In this episode of CFO Stories, Hannah is joined by Sophia Levell FCCA, CFO of Access Fertility and one of the youngest CFOs in the UK. Sophia shares the fast-tracked path that got her there and what she's learned since.

In this episode, we cover:

Why she dropped out of college to start her ACCA journey early
The mentor-shaped transition from finance operator to strategic CFO
Hiring for complementary skills, not personality
Building trust with the C-suite through constant, unfiltered communication
Sophia's advice for anyone stepping into their first CFO role

Links mentioned

Sophia's Linkedin
Learn more about Access Fertility
Learn more about ACCA
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by returning guest Sara Daw, CEO of The CFO Centre Group, to explore how CFOs can build the right team around them from smart delegation to bringing in a fractional "CFO's CFO" for M&A, systems work, or steady-ship support.

In this episode:

Why delegation should focus on outcomes, not tasks
How to build a team that plays to individual strengths
What to do when a delegated task goes wrong
The emerging "CFO's CFO" model and when to use it
Ground rules for successful peer-level fractional partnerships
Why the future of executive work is a team sport, not a solo act

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sara's Linkedin
Learn more about the CFO centre
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, to discuss ACCA's report Career Paths Reimagined exploring how careers in finance are being reshaped by AI, demographics, and shifting expectations of work, and what CFOs need to do now to prepare their teams for the future.

In this episode, they cover:

The eight key drivers reshaping careers in accountancy and finance
Why the UK's ageing population and declining birth rate mean we'll all need to work longer
How AI and automation are shifting organisations from a "pyramid" to a "diamond" structure
Why curiosity is the standout skill for the human-machine era
The balance of technical skills vs soft skills
Practical advice for CFOs on developing talent pipelines and rethinking assumptions

Links mentioned:

Clive’s Linkedin
Learn more about ACCA
Career Paths Reimagined report
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In this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, we're looking back at episode 134, where Hannah Munro was joined by Ilana Esterrich, then CFO at Planned Parenthood, now CFO & Strategic Advisor for a rich conversation on sustainable transformational leadership.

Ilana shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in driving successful organisational transformations, highlighting the critical role change management plays in achieving lasting results.

In this episode, we cover:

The significance of people skills in driving successful change
How to communicate the "why" effectively and align it with individual motivations
Creating a sense of one team and fostering a culture that's open to change
Why reducing non-value-adding activities in finance processes matters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Monro sits down with John Lees career strategist, coach, and author to unpack the real work behind a successful CFO transition.

John shares why your first 100 days actually begin long before day one, how to balance appearing confident with genuine curiosity, and the art of "checking in" with peers, stakeholders, and even the person on the security desk. He also digs into the people dynamics that make or break a new role: spotting enablers, navigating blockers, understanding personality at the top, and building trust across the C-suite fast.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The three biggest mistakes new CFOs make in their first 90 days
How to practise "informed curiosity" to build credibility from day one
Why due diligence on culture and people matters more than technical skills
How to navigate difficult early conversations when the numbers don't add up
The check-in framework for 30, 60, and 90 days and why it matters

Links mentioned in this episode

John's Linkedin
Learn more about John Lee's Associates
John's Book "Get Ahead in Your New Job"
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Financial decisions are rarely as rational as we think. In this episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Lesley Thomas, Founder of the Money Confidence Academy, to explore the hidden psychology driving the choices CFOs and finance leaders make every day.

In this episode, we cover:

Why financial decisions are driven more by emotion than data
The role your childhood relationship with money plays in your leadership style today
How to separate personal identity from the decisions your role demands you make
Why avoiding difficult conversations creates a "hidden tax" on your organisation's performance
How to overcome decision paralysis and know when you have enough information to act
The importance of building a culture where your team feels safe to share ideas and concerns
Lesley's Five R's framework for making clearer, faster, and more confident decisions

Links mentioned

Lesley's Linkedin
Learn more about The Money Confidence Academy
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CFO 4.0 is back! In this unmissable relaunch episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Tomas Hollington, Director of Technology at BW Workplace Experts, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead change in a fast-growing, technology-driven business — and trust us, it's not what you'd expect.

What’s covered in this episode

Why culture and trust are the real foundations of successful change
How to manage the pace of innovation without overwhelming the business
Practical ways to prioritise ideas and avoid “change for the sake of change”
The role of leadership programmes in driving behavioural and cultural shifts
How to turn sceptics into your most valuable allies in transformation
Why technology success depends more on people than the tools themselves

Links mentioned in this episode

Tomas' Linkedin
Learn more about BW Workplace Experts
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When we first released this conversation, it was our 100th episode, a milestone that felt worth marking with something special. Now, 174 episodes later, it's clear why this one deserved a revisit.

Host Hannah Munro is joined by Glenn Hopper, Author of Deep Finance and now Managing Director at VAi Consulting for a discussion that's only grown more relevant with time. With over 15 years of experience in the CFO seat, Glenn brings a grounded, practical perspective on what it really means to build a data-driven finance function, whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise.

In this episode, they explore:

The different levels of data maturity within an organisation — and how to honestly assess where yours sits
How finance teams can evolve into finance scientists, moving from reporting the past to shaping the future
Why real-time data has become a non-negotiable for modern finance leaders
The practical steps to becoming a truly data-driven organisation

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This week on the CFO 4.0 Revisited series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Isaac Strulowitz, Alternative Investments CFO, who offers his unique perspective on risk management, providing valuable insights into how CFOs can protect their firms against unforeseen challenges, a conversation that remains as timely and essential as ever.

In this episode, we cover:

Isaac's first-hand account of navigating the SVB collapse and the proactive steps his team took to protect investor capital.
Risk management strategies that have proven effective, such as creating redundancies, maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, and evaluating all firm relationships for potential risks.
The delicate balance a successful CFO must strike between budget management, operational duties, and strategic oversight.
Isaac's concept of a "cockroach" company, one built to survive and continue functioning even after major crises.

Links mentioned in this episode

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Originally released as episode 144 of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, this episode is part of our CFO 4.0 Revisited series — bringing back some of our most valuable conversations for a new listen.

Hannah Munro is joined by Sylvia Ionita, Finance Executive at LFG Solutions LLC, who at the time of recording was CFO at waterdrop. With hands-on experience scaling start-ups, Sylvia brings sharp, practical wisdom on what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up — the highs, the hard lessons, and everything in between.

In this episode, we cover:

How presenting real numbers and financial data at all levels drives awareness and accountability across the team
Sylvia's approach to leadership meetings, mentoring, and building genuine personal connections
Implementation measures to enhance profitability and maintain control during periods of rapid growth
How to discern which problems demand immediate action and which call for a longer-term strategic response
The importance of internal mentorship and fostering a culture of personal development
Sylvia's top tips for finance professionals stepping into the start-up world for the first time

Links mentioned:

Sylvia’s LinkedIn
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Oliver Deacon, Executive Coach and Founder of Oliver Deacon Coaching, to explore what the future of finance leadership really looks like over the next five years.

As finance teams continue to face rapid technological change, increasing pressure to deliver insight, and evolving expectations from the wider business, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Oliver shares why the most successful finance leaders of the future will be those who combine commercial thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong leadership skills alongside technical capability.

What’s covered in this episode?

• Why soft skills are becoming one of the most valuable assets in finance leadership
• The growing importance of leadership and communication across finance teams
• How process engineering and operational thinking will shape future finance functions
• Practical ways finance professionals can build resilience and adapt to constant change
• Creating a culture of continuous learning within finance teams
• How emerging technologies can help finance leaders drive greater business impact

Links mentioned in this episode

Oliver's LinkedIn
Oliver Deacon Coaching
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Shaun Hayes, author of The Gray Choice, to explore the realities of leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.

What’s covered in this episode

Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success
Lessons learned from major setbacks and how to recover stronger
The importance of building a trusted circle of advisors and mentors
Why happiness and fulfilment do not always come from constant growth
The role discipline and standards play in financial leadership
Insights from Shaun’s book The Gray Choice and his leadership philosophy

Links referenced in this episode:

Shaun Hayes LinkedIn
Visit Shaun’s Website
Shaun’s YouTube Channel
Shaun’s Book: The Gray Choice
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Catherine Clark, Lead CFO Mentor at GrowCFO and Director of Cristallum Limited, for a grounded and practical conversation on the power of mentoring in modern finance leadership.

As the role of the CFO continues to evolve beyond technical expertise, the need for strong communication, self-awareness, and leadership capability has never been greater. Catherine draws on her extensive experience to explore how mentoring provides finance leaders with something often missing in their day-to-day roles, a trusted space to step back, reflect, and grow.

What is covered in this episode

The difference between mentoring and coaching, and when each is most valuable
The soft skills finance leaders need when stepping into more senior roles
How to build clear, effective communication within your finance team
Why finance leaders must understand their wider impact across the organisation
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities, to explore how finance leaders can play a far more integrated and influential role across the business.

Cécile shares her journey to CFO and offers a clear view on how the function must evolve. This is not about finance sitting on the sidelines. It is about stepping forward, embedding into operations, and driving meaningful change across people, processes and sustainability.

What’s covered in this episode

Why finance leaders must stop underestimating the impact of automation
How to find and define your niche as a CFO
The importance of embedding finance across the wider business
Building the skills and capabilities within a modern finance team
Understanding and influencing finance’s role in sustainability and carbon impact

Links mentioned in this episode:

Cécile’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Vital Energi
Vital Energi on LinkedIn
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In this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Mark Lockton‑Goddard, now Founder & CEO at embracent, to explore what successful digital transformation really looks like for finance teams.

With over 25 years’ experience across global organisations, Mark shares practical insight into how CFOs can approach transformation decisions, gain buy‑in from their teams, and avoid common pitfalls when introducing new technology and processes.

Relaunched ahead of the new financial year, this episode is a timely listen for finance leaders reviewing how prepared their finance function is for what lies ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

How CFOs should approach decision‑making for finance transformation
Gaining employee buy‑in for new systems and processes
Common mistakes that cause digital transformation projects to fail
Key focus areas when modernising finance departments
How finance teams are adapting to meet today’s business demands

Links mentioned in this episode:

Mark's LinkedIn
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Paul Lee, Partner at Deloitte UK, to explore one of the most debated shifts in modern working life – the move to hybrid.

