6 best cash management solutions CFOs should know about

Cash management is the systematic oversight and optimization of a company's monetary resources, encompassing how businesses collect, track, manage, and invest their cash. This vital discipline shapes how organizations handle their finances, from collecting payments and managing daily transactions to investing surplus funds for maximum returns. The framework builds on three interconnected components that work in harmony — forecasting future cash needs, monitoring current cash positions, and maintaining optimal liquidity levels. Through careful forecasting, businesses can anticipate cash needs and prepare accordingly. Active monitoring provides real-time visibility into cash movements, ensuring resources are there when you need them. Meanwhile, liquidity management strikes the balance between having enough cash on hand for operations and ensuring excess funds generate returns through strategic investments.

The impact of effective cash management extends beyond basic financial oversight. Even highly profitable companies can stumble without proper practices. Cash management serves as the cornerstone that keeps operations running smoothly, ensuring businesses can meet their daily obligations while maintaining the flexibility to seize growth opportunities. Well-executed cash management supports both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic initiatives. It provides the foundation for critical investment decisions, whether expanding into new markets, upgrading technology infrastructure, or launching new products.

Beyond day-to-day operations, strong cash management helps businesses navigate market fluctuations and economic uncertainties. You’ll be able to maintain strong relationships with suppliers through timely payments, invest in growth opportunities without relying on expensive emergency funding, and build financial resilience against unexpected challenges. Perhaps most importantly, effective cash management supports strategic decision-making by providing clear visibility into available resources and future cash flows, allowing businesses to make confident moves in pursuing their growth objectives.

The right cash management solution can impact your business’ bottom line. Here are five key features that separate exceptional solutions from the rest.

1. High-yield investment opportunities

Smart businesses know idle cash is a missed opportunity. Modern cash management solutions help put every dollar to work through sophisticated investment options. High-yield business accounts offer significantly better returns than traditional checking accounts, often 10 to 15 times the national average. The best platforms provide easy access to money market accounts and other short-term investment vehicles, helping businesses earn meaningful returns while maintaining necessary liquidity.

2. Robust spend management controls

Effective cash management requires precise control over spending. Leading solutions offer comprehensive spend management features that protect your business's financial health. Real-time transaction monitoring helps catch unusual spending patterns before they become problems. Customizable approval workflows ensure you get eyes on expenses. Smart limits and automated policies prevent overspending while giving teams the flexibility they need to operate efficiently.

3. Automated expense management

Gone are the days of wondering how to keep track of business expenses with manual reports and mountains of paper receipts. Modern cash management platforms leverage expense management automation and artificial intelligence to accelerate how businesses handle transactions. AI-powered receipt scanning instantly captures and categorizes expenses, eliminating hours of manual data entry. Smart matching algorithms automatically reconcile transactions with receipts, while automated approval workflows expedite reimbursements. Such automation not only saves time but also reduces errors and improves compliance.

4. Integrated financial platform

The power of modern cash management lies in integration. Leading solutions bring together banking, payments, expenses, and analytics in one seamless platform. Real-time dashboards provide instant visibility into your cash position across all accounts. Direct connections with accounting software eliminate manual data entry and expense reconciliation headaches. This approach gives finance leaders the comprehensive insights they need to make better decisions faster.

5. Exceptional customer support

Even the most sophisticated platform needs strong support behind it. Top-tier cash management solutions back their technology with responsive, knowledgeable support teams. Dedicated account managers understand your business and provide strategic guidance. A 24/7 support offering ensures help is available whenever you need it, while easy-to-follow training resources help teams maximize the platform's value. The best providers treat support as a strategic partnership, not just a help desk.

1. Brex

Brex has revolutionized cash management by combining modern checking, treasury, and vault banking features with a powerful spend management software solution. This all-in-one financial platform helps growing companies simplify and automate the workflows that help them manage their cash, earn high yields, and keep tight control over expenses. Brex processes billions in payment volume across 120+ countries, providing unique insights into how modern businesses manage money. Its global payment capabilities and automated workflows are particularly valuable for companies with complex, multi-currency operations.

