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Finance Modernization

Cherry Bekaert’s finance transformation consulting helps middle-market CFOs modernize operations, improve efficiency and drive growth.

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Elevate Your Finance Function With Our Finance Transformation Consulting

Middle-market chief financial officers (CFOs) are being left behind in finance modernization. While large enterprises have the resources for complex transformations, high-growth startups and mid-sized organizations face outdated systems, manual and inefficient processes, and increasing complexity without the time or talent to strategically evolve. More importantly, for a middle-market company, finance modernization is not just about upgrading technology — it is about rethinking financial operations to scale efficiently, remain competitive and enable future growth.

Modernization That Works: Practical Optimization and Smart Transformation for Success

Unlike large-scale transformations that can be too disruptive for middle-market firms, our approach to finance modernization is practical, results-driven and focused on value creation. We help businesses optimize what works and transform what is necessary — establishing sustainable growth, operational efficiency and improved profitability without unnecessary risk.

We do not lead with technology for technology’s sake. Instead, we design solutions tailored to the people who use them, grounded in the accounting workflows and operational needs of your business. That means automating the right processes, generating the insights that matter, and creating tangible value where it counts.

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Middle-market CFOs must navigate the complex balance of technology, strategy and growth. Discover the key challenges they face and the innovative solutions that can help modernize finance teams for future success.

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Finance-First, Not Tech-First

By focusing on the needs of your finance and accounting teams — not just the technology — we design solutions that empower them to work smarter, automate the right processes and deliver the insights that matter most. The result: reduced risk, improved efficiency, and a foundation for sustainable growth and profitability. 

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Modernization Solutions That Meet You Where You Are

FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

Are you a mid-market organization or a high-growth startup that needs to establish a strong accounting and finance foundation? Or are you overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?

We get the middle market because it has been our focus from the start. For companies standing up an accounting department or transitioning from basic accounting functions or software, we focus on establishing, standardizing, centralizing and scaling key processes. Our approach improves the accuracy and completeness of your financial data, trains and upskills your team, and implements or optimizes essential technologies. We also review compliance and other regulatory requirements to ensure your financial foundation is robust and reliable.

How We Will Help You Modernize:

  • Establish scalable processes, deliver data accuracy and lay your technology foundation
  • Confirm your data accuracy and completeness
  • Review compliance, including GAAP, SOX or other regulatory requirements
  • Train, upskill and provide fractional support for your accounting and finance team
  • Implement or optimize your business technology solutions, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), workflow and cloud-based solutions
AUTOMATE FOR EFFICIENCY

Have you outgrown your current financial systems and need to automate your financial and accounting function to reduce manual workload?

For companies that have outgrown their current systems and need to reduce manual inefficiencies, increase productivity, and build better financial forecasting, we focus on process optimization and automation. We define and implement data governance and analytics capabilities and integrate advanced technology solutions, including ERP systems. This approach leads to a finance function that is efficient, effective and ready to support your growth.

How We Will Help You Modernize:

  • Process optimization and automation, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
  • Define and implement data governance and analytics capabilities
  • Create talent and organizational development solutions
  • Implement and integrate technology, including ERP, customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence, workflow and cloud-based solutions
FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

Are you a mid-market organization or a high-growth startup that needs to establish a strong accounting and finance foundation? Or are you overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?

We get the middle market because it has been our focus from the start. For companies standing up an accounting department or transitioning from basic accounting functions or software, we focus on establishing, standardizing, centralizing and scaling key processes. Our approach improves the accuracy and completeness of your financial data, trains and upskills your team, and implements or optimizes essential technologies. We also review compliance and other regulatory requirements to ensure your financial foundation is robust and reliable.

How We Will Help You Modernize:

  • Establish scalable processes, deliver data accuracy and lay your technology foundation
  • Confirm your data accuracy and completeness
  • Review compliance, including GAAP, SOX or other regulatory requirements
  • Train, upskill and provide fractional support for your accounting and finance team
  • Implement or optimize your business technology solutions, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), workflow and cloud-based solutions
AUTOMATE FOR EFFICIENCY

Have you outgrown your current financial systems and need to automate your financial and accounting function to reduce manual workload?

For companies that have outgrown their current systems and need to reduce manual inefficiencies, increase productivity, and build better financial forecasting, we focus on process optimization and automation. We define and implement data governance and analytics capabilities and integrate advanced technology solutions, including ERP systems. This approach leads to a finance function that is efficient, effective and ready to support your growth.

How We Will Help You Modernize:

  • Process optimization and automation, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
  • Define and implement data governance and analytics capabilities
  • Create talent and organizational development solutions
  • Implement and integrate technology, including ERP, customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence, workflow and cloud-based solutions

Key Benefits of Finance Modernization

Finance modernization focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing finance processes, systems, and teams while preparing for what’s next. Modernization is about identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, addressing regulatory and compliance requirements, automating tasks, and improving data accuracy to enhance financial performance and sustainable growth, while training teams to manage the new processes.

How Finance Transformation Delivers Value:

  • Streamline Core Finance Operations: Eliminate inefficiencies in accounts payable, accounts receivable and reporting
  • Automate What Matters: Use artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated systems to reduce manual workload
  • Make Smarter Decisions Faster: Unlock real-time analytics and data you can act on
  • Reduce Cost and Risk: Optimize spend, stay compliant and protect against disruptions
  • Strengthen Your Team: Whether your finance team needs fractional support or outsourced functions, Cherry Bekaert brings the right people and capabilities to help you modernize and grow

Why Choose Cherry Bekaert for Finance Modernization

We understand the middle market because it has been our focus from the start. Our experience growing through middle market to what is next gives us an edge, and gives you a trusted advisor who truly understands where you are and where you are headed.