Drawing on his experience at Deloitte, Paul challenges the idea that there is a single “right” answer. Instead, he highlights the importance of asking better questions – around productivity, collaboration, employee expectations, and long-term business impact.

What’s covered in this episode

Working from home, hybrid, and returning to the office – how to assess the right approach
Key questions finance leaders should be asking about hybrid working models
The role of technology in enabling the future of work
How developments like 5G and WiFi 6 could reshape how and where we work

Links referenced in this episode

Paul's LinkedIn
Raise your game with Sage Intacct
First 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by James Owen, Global CFO of the Profiles Division at Kantar, to explore how modern finance leaders are reshaping planning, forecasting, and decision-making in an increasingly data-driven world.

What’s covered in this episode

Why market data is essential for meaningful performance benchmarking
How to improve communication and understanding of financial insights across the business
The role of Integrated Business Planning in driving better forecasts and decisions
Why data science is becoming a core capability within finance teams
How to assess finance talent beyond technical skills
The importance of scenario planning across ambition, realism, and prudence

Links mentioned in this episode:

James’ LinkedIn
Learn more about Kantar
Chief Financial Officer UK Flagship Summit
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For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Claire Bodanis, Founder and Director of Falcon Windsor and one of the UK’s leading authorities on corporate reporting. Claire shares a practical and honest view of what it really takes to produce an annual report that cuts through the noise.

What’s covered in this episode

• The biggest challenges organisations face when producing the annual report today
• How to create a report that is engaging, clear and valuable to investors
• Balancing regulatory requirements with meaningful communication
• How to handle and communicate difficult or negative news
• Common mistakes businesses make in their annual reporting
• What is changing in the world of corporate reporting and what it means for finance teams

Links referenced in this episode:

Claire's LinkedIn
Falcon Windsor
Monthly Reporting Webinars
Book: Trust Me, I'm Listed
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In this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, Hannah Munro reconnects with Brent Dykes, Founder and Chief Data Storyteller at AnalyticsHero, to explore one of the most important skills modern finance leaders must master – turning data into meaningful stories that drive action.

In this episode, we explore

What a Chief Data Storyteller actually does
Brent’s journey into analytics and the creation of AnalyticsHero
Why data storytelling is becoming essential for finance leaders
Practical frameworks for communicating insight across finance teams
How to turn financial data into compelling, decision-driving stories
Brent’s top tips for getting started with data storytelling in finance

Links mentioned in episode

Brent's LinkedIn
Brent's Forbes articles
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In this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by experienced finance leader Martin Spiller to explore what funders are really looking for in a CFO.

From common funding mistakes to the differences between start-up and scale-up investment, Martin shares practical insight on securing funding, choosing the right partners and positioning your business for sustainable growth.

What funders look for in a CFO
Common mistakes when applying for funding
Start-up vs scale-up funding expectations
Seed, Series A and Series B funding explained
How to find the right funding partner
Tips for improving your chances of securing investment

Links mentioned in this episode:

Martin's LinkedIn
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To mark the return of CFO 4.0 Revisited and celebrate International Women’s Week, we’re bringing back a powerful conversation that is just as relevant today as when it first aired. In Episode 77, Hannah Munro sits down with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK, to explore what it truly takes to step into the boardroom and succeed.

Board roles are often discussed but rarely explained in practical terms. Fiona cuts through the noise, sharing clear guidance on balancing cultural fit with constructive challenge, assessing whether a board opportunity is right for you, and positioning yourself as a credible candidate in a competitive market. At a time when representation and leadership are firmly in focus, this conversation is about progression, not just celebration.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What skills and experience boards are really looking for
How to build board-ready credentials before you apply
Where to find opportunities and how to assess them properly
What a typical board recruitment process involves
Practical tips to stand out and interview with confidence
How to balance fitting in with constructively challenging the status quo
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In this special Financial Transformation Live episode, Hannah Munro sets out a clear, practical agenda for finance leaders who want 2026 to be the year transformation actually happens.

This session deliberately moves away from technology hype and focuses on the fundamentals that enable progress. Hannah makes the case that 2026 must be a people and process year, not a rushed race to automate. As the pace of change accelerates and AI becomes part of everyday working life, finance teams need the capacity, skills and foundations to respond, rather than react.

In this episode, Hannah covers

Why 2026 must be a people and process year, not a rushed race to automate
How to create real capacity in finance teams to drive change, not just survive month end
The risk of automating broken processes and why simplicity is the foundation of speed
Moving finance from hindsight to foresight through faster closes and in-month reporting
Using the right technology for the problem, and why AI is not always the answer
Building resilient, well-rounded finance teams that can adapt as the pace of change accelerates
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In this third episode of the CFO 4.0 Revisited series, Hannah Munro is joined by Howard Tunnicliffe, now FP&A Director at Busuu, to revisit a conversation that remains highly relevant for modern finance leaders.

Originally recorded when Howard was Head of Finance Subscriptions at The Economist, this episode tackles a topic that still separates good finance teams from great ones: soft skills. As finance continues to move beyond pure technical delivery, Howard shares practical insight into why behaviours, communication and judgement matter just as much as numbers.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Howard’s career journey and lessons learned across global, matrixed organisations
Why soft skills are critical for finance professionals looking to progress into leadership
How to assess the strengths and gaps within your finance team
The risks of ignoring soft skills in high-performing finance functions
Which soft skills matter most in FP&A and senior finance roles
Practical ways to develop these skills across your finance team
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Etinosa Agbonlahor, CEO of Decision Alpha, to break down why pricing causes so much anxiety and how finance leaders can take control of it in a structured, evidence-based way.

Together, they explore how behavioural economics, customer insight, and disciplined iteration can turn pricing from a reactive afterthought into a strategic advantage.

In this episode, they cover

Why pricing is the keystone of the business and what goes wrong when it is ignored
The warning signs that your pricing strategy is misaligned with value
Common pricing mistakes, including over-reliance on competitors
How to research willingness to pay using both qualitative and quantitative methods
Applying behavioural economics to frame prices, guide choices, and improve conversion
Why pricing should be reviewed and refined regularly, not set and forgotten

Links mentioned:

Etinosa's Linkedin
Learn more about Decision Alpha
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As a follow-up to their Financial Transformation Live discussions, Hannah Munro is joined by Neil Lynchehaun, Transformation and Delivery Manager at itas, to launch The Readiness Challenge series.

In part one, they take an honest look at what project readiness really means and why so many finance transformations struggle before they even begin. Drawing on real delivery experience, this episode focuses on the most common and underestimated blocker to success team capacity and capability.

This episode covers:

What project readiness really means before starting a finance transformation
Why team capacity is the number one cause of delays and failed projects
How to assess whether your finance team genuinely has the availability to deliver change
Practical ways to create capacity without defaulting to hiring more people
The importance of having the right mix of skills influence and experience in project teams
How to reduce delivery risk through backfilling strategy retention planning and phased delivery

Links mentioned:

Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Customer Success Stories
Book a discovery call
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In this special highlights episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro reflects on the most impactful conversations of 2025, bringing together lessons from CFOs, transformation leaders, and futurists. Drawing on insights from across the year, this episode explores what finance leaders have really learned as the role continues to evolve under pressure from growth, technology, and rising expectations.

In this episode, we reflect on

Why finance transformation fails when it is treated as a separate role rather than a day-to-day mindset
How CFOs are learning to make faster, better decisions without waiting for perfect data
What the explosive adoption of AI, including ChatGPT, signals for finance teams and leadership expectations
The practical warning signs that data integrity and control environments are no longer fit for growth
How CFOs can professionalise fast-growing businesses without killing the agility that made them successful
The realities of growth versus profit in private equity-backed organisations and what investors actually expect

This episode features highlights and perspectives from

240. AI in Finance: Complex Workflows to Scalable AI Solutions with Tariq Munir
218. AI in Finance | From Generative AI to Reinforcement Learning with Peter Morgan
234. The CFO as a Storyteller: Making KPIs Count with Matt Topham
227. AI in Finance: Preparing for the AI Revolution: Abundance or Catastrophe? with David Wood
235. First 100 Days as a CFO: Mastering the 60–90 Day Window as a CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw
244. CFO Stories: Acquisitions, Due Diligence & Building Trust with Charlotte Crowley
243. The 90-Day Finance Transformation Playbook with Hannah Munro
232. The Private Equity CFO: Myths, Mistakes & Misconceptions with Richard Sanders

and offers a clear-eyed view of where finance leadership is heading next.

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In this episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Omar Choucair, CFO at Trintech, for a forthright look at life inside private equity. Omar offers a clear view of what the role truly demands and why it isn’t for the faint hearted. He discusses the expanded remit of today’s CFO, the operational intensity of PE-backed firms and the importance of pace, people and process when value creation is the end goal.

The conversation covers

The sharp contrasts between public company and private equity expectations
What a PE-ready finance team looks like and why curiosity, stamina and tight-knit business partnerships matter more than ever
How to build trust across the business and move finance from scorekeeper to genuine strategic partner
The realities of scaling fast the role of technology, automation and a modern ERP in enabling profitable growth
What new and aspiring PE CFOs need to know from managing the CEO relationship to anticipating board demands

Links mentioned

Omar's Linkedin
Learn more about Trintech
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, recorded in partnership with ACCA, Hannah Munro is joined by Nicolas Raynaud FCCA, CFO at the Science Museum Group. Nicolas shares a frank and practical view of what it really takes to settle into a new CFO role and why those early months demand clarity, curiosity and steady judgement.

In this episode, Nicolas covers

Why the first 100 days start with understanding the organisation you’re joining, not diving into delivery
How to diagnose whether you’re entering a growth phase, a turnaround or a realignment
The importance of preparing before day one and validating the brief you were given
How to balance early stakeholder engagement with the pressure to act
What to do when your findings don’t match expectations, and how to handle difficult course correction
Why staying open minded, curious and willing to learn will set the tone for long term success

Links mentioned

Nicolas' Linkedin
Learn more about the Science Museum Group
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In this in-person conversation, Hannah Munro sits down with Matthew Robinson, Financial Controller at Zebra Pens, to explore the realities of running and transforming finance inside a small but ambitious business.