Key benefits

• Instant virtual cards with built-in spend controls
• High-yield treasury accounts
• Real-time expense tracking and automated categorization
• Seamless integration with major accounting software
• Zero account fees or minimum balance requirements
• Advanced fraud protection and security features

Limitations

• Robust spend capabilities might overwhelm those with basic needs
• Typically requires professional investment to get approved
• Limited support for small businesses or sole proprietorships

What customers are saying

"Brex is so fast and easy to use that I don't have to spend time worrying about our finances. I can instantly move money from our cash account to our card, plus the longer payment terms help with our cash flow." — Ori Zohar, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Burlap and Barrel

Pricing

Brex offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Its basic business account is free, while premium features are available through their paid plans.

Brex stands out for companies seeking a modern, integrated approach to cash management. Its combination of banking services, expense management, and powerful analytics makes it particularly useful for fast-growing companies that need scalable financial solutions. Brex’s single-platform approach accelerates automation for routine but essential finance processes. The platform is especially valuable for venture-backed startups and growth-stage companies that need to scale their financial operations quickly while maintaining control and visibility but also successfully large global enterprises with complex cash flows.

2. Casual

Casual approaches cash management with a focus on simplicity and usability. The platform emphasizes visual cash flow management and forecasting tools. Founded in 2018, Casual has gained popularity among growing businesses by making cash flow forecasting more accessible and helping teams transition from complex spreadsheets to automated workflows.

Key benefits

• Intuitive visual cash flow planning
• Collaborative forecasting tools
• Real-time scenario modeling

Limitations

• Limited integration options
• Basic reporting capabilities
• No built-in payment processing

Pricing

Casual offers tiered pricing based on company size and feature requirements. Contact their sales team for specific pricing details.

Casual is best suited for smaller organizations that prioritize cash flow visibility and planning and are looking to move away from spreadsheets. The platform particularly shines for growing businesses that need clear cash flow visualization and collaborative planning tools without the complexity of enterprise-level systems.

3. Kyriba

Kyriba delivers enterprise-grade treasury and cash management functionality. Its core features include cash and liquidity management, risk management, and supply chain finance platform and caters to large corporations requiring sophisticated financial controls. The platform serves over 2,500 global organizations and helps manage complex international banking relationships and multi-currency operations.

Key benefits

• Comprehensive treasury management
• Advanced risk management tools
• Global banking connectivity

Limitations

• Complex implementation process
• Steep learning curve
• Higher cost structure

Pricing

Enterprise pricing model based on modules and user count. Annual contracts required.

Kyriba is a good solution for multinational corporations seeking robust treasury management capabilities but often comes with a hefty price tag. The platform is particularly well-suited for organizations with sophisticated treasury operations, multiple banking relationships across countries, and teams dedicated to financial risk management and compliance.

4. SAP Cash Management

SAP's solution integrates deeply with existing ERP systems, offering comprehensive cash management functionality. It’s used to monitor cash flows and helps businesses ensure sufficient liquidity to cover their payment obligations.

Key benefits

• Seamless ERP integration
• Strong compliance features
• Extensive customization options

Limitations

• Requires significant IT resources
• Complex user interface
• Long implementation timeline

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business size and implementation scope. Typically requires significant investment.

The best use case for SAP Cash Management is companies already invested in the SAP ecosystem seeking integrated cash tools.

5. Coupa

Coupa brings spend management expertise to cash management, focusing on visibility and control. The platform integrates purchasing, invoicing, and payments into a single system, with particular strength in automating procurement workflows. Their cash management solution builds on this foundation, leveraging their extensive supplier network and spend analytics capabilities.

Key benefits

• Strong procurement integration
• AI-powered spend analysis
• Comprehensive supplier management

Limitations

• Limited banking features
• Complex supplier onboarding
• Premium pricing

Pricing

Custom pricing based on company size and feature requirements. Contact sales for details.

