Smart spend management: The ERP consultant’s secret weapon

We sat down with David Atherton, Operations Leader UK at leading European consultancy Staria (an ERP integrator helping high-growth businesses scale smarter), to get his take on the biggest challenges facing finance leaders today, what high-growth companies are doing differently, and why spend management is so crucial in the modern ERP stack.

Why finance transformation is having a moment

It’s no secret that finance teams have had to evolve quickly in recent years, thanks to rapid growth, market pressure, and the dawn of AI.

“More private equity and VC money flowing again,” David explains, “and with that comes the pressure for tighter governance, faster decision-making, and scalable operations. AI is obviously a hot topic, but I think what’s often missed is how it fits into day-to-day finance work.”

David says that while finance leaders are keen to embrace AI, the conversation always shifts quickly from curiosity to practicality. “The interest is there across the board. But adoption is slower because it has to be. There's still a huge need to understand where AI adds value and where human insight still rules."

When it comes to digital transformation tools, CFOs need three major things:

• An obvious and compelling use case
• Clear and measurable outcomes (time savings, clear visibility, etc.)
• A straightforward, personalised onboarding plan (including easy integration with the existing tech stack)

Why automation is the real unlock

At Staria, David’s team works with ambitious CFOs and their finance teams, building foundations for global expansion.

He says, “These are scaleups with international growth on the roadmap. They’re not hiring 20 people just to manage accounts payable and accounts receivable. They need lean, automated finance functions — and that’s where we come in.”

David also sees automation as the real driver of change in the ERP and finance space.

CFOs don’t need more tools… they need the right ones — systems that talk to each other, support business rules, and reduce human touchpoints where possible.

And when it comes to tools, spend management software has become a clear and pack-leading priority.

The ERP is your core, the backbone. But when it comes to controlling company spend, including what's allowed, who approves what, how expenses and invoices get processed, etc., dedicated spend management tools fill the gap most ERPs aren't built to solve.

What finance leaders actually want

So, what are high-growth companies really asking for? Finance transformation is a big ticket item, but so is everything else: Meeting CSDR regulations, cross-team collaboration and support, and all the other BAU.

"They're looking to do more with less," says David. "They want automation that actually works. They want to enter new markets without multiplying headcount. They want clarity without micromanagement."

And above all, they want to make better use of their team's time.

David adds:

Finance teams are under pressure to be more strategic. That means reducing the time spent on chasing receipts or pushing paper around. With Payhawk, we're helping our clients focus on what matters: forecasting, analysis, and strategic planning — not reconciling transactions line-by-line.

How the right tools bring finance stacks to life

David is clear that modern finance teams need more than just one big homogenous ERP implementation.

You need modular, flexible architecture. The ERP is the foundation, but the right point solutions make it work.

That modular approach becomes especially critical in areas like spend management (including corporate cards and expense management software), where traditional ERPs can often fall short.

"Payhawk's ERP integrations connect beautifully into tools like NetSuite or Exact," David says. "We've seen firsthand how the automation and controls help reduce manual work and how they give finance teams the visibility they've been missing."

For David, the real power lies in the balance: Solid ERP foundations paired with nimble tools that actually solve daily finance pain and give finance teams instant clarity without the usual complexity.

"With Payhawk, you've got OCR, card controls, and automated approval flows. It's smart, but it's also accessible. Our clients see the value fast."

That modular approach becomes especially critical in areas like spend management — where traditional ERPs often fall short.

What ERP integrators care about when recommending finance tech

When you’re putting your name behind a recommendation, you need a partner that won’t let you down. According to David, our solution doesn’t just tick boxes — it delivers with standout support and a team that gets finance.

He also praised the partnership experience itself. “From a partner perspective, it’s refreshing to work with a team that understands finance at a strategic level. The support we get from Payhawk is strong, from technical to commercial.”

That confidence matters when you're recommending solutions to C-level clients. “When I recommend Payhawk, I know they’ll deliver. That’s not something you can say about every vendor in this space.”

Helping clients scale? It's not about flashy features; it's about fit, speed, and futureproofing. David shares what really matters when advising finance teams and why spend management can't be an afterthought.

David’s advice for other integrators and consultants? Focus on long-term fit and time-to-value.

“Don’t just chase feature lists. Think about your client’s maturity, their growth plans, and how finance can scale without friction. Spend management touches so many areas: Cards, AP, compliance, and reporting. If it’s not working, everything slows down.”

Final thoughts: It’s about partnership

From David's perspective, successful financial transformation requires more than good tools. It also requires a good team and a good partner ecosystem.

Every CFO we work with is trying to balance control with speed. If you can give them a solution that does both, you're not just selling software. You're helping them build the finance team of the future.

If you're one of the many ERP integrators or accounting firms supporting growth-minded businesses, we can help you deliver more value faster.

Find out more about our partner program, which includes our approach to technical support, co-marketing, commission opportunities, and a proven solution your clients will love.