We have successfully guided clients through various stages of growth, helping them transition smoothly from mid-sized enterprises to larger, more complex organizations. This progression has allowed us to comprehensively understand the evolving landscape and the critical factors that drive success at each stage, positioning us as your trusted advisor throughout the journey.

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Accounting & Technology Excellence

We start with your accounting and finance needs, then apply the right technology, offering a flexible, comprehensive suite of services backed by deep accounting experience, advanced technology knowledge and the guidance of trusted advisors.

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Industry Insight

With decades of industry-specialized accounting knowledge and scalable technology, we minimize risk and reduce costs for a seamless modernization process.

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People-first Approach

We prioritize your team's needs by designing adaptable systems and processes for the people who use them, leveraging the latest technologies for long-term growth and success.

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Outcome-driven Solutions

Our practical solutions optimize processes, integrate systems, reduce manual work, and address regulatory requirements to improve financial operations and decision making.

Industries We Help

Drive Long-term Growth With Smarter Finance

We help mid-market CFOs in addressing current operational challenges while developing an actionable plan to meet the long-term needs of your organization. Don’t let outdated systems and processes hinder your progress — let us help you develop a finance function that enhances strategy, scalability and speed. Reach out to our team to get started and see immediate improvements.

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“Finance modernization transforms the financial and accounting function into a strategic partner for business growth, enabling middle-market businesses to stay competitive by leveraging insights, streamlining and scaling operations, and making real-time decisions.”
Chase Wright
Partner | CFO Advisory, Accounting Advisory Leader
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Our Services

We provide transformative services to help manage your finance function with confidence:

  • CFO Advisory Services

    As organizations grow, we help CFOs navigate their financial and accounting strategy, modernize their operations, and manage their reporting and financial performance by seamlessly weaving together accounting and technology solutions tailored for the middle market.

  • Analytics & Automation

    Maximizing your data enhances decision-making and compliance. Our Business Optimization teams create a tailored data strategy and process model, followed by a roadmap for automation and workflow that offers seamless analytics, machine learning and data processing.

  • Outsourcing Services

    Whether your finance team requires fractional support or outsourced functions, we provide the right people and resources to drive modernization and growth. We adapt to your financial resourcing needs, so that you are never hindered by capacity or skill gaps.

  • Risk & Cybersecurity Services

    Rapid growth can introduce new compliance and operational risks. Cherry Bekaert customizes risk and cybersecurity strategies to protect against threats, enhance efficiency, and provide ongoing compliance and resilience.

  • Recruiting & Staffing Services

    Facing talent shortages, Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert helps fill accounting, finance, HR, IT, and operational roles as your organization grows. With national reach, we offer tailored staffing solutions to quickly place qualified candidates, allowing your focus on modernization projects.

Our Professionals

Connect With Us

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Chase Wright

CFO Advisory

Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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Roy Nicholson

Business Optimization Leader

Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Danny Martinez headshot

Danny Martinez

CFO Advisory

Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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Kenneth Woodring

CFO Advisory

Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Finance Transformation FAQs

Finance transformation is a comprehensive overhaul of the finance function within an organization, involving the combination of processes, systems and organizational changes. Implemented through new technologies, training and analysis, it aims to streamline, simplify and optimize finance systems. This transformation aligns finance operations more closely with the overall company strategy, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability. By creating synergy between relevant technologies and skilled teams, finance transformation drives better decision-making and value creation.

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To get started with finance transformation consulting, begin by assessing your current finance operations and identify areas for improvement. Work with a trusted advisor that specializes in finance transformation to help guide you through the process. Establish clear objectives, secure stakeholder buy-in and prioritize initiatives that align with your business needs. Implement a phased approach, starting with quick wins, to build momentum and ensure a smooth transformation process.

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Finance transformation can significantly improve business performance by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving accuracy and efficiency in financial processes. By optimizing business processes and integrating systems, it reduces manual work and addresses regulatory requirements. Leveraging advanced technologies enhances data management and analytics, facilitating more informed strategic decisions. By aligning finance more closely with overall business objectives, finance transformation drives growth, profitability, and competitive advantage.

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Technology plays a crucial role in modernizing the finance function by automating routine tasks, improving data accuracy, and providing advanced analytics. Tools such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning enhance financial forecasting, reporting and analytics capabilities. Implementing and optimizing ERP, CRM, and cloud-based platforms streamlines operations, reduces costs, and enables more strategic decision-making and greater agility.

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Modernizing finance operations is crucial to stay competitive and adapt to a rapidly evolving market. It allows organizations to improve efficiency and accuracy, reduce costs, and enhance agility. By addressing regulatory and compliance requirements and eliminating inefficiencies, modern finance operations support strategic growth and provide better insights into performance and risk management. This enables businesses to make informed, real-time decisions, driving long-term success.

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Finance modernization aids compliance and risk management by implementing systems and processes that ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and analysis. It keeps financial processes up-to-date with regulatory requirements, enhancing data accuracy and transparency. Automated controls and real-time monitoring reduce the risk of errors and fraud, while enhanced reporting capabilities facilitate adherence to regulations and provide insights into potential risks, enabling proactive management and mitigation strategies.

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Contact Our Finance Transformation Consultants