Tech + Finance Playbook: 10 Best Practices for New Tech Stack Adoption
Finance tech stacks can be a blessing or a headache—and I’ve seen both sides of the equation. Over the years, I’ve tested, adopted, ditched, and occasionally cursed my way through more software platforms than I can count. Some tools saved hours and streamlined entire workflows. Others? Let’s just say they looked good on the sales call but fell apart in the trenches.
This list isn’t theory—it’s built from real-world wins and battle scars. If you’re about to add new tech to your finance function, or want to consider applying tech stacks you offer to clients, here are the top 10 tips that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
1. Train Before You Use
Don’t let your first day on new software be during month-end close. Set aside time to train your team before deployment. Tutorials, sandbox accounts, and walkthroughs build confidence and reduce mistakes.
2. Make Friends With Your Service Rep
Your account rep isn’t just for billing questions—they can escalate support tickets, unlock features, and share best practices. A good relationship can be worth more than the software itself.
3. Follow the Company’s YouTube Channel
Many SaaS providers publish quick-hit tutorials, updates, and feature demos. Subscribe and stay current—you’ll often learn tricks that don’t make it into the formal documentation.
4. Remember: Software Is a Tool, Not a Teacher
AI and automation can do a lot, but they’re only as strong as your understanding of accounting and compliance. You need to know more than the system—don’t let the tool dictate your strategy.
5. Join Facebook Groups & Online Communities
From niche forums to Facebook groups, peer communities are invaluable for troubleshooting, shortcuts, and real-world feedback. Asking “dumb” questions here saves you costly trial and error.
6. Network With Other Users
Tap into your professional network or LinkedIn to connect with people already using the tool. Their lessons learned can shortcut your learning curve.
7. Shop and Compare Before Committing
Don’t settle on the first shiny option. Compare features, integrations, and pricing tiers. Sometimes the “industry leader” isn’t the best fit for your specific workflows.
8. Take Advantage of Free Demos—But Don’t Rush In
Most providers offer free demos or trial periods. Use them to test integrations and workflows, but resist the urge to sign a contract right away. Implementation costs—both financial and cultural—add up quickly.
9. Watch Market Trends and Competitor Moves
Follow vendors, competitors, and industry leaders on LinkedIn, Instagram, or trade publications. Trends shift fast—being proactive helps you stay competitive and avoid outdated solutions.
10. Audit & Review Early
Don’t wait a year to decide if a tool is working. Build in a 30- or 90-day check-in to evaluate ROI and user adoption. If it’s not helping, be ready to pivot before small inefficiencies become major problems.
The best finance tech stacks aren’t just about the newest tools—they’re about smart adoption. By combining training, networking, and ongoing evaluation, you’ll avoid shiny-object syndrome and build a tech ecosystem that truly supports your finance function.