Category: Industry Insights

Today we released new data that shows companies are struggling with managing corporate spend, particularly with the shift to a remote or hybrid workforce. The survey, conducted among business decision makers on the Angus Reid Forum, reveals the negative impacts of inefficient spend management on company security, workforce productivity and employee happiness — which are of increasing concern as businesses navigate the uncertain economic climate.

Key survey highlights include:

• 61 per cent of businesses who have most or all employees working remotely express that expense reporting is one of the most tedious jobs in their organization
• More than half (51%) at these companies agree that time spent reporting expenses negatively impacts their ability to accomplish work
• 49 per cent of businesses where most or all employees work remotely share company credit card across multiple employees, and among this group, 63 per cent share card details over Slack or email, more than three times the proportion of businesses with only some employees working remotely (18%)
• Seven-in-ten (71%) businesses report that their employees incur company expenses on personal credit cards, increasing to 80 per cent for businesses with remote employees

Shift to remote work has created new pain points for employees and HR leaders

The pandemic was an unexpected push to remote work that created operational challenges as businesses moved quickly to adapt. Even in a post-COVID world, the strain on employees and HR leaders lingers as companies settle permanently into hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Four-in-five (80%) businesses with remote employees have staff who incur company expenses on their personal credit cards, and 45 per cent report that employees are incurring more company expenses personally for reimbursement since shifting to remote work. With inflation and the cost of living rising, this is a significant financial burden for many Canadians. 

For HR leaders, maintaining existing benefits such as team building activities and socials, as well as managing new employee benefits brought on by remote work arrangements, has resulted in difficulties with expense tracking. Over half (54%) of businesses working primarily remotely report an increase in funds or stipends distributed to employees, and half (51%) of businesses who had most or all of their employees shift to remote work said that it has made receipt tracking more complicated. On both ends, more than half (53%) at these companies agree that expense reporting is a major pain point for employees, and 51 per cent agree that time spent reporting expenses negatively impacts their ability to accomplish work. As remote or hybrid work becomes the norm, these challenges will only become more prevalent unless businesses adapt new processes and technology to streamline spend management.

Concerns for corporate spend management in a tough economic climate

As recession fears grow in Canada, business leaders are increasingly focused on maximizing productivity and finding cost-saving opportunities. The survey found an operational bottleneck amongst many Canadian businesses to be their manual expense tracking, which directly impacts productivity. 82 per cent of businesses spend at least a day to close their books at month-end, and among businesses whose workforce shifted to remote work during the pandemic, two-in-five spend at least four days on the task. This is significant as almost three-in-four (74%) businesses agree that they could spend less time closing their books at month’s end.

The ripple effect of heavy manual expense tracking is that it leaves businesses unable to scale up without increasing overhead. Currently, the most time-consuming expense reporting tasks for companies that have shifted to remote work are: ensuring expenses are accurate (64%), fixing human errors (56%), tracking down employees for receipts (56%) and manually reconciling and entering data (55%). These are pain points that will become larger as a company grows, limiting Canadian businesses’ ability to shift as needed during a volatile economic period.

Additional findings include:

• Almost half (48%) of businesses with most or all employees shifting to remote work are seeing increased paperwork from expense reporting
• 30 per cent of businesses who have most or all of their employees working remotely use 6 or more different finance software and tools for accounting-related work 
• More than two-in-five (44%) businesses with primarily remote employees plan to purchase new software for finance and accounting-related work in the coming year

Methodology: These are the findings of a survey conducted by Float from May 26-30, 2022 among a nationally representative sample of 427 Canadian finance decision makers at companies with 15-300 employees. All respondents were members of the online Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would yield a margin or error of +/- 4.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The survey was offered in both English and French.

They say if you follow all the rules, you miss out on all the fun. But when it comes to your financial policies, you’ll want to ensure your team knows every single one! 

The road to better corporate spending is always smoother when there are robust financial policies in place. They instantly map out expectations from every employee and link their actions directly to the bottom line. For startups in particular where growth is fast and expenses pile on quick, this is even more essential. These policies act as a bridge between your finance team and employees and formally outline the “boundaries” of corporate spending in your organization. When everyone is aligned on this, you can expect greater compliance, lower risk of expense fraud and a healthier spend culture.

