The same framework Fortune 500 value advisors use, simplified for mid-market SaaS teams. Fill in your numbers and present to your CFO with confidence.
01
Executive Summary
How to use this: Write 3–4 sentences max. CFOs skip to this first. State the problem, the solution, and the punchline number (ROI or payback period).
02
Current State: What This Is Costing You
Tip: Use actual numbers from the prospect wherever possible. Generic estimates reduce CFO confidence. Ask in discovery: "What does it cost you today when X happens?"
Cost Category
Description / Source
Annual Cost Estimate
Manual Processes
Tool Sprawl / Redundancy
Lost / Delayed Deals
Error & Rework Costs
Compliance / Risk Exposure
Opportunity Cost
Total Estimated Annual Cost of Status Quo
03
Future State: What You Gain
Pro tip: Separate "hard" benefits (direct cost savings, revenue you can trace) from "soft" benefits (productivity, morale, strategic positioning). CFOs discount soft benefits — lead with hard.
Benefit Category
How We Calculate It
Type
Annual Value
Hard
Hard
Soft
Hard
Soft
Total Estimated Annual Benefits
Note: Use conservative estimates. A CFO who trusts your numbers is more valuable than a CFO who questions them.
04
ROI Summary
Core Formula
ROI (%) = (Net Benefits − Total Investment) ÷ Total Investment × 100 | Payback (months) = Investment ÷ (Annual Benefits ÷ 12)
05
Implementation Timeline
Why this matters: Buyers need to visualize the path from signature to value. A clear 3-phase timeline turns "someday" into "Q2." Include milestones tied to business outcomes, not just technical deliverables.
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
06
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Why address risks proactively: CFOs are paid to find holes in business cases. Acknowledge risks before they do — it builds trust. An honest risk table with mitigations shows maturity, not weakness.