This episode covers

Why small-business finance needs pragmatism, balance and the courage to let go of total control
How Matt rebuilt finance around risk-based thinking, strong foundations and the ability to switch off at the end of the day
The hard lessons of a difficult first implementation
How Zebra Pens is moving towards 21st-century operations with integrated systems

Links mentioned

Matthew's Linkedin
Learn more about Zebra Pens
Zebra Pens Customer Story Coming Soon!
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In this Transformation Troubleshooter episode, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle two real scenarios sent in by finance and operational leaders wrestling with change. They cut through the noise and give practical, experience-led guidance on managing competing priorities, handling resistance and keeping transformation efforts on track.

What the episode covers

Why misaligned leadership priorities derail projects
How to define ROI early so cost concerns don’t dominate later
Ways to balance the natural tension between speed, control and risk
How to use stakeholder management, individual conversations and senior sponsorship to regain direction
What to do when a team member becomes disruptive during implementation and how to reset the room
Practical facilitation tools

Links Mentioned

Previous session: Stop Shopping, Start Transforming
Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Learn more about Sage Intacct
Customer Success Stories
Book a discovery call
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In the second instalment of our CFO 4.0 Revisited series, we return to a conversation that first aired as the twentieth episode of the podcast. Hannah Munro sits down with Patrick Dunne, now an experienced chair and influential voice across business and social enterprise, to explore what boards truly expect from a modern CFO.

This episode offers a clear, direct view of boardroom dynamics and the realities of senior leadership. Patrick sets out what a strong board and CFO relationship looks like, the qualities that boards value most, and where new finance leaders often fall short. He also tackles the balance of the CEO and CFO partnership, how trust is built or lost, and whether a strained relationship can ever be repaired.

Key themes include

• The hallmarks of an effective board and CFO relationship
• What boards genuinely want from their CFO
• How to make a strong start with your board
• The role and boundaries of the CEO and CFO partnership
• Whether damaged senior relationships can be rebuilt
• Practical guidance for new CFOs looking to set the right tone

Links mentioned

Contact Patrick on LinkedIn
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In this special live episode, recorded at the ACCA Finance Futures Conference, Hannah Munro joins Alex Falcon Huerta (ACCA) to cut through the hype and explore what it really takes to choose and implement the right finance technology.

From agility in software selection to preparing for the rise of AI, they share stories, frameworks, and practical advice to help finance leaders stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode, Hannah and Alex discuss

Why agility is key when selecting and assessing finance software
How to rethink ROI beyond time and cost, and measure real business value
The dangers of traditional RFPs and how to adopt a more flexible, iterative approach
Understanding the technology lifecycle from bleeding edge to rusting edge
How to future-proof your finance team with the right AI readiness and mindset
Managing resistance to change and building momentum for digital transformation

Links Mentioned:

Hannah's Linkedin
Alex's Linkedin
Learn more about ACCA
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In this insightful Financial Transformation Live session, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas Solutions, challenges the traditional approach to purchasing new technology solutions. Rather than focusing solely on procurement checklists and feature comparisons, Hannah encourages finance leaders to rethink how they approach technology selection — shifting from “shopping” to “transforming.”

Drawing on her consultancy experience, she explores how organisations can accelerate time to value, engage suppliers more effectively, and turn the buying process itself into the first step of transformation.

💡 In this episode, Hannah covers:

Why the traditional RFP (Request for Proposal) approach often fails to deliver transformational outcomes
How to design a consultative selection cycle that prioritises outcomes over features
The importance of sharing problem statements, goals, and process maps with suppliers to drive better recommendations
How to educate and engage potential partners to uncover innovation and align with your business challenges
Methods to evaluate technology solutions based on process efficiency, control, ROI, and real-world use cases
Practical steps to ensure suppliers start learning about your organisation before implementation — accelerating time to value

Links mentioned in this episode:

Previous session: Transformation Troubleshooter
Connect with Hannah Munro
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Learn more about Sage Intacct
Customer Success Stories
Pre Purchase Consultancy
Book a discovery call
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Daniel Healey, Group FD at Direct Heating Group, about building a finance function that never stands still.

Also covered in this episode:

From manual processes to a fully automated, scalable finance team
How to prioritise automation projects and prove ROI to stakeholders
Overcoming resistance and redefining finance’s value beyond transactions
Using automation to free capacity for strategic, value-add work
Why continuous improvement beats perfection in transformation
Daniel’s practical tips for starting small and scaling smart with automation

Links mentioned:

Daniel's Linkedin
Learn more about Direct Stoves
Learn more about Flue & Ducting
Learn more about Direct Fireplaces
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We’re rewinding to where it all began. In the very first episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro sat down with digital transformation expert Phil Raynor (now Lead Delivery Manager at the UK Home Office) to unpack what makes or breaks a transformation programme — and how finance leaders can navigate change with confidence.

In this CFO 4.0 Revisited edition, we revisit the timeless lessons that still shape transformation success today. From planning and communication to leadership and culture, this conversation remains as relevant as ever for modern CFOs leading digital change.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key differences between projects and programmes — and why that distinction matters
What defines a truly successful digital transformation
The most common causes of failure and how to prevent them
The CFO’s critical role in managing expectations and driving alignment
How to plan, communicate, and secure stakeholder buy-in for change
Why “slowing down to speed up” is the secret to long-term success

Links mentioned:

Phil's Linkedin
Contact Phil directly: phil@philraynor.com
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Host Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby, host of the Grow CFO Show, to share hard-won lessons from finance transformation projects. From failed demos to faster closes, they explore how CFOs can avoid common pitfalls and deliver real value.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to approach system selection with scenarios and use cases, not just feature lists.
Why keeping solutions simple and phased prevents failure points.
The importance of engaging naysayers and building super users for adoption.
Why benefits come from people and process changes, not just technology.
Practical lessons for faster month-end closes and smarter procurement processes.
How CFOs can communicate with boards, influence decisions, and choose the right timing for go-live.

Links mentioned:

Kevin's Linkedin
Learn more about GrowCFO
Join the Grow CFO community
Discover more with Anchor Customer Story
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world transformation challenges submitted by finance leaders. Together, they share practical advice, frameworks, and lessons learned from years of hands-on transformation and consulting experience.

💡 Topics covered in this session include:

Rethinking requirements gathering – moving away from 1,000-line requirement lists and focusing on outcomes, use cases, and best practices instead of replicating
System selection approaches – how to frame your needs, engage vendors effectively, and avoid box-ticking RFP traps.
Data migration dilemmas – when to clean data before Go Live, strategies for managing messy supplier and transactional records, and the risks of “garbage in, garbage out.”
Simplify before you automate – why tackling root causes and streamlining processes is often more valuable than layering automation on top of inefficiency.
Dealing with change fatigue – overcoming eye-rolling resistance to yet another project by contextualising benefits for teams, linking change to day-to-day roles, and building compelling outcomes.
Practical controls and safeguards – validation techniques, duplicate supplier detection, and post-implementation clean-up strategies.

Links mentioned:

Previous session: Planning a Successful Project
Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Learn more about Sage Intacct
Customer Success Stories
Book a discovery call
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Charlotte Crowley, CFO at Altano, to explore her journey through finance leadership, acquisitions, and the challenges of integrating companies without losing their culture.

Charlotte shares her unique career path — from starting in advertising and PR to working in boutique firms, McKinsey, and private equity-backed businesses — and reflects on what she’s learned along the way.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:

Charlotte’s journey from economics graduate to CFO at Altano
How to balance startup agility with professionalising finance processes
First-hand lessons from acquisitions, private equity, and integration
The pressures of due diligence — and how to prepare for them
Why people, trust, and communication matter more than just the numbers
Charlotte’s top advice for new and aspiring CFOs

Links mentioned:

Charlotte's Linkedin
Learn more about Altano
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In this special solo episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro takes on a personal challenge what she would do with 90 days to transform finance. Drawing on her experience working with finance teams, Hannah breaks the journey into three clear phases: stabilisation, automation and efficiency, and forward looking acceleration.

You’ll discover practical, actionable steps you can apply in your own finance function, including

How to stabilise core processes in the first 30 days, including bank reconciliations, AR, AP, cash collection, reporting structures, and balance sheet checks
Why automation and efficiency in the next 30 days should focus on AP automation, AR solutions, payment processes, chart of accounts redesign, and month end optimisation
How to approach the final 30 days with a forward looking mindset, including forecasting, budgets, dashboards, and integrating wider business data
The importance of KPIs for measuring effectiveness across AR, AP, bank rec, and reporting
How to set realistic timelines for transformation without overwhelming your team
Why process mapping, controls, and risk management are essential foundations before scaling

Links Mentioned:

Hannah's Linkedin
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by returning guest Susana Serrano-Davey, seasoned finance leader and leadership mentor, to explore the people side of change. Together, they discuss how leaders can support teams through uncertainty and build a culture of resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why honesty and transparency are critical in times of change.
How to help individuals find motivation and opportunity in transformation.
The importance of authentic leadership and believing in the change yourself.
Practical strategies for supporting overwhelmed team members.
How giving people both choice and voice improves engagement.
Tips for effective communication, from quick stand-ups to celebrating progress.

Links mentioned:

Susana's Linkedin
Discover Susana's work here
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, host Hannah Munro shares what it really takes to deliver a successful finance system implementation. From preparing your team to managing risks and ensuring a smooth go-live, Hannah offers practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects.

You’ll learn:

How to prepare your team and build urgency using the change cycle
The critical stages of a finance implementation – from planning to go-live
The role of stakeholders and how to use a RACI matrix to clarify responsibilities
Why proof of concept and thorough testing are key to stress-free delivery
Best practices for training, capacity planning, and super-user support
Tips to avoid common pitfalls like scope creep, poor data migration, and resistance to change

Links mentioned:

Previous session: Transformation Troubleshooter
Connect with Hannah Munro
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
How to Map Out Your Finance Integration Project
How to Assess Your Current Finance System
Customer Success Stories
Book a discovery call
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro talks with Tariq Munir, Managing Partner at Finspyr and author of Reimagine Finance, about how CFOs and finance leaders can lead successful transformation in the age of AI.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why transformation should be embedded in everyday finance work, not treated as a separate role
How to influence change without authority and build a “transformation snowball”
What good governance looks like — and the pitfalls that can derail change
How to measure AI project success beyond ROI, including adoption and engagement
The role of subject matter experts in training and maintaining effective AI models
How to simplify workflows and manage complexity before introducing AI

Links mentioned:

Tariq's Linkedin
Learn more about Finspyr
Tariq's book Reimagine Finance
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro continues the Private Equity series with Ian Pugh, CFO at Precise TV. Ian shares his journey into private equity and reveals the realities of leading finance in a fast-paced, investor-backed business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The importance of trust with investors — and how to manage bad news or crises effectively
Lessons from handling a serious fraud incident and protecting stakeholder relationships
How to make board packs engaging, concise, and valuable for both investors and non-execs
Strategies for managing investor reporting demands alongside running the business
Advice for CFOs entering PE-backed roles, including first 100-day priorities and long-term success factors

Links mentioned:

Ian's Linkedin
Learn more about Precise TV
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.