It keeps everyone aligned on spending goals 💰

By formally outlining financial policies, it’s an opportunity to get employees aligned and informed on the larger financial goals of the company. These policies communicate key financial expectations related to the distribution and use of corporate cards, spending responsibility as well as transaction limits across all departments. ✅ They also help to clearly define roles when it comes to spend and expense management. Having these policies in place are especially important during onboarding as you can set expectations early on and build a healthy spend culture from the moment they join. 👍🏼

It enables greater oversight and spend control 👀

As your team grows and more corporate cards are assigned, it becomes even more critical to have financial guidelines for spending – especially from a risk management standpoint. With more people having access to corporate funds, greater oversight and control is needed. 

At Float, we take this one step further by allowing managers not only to create policies but to distribute corporate cards with predefined limits. Not only does this allow you to protect your business but it also empowers employees to make smart spending decisions in a fast and reliable way – without long approval wait times.

It can save time and money with the help of automation 🙌🏾

Setting financial policies eliminates a lot of frustration and wasted time – especially during critical times like month-end. When you add automation into the mix, it’s even easier! Smart spend software like ours at Float can help to promote your financial policies and encourage compliance through a range of key features. 🤩 For example, our receipt collection feature not only allows companies to set a standard for how they wish to track and manage daily transactions but it also holds employees accountable to their spending. Once a transaction is made, employees are instantly prompted to submit a photo of their receipt. 🤳🏻 And if they don’t, finance managers can auto-lock the card after a certain number of receipts are left unsubmitted. 

At Float, we empower startups and SMEs to establish financial policies, simplify complex processes and gain more visibility into company-wide spending. We want to ensure that you’re equipped with everything you need to grow your team, spend smarter and keep a pulse on your finances at all times. Book a demo with us today and learn how Float can help you!

It’s no secret that difficulty accessing corporate funds is a common challenge for many startups in Canada. Whether you can’t seem to get enough funds for your growing team or are unable to get approved for credit, it’s not as daunting as it seems. We’ve lined up 3 Common Misconceptions About Corporate Cards for Startups in this article to set the record straight with the answers you need.

The Truth Behind Corporate Cards for Startups

Myth #1: All Corporate Cards Are Created Equal

Think again! Corporate cards come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own set of perks and drawbacks.

• Purchase rates vary widely
• Card limits can be generous or restrictive
• Annual fees? Some have ’em, some don’t

Here’s the truth: while traditional banks might take weeks to approve your application (and slap you with high fees), modern fintech solutions are changing the game. Take Float, for example. They offer:

• Quick 3-day approval process
• No purchase rate or annual fee
• 1% cashback on all purchases
• Automated spend management software

So, next time someone tells you all corporate cards are the same, you’ll know better!

Myth #2: Startups Can’t Get Corporate Cards

Rubbish! While it’s true that traditional banks often give startups the cold shoulder, times are changing.

Many startups struggle with:

• Lack of credit history
• Limited collateral
• Perceived high risk

But here’s the good news: prepaid corporate cards are swooping in to save the day. These cards:

• Don’t require personal guarantees
• Have simpler application processes
• Allow you to issue multiple cards quickly

Pro tip: Look for providers that only require an active business bank account. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can get your team spending responsibly!

Myth #3: Personal Credit Cards Make Good Alternatives for Early Stage Startups

Hold your horses! Using personal cards for business is a recipe for disaster.

Why it’s a bad idea:

• Blurs the line between personal and business expenses
• Increases fraud risk
• Complicates expense management
• Doesn’t build business credit

Instead, consider a dedicated business card. It’ll keep your accountant happy and your finances crystal clear.

FAQs About Corporate Cards

Q: Can startups really get corporate cards? A: Absolutely! While traditional banks might be hesitant, many fintech companies offer corporate cards tailored for startups.

Q: Are prepaid corporate cards the same as credit cards? A: Not quite. Prepaid cards use your own funds, while credit cards involve borrowing. Both have their place in business finance.

Q: Do corporate cards help build business credit? A: Some do, some don’t. Traditional corporate credit cards often report to credit bureaus, while prepaid cards typically don’t. Check with your provider to be sure.

