Even companies that aren't forced to go to the markets (or their bankers) for new credit lines need to pay close attention to basic treasury management issues when markets are tough

EBAY INC.

GATEWAY INC.

CABOT CORP.

Corporate resistance to EIPP is fading as CFOs recognize its value and vendors rise to the occasion. Now, companies can Receive up t0 95% of invoices electronically regardless of how they are delivered

Midsize companies like Fellowes are seizing the initiative when it comes to building sophisticated treasury operations not typically seen at middle market companies. No longer willing to settle for low-tech solutions to meet global challenges, these middle-weight trendsetters are using cutting-edge products and services intended for much larger multinationals. And banking and software vendors, who once ignored them, are now more than ready to push the best technology into skilled midsize hands and let them run with it.

Whether or not you are at a high-profile company like Google or Eli Lilly, CFOs are under constant scrutiny from top management, the board, shareholders, analysts and regulators these days. CFOs are definitely being watched. But some admittedly deserve the attention more than others. This year’s choice of Google’s George Reyes and Eli Lilly’s Derica Rice is based not only on their financial acumen and innovation, but also for the mettle they have shown dealing with growth, crisis and the corporate version of celebrity.

In a matter of a few short years, Toyota Financial Services (TFS), this year's recipient of the Alexander Hamilton Award for Overall Excellence, has moved to the top ranks of financial management excellence. Under the leadership of CFO John Stillo and Treasurer Christopher Ballinger, TFS isn't shy about rethinking approaches to core finance functions and then setting off in new, unconventional directions in its constant quest to drive down costs and make more efficient use of its mounting asset base.

A convergence of improved technology and vendor alliances is putting the prospect of a single view of all corporate cash and risk within reach