Topics covered include:

Andrew’s unique path from event management to CFO
Building lean, scalable finance functions for startups
Managing cashflow challenges with creativity and clarity
The strategic role of FP&A in early-stage businesses
Navigating investor relationships across VC and PE
Advice for new CFOs on due diligence, early wins, and adding value fast

Links mentioned:

Andrew's Linkedin
Learn more about Distributed
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In this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.

In this episode, they cover:

How to manage multiple overlapping transformation projects without burning out your team
Approaches to reprioritising and phasing work to avoid chaos and maintain momentum
What to do when a new CFO questions an in-progress finance system rollout
The importance of focusing on outcomes—not just solutions—when defending project decisions
How to engage teams stuck in Excel and manual processes without triggering resistance
Practical ways to build buy-in, uncover hidden capabilities, and lead change effectively

Links mentioned

Previous session: Future Proofing your Finance Software Architecture
Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Our Implementation Options and Methodology
Customer Success Stories
Book a discovery call
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.

Key topics covered:

Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO work
Structuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growth
Managing M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integration
Communicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firms
Building robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategies
Preparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and discipline

Links mentioned

Andy's Linkedin
Learn more about Summit 17 Ltd
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window.

In this episode, we cover:

How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisions
Signs of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environments
Building trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peers
Managing people issues and making tough but necessary team changes
The importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planning
Avoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journey

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.

Key topics covered:

Matt’s unconventional journey to CFO
The realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for change
How to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and LTV to CAC to guide decisions
Why speed and imperfection often beat precision in fast-moving environments
Managing cash, growth, and risk
Practical tips for new CFOs on building meaningful KPIs and driving strategic clarity

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Matt's Linkedin
Learn more about Practical CFO
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In this month's Finance Transformation Live host Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can design scalable, resilient systems that adapt to change and support long-term growth.

Key topics covered:

The four pillars of future-proof finance architecture: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenance
Why multi-dimensional data structures are essential for reporting, AI, and agility
How to evaluate API strength, integration flexibility, and vendor transparency
Avoiding common pitfalls like over-customisation, poor data design, and dead-end system configurations
Building layered tech stacks to support FP&A, BI, automation, governance, and collaboration
Planning for continuous improvement: training, upgrades, and staying ahead of business needs

Links mentioned:

Previous session: Finance Record to Report Maturity Model
Connect with Hannah Munro
Building Out Your Finance Data Strategy
Reporting Tools in Sage Intacct
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Book a discovery call
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In this insightful episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners, for a no-holds-barred session of myth-busting in the world of private equity. This episode offers practical wisdom, experienced insights, and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to lead in a PE-backed business.

Tune in to explore:

Why growth and profit aren’t mutually exclusive in private equity strategy
The real expectations around budgeting and how to balance ambition with achievability
What kinds of mistakes are tolerated
How equity structures work, and why understanding “good leaver vs bad leaver” clauses is essential
Whether industry experience or private equity background matters more for CFO roles
How values, trust, and transparency drive performance in today’s private equity landscape

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Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Karl Lloyd, fractional CFO and founder of Lloyd Consulting Limited, about his transition from full-time finance roles to a portfolio CFO career. Karl shares practical insights from working across sectors like e-commerce, SaaS, and travel, and reflects on the realities of life as a fractional CFO.

In this episode, Karl covers:

The biggest differences and challenges between full-time and fractional CFO roles
Building effective financial models and keeping them simple, flexible, and insightful
Working with investors and managing expectations through clear reporting
Lessons from multiple management buyouts and how to prepare early for due diligence
Advice for aspiring fractional CFOs, including mindset, client management, and business development

Links mentioned:

Karl's Linkedin
Learn more about Lloyd Consulting Limted
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.

Key topics covered include:

Karla’s career journey from audit trainee to CFO
How to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.
The role of finance in creative industries
Building financial literacy across teams through internal training
Approaching talent investment and balancing short-term results with long-term value.
Tips for new CFOs on strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong CEO partnerships.

Links mentioned:

Karla's Linkedin
Learn more about Ogilvy
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Neil Lynchehaun unpacks the Records-to-Report (R2R) maturity model and shares hard-earned insights from decades in finance transformation. He challenges traditional finance thinking and explores how finance teams can shift from compliance to strategic enablement.

What’s covered in this episode:

Why maturity models are tools for inspiration, not evaluation
The five levels of finance maturity, from statutory compliance to strategic insight
How poor tagging and manual journals hold finance back
The mindset shift from finance-led budgeting to operational-led planning
Real-time accounting, continuous close, and eliminating month-end chaos
Building finance functions that partner with, not trail behind, the business

Links mentioned:

Previous session: Understanding the P2P Maturity Curve
Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Book a discovery call
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, we dive into the critical 30 to 60 day phase of a CFO's journey with returning guest Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO. Building on our previous conversation about the first 30 days, this episode explores how new CFOs can transition from learning to leading.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

How stakeholder expectations shift after the first month
Why your first management reporting pack matters
Using the interest vs. power matrix to prioritise demands from senior stakeholders.
The importance of understanding communication preferences
How to evaluate finance processes for inefficiencies, single points of failure, and quick wins.
Ways to check if you’re truly delivering on your CFO mandate

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, about the accelerating pace of AI and its profound implications for business, society, and the future of work. Together, they explore the near-term possibilities and longer-term consequences of artificial intelligence—from transformation to potential turmoil.

In this episode, we cover:

Why some companies struggle with AI adoption
The rise of neuro-symbolic AI and the combination of logic-based and intuitive systems
Breakthroughs in video generation, self-prompting AI, and the future of AI-generated media
What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could mean for jobs, skills, and human relevance
How emotional intelligence and adaptability will be essential skills for leaders in the AI era

Links mentioned:

David’s Linkedin
Learn more about London Futurists
London Futurists Meetups
The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future by Mustafa Suleyman
Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that changed the world by Parmy Olson
Uncontrollable : The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence by Darren McKee
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined once again by Rob Jackson, now Senior Associate Consultant at Protiviti UK. Rob reflects on his journey from leading finance operations at Sage to spearheading transformation projects in private equity-backed businesses. Together, they unpack what it really takes to deliver finance change, lead shared services, and balance organisational complexity.

In this episode, we explore:

Rob’s experience transitioning from Sage to working in a private equity environment
How to successfully drive incremental finance change
The importance of defining clear goals and resisting the temptation
Building and managing an effective Shared Service Centre
The critical role of stakeholder management
Rob’s top advice for new shared services leaders

Links mentioned:

Rob's Linkedin
Learn more about Protiviti
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In this episode of CFO 4.0 – The PE CFO Series, Hannah Munro is joined once again by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners. Together, they dive into “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of private equity—an honest conversation unpacking what it’s really like behind the boardroom doors of a PE-backed business.

With a wealth of experience across corporate, startup and PE environments, Richard shares practical insights on how CFOs can protect their teams, influence direction, and stay focused on long-term value—even in short-term funding cycles.

In this episode, they explore:

The shift in relationships and leadership behaviours post-PE investment
What to retain (and what to adopt) when transitioning into a PE environment
The evolving role of the CFO and how it differs from a Finance Director
Why month-end speed matters—and how it changes company mindset
Balancing investor expectations with long-term business thinking
The signs of disengagement from your PE house—and how to respond

Links mentioned:

Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.

You’ll discover:

Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.
How to evaluate the impact of process improvements across:
The full scope of the P2P process, including:
Master data creation and maintenance
The 5 maturity levels from basic transaction recording to strategic process leverage.
Real-world characteristics and examples of each maturity stage.
Insights into practical tools and enablers, including supplier portals, OCR, and dynamic discounting.
Strategic tips for driving better supplier relationships, optimising working capital, and protecting your financial operations.

Links mentioned:

Previous session: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
Connect with Hannah Munro
Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
Book a discovery call
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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This episode kicks off our new CFO 4.0 series exploring the first 100 days in a CFO role. Host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and coach Jeremy Earnshaw, who shares practical, battle-tested guidance on navigating the critical first 30 days in a new CFO position.

Key topics covered

Making a strong first impression and shifting from finance specialist to strategic leader
Why liquidity is non-negotiable and how to validate cash flow assumptions early
How to uncover hidden issues in the balance sheet and financial controls
Engaging with stakeholders and building credibility across the business
Leading your team with clarity, consistency and high expectations
Common missteps new CFOs make and how to avoid them

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this inspiring and practical episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Susana Serrano-Davey—career mentor, leadership trainer, and author of the newly released Confidence is Overrated. Drawing from her journey from CFO to mentor and author, Susana shares powerful insights on how senior finance leaders can develop the soft skills essential for leadership success.

In this episode, Hannah and Susana explore:

Why confidence is often misunderstood—and how to support yourself through self-doubt
How to spot unhelpful behaviours that undermine your confidence
Physical signs of stress and how to manage them in high-pressure environments
Why active listening is a critical skill for CFOs and how to improve it
The importance of finding your voice and knowing which battles to pick
A framework for having productive, high-stakes conversations at work
Letting go of control to become more influential in leadership

Links mentioned:

Susana's Linkedin
Discover Susana's work here
Read Susanna's new book; Self-Confidence Is Overrated
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.

In this episode, Gemma discusses

Her career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadership
The pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASA
Why micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEs
The true cost and complexity of fundraising for growth
Forecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climates
The importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-in

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Gemma's Linkedin
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro dives into the critical steps for effective process mapping and how it can drive successful financial transformation. Discover practical insights on simplifying complexity and ensuring your processes are future-ready.

