The CFO’s world is changing fast. Once focused on stewardship and compliance, finance leaders today are expected to design the transformation itself, combining strategy, data, technology and people in one rhythm. The question isn’t how to keep up anymore. It’s how to stay ahead.
However, here’s the catch. While nearly every enterprise discusses digital finance transformation, few truly transform at the core. Systems remain disconnected, processes are rigid and data sits in silos. The result? Finance teams that manage but rarely mobilize.
Why “Architecting from the Core” Matters in Finance Transformation
True finance transformation doesn’t start with a new tool; it starts with a new design. At WNS, our Agile Target Operating Model (aTOM) helps CFOs bring structure to that design, connecting people, processes, data and technology into one living, adaptive ecosystem.
Think of it as the nucleus of finance: The place where insight becomes impact. When the core is strong, strategy flows naturally into execution, and every process, whether planning, forecasting or reporting, moves in sync.
The aTOM framework by WNS serves as an intelligent finance framework that empowers leaders to continuously sense, adapt and respond, aligning operations, analytics and automation to create a future-ready finance organization.
The New CFO Imperative
CFOs today must build organizations that are agile enough to pivot yet disciplined enough to stay in control. That means unified data for visibility, operating models that can scale and AI-driven intelligence that can sense what’s coming next.
Companies that have embraced this approach – agile finance operating model – are already realizing double-digit efficiency gains, faster close cycles and smarter working capital management. It’s proof that finance operating mode re-design doesn’t need to be dramatic; it just needs to be designed right.
Finance no longer sits at the back of the enterprise; it powers everything in front of it. Insights from finance shape customer experience, guide strategy and build resilience. To keep doing that, CFOs must think like architects: Designing finance that’s adaptable, data-driven and built for continuous motion.
Explore how the aTOM framework helps CFOs architect finance from the core.
FAQs
1. What is a finance transformation operating model and why does it matter for CFOs?
A finance transformation operating model is a structured framework that integrates people, processes, data, and technology. It helps CFOs redesign finance from the core to achieve agility, efficiency, and data-driven insights, ensuring the finance function drives enterprise growth. It also enables proactive decision-making, continuous adaptation, and alignment of finance with broader business strategy and enterprise objectives.
2. How can CFOs make their finance function future-ready?
CFOs can build a future-ready finance function by adopting an agile finance operating model, leveraging AI-driven insights, breaking data silos, and aligning processes to respond dynamically to business changes. Future-ready finance also relies on intelligent orchestration, scalable operations, and fostering a culture of innovation across teams.
3. What are the common challenges in finance transformation today?
Many organizations face disconnected systems, rigid processes, and siloed data, which prevent finance teams from converting insights into strategic action. A core-focused redesign addresses these gaps effectively. Other challenges include resistance to change, limited analytical capabilities, and difficulties integrating emerging technologies into legacy systems.
4. How does the Agile Target Operating Model (aTOM) help in finance transformation?
The aTOM framework provides CFOs with a structured blueprint to continuously sense, adapt, and respond. It aligns people, processes, technology, and analytics, enabling smarter decision-making and operational efficiency. It also allows finance leaders to anticipate risks, optimize resource allocation, and create a unified ecosystem that supports scalable, agile growth.
5. Why is architecting finance from the core more effective than just implementing new tools?
True finance transformation starts with design, not tools. By architecting from the core, CFOs ensure strategy flows into execution, processes move in sync, and AI-driven insights create real business impact. This approach builds a resilient, adaptive finance function that can continuously evolve and support enterprise-wide transformation initiatives effectively.
6. What benefits can organizations expect by adopting an agile finance operating model?
Organizations gain faster close cycles, improved working capital, double-digit efficiency gains, and a finance function that actively shapes strategy, customer experience, and enterprise resilience. Additional benefits include better risk management, enhanced collaboration across functions, improved forecasting accuracy, and stronger alignment between finance and business goals.