SaaS Masterminds - Optimizing SaaS Spend Management: Strategies from a Finance Director

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We welcome you to “SaaS Masterminds,” Season 2 of the CloudEagle podcast. In this episode, Prasanna Naik, the co-founder of CloudEagle, takes the stage as the host and welcomes Kineret Honnen, Director of Finance at EXCO, as our esteemed guest.

Kineret brings over nine years of experience in finance and accounting for high-tech companies, coupled with a robust background as a military officer, influencing her leadership and problem-solving approach. She discusses her role overseeing financial operations globally, focusing on strategic financial management, budgeting, and cost analysis.

Throughout the conversation, Kineret talks about the complexities of SaaS spend management. She stresses the importance of visibility and control over subscription expenses, citing real-time dashboards and dedicated payment processes as critical tools for maintaining financial health. 

Kineret elaborates on EXCO's proactive approach to negotiating better terms and avoiding costly auto-renewals, emphasizing the role of detailed contract reviews and strategic negotiation tactics.

Moreover, Kineret explores the cultural aspects of cost consciousness within EXCO. She explains how the company fosters a culture of fiscal responsibility through ongoing budget versus actual analyses and encourages cross-departmental collaboration to optimize tool usage and expenses.

This podcast will help you gain practical insights into:

1. Implementing effective SaaS spend management strategies.
2. Negotiating better terms and managing subscription renewals.
3. Building a culture of cost consciousness and fiscal responsibility.
4. Leveraging real-time data and dashboards for financial oversight.
5. Engaging in industry networking and knowledge-sharing for professional growth.

Tune into CloudEagle's SaaS Masterminds podcast with Kineret Honen to discover actionable strategies and firsthand experiences in optimizing SaaS spend management. 

Whether you're a finance professional or a business leader, this podcast offers valuable perspectives on driving financial efficiency and strategic growth.

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0:00 Introduction

0:56 Kineret's Background and Journey to EX.CO

3:28 Why Kineret Was Attracted to EX.CO

4:21 Challenges of Subscription Management and Cost Control

5:55 How EX.CO uses data to negotiate contracts

7:48 Keeping track of contract renewals

9:34 How to Negotiate Contracts with Vendors

11:40 Building a Culture of Cost Consciousness

15:25 Importance of Sharing Knowledge Among Finance Leaders

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