Key takeaways include:

The importance of involving sales, CRM, and IT leadership in process evaluations.
How to identify, map, and validate use cases before redesigning processes.
Strategies to prioritise high-impact areas and manage process exceptions.
Why future-proofing your processes is essential for growth and scalability.
Best practices for facilitating and documenting process mapping sessions.
Tools for effective digital documentation and why real-time collaboration matters.

Links mentioned:

March FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Getting started with mapping out your finance processes
Why Salesforce Users Love Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
The Getting Started Guide: Streamlining your Finance Processes
Automate your finance processes with Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, to explore how CFOs can navigate their first 100 days in Private Equity, set the right priorities, manage investor expectations, and lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Key topics covered:

What CFOs should focus on when stepping into private equity ownership.
How to identify risks, uncover hidden issues, and turn challenges into opportunities.
How to set the tone, structure a strong agenda, and communicate effectively with investors.
How to build trust with your Investment Director and avoid private equity stepping in too closely.
Creating a strong 100-day plan and adjusting priorities based on due diligence insights.
How to connect with other CFOs in the PE firm’s portfolio and leverage peer learning.
The Role of Transparency & Communication

Links mentioned:

Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Peter Morgan, CEO of Deep Learning Partnership and head tutor at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, to explore the rapid rise of AI and its impact on finance.

Key discussion points:

Why advancements in AI have accelerated exponentially and what’s driving the change.
The key differences and why generative AI is leading the conversation.
How LLMs work and their evolving role in business and finance.
The risks of AI, the importance of regulation, and how businesses can ensure responsible use.
Practical applications, from portfolio management to risk assessment and automation.
How finance leaders can experiment with AI tools and integrate them into their workflows.

Links mentioned:

Peter's Linkedin
Learn more about Deep Learning Partnership
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In this fourth instalment of the Mastering M&A series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to explore the journey from CFO to Non-Executive Director (NED). Whether you're considering your first NED role or want to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode, we discuss:

How the role differs from an executive position and the mindset shift required
The reality of NED roles vs. advertised time commitments
How to assess opportunities and avoid roles that aren't the right fit
Common pitfalls, governance struggles, and difficult board dynamics
The key to being an effective NED
Tips for aspiring NEDs, including building experience and crafting the right CV

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can step up and take a more strategic role in driving change and process improvement across their organisations.

With AI and automation set to reshape finance, CFOs and finance teams must shift their focus beyond transactional tasks and become catalysts for business transformation. Hannah dives into the opportunities for finance to lead cross-departmental change, break down silos, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

The evolving role of finance in a world of AI & automation
Why finance is uniquely positioned to drive change across the business
How to identify inefficiencies and streamline finance processes
The importance of cross-departmental collaboration in transformation projects
Strategies for overcoming resistance to change and building consensus
The role of finance in breaking down data silos and improving decision-making

Links mentioned:

February FTL: Financial Transformation Live: The Finance-Driven Approach to Smarter Business Processes
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Phil Moses, CFO at Octavius, to discuss his fascinating career journey from working in PLCs to Private Equity-backed businesses. With experience spanning insurance, telecoms, infrastructure, and construction, Phil shares his lessons on managing investors, driving financial strategy, and adapting to different ownership models.

Key topics covered in this episode:

How Phil approached investor engagement and messaging in the PLC world, including handling difficult conversations.
Key differences in reporting, decision-making speed, and working with multiple investors.
Challenges of goal alignment, board dynamics, and the role of a strong chairperson in creating consensus.
The importance of transparency, relationship-building, and setting realistic yet ambitious targets.
How PE expectations differ from the public market approach.

Links mentioned:

Phil's Linkedin
Learn more about Octavius
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Private Equity expert Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the next episode of The Private Equity CFO.
Together, they break down the key considerations for businesses looking to secure Private Equity investment, the challenges of the process, and how CFOs can prepare to maximize returns.

Key topics covered include:

Is Private Equity the right option for your business?
What makes a business ‘mature’ enough for Private Equity?
Red flags that Private Equity investors watch out for
Finding the right private equity house and corporate finance advisor:
The Private Equity investment process: What to expect
The CFO’s role in Private Equity investment

Links mentioned:

Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.

Key topics covered:

Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approaches
Managing investor relationships – balancing trust, communication, and transparency
Fundraising in deep tech – navigating challenges and pitching to the right investors
Financial planning & budgeting – setting realistic growth targets in an emerging market
Advice for new CFOs – the importance of coaching, board management, and asking the right questions

Links mentioned:

Stuart's Linkedin
Learn more about Optalysis
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In this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals.

Key topics discussed:

The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.
Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potential acquirers
The critical role of the CFO in managing the disposal process and overseeing data flow.
The importance of establishing good buyer relationships
Deal structures: earn-outs, share exchanges, and the implications for sellers.
Warranties, indemnities, and legal considerations
The cultural and operational implications of a sale for the management team and employees.

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alwyn Jones, Group CFO at Luno and returning guest on the podcast. Alwyn shares his journey of broadening his perspective by stepping into a Non-Executive Director (NED) role and reflects on how it has shaped his leadership approach. This engaging conversation covers a range of topics, including:

The evolving responsibilities of CFOs
Key insights into the dynamics of a Non-Exec role,
The challenges and surprises of stepping into a Non-Exec role
Advice for aspiring NEDs, including tips on networking.
Reflections on how the NED role has enriched his perspective and improved his effectiveness as a CFO.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

Connect with Alwyn Jones on LinkedIn
Learn more about Luno
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the second instalment in our The Private Equity CFO series. Together, they delve into the complexities of private equity and its implications for CFOs.

Key topics covered include:

Exploring the balance between capability and comfort zone, and what CFOs can do to prove their value.
How private equity-backed businesses differ in their expectations for timely, actionable financial data.
Insights into cash flow management, covenant models, and other critical reporting differences.
From diagnosing the state of the business to building trust with private equity partners, strategies for success in the first 100 days.
Building trust, communicating effectively, and staying aligned with the investment strategy.
Tactics for transparency, preparedness, and maintaining credibility under pressure.

Links mentioned:

Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Danyaal Shah, CFO of Nokkel, to explore his unique journey from investment banking to becoming a strategic financial leader. Danyaal shares valuable insights into the evolving role of CFOs, offering actionable advice for those aiming to excel in financial leadership.

Topics covered include:

How his background in investment banking and M&A shaped his approach to the CFO role.
Key steps to ensure your business is investor-ready
How to balance growth and profitability while keeping CAC under control.
Why realistic scenarios and investor-friendly cash flow forecasts are essential for success.
Insights into managing debt and aligning financial strategy with cash flow stability.
Practical tips for those transitioning into the CFO role from non-traditional backgrounds.

Links mentioned:

Danyaal's Linkedin
Learn more about Nokkel
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon, for the second instalment of the Mastering M&A series. Jeremy, a seasoned CFO coach and mentor, shares invaluable insights into structuring deals and preparing for a successful merger or acquisition.

Join us as we explore:

The key steps in structuring a deal, including understanding objectives, optimal exit strategies, and assessing readiness.
The critical role of the CFO in managing the M&A process, from internal due diligence to project management.
How to evaluate business value and address tax implications for potential buyers.
Strategies to navigate due diligence, protect sensitive information, and negotiate effectively.
The importance of preparing the organisation, including staff retention, contract management, and intellectual property.
Top tips for CFOs to assess their readiness to sell and ensure a smooth transaction process.

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Mark Blakemore, CFO at Compleat Software, about the unique challenges and opportunities of working in SaaS finance. Mark shares valuable insights from his 30+ year career in finance, offering a detailed look into the world of SaaS, including practical advice for CFOs and finance professionals aspiring to break into the sector.

Key topics covered in this episode:

Mark's journey to becoming a CFO and his transition from audit to SaaS finance.
The evolution of SaaS models and the challenges of shifting from perpetual licences to recurring revenue.
Key metrics for SaaS CFOs, including MQL-to-win ratios, CAC, and revenue growth levers.
The importance of cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and engineering teams.
Lessons learned from managing cultural differences and communication challenges in international teams.

Links mentioned:

Mark's Linkedin
Learn more about Compleat Software
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro kicks off The World of CFOs in Private Equity series by exploring the fascinating world of PE with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners.

Dive into the dynamics of private equity and learn what it takes to succeed as a CFO in this unique investment environment.

Key discussion points include:

An overview of private equity
The internal structures of private equity firms
How CFOs can understand the type of private equity backing their organisation
The concept of leveraged buyouts, including how debt is used to maximise returns
The varying levels of private equity involvement in businesses
Key strategies for value creation.
Essential skills and expectations for private equity CFOs

Links mentioned:

Richard's Linkedin
Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners
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Join Hannah Munro in this thought-provoking episode of CFO 4.0 as she sits down with Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, to explore the latest insights from ACCA's ground breaking research, Finance Evolution. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the finance function of tomorrow.
Key discussion points include:

How finance teams can position themselves as custodians of reliable data.
Emerging roles like Sustainability Controllers and Data Governance Leads
The rise of AI, machine learning, and e-invoicing, and their impact on forecasting and compliance.
The role of finance in bridging the gap with accurate and integrated data.
The skills needed to build predictive models and adapt to rapid changes in the business landscape.
Bridging the gap between traditional roles and the demands of the future.

Links mentioned:

Clive's Linkedin
Learn more about the ACCA
Finance evolution report: Thriving in the next decade
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro explores how to assess and optimise your current financial systems to support your organisation’s goals. As the final live session of the year, this episode is packed with actionable advice and frameworks to help finance leaders plan their next steps for system improvements.

Tune in to learn:

The four key components of a financial technology stack: controls, compliance, reporting, and process efficiency.
A comprehensive framework for assessing your financial systems, including:
- Understanding strategic direction and goals.
- Gathering feedback and insights from stakeholders.
- Performing process documentation and Excel audits.
- Running reporting assessments and SWOT analyses.
Practical tips to improve month-end efficiency and reduce close times.
10 quick wins to optimise your financial systems, from automating bank feeds to improving credit control.
How to decide whether to enhance your current system or invest in a new platform using a traffic light evaluation method.
Insights into leveraging your team’s expertise and industry benchmarks for continuous improvement.