Q: How quickly can I get a corporate card? A: It varies. Traditional banks might take weeks, but modern providers like Float can get you set up in just a few days.

The Bottom Line: Corporate Cards for Startups Demystified

Corporate cards aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are indeed tailored built products for Canadian Startups, like Float. Thousands of Canadian Startups like Knix, Neo, and Clutch have replaced their old cards with Float’s solution. See our customer stories and hear what our customers have to say about Float for yourself!

Ready to get a corporate card that let you scale? Book a demo with Float today to learn how we can make this process easier for you as you grow and scale.

Your finance team is focused on managing corporate spend, budgets and receipts on a daily basis. They are the fuel that keeps the company running smoothly and one of the most important departments in the fold. And, if you’re a new startup, it may just be that one special person who takes care of it all. 💸 🙋🏼‍♂️
If your finance team or accountant looks like they’re running on empty, here’s how you can show them some extra TLC this month. 💙

A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way 🥰

Post a sticky note on their desk, send them a Slack message or write up a quick email expressing how appreciative you are for their hard work. 🙏🏽   Even the smallest of gestures can make a big difference.

Get on their good side. Submit receipts on time. 🧾

There’s nothing your finance team dreams of more than a stress-free month-end. ✅  One way to make their lives easier is by staying organized and submitting your receipts on time. This will save your finance department all of the stress and headaches they often endure while having to chase employees down for those last minute receipts. 🏃🏼‍♀️

Send them a sweet treat 🍦

See where you can extend your corporate budget and send a well-deserved treat to your finance team. Whether it’s some much-needed caffeine or a team lunch, the best way to anyone’s is through their stomach.🍕 🥗 ☕️

Win their heart with Float 💘

This will be love at first sight. 😍  Float’s platform simplifies and automates the entire spend management process that will make any finance team fall in love…fast.

• All expenses are organized and tracked in real time, all in one place 👍🏼
• Save time and say goodbye to expense reports 🎉
• Easily issue corporate cards to any employee who needs one 💳
• Gain greater visibility into company and team spending 👀
• Employees are notified to submit receipts after every business purchase 🧾

Diffuse month-end anxiety and show your finance team some love with Float. Book a demo with Float today. Your accountant will love you for it. 😍

Keeping up with your corporate expenses can be a total nightmare but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, 15% of all Canadian SMEs have found tracking expenses and reconciling their books to be a major challenge. If your team is growing, there’s a good chance your expenses are too, which means getting a handle on your expense management is key. Finding a better way to track and manage corporate spending can save you thousands of dollars a year – and we’re here to let you in on the solution. 

It pays to keep track.

Canada Revenue Agency requires Canadian businesses to keep records of all transactions to support their income and corporate expense claims. Companies can claim tax deductions on expenses, but only if they have a valid proof of purchase and can prove it was a business expense. How can they do this? 🤔  By providing a receipt. 🧾  
If your corporate receipts aren’t organized or properly submitted, you won’t be able to use these expenses as a tax reduction, which means less money back in your pocket come tax season. That’s why companies need to invest in the proper tools to enable managers to easily collect and record receipts from employees all year round. This will help them easily track their expenses and have a better picture of where their money is going, who is spending it and why. When it comes time to file taxes, you’ll feel like a major weight is lifted off your shoulder!

Automate & Celebrate! 🤩

Let those piles of receipts and chasing employees down be a distant memory of the past. 👋🏽 Not only is it annoying and inefficient, but it just makes things more difficult than they need to be. We have a better way with Float. Our innovative expense software and corporate cards automate this entire process, helping companies easily track employee purchases in real time while eliminating all of the headaches and paperwork that come with it. When purchases are made using a Float card, employees are instantly notified to submit a digital receipt so that your finance team has everything they need to review expenses, manage budgets and easily claim tax deductions. Float not only helps teams save hours in expense management every month, but we also give you back control over corporate spending in your organization. Not to mention, keeping financial records in the cloud has proven to be safer and more secure – and good for our planet. 💚 If there is any damage such as a fire or flooding in the office, you can ensure that everything is protecting, floating in the cloud!