Coupa is particularly useful for organizations prioritizing spend management and supplier relationships, but its cash management capabilities often require significant customization and additional modules. The solution is best suited for large enterprises with complex procurement needs and established supplier networks, particularly those already using Coupa's procurement platform or looking to transform their entire source-to-pay process.

6. Agicap

Agicap specializes in cash flow management and forecasting for mid-sized businesses offering daily, weekly, and monthly cash forecasts. Its European roots provide strong coverage for EU markets and banking systems, though US market capabilities are still developing. The platform's scenario planning tools help finance teams model business outcomes and make data-driven decisions about cash strategies.

Key benefits

• Detailed cash flow analysis
• Multiple scenario planning
• Bank account aggregation

Limitations

• Limited payment features
• Regional availability constraints
• Basic expense management

Pricing

Subscription-based model with tiered pricing based on company revenue.

Agicap is well-suited for European businesses focusing on cash flow optimization. While its forecasting capabilities are robust, its platform typically requires manual input for many data sources and lacks direct payment execution features. Companies often require additional solutions to manage their complete cash management needs.

Running a business without proper cash management is like sailing without navigation tools. Modern solutions provide critical advantages that directly impact your bottom line and operational efficiency.

Improved cash flow visibility

You no longer have to fly blind with your finances. Modern cash management solutions work like a financial dashboard for your business, showing you exactly where every dollar is at any moment. When a major client payment lands or a significant expense clears, you know instantly — no more guessing and no more waiting for end-of-month surprises.

Real-time visibility changes everything. You can spot trends as they emerge, not weeks later, and head off potential cash shortages before they become crises. Better yet, identify surplus cash that could be put to work earning returns. Think of it as upgrading from a rear-view mirror to a forward-looking radar for your finances.

Enhanced financial control

Modern cash management solutions function as a financial command center, showing you how to manage accounts payable effectively while controlling every aspect of your company's cash flow with just a few clicks. That's what modern cash management solutions deliver. Set spending limits, approve transactions, and adjust policies all from one secure platform.

But security doesn't have to mean complexity. These solutions strike the right balance between protection and accessibility. Like a sophisticated home security system, they keep your funds safe while allowing authorized users easy access. Automated workflows ensure proper approvals without creating bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Efficient payment and collection processes

Streamlined payment and collection processes can transform your cash flow from a trickle to a steady stream. Automated invoice processing eliminates common headaches like duplicate payments or missed invoices. Recurring payments happen on schedule, every time. Integration with your accounting system keeps everything accurate and up-to-date.

On the collections side, getting paid becomes easier for both you and your customers. Automated reminders gently nudge late payers, electronic payment options remove friction, and clear tracking shows exactly where every receivable stands. The result? Faster collections and better cash flow.

While each benefit, from payment automation to real-time analytics, is valuable on its own, the real magic happens when they work together. Clear visibility informs smarter investment choices, strong controls enable efficient processes, and automated workflows free your team to focus on strategy instead of routine tasks.

These improvements don't require a complete overhaul of your financial operations. Start with the features that address your most pressing needs, then expand as you see results. Whether you're aiming to improve visibility, strengthen controls, or enhance payment processes, there's a solution that fits your goals.

Smart cash management isn't just about tracking money — it's about making your financial resources work harder for your business. Let's explore five proven practices that transform how successful companies handle their cash.

1. Accurate cash flow forecasting

Imagine driving a car with a foggy windshield. That's what running a business without proper cash flow forecasting feels like. Clear visibility into future cash flows empowers better decisions about everything from daily operations to major investments.

Modern forecasting tools have transformed this once-tedious process into a powerful planning advantage. By combining historical data with current trends, businesses can now predict cash positions with remarkable accuracy. Machine learning algorithms detect patterns humans might miss, while integration with financial systems enables real-time updates even as conditions change.

The most successful companies use multiple forecasting methods, much like checking both the weather forecast and the sky before planning an outdoor event. They analyze past patterns, consider market conditions, and factor in expert insights to build reliable predictions that guide their strategy.