Links mentioned:

Building a Future-Proofed Reporting Architecture
Please reach out to Hannah via LinkedIn if you'd like to be notified once our Sage Systems Feedback document is live!
Getting Started with Mapping Out Your Finance Processes
Breaking the Excel Addiction - Are you Over-Reliant on Spreadsheets?
Reduce Your Month-End Close Time
Helpful Guides for Sage 50, Sage 200, and Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct On-Demand Demo
Sage 200 Standard Coffee Break Demo
Sage 200 Interactive Demo
Sage 50 Coffee Break Demo
Download your System Audit Template
Nov: Financial Transformation Live | Assessing Your Current Financial Systems
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon in the first instalment of a series of discussions on the complexities and challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jeremy draws on his wealth of experience in executing over 25 transactions to offer practical advice for CFOs embarking on their M&A journey.

Key topics covered include:

The importance of aligning M&A activity with organisational strategy
Understanding the critical role of the C-suite in the M&A process
How to assess whether your organisation is ready for an acquisition
Cultural integration and its impact on post-acquisition success
The role of due diligence and disclosures in mitigating potential issues
How to balance day-to-day responsibilities with the demands of M&A

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Tom Miller, Finance Director at Illuma Technology, to discuss the critical role of finance leaders in both crisis management and everyday operations. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to mastering cash flow and cost control, Tom shares invaluable lessons that every finance professional can apply.

Key topics include:

Discover how Tom’s journey from big four training to startups shaped his approach to the CFO role.
Insights on building resilience and demonstrating leadership during the volatile COVID-19 period.
Learn Tom’s strategies for ensuring cash flow stability
Practical advice on negotiation with suppliers, landlords, and even tax authorities to maintain financial health.
Explore Tom’s methods for enforcing cost discipline and incentivising budget adherence within the organisation.
How finance can be more approachable, service-oriented, and add strategic value across the organisation.

Links mentioned:

Tom's Linkedin
Learn more about Illuma Technology
Tom's Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It By Chris Voss
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Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Phil Richards, CFO of GiG, to delve into his journey to CFO and the complex path of taking a company public. Phil shares his experiences and insights from leading GiG’s IPO on the Swedish First North, discussing the planning, challenges, and strategic choices involved.

Here’s what you can expect:

Phil discusses what makes the gaming industry unique and why it continues to be an exciting and evolving space.
Insights into the decisions and steps that took GiG public, including splitting from a parent company and selecting the Swedish First North market.
How GiG navigated complex regulatory, tax, and investor expectations.
The role of a CFO in maintaining investor interest post-IPO, balancing growth targets, and keeping the company’s story fresh.
Phil shares practical advice on choosing the right stock exchange, managing advisors, and aligning teams for IPO success.

Links mentioned:

Phil's Linkedin
Learn more about GiG
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, hosted by Hannah Munro, we dive into the essential strategies for building a sustainable and future-proof financial reporting architecture. Whether you're navigating reporting for the first time or refining an existing structure, this session covers critical insights and best practices to ensure longevity, flexibility, and clarity in your financial data systems.

Topics include:

Understanding and Gathering Reporting Requirements
Designing with Your Business Model in Mind
Assessing and Aligning Data Structures with System Capabilities
Validating Input Processes and Permissions
Integrating with Existing Systems and Future-Proofing Structures
Key Dos and Don’ts for Reporting Architecture

Links mentioned:

October FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Building a Future Proofed Reporting Architecture
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Tatiana Okhotina, CFO of Token, to explore her journey in FinTech and discuss key challenges in scaling global finance teams in a rapidly evolving industry. Tatiana shares valuable insights into building diverse, high-performing teams and balancing the unique demands of a growing FinTech company.

Tune in to hear about:

Key considerations when scaling finance teams globally, especially in regulated industries.
How FinTech companies differ from traditional tech businesses in terms of complexity, risk, and compliance.
The role of communication and cultural understanding in managing remote, global teams.
Tatiana’s approach to building relationships within her team and with the board.
How sustainability and ESG initiatives play a vital role in FinTech and her passion for building sustainable businesses.

Links mentioned:

Tatiana's Linkedin
Learn more about Token
Tatiana's Book Recommendation: The Venture Mindset: How to Make Smarter Bets and Achieve Extraordinary Growth
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Byron Cowie, Director of Finance at Elliptic and former Head of Reporting and Control at Luno, to discuss his incredible journey across two innovative fintech companies. Tune in as Byron shares his experiences in scaling teams, managing volatility, and navigating the world of crypto exchanges.

Key topics covered in this episode:

Byron's transition from traditional finance roles to scaling Luno, a global crypto exchange
The importance of the right hires, scalable finance systems, and the challenge of maintaining financial control
How Byron and the Luno team navigated the volatile nature of the crypto market
Building effective controls, team onboarding, and communication strategies
Byron’s move to blockchain analytics, focusing on how his experiences at Luno have shaped his approach in his new role.

Links mentioned:

Byron's Linkedin
Learn more about Elliptic
Byron's Book Recommendation: In Math We Trust By Simon Dingle
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alex Baulf, VP of E-Invoicing at Avalara, to discuss the growing trend of electronic invoicing and how it is reshaping businesses globally.
Alex shares valuable insights into the current and future state of E-Invoicing across Europe, the US, and beyond, offering CFOs and finance leaders essential advice on how to prepare for upcoming changes.

Key points covered in this episode:

What is E-Invoicing, and why is it gaining traction globally?
Differences between the US and other countries, and the efforts of the Digital Business Network Alliance (DBNA).
Why tax authorities are pushing for E-Invoicing to close the VAT gap and improve tax collection.
How E-Invoicing can lead to faster payments, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
What CFOs need to consider now, as the UK prepares to follow the global trend of E-Invoicing mandates.
How finance teams can get ready for E-Invoicing by assessing their data, technology, and compliance strategies.

Links mentioned:

Alex's Linkedin
Learn more about Avalara
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Brad Channer, CFO at UBIO, to discuss the challenges and strategies of scaling and fundraising in fast-growing companies. Brad shares his unique journey from acting to finance, alongside valuable insights on how to lead, communicate, and navigate the world of Series A funding and beyond.

Key highlights include:

From actor to CFO, lessons learnt from the entertainment and tech industries
Challenges and best practices for managing Series A and Series B funding rounds
Balancing growth expectations with realistic targets in fundraising
How understanding different communication styles (including love languages!) can improve relationships with founders, investors, and teams
Tips on managing expectations, fostering collaboration, and maintaining trust
How to identify and manage narcissistic founders, with advice on protecting yourself emotionally

Links Mentioned:

Bradley's Linkedin
Learn more bout UBIO
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas, shares her extensive experience in financial transformation and project implementation. Learn how to ensure the success of your next financial transformation project by following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

A refresher on Kotter’s Change Cycle and how it applies to financial transformation projects.
Pre-implementation activities
Insights on dealing with team resistance, capacity management, and team buy-in.
Key phases of successful financial system implementation
Training and testing tips to ensure smooth onboarding and successful adoption of new systems.
The importance of data migration and how to ensure accuracy in your new system.
How to navigate the go-live phase with a proactive approach and risk management.
FAQs on common concerns like hiring external resources, testing schedules, and building super users.

Links mentioned:

September FTL: Ensuring a Successful Finance Systems Implementation Project
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring, about his journey from CFO to executive coach, and the soft skills crucial for senior finance leaders. Together, they explore how CFOs can navigate leadership challenges, stakeholder management, and complex financial situations.

Key topics covered in this episode include:.

The transition from CFO to Executive Coach and Mentor, and the value of coaching for finance leaders.
Managing stakeholder relationships, including high-powered investors and board members.
The importance of clear, concise board presentations and how to manage differing stakeholder expectations.
Real-life lessons from Jeremy’s experience with acquisitions, liquidity crises, and credit crunch challenges.
Strategies for delivering both good and bad news effectively to stakeholders.
The balance between supporting the CEO and fulfilling the role of a CFO, especially in challenging situations.

Links mentioned:

Jeremy's Linkedin
Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring
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Join Hannah Munro, as she speaks with Josh Schenker, CFO of Aditude, about his journey in the world of strategy consulting, corporate development, and now scaling startups. In this episode of CFO 4.0, Josh shares his experience raising capital, navigating acquisitions, and the evolving role of the CFO.

Key Takeaways:

Lessons learned during the pandemic and how to target investors strategically.
How Aditude evaluates and executes acquisitions, including key criteria for selecting target companies.
A deep dive into the multi-faceted due diligence process for both buyers and sellers.
Top Tips for CFOs: How to prepare for fundraising, acquisitions, and scaling operations.
The importance of aligning people and culture during the M&A process.
How to build processes that allow for seamless integration of new businesses.

Links mentioned:

Josh's Linkedin
Learn more about Aditude
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro highlights the common reasons why finance technology projects often fail. With insights from years of experience in financial transformation, Hannah shares real-world examples and practical advice to help you navigate your next project successfully.

Key topics covered include:

How to avoid heading in the wrong direction by setting the right goals.
Why breaking your project into manageable phases leads to better success.
Why it’s essential to optimise your processes, not just automate them.
Understanding how different attitudes towards change impact your project.
Why clean data is critical for your project's success.

Links mentioned:

Hannah's Linkedin
Learn more about itas solutions
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks about the art of presenting a compelling business case for financial transformation. Whether you're aiming to gain executive buy-in or refine your strategy, this session is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Key topics covered:

Learn the essential components that make a business case compelling and effective.
Explore the importance of justifying the need for transformation, especially in today's volatile environment.
Discover how to present multiple options, including the risks of inaction, to ensure informed decision-making.
Get insights on calculating the total cost of ownership and the importance of including resourcing costs in your proposal.
Understand the benefits of a phased implementation approach and how to set realistic timelines and expectations.
Learn how to identify and mitigate risks associated with financial transformation projects to build confidence in your plan.
Find out how to plan out an effective technology implementation project and ensure a smooth transition.

Links mentioned:

August FTL: Presenting The Business Case
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Business Case Template
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Aaron Harris, Global CTO of Sage, to explore the transformative power of AI and technology in the finance sector.

This insightful conversation covers:

How technology is shifting CFOs from record-keepers to strategic leaders.
The role of AI in automating workflows and enabling digital transformation.
How to ensure confidence in AI-driven systems
Beyond AI, what other innovations are shaping the future of finance?
The rise of digital networks and the global shift towards e-invoicing.
Where AI excels and where human judgment remains crucial.

