
As startups grow, their financial operations become more complex. Automation offers the infrastructure to handle higher transaction volumes without needing to scale up staffing. For instance, Shurtape Technologies automated its collections process and achieved:
"For startups, cash is king. Liquidity not only helps you make it to the next round of funding, but also allows you to remain flexible." 5
These improvements prepare startups to adopt advanced treasury tools that further streamline their finances.
To scale financial operations effectively, startups need systems that provide real-time cash tracking, efficient fund management, and smooth integration with existing workflows. These tools help startups improve cash flow, streamline investments, and align seamlessly with their financial processes.
Platforms that offer real-time visibility across assets can transform financial management. Key features include:
Tracking cash is just the beginning. Advanced tools can help startups make the most of their funds through:
BlackRock's UK money market funds are a great example, offering competitive yields with the flexibility of 24–48 hour capital access. (This is not investment advice. Investors should conduct independent due diligence before making any financial decisions.)
Integration is key to maximising the benefits of live monitoring and money management. Companies with well-connected systems report:
| Metric | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Financial Visibility | 30% increase 8 |
| Operational Costs | 70% reduction 8 |
| Compliance Risk | 50% decrease 8 |
| Process Efficiency | 20–30% boost 8 |
Standout integration features include:
One billion-dollar construction firm achieved 94% accuracy in cash forecasting after adopting AI-driven automation. 9
"Automation in treasury management is not merely a trend but a strategic imperative, driven by the need for efficiency, accuracy, and real-time decision-making capabilities."
– The Global Treasurer 10
Careful planning helps reduce disruptions during setup. Use the steps below to introduce treasury automation effectively.
To improve your treasury operations, first, take a hard look at your existing setup. Identify inefficiencies in areas like:
This assessment will guide your next steps.
Pick software that aligns with your current needs and can grow with your business. When evaluating options, think about:
These features ensure smooth integration into your existing processes.
"You might have chosen the right system, but if it's mis-implemented, or ill-implemented, then your user won't be able to use it. They'll go back to the spreadsheet."
– Dimos Dimitriadis, founder of Treasury Technology Associates 10
The implementation process can take a while - here’s how to keep it on track:
Treasury automation is transforming financial operations for startups. Automating treasury tasks can lead to potential cost savings, cut payment errors and save time in cash management tasks 9.
Additionally, treasury tools enhance cash flow visibility while automated payment processes speed up transactions by 40% compared to manual methods 3. For startups aiming to scale, these advancements allow for smarter capital use and more informed financial decisions.
With these gains in efficiency, startups should gear up for the next phase of treasury technology. In 2022, global spending on treasury management systems hit $1.4 billion 9, yet only 15% of organisations currently leverage AI-driven forecasting tools 11. Startups that have already optimised operations now have the opportunity to embrace AI and cloud technologies to maintain momentum.
Emerging trends include the adoption of AI and machine learning, the growth of cloud-based treasury systems, and the integration of real-time payment solutions. These advancements promise better predictive insights, easier access to data, and faster transactions for seamless cash management.
Looking ahead, the future of treasury automation will focus on integrated AI tools and strengthened security protocols as finance leads focus on improving workflows and protecting payments data.
