How Joe Garafalo is reimagining today’s finance tech stack
May 5, 2022
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Joe Garafalo, co-founder of Mosaic and a finance tech expert, joins Alex Song, Head of Finance at Ramp. They discuss transitioning from outdated finance tools to innovative tech solutions. Joe highlights how financial models can transform business conversations and emphasizes the importance of hiring a controller. The duo explores the integration of software like Snowflake for automation and how understanding investor trends shapes company strategies. They also touch on why pricing accessibility is key to Mosaic's mission.
Mosaic streamlines financial processes by integrating technology, transforming cumbersome legacy systems into a centralized, efficient framework for decision-making.
Joe Garafalo highlights the necessity of strategic finance roles, like hiring a controller first to ensure robust accounting practices in organizations.
Deep dives
The Genesis of Mosaic's Financial Infrastructure
Mosaic was founded by finance professionals who experienced the challenges of building financial infrastructure at Palantir. The team transformed cumbersome paper-based processes into a streamlined system using technology, enabling them to provide quick and reliable answers to complex business questions. By centralizing data and learning SQL, they created a golden framework that significantly improved decision-making efficiency. This foundational experience led to the development of Mosaic, aimed at helping B2B SaaS companies achieve better financial planning and analytics.
The Evolution of Finance Roles in Mosaic
Joe Garafalo, a key figure at Mosaic, transitioned from traditional finance roles to leading sales and marketing efforts, showcasing how finance professionals can effectively engage with sales teams. His finance background equips him to communicate with CFOs and finance leaders, understanding their unique challenges and pain points. This shift demonstrates the growing recognition of finance roles as strategic partners within a technology-driven business landscape. Additionally, by allowing the whole team access to financial data, Mosaic fosters a culture of informed decision-making across departments.
Adapting to International Markets
Mosaic serves a global clientele, including companies based in the US and those with international operations, addressing the need for consolidated financial reporting. The platform includes features that facilitate integration across different ERP systems and automate foreign exchange calculations. This capability allows clients to manage their finances more efficiently without relying solely on spreadsheets. By bridging the gap between various operational facets, Mosaic enhances its value proposition for businesses dealing with multiple jurisdictions.
Building a Strong Finance Team in Startups
In hiring for finance departments, Garafalo emphasizes the importance of bringing in a controller first to establish robust accounting practices and ensure timely financial closures. Following this, a director of FP&A is vital for developing operational models and decision support systems. The unique needs of different business models (e.g., B2B vs B2C) should guide hiring decisions, ensuring the team possesses the appropriate skills. Investing in experienced hires enables companies to scale effectively, adapting to both operational and market changes.