Links mentioned:

Aaron’s Linkedin
Learn more about Sage
Sage’s report: The secrets of successful CFOs
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In this weeks episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Luigi Testa, CFO at LinkSquares, to discuss his journey and the incredible growth story of LinkSquares. Luigi shares his insights on transitioning into the CFO role, navigating funding rounds, and scaling the finance function within a rapidly growing company.

Key points covered:

The importance of strategic finance skills over traditional accounting backgrounds in the CFO role.
Insights into the Series A to Series C funding processes, including investor expectations and maintaining clean financials.
Common challenges during rapid growth and the importance of resilience and problem-solving.
Key financial metrics and unit economics crucial for SaaS companies and how they evolve.
Strategies for hiring the right talent and balancing process and control with growth objectives.

Links mentioned:

Luigi's Linkedin
Learn more about LinkSquares
Luigi’s Book Recommendation: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months
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The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

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In this weeks episode of CFO 4.0 join Hannah Munro as she interviews Alex Ladd, CEO of Mindstream Analytics, Discover key insights and strategies for successful financial transformation projects.

In this episode, we cover:

The importance of customer involvement and realistic expectations.
How to identify data issues through process evaluation rather than just data accuracy.
The critical role of change management in the success of transformation projects.
The importance of ongoing investment and seeing technology as a journey, not just a project.
How performance management tools have evolved and the impact of AI and machine learning.
The necessity of clear communication and setting expectations with all stakeholders.

Links mentioned:

Alex's Linkedin
Learn more about Mindstream Analytics
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, hosted by Hannah Munro, we look into the practical aspects of calculating the financial benefits of your new transformation project. This session is inspired by a listener’s request for a more detailed example of building a financial business case.

Key points covered include:

Learn how to estimate the financial ROI over a five-year period
Understand the value of better reporting and analytics
Discover methods to measure time saved and efficiency gains
Assess the impact of better credit control and customer portal implementations on cash flow
Evaluate the financial impact of mitigating risks such as fraud

Links mentioned:

July FTL: Calculating the Financial Benefit of Your New Transformation Project
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for August's Financial Transformation Live session
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro, is joined by Sara Daw, Co-founder and Group CEO at the CFO Center and the Liberti Group. Sara shares her journey from the corporate world to founding the CFO Center, and provides valuable insights into the evolving role of CFOs, particularly in the context of fractional and part-time positions.

Key topics covered in this episode:

The concept and benefits of fractional and part-time CFO roles for SMEs.
The unique challenges and opportunities fractional CFOs face compared to their full-time counterparts.
Strategies for effective financial management and planning in smaller businesses.
The impact of technological advancements and AI on the CFO role.
The integration of ESG and DEI initiatives within the CFO's responsibilities.
The future of the C-suite and the growing importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership roles.

Links mentioned

Sara’s Linkedin
Learn more about The CFO Centre
Learn more about The Liberti Group
Learn more about Sara’s work here
Sara’s book “Strategy and Leadership as Service”
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jason Godley, CFO of Xactly Corp. as they the critical soft skills necessary for successful CFOs. Exploring how effective communication and strategic thinking are key to driving business success. Jason shares insights from his extensive career, offering valuable advice for both aspiring and seasoned CFOs.

Key Discussion Points:

Importance of clear and succinct communication with boards and CEOs
Strategies for presenting complex decisions and balancing risks
Adapting communication styles for different CEO personalities
Techniques for managing challenging board dynamics and building relationships
Engaging employees and explaining financial concepts in relatable terms

Links mentioned:

Jason’s Linkedin
Learn more about Xactly
Jason’s Book Recommendation: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by co-host Paul Newton, Pre-sales Consultant at itas, to delve into the essential components of successful financial transformation projects.

Topics covered include:

Defining Project Scope and Priorities: Tips on setting clear goals and involving the right stakeholders.
Budget and Resource Management: Discussing the importance of budget considerations and resource allocation.
Integration and Implementation Strategies: Exploring the pros and cons of Big Bang versus phased approaches.
Data Quality and Migration: Assessing and improving data quality before migration.
Optimisation and Continuous Improvement: Ensuring ongoing value and practical tips for continuous improvement.
Choosing the Right Partner: Key questions to ask potential partners and the importance of long-term support.

Links mentioned:

Hannah’s LinkedIn
Paul’s LinkedIn
Learn more about itas Solutions
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro talks to Michelle Pendergast, Group Finance Director at The Lowry Theatre. Michelle shares her unique journey from dance college to heading finance at one of the UK's leading cultural venues.

This episode covers:

Michelle's transition from a creative background in dance to a career in finance.
The challenges and strategies of managing finances in a non-profit organisation.
Insights into The Lowry's budgeting and forecasting processes for their diverse range of performances.
Balancing commercial and non-commercial activities to support The Lowry's mission.
Implementing cost-effective financial practices in a charitable setting.
The importance of aligning finance with the organisation's artistic and community objectives.
Engaging with various departments and stakeholders to communicate financial data effectively.
The role of finance in supporting The Lowry's social and economic impact initiatives.

Links mentioned:

Michelle's Linkedin
Learn more about The Lowry Theatre
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro explores the essential topic of designing robust finance data structures. This month's session examines various aspects of financial data design, ensuring it meets both current and future needs.

Topics covered in this episode:

Components of Strong Financial Data Design
Common Mistakes and Risks
Ensuring the Right Financial Structure
System Capabilities: Evaluating system layers, dimensions, and available reporting tools
Practical Testing and Feasibility
Migration and Planning

Links mentioned:

June FTL: Navigating Process Improvement on the Maturity Scale
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for July's Financial Transformation Live session
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this special episode of CFO 4.0, Mark Blackmore steps in for Hannah Munro to provide a mid-year roundup of our podcast's most impactful conversations from 2024. Join us as we revisit the wisdom, laughter, and ground-breaking ideas shared by our remarkable guests.

Key Highlights:
January:

Scott Buchanan on the challenges and preparations for taking a company through the IPO process.
Dominique Highfield from Purple Bricks on the dynamics of financial and operational leadership.
Soufyan Hamid on the transformative power of storytelling in finance.
Chris Ortega on generative AI and navigating business uncertainty.

February:

Hannah Williams, CEO of Alacrity, on effective team communication and the transition from CFO to CEO.
Jamie Irwin on the dynamic world of CFO recruitment in private equity.

March:

Nicholas Boucher on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in finance.
Tory Bauman on the intricacies of financial planning and analysis in telecommunications infrastructure.
Christian Frantz Hansen on balancing quantitative and qualitative measures in performance management.

April:

Andy Burrows on developing a business-focused finance mindset.
Marie Charpentier on transforming finance teams in high-growth companies.
Clive Webb on the pivotal role of sustainability in mergers and acquisitions.

May:

Katrina Nacci on the complexities of US GAAP and proactive planning.
Arjit Kumar on leading through major organisational changes.
Howard Friedman and Akshay Swaminathan on leveraging data science for business success.

June:

Chris Lloyd Mostyn on mastering project requirements in financial transformation.
David B Horne on fundraising, scaling businesses, and the challenges faced by diverse founders in venture capital.

Episodes mentioned:

1. The Road to IPO: A Bitcoin Depot Story with Scott Buchanan
1. A Leadership Journey at Purplebricks – Insights into Cash Burn, Resilience, and Transformational Triumphs with Dominique Highfield
1. Transforming Numbers into Stories: The Power of Financial Communication with Soufyan Hamid
1. Navigating 2024: Agility, AI, and People-Centric Finance with Chris Ortega
1. Leadership Evolution: Transforming from CFO to CEO with Hannah Williams
1. PE Backed | Insider Information on the Recruitment of CFOs in Private Equity with Jamie Irwin
1. AI's Role in the Future of Finance with Nicolas Boucher
1. PE Backed | The Evolution of a Finance Leader: Journey Through Audit, IPO, Acquisitions to Private Equity with Tory Bauman
1. Balancing Acts: Performance Management in Finance with Christian Frantz Hansen
1. Beyond Numbers: Cultivating a Business-Focused Finance Mindset with Andy Burrows
1. Global Expansion Tactics: Finance Strategies for Success with Marie Charpentier
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Join Hannah Munro as she interviews David B. Horne, Founder of Add Then Multiply and Funding Focus. With over 20 years of experience as a CFO, David shares his wealth of knowledge on fundraising, scaling businesses, and the challenges faced by diverse founders in the venture capital industry.

Key topics covered include:

Insights from David’s extensive experience as a CFO across various industries and his transition to running his own business.
The current market difficulties, inherent gender biases, and the lack of diversity in the venture capital industry.
Exploring crowdfunding, angel investing, and family offices as viable alternatives for conservative growth plans.
David’s FACE methodology (Fund, Acquire, Consolidate, Exit) for driving business growth and successful scaling.
Key considerations and best practices for merging and integrating businesses post-acquisition.
The critical role of CFOs in financial modelling, scenario planning, and ensuring the financial health of the business.

Links mentioned:

David's Linkedin
Learn more about Add then Multiply
Read David's Book 'Add then Multiply'
Read David's Book 'Funded Female Founders'
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Add Then Multiply: How smallbusinessescan thinklike bigbusinessesand achieveexponentialgrowth

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Join Hannah Munro as she interviews Chris Lloyd-Mostyn, Senior Business Partner, on his extensive experience driving financial transformation at BT Group. In this episode of CFO 4.0, Chris shares detailed insights into the complexities and strategic decisions involved in managing one of Europe's largest finance transformation projects.

Key topics covered include:

Understanding the initial state of BT's finance systems and the decision to undergo transformation.
How the project was scoped, planned, and the strategic pivot to cloud computing mid-way through.
The intense focus required to manage data from decades-old systems during the transition.
Building a robust business case, revising it in response to evolving circumstances
Strategies for reducing operational risks and ensuring continuous compliance during the transformation.

Links mentioned:

Chris' Linkedin
World Finance Forum London 2024
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro discusses the Process Improvement Maturity Scale. This session focuses on helping you understand and evaluate the maturity of your organisation's process development. Hannah takes you through various aspects of process improvement, offering insights and practical advice.

