Managing Documents & Compliance: Attachments, Licenses, and More

Customs declarations aren’t just about data. Behind every compliant entry is a stack of supporting documents: commercial invoices, packing lists, licenses, permits, power of attorney (POA), and more. Fail to manage these documents properly, and you’re left scrambling when Customs requests proof—or worse, when you’re under audit. As a former controller who has gone throughContinue reading “Managing Documents & Compliance: Attachments, Licenses, and More”

💱 Currency & Credit Terms in CargoWise: Small Fields, Big Financial Impact

Welcome to Article 5 in the Organization Master Data Series.This time, we’re focusing on two deceptively simple master data elements that have a direct and measurable impact on your bottom line: Currency and Credit Terms. If your organization records in CargoWise are the foundation for operational accuracy, then currency and credit terms are the leversContinue reading “💱 Currency & Credit Terms in CargoWise: Small Fields, Big Financial Impact”

“It’s Just How It’s Always Been” – Why Finance Needs to Speak Freight

When I first took over as Controller, I joined a finance team that had very little understanding of freight forwarding. And when I started asking questions—why do we not understand our core business?—I was met with the dreaded words:“It’s just how it’s always been.” The reasoning?You don’t need to understand how a widget moves fromContinue reading ““It’s Just How It’s Always Been” – Why Finance Needs to Speak Freight”

📉 “Those Numbers Aren’t Right!”

Why Your Leadership Team Can’t Agree on the Numbers—and How to Fix It Many of us have been there… You’re in a leadership meeting. Finance presents the month-end results and kicks off the conversation about shrinking margins and declining shipments. Finance is clear: “Costs are trending up. Margins are tightening. Shipment volumes have dropped month-over-month.”Continue reading “📉 “Those Numbers Aren’t Right!””

💡 The Hidden ROI of Tech Investment: A Tale of Two CFOs

Technology investments are steep—in more ways than one. The licensing fee or software subscription may be the most visible part of the bill, but it’s far from the whole story. Let’s explore this through the lens of AP automation, a space that’s transformed dramatically in recent years. 🧾 The Trigger Event: When a Mistake ForcesContinue reading “💡 The Hidden ROI of Tech Investment: A Tale of Two CFOs”

A CFO’s Guide to Incoterms: Why Liability = Money in Logistics

When most finance leaders hear “Incoterms,” they think: That’s for the logistics team. But overlooking these international shipping terms can quietly erode your margins, expose your company to risk, or even leave you paying for costs you didn’t agree to. Let’s break down why every CFO in logistics, freight forwarding, or global trade needs aContinue reading “A CFO’s Guide to Incoterms: Why Liability = Money in Logistics”

AP Automation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Ask the Right Questions

Buzzwords like AI and ML are everywhere — and if you’re not deep in the tech world, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be. In my world — specifically CargoWise and RAFT — AP automation follows a fairly standard process. While tools may differ in bells and whistles,Continue reading “AP Automation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Ask the Right Questions”

🚀 New Vendor Approval & Setup: Your Ultimate Checklist! ✅

A structured and compliant vendor onboarding process is critical to avoiding payment delays, fraud risks, and compliance issues. Whether you’re a finance pro, AP specialist, or small business owner, here’s your must-have checklist for new vendor approval and setup: 📌 Step 1: Structured Vendor Setup Request & Approval Process ✔️ Implement a formal vendor setupContinue reading “🚀 New Vendor Approval & Setup: Your Ultimate Checklist! ✅”