We’ve got you covered.

Our platform collects your receipts so that you don’t have to – leaving extra space in your filing cabinets and less stress on your mind. With Float, you can: 

Get started fast with our simple set-up & onboarding 🚀

Quickly and easily reconcile your books ⚡️

Track business purchases in real time 💸

Create financial policies for all employees to follow 👍🏾

Instantly notify employees to submit receipts after a transaction 🧾

Set spending limits & approve spend requests in seconds ⏰

Collect and review key financial data all in one place ✅

Are you ready to introduce smarter, more efficient financial processes in your business? Book a demo with Float today!

Most people can agree that getting a handle on travel expenses without a good system in place can feel like walking in the dark with no flashlight. The good news is that Float has a first-class ticket for any organization to successfully manage corporate travel expenses, providing simple solutions to these common headaches. 🙌🏼

❌  Unclear and inconsistent travel expense policies 🤷🏼‍♂️

✅  Float helps you create simple financial policies for the entire company 👫👫

More often than not, expense policies for travel are not always clear. When employees don’t know what falls under an acceptable travel purchase, they have no way of avoiding issues when it comes time to submit expenses. Ensuring employees are aligned can make the paper trail a lot more smooth for finance teams. At Float, our software allows managers to create clear spending policies company-wide so employees are aligned on expectations before and during travel. Managers can also set category limits that every employee can understand and abide by to avoid exceeding travel budgets.

❌  Poor visibility over travel spending across the company 😧

✅  Float gives you a clear picture of travel spending 🔎

Does your finance team know the average daily cost of employee meals during business travels? 🥗  What about the average cost of transportation? 🚕  Most companies don’t have this information at their disposal and are often shooting in the dark when it comes to budgeting for business trips. They have no way of measuring or anticipating how much an employee is going to spend and thus are unable to set clear limits to stay on budget. 

With Float, finance teams can see all transactions being made in real time while employees are travelling ​​– providing key insights into the average costs of food, transportation, lodging and other business travel expenses. This real-time data is critical in helping finance teams and managers set department budgets for business travel in the future with appropriate spending limits for each category.

❌  Inefficient and time-consuming processes 👎🏼

✅  Float cuts expense reports with full automation ✂️

Manual expense processes are time-consuming and make it 10x harder to manage transactions ​​– and when employees are abroad, it can create even more headaches. Ditch the spreadsheets and paper receipts and automate the process with Float. We make it possible to record business expenses in real time, instantly notifying employees to submit their receipts upon every purchase. This has been a gamechanger for companies with employees travelling across the globe. So if your sales team is in Montreal from Tuesday to Wednesday and then in New York Wednesday to Friday, every purchase they make will be approved and recorded in a matter of seconds, all in one place.

❌  Delayed employee reimbursement ⏳

✅  ​​Get instant access to funds during business travel with Float  💳

No manager or employee wants to use their personal credit card during business travel let alone wait for reimbursement. It causes added stress to employees having to use their own money (not to mention waiting to get it back), while complicating expense management with piles of receipts for finance teams to sort through. 🤯 

Is your head exploding yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got an app for that. Our smart spend software along with Float’s physical and virtual cards enable companies to issue an unlimited number of corporate cards to employees in under 3 days. That’s right ​​– no more personal cards during business travel ever again.🕺🏻 So if your marketing team is off to Chicago for a conference, you can easily issue cards for all employees attending, set a spending limit and make each of them valid for the duration of the trip only. This makes it easier for employees to access corporate funds and spend during business travel, while simplifying the process for finance teams by no longer having to reimburse employees and chase them down for receipts.

Take off with Float ✈️

If your teams are travelling often, then Float should be one of the first things on your packing list! 🧳  Our smart automation spend software alongside our corporate cards simplifies corporate travel expense management, saving companies valuable time, energy and money. Float helps you understand where your money is coming and going, who is spending it and how much, allowing businesses to be more strategic, efficient and informed in the way they spend. 

To learn more about how Float can help your company spend smarter and travel better, connect with us today!

Have you ever wondered what employees are trying to pass off as legitimate business expenses? As a financial controller, you may think you’ve already seen it all. But our team at Float did some digging and uncovered some of the most outrageous expenses ever submitted. Here are some favourites.

