Modern finance: Unlocking the last mile of automation in B2B payments

In the final episode of the Modern Finance podcast series with the Leaders in Payments podcast, John Rubinetti, President of B2B Payments at Deluxe joins Greg Myers to explore what he calls the “last mile of automation” and why it matters for businesses navigating today’s financial landscape.

For many organizations, automation in treasury, accounts payable (AP), and accounts receivable (AR) is no longer a new concept. Companies have invested heavily in tools that streamline individual processes. Yet Rubinetti points out that the true challenge lies in connecting these systems to ensure that money and data flow seamlessly across the enterprise. That final stretch –the “last mile”—is what delivers real visibility into cash positions and enables finance leaders to act in real time.

The keys to successful modernization

According to Rubinetti, three factors separate successful automation initiatives from those that fall short:

1. Alignment across technology, people and processes.
2. Clean, consistent data to feed automation tools.
3. Change management that respects how finance teams actually work.

“Too often, companies buy the right tool but overlook how their teams will adopt it,” Rubinetti explains. “When alignment is missing, the technology can’t deliver its promised insights.” A phased approach, supported by the right partners, helps organizations modernize without overwhelming already busy finance teams.

From dashboards to embedded decisioning

While dashboards remain an important first step, Rubinetti stresses the need to evolve beyond static reporting. Embedded decisioning—where AI helps prioritize exceptions, trigger payments or highlight cash flow risks—empowers CFOs to move from simply reviewing data to acting on it instantly. “It’s a mindset shift,” he says, “from watching numbers to using automation to drive outcomes.”

Tools and thinking for the future 

Deluxe has built a suite of solutions designed to help customers reach this level of sophistication. These include Receivables 360+, an AI-powered cash application platform; the Deluxe Payment Exchange for integrated payables; and the company’s expanded check digitization network through the acquisition of CheckMatch from Kinexys by J.P. Morgan. Combined with merchant services, these tools help form a connected ecosystem that supports both banks and businesses.

Yet Rubinetti is quick to emphasize that technology alone isn’t enough. “It’s about modern thinking,” he notes. “Our goal is to help customers not only adopt the tools but also embed them into their processes so they can see true transformation.”

Key trends in B2B payments 

Rubinetti highlights three major trends shaping the industry today:

• Automation in the mid-market. While large enterprises have largely adopted automation, midsize companies still rely heavily on manual processes. Banks and their technology partners, including Deluxe, are well positioned to bridge this gap.
• Fraud prevention. Manual systems leave the door open to fraud. Automation, on the other hand, brings audit trails, digital approvals, and AI-driven anomaly detection - giving CFOs greater peace of mind.
• Payment modernization. Real-time payments, ACH, check digitization, and other rails must coexist in flexible solutions. Crucially, the data that travels with each payment is what enables smarter financial decisions.

Back to basics 

Despite the buzz around artificial intelligence, Rubinetti advises finance leaders to master the fundamentals first. “Seventy percent of mid-market companies don’t have automated AP or AR,” he shares. “You can’t fully leverage AI until you’ve automated the basics. Focus there first, and the rest will follow.”

As Deluxe continues to evolve beyond its reputation as “the check company,” Rubinetti underscores its broader mission: Delivering faster, safer and smarter payment solutions that help businesses and banks operate more effectively.