2. Efficient payment and collection strategies

Your cash flow is like a river — the smoother it flows, the better the boating experience. Smart companies optimize both directions of this flow, accelerating collections while strategically timing payments.

On the collections side, well-designed incentives can work wonders. Offering a small discount for early payment can improve cash flow while reducing collection efforts. Digital payment options and automated reminders keep money moving while freeing your team from manual follow-ups.

Payment strategies deserve equal attention. Consolidating vendor payments can improve your negotiating position and reduce processing costs. Electronic payment solutions let you time disbursements precisely, keeping cash in your accounts until the last possible moment while ensuring vendors get paid on time.

3. Strategic liquidity management

Finding the right balance between having enough cash on hand and putting money to work is an art. Think of it like keeping enough groceries in your pantry — too little leaves you scrambling to make dinner, and too much wastes space and resources.

Smart companies maintain enough liquidity for operations while investing excess cash for returns. Effective liquidity management involves using money market funds, treasury bills, and other short-term investments to generate income from funds you'll need later. The key is matching investment timing with your cash flow needs.

Risk management plays a crucial role, too. Companies operating internationally use hedging strategies to protect against currency fluctuations, much like insurance for your cash flow. These tools help create predictability in an unpredictable business environment.

4. Robust internal controls

Accounting internal controls protect your cash like a sophisticated security system protects your home. The best solutions combine clear processes, modern technology, and regular oversight to prevent problems before they occur.

Dividing financial duties among different people creates natural checkpoints. When one person approves payments and another processes them, the risk of mistakes or fraud drops significantly. Modern tools automate these separations while keeping workflows smooth and efficient.

Regular account reconciliation catches discrepancies quickly, while periodic audits help identify opportunities for improvement. Think of it as regular health check-ups for your financial processes.

5. Continuous monitoring and analysis

Just as your car's dashboard provides vital information while driving, key performance indicators offer essential insights into your cash management effectiveness. Modern tools make this monitoring almost effortless, with real-time dashboards showing your financial position across all accounts.

Key metrics tell different parts of your cash story:

• Days Sales Outstanding reveals how quickly you're collecting payments
• Cash Conversion Cycle shows how efficiently operations generate cash
• Working Capital Ratio indicates your short-term financial health

Regular review of these metrics helps spot opportunities and avoid problems. For example, maybe collections are slowing in certain regions, or payment processes could be streamlined. Data-driven decisions consistently lead to better outcomes.

Throughout this guide, we've seen how the right cash flow management solution can transform businesses. Many platforms offer basic features, but modern companies need to move faster and require more than traditional banking tools. That's where Brex's startup banking makes a difference, combining intelligent automation with powerful cash management capabilities in one seamless platform.

By pairing high-yield startup banking accounts earning industry-leading yield with sophisticated automation tools, we've eliminated the traditional pain points of business banking. Further, our accounts payable automation software takes the headache out of financial operations, streamlining everything from invoice processing to payment tracking so you can have clear insights into your cash posture. Finance teams can finally focus on strategy instead of getting buried in paperwork and manual reconciliation.

We've made it simple too — no account fees, no minimum balances, and no complex banking structures to navigate. The platform connects smoothly with your existing accounting software, while automated workflows eliminate the bottlenecks and help you maintain proper controls. Whether you're managing daily expenses, processing vendor payments, or optimizing your cash flow, Brex gives you the solutions to do it all efficiently.

Sahil Hasan, co-founder and CEO of Dots, a San Francisco-based payouts platform says: “Several large banks have pitched us to move our business over, but we love Brex because we get amazing service, high yields, and no hidden fees. It’s nice to know we have that level of attention from our banking partner.”

Ready to transform your financial operations? Join thousands of forward-thinking startups that trust Brex for their banking and accounts payable needs. Getting started takes just a few minutes, and our dedicated support team is here to help every step of the way. Sign up for Brex today and modernize your financial operations.