Take your morning commute to new heights 💸

Ever wondered if a $2,500 helicopter ride labelled as “transportation” would be approved? Well, the answer is no. 🚁  However, during the pandemic, a $20K private jet to safely travel to an international photoshoot was quickly approved – no questions asked! ✈️

Something smells funky here 😬

Although it’s a key ingredient in some of our favourite recipes, it’s not quite the aroma you want while trying to get some shut eye on your business trip. In 2015, an employee from a sales team working in the food industry admitted to booking a separate hotel room for $85 per night to store hundreds of garlic samples simply because he couldn’t stand the smell. 👃🏼 The travel expense = not approved!

Repairs and maintenance…to thyself 💆🏼‍♀️

This past year an employee thought they would be able to get away with submitting a receipt for a $7K facelift, labelling it as repairs and maintenance. I guess you could say some repairs were made but not the kind that your CEO needs to pick up the tab for. 🤨

Everyone deserves a lunch break 🍽

Picture this, you’re a production crew member shooting a commercial on a farm. Among your fellow team members and models is a stable of horses waiting to enter the next scene. 🐎  Lunchtime rolls around and everyone’s gotta eat! In California, one woman felt that it was only right to expense lunch, even for the horses! 50 bags of carrots and a detailed explanation later, her finance team approved this and went on with their day. 🥕🤷🏻‍♀️

Allow us to pick your brain 🧠

How much does a human skull cost? Asking for a friend. In 2013, a finance manager expressed that one of the most bizarre expenses he came across was for a human skull.💀  While it was being used for a legitimate medical experiment, it’s not everyday that you see a transaction like this run through the general ledger. 

All jokes aside, many outrageous expense claims like the ones listed above can fall under the radar if a company doesn’t have a smart system in place. Using a platform like Float, finance managers can simplify expense management with full visibility over company spending, how much is spent and by who. It gives finance teams an eagle eye with more control and encourages employees to spend responsibly and ethically – minimizing the chances of ridiculous expense submissions. 👍🏼

If your team has shifted to a WFH or hybrid work routine for the foreseeable future, it’s important to keep a pulse on how everyone’s adjusting. While working from home has its perks, the kitchen-table commute can get monotonous, causing employees to feel disconnected, disengaged and fatigued. All of this combined can impact productivity, performance and general work satisfaction. As we adapt to this new way of work, managers need to find creative ways to keep employees motivated and connected in different ways. 

With a fresh new year ahead, there’s no better time than now to make some lasting changes. If you notice your team has been having a hard time staying connected while working from home, try some of these fun ideas to strengthen relationships, improve engagement and bring more smiles to the screen.

Learn something new as a team 👫👫

Teamwork doesn’t have to end at 5 o’clock. In place of a team outing, keep everyone together after work hours for a good time with a range of fun activities. 👍🏼

Cocktail Parties 🍸

Hire a mixologist to host a virtual class and teach your team how to create signature cocktails, while learning the tips and tricks of the craft. 🥂

Cooking Classes 👨🏻‍🍳

Learn how to make fresh, authentic pasta 🍝, discover the secret to the perfect sushi roll 🍣  or explore the art of french baking! 🥐

Virtual Games

Does your team love a good challenge? Join a virtual escape room and work together to solve a mystery. 🕵🏻‍♂️  Have you ever wanted to be on a TV Game Show? Host an “Employee Feud” over Zoom for a Thursday game night. 🎲

Get moving, together! 💪🏾

We all know that our productivity at work is directly linked to our mental and physical health. When you find your team is feeling bogged down, introduce new ways to sharpen their minds and improve their well-being. Host a group yoga class 🧘🏻‍♀️ or create an incentive for everyone to get their steps in. Nike Run Club is a great tool teams can use to stay connected, track their fitness and hold themselves accountable on a weekly basis. Stepping out for fresh air or getting a little sweat in is the perfect antidote managers can prescribe for long hours at the desk and all that Zoom fatigue.

Coffee breaks but virtual ☕️

In the corporate world, getting a coffee means more than simply getting a coffee. 😉 It’s a social outing that sparks conversations, creates opportunities to network and actually helps to build relationships with co-workers. Working from home unfortunately eliminates this altogether. Managers can change this by sending employees e-gift cards to their favourite coffee shop or an immediate spend approval for their daily order of a venti almond milk latte! If your team uses virtual cards like ours at Float, thoughtful gestures like these are simple and easy to do – and can make all the difference in your employees’ day. 😊

Whether your organization is working from home indefinitely or taking the hybrid route in 2022, keeping a pulse on everyone’s mental and physical wellness and boosting engagement is a non-negotiable. Creating a culture of collaboration and connectedness with virtual teams doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be really fun! 🎉

If you and your team explore any of these ideas, let us know! Share your experience on Instagram or LinkedIn and tag Float!

The way we work is changing constantly. Employee expectations are shifting, smarter technology is on the horizon and the needs of our customers are evolving too. More and more companies are transitioning their internal structures to be more decentralized, which is giving greater autonomy and decision-making power to all employees. Let’s explore why we’re seeing a spike in companies moving toward a decentralized structure and how it’s driving stronger growth and innovation.

What is a decentralized organizational structure?

It’s when a company chooses to spread out their decision-making power to all of their departments versus limiting it to just the leadership team. It’s about ditching traditional hierarchies and inviting a more collaborative approach by encouraging every employee to have a say in what goes on. It also makes use of the diverse expertise of employees within every team and invites new perspectives into key decision-making so you’re never stagnant and always innovative. 🙌

It keeps you in the fast lane 🏎

When managers delegate decision-making power to other teams, productivity goes up. ⬆️ A decentralized structure allows managers to make the best use of the talent, expertise and resources available so they can move fast and go-to-market quicker. It’s the perfect detour to avoid the typical bottlenecks that happen in a centralized organization where a chain of command “approves” all decisions. For startups specifically, this decentralized structure not only develops high-powered teams, but it fosters responsiveness and innovation for rapid growth and scalability. 🚀

Let’s say your customer service team receives a complaint about your SaaS product. The customer is upset and needs a response as soon as possible. Instead of placing the customer on a long hold to connect with upper management, a decentralized structure gives your rep the authority to address and resolve the issue on the spot. Not only does this save time and frustration for both parties, but it improves the customer service experience tenfold.

It fosters more informed, rapid-fire decision-making 🔥

Your employees are the ones on the playing field. They’re directly communicating with key stakeholders, managing critical operational tasks daily and therefore have access to valuable insights about the business. So, why not invite their perspectives in? In a centralized organizational structure, major business decisions are often made without any input from employees and consideration of how it will impact their work. A decentralized structure, however, invites all perspectives in. 🙋🏾‍♂️ It not only increases the quality of ideas and innovation for projects, but it cultivates a more informed strategy by taking into account real customer pain points that managers wouldn’t always be aware of. Shifting decision-making power to employees also frees up a lot more time for managers so they can focus on leading and other strategic priorities.

It empowers employees and boosts company culture 😃

Expectations in the workplace have shifted. Today, employees are interested in more than just earning a paycheck. They are looking for more purpose in their jobs and given that the majority of their time is spent at work, they want to feel valued and that their input matters. A decentralized structure gives employees and teams the opportunity to be actively involved in key decision making and impact where the company is headed.👍🏼 This type of structure gives employees more autonomy and reinforces that leadership trusts and values their work. When employees feel valued and are encouraged to contribute their ideas, they are more likely to be engaged, productive and do their best work. 🤩

How does Float support a decentralized structure?

Float gives companies what they need to make strategic decisions fast, without any bottlenecks. Our spend management software and corporate credit cards have eliminated expense reports entirely and invited a more efficient way to manage and control spending in your organization.

Unlike your average bank, Float makes it possible for managers to issue corporate cards to employees in 3 days or less and approve purchases in real time. 💸 Employees can easily submit spend requests with the freedom to make timely spending decisions, making it easier to move forward with innovative ideas and projects. 👏🏼

Float fits the mold of a decentralized structure because our software by design drives productivity, gives employees creative and financial autonomy and provides real-time insights to make important decisions faster and with greater accuracy.

Want to learn more about Float? Connect with us today.