Key topics covered:

Overview of the Process Improvement Maturity Scale.
Assessing process knowledge and measuring performance with KPIs.
Defining process ownership and leveraging technology for digitisation and automation.
Stages of process optimisation and continuous improvement.
Importance of thorough and consistent process documentation.
Indicators of process effectiveness and aligning with organisational goals.

Links mentioned:

May FTL: Navigating Process Improvement on the Maturity Scale
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for June's Financial Transformation Live session
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro in this episode of CFO 4.0 as she delves into the power of data science with Howard Friedman and Akshay Swaminathan, authors of "Winning with Data Science." This episode is packed with expert insights on how CFOs and finance leaders can leverage data to make smarter decisions and drive their organisations forward.

In this episode:

Learn the essentials of data science and how it can influence decision-making processes in business.
Howard and Akshay share their diverse experiences and paths to becoming data science experts.
Techniques and tools that can enhance accuracy in forecasting future business needs.
Discussing the practical application of AI and machine learning in business settings and their real-world efficacy.
How to handle and interpret data correctly, avoiding common pitfalls like biases and misinterpretation.
Strategies for integrating data science into business operations to improve outcomes and efficiency.
Concrete advice for CFOs on implementing robust data-driven strategies within their organisations.

Links mentioned:

Howard's Linkedin
Akshay's Linkedin
Learn more about Howard's work
Learn more about Akshay's work
Howard & Akshay's book "Winning with Data Science."
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Join us in this episode of CFO 4.0 as Hannah Munro discusses with Ajit Kumar, VP of Finance at Signal AI, the intricate process of leading through major organisational changes, focusing on acquisitions and international expansion. Jump deep into the complexities of merging different cultures and systems, and the critical role of finance leadership in driving successful integration.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How Ajit’s international experiences shaped his professional outlook.
Strategies for blending corporate cultures across borders and the significance of understanding local nuances.
The importance of building a project management mindset within finance teams
Effective tactics for managing people through changes, including dealing with resistance
Insights into leveraging technology for better data management and process efficiency
How artificial intelligence can revolutionise data handling in finance, giving leaders more time to focus on strategic initiatives.

Links mentioned:

Ajit's Linkedin
Learn more about Signal AI
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Join Hannah Munro as she dives into the complexities of US GAAP with cross-border accounting expert Katrina Nacci. This episode navigates the intricate world of international finance and expansion into the US markets.

Here’s what we cover:

Discover Katrina's journey from PwC in Boston to becoming a cross-border accounting adviser in Frankfurt.
Insights into the major hurdles companies face when expanding into the US
A detailed look at converting from UK or European GAAP to US GAAP
Understanding the additional layers of compliance that come with US GAAP and how to prepare for US audits.
Strategies for finance teams to manage US GAAP conversions effectively
Advice on preparing for funding rounds or acquisitions by US entities, emphasizing the strategic advantage of understanding US GAAP ahead of time.

Links mentioned:

Katrina’s Linkedin
Learn more about Katrina's work
Free Notion Guide for European CFOs on US Accounting & Reporting
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Join us for the latest FTL episode on the CFO 4.0 Podcast, hosted by Hannah Munro, where we delve into the future-proofing of finance teams and explore the evolving landscape of financial operations. In this session,

In the episode we discuss:

Insights into how the finance function is adapting post-COVID
Examination of the rapid acceleration in technology adoption, particularly AI and cloud computing.
Detailed discussions on how digital process are reshaping areas like accounts payable, accounts receivable, and overall financial workflows.
Exploration of how AI is being integrated into financial systems to enhance predictive analytics and improve decision-making.
A look at how finance roles are expected to evolve, with a decrease in transactional tasks and an increase in strategic and oversight responsibilities.
Discussion on the importance of developing new skills within finance teams

Links mentioned:

April FTL: The New Normal in Finance: Future-Proofing Your finance Team
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for May's Financial Transformation Live session
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro and guest Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at the ACCA, as they delve into the pivotal role of sustainability in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). This episode provides critical insights into how sustainability considerations are influencing the financial landscape, particularly in M&A and investment strategies.

In this episode, you will learn about:

Understanding its role in altering business strategies and investment decisions in the context of M&A and Private Equity.
The various challenges businesses face regarding sustainability in operational and transactional contexts.
A deep dive into how sustainability is reshaping due diligence and compliance processes.
Clive offers practical guidance for CFOs on preparing for and integrating sustainability into their operations and strategic planning.
Insights into future trends in sustainability within the financial sector

Links mentioned:

Clive’s Linkedin
Learn more about ACCA
Sustainability in transactions report
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro engages in an insightful discussion with Marie Charpentier, SVP Finance & People Operations at InfoSum, on the dynamic challenges and strategies involved in transforming finance teams within high-growth companies and navigating international expansion.

The episode covers:

Importance of small, incremental changes vs. overwhelming projects
Evaluation and improvement of existing processes for scalability
Rethinking funding approaches in challenging markets
Financial costs and success metrics for global expansion
Global expansion and digital transformation strategies

Links mentioned:

Marie’s Linkedin
Learn more about InfoSum
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This week on CFO 4.0 join Hannah Munro as she converses with Andy Burrows, CEO and Founder of Supercharged Finance. Dive into the critical aspects of developing a business-focused finance mindset and understand how finance professionals can transcend traditional roles to become strategic business leaders.

This episode explores:

The mission and impact of Supercharged Finance in the realm of online training and development for finance professionals.
Identifying and bridging the skills gap in finance teams, with a special focus on CFO readiness.
The concept of business acumen: How finance professionals can cultivate it through strategic curiosity.
Insights into the Value Driver Tree model and its significance in understanding business operations
Strategies for finance leaders to assess and enhance the business acumen within their teams.
The importance of embedding finance within the organisation

Links mentioned:

Andrew’s Linkedin
Learn more about Supercharged Finance
Enrol to the CFO Readiness Builder
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this month's FTL session on CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro dives deep into the concept of maximising efficiency within finance teams, particularly focusing on how to achieve more with less. Amidst a challenging economic environment, finance professionals are increasingly required to enhance productivity without significant increases in resources.

Key highlights include:

An overview of the critical need for finance teams to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The importance of evaluating and optimising meeting schedules.
A focus on time management methods to boost individual productivity and ensure effective breaks.
The significance of assessing and developing the skills and competencies within finance teams to drive efficiency.
Conducting Excel audits to reduce reliance on manual spreadsheet management.
Conducting system audits to identify opportunities for further efficiency gains.

Links mentioned:

March FTL: Navigating the Budgeting Process for Transformation Success
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for April's Financial Transformation Live session
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro on this insightful episode of CFO 4.0, featuring Christian Frantz Hansen from the Business Partnering Institute. Explore the intricate balance between quantitative and qualitative measures in performance management. This episode sheds light on how finance teams can drive value and navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.

In this episode, we cover:

The Business Partnering Institute's holistic view on performance management in finance.
The significance of supporting the business through collaborative efforts across functions.
Insights into effective benchmarks, the importance of qualitative measures, and innovative tools.
The critical role of people in driving change, emphasizing the need for a culture that supports learning, development, and adaptation to new technologies.
Practical advice on managing change within finance teams, including the importance of humour, connection, and the SCARF model to overcome resistance and foster trust.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Christian’s Linkedin
Learn more about the Business Partnering Institute
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Join us in this enlightening episode of CFO 4.0 as Hannah Munro sits down with Tory Bauman, Vice President, FP&A at Zayo Group, to discuss the intricacies of financial planning and analysis in the fast-paced world of telecommunications infrastructure. Tory shares her remarkable journey from public accounting to a pivotal role in a major global company, offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of financial transformation.

In this episode, we cover:

Tory's transition from auditing to leading FP&A, and her first-hand experiences with the company's evolution from public to private equity.
The critical role of communication with auditors and the significance of understanding business operations from both sides of the financial fence.
The importance of asset integration, and the shift towards cultural fit in recent acquisitions.
Practical advice for finance professionals on career progression
The emerging trend of boomerang employees and considerations for those contemplating a return to a previous employer.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Tory’s Linkedin
Learn more about Zayo
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Join Hannah Munro in this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 as she delves into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in the finance sector with the esteemed guest, Nicolas Boucher, Founder of AI Finance Club. Discover how AI and technology are reshaping financial processes, enhancing productivity, and enabling finance teams to lead with innovation.

This episode covers:

The Evolution of AI in Finance: From simple chatbots to advanced generative AI.
Practical Applications of AI: Learn how AI can streamline operations.
AI's Impact on Business and Growth
The Role of Finance Teams in AI Adoption: Discuss the importance of finance professionals becoming proficient with AI tools and technologies.
Insights into the limitations of AI in finance and how to navigate these challenges effectively.
Future-Proofing Finance with AI: The importance of selecting technology partners with a strong AI strategy.

Links mentioned:

Nicolas' Linkedin
Learn more about Nicolas' work here
Join the AI Finance Club
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this month's FTL episode on CFO 4.0, hosted by Hannah Munro, we delve into the intricacies of budgeting in the modern finance landscape. Focusing on shifting towards a more agile budgeting approach, Hannah shares invaluable insights and strategies to help finance professionals navigate the complexities of financial planning and transformation.

Join us as we explore:

Introduction to Agile Budgeting: Understanding the need for flexibility in financial planning.
Different Budgeting Approaches: A deep dive into incremental, zero-based, and scenario-based budgeting.
Top-Down vs Bottom-Up Budgeting: Analyzing the pros and cons of each approach.
Strategies for aligning budget projections with current business run rates to minimise the need for frequent rebudgeting.
Discussing the journey from basic to leading-edge planning capabilities.
The importance of involving department heads and teams in the budgeting process for better alignment and accountability.
How to evaluate the effectiveness of your budgeting process and the value it adds to the organisation.

Links mentioned:

February FTL: Navigating the Budgeting Process for Transformation Success
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for March's Financial Transformation Live session
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro and Jamie Irwin, Partner and Head of UK CFO Practice at Finatal, in an enlightening episode of CFO 4.0 that delves into the dynamic world of CFO recruitment in private equity.
This episode sheds light on the unique challenges, opportunities, and career trajectories for CFOs navigating the private equity landscape.

Key highlights include:

Explore the intricate relationship between CFOs and Private Equity, including majority vs minority deals and the impact on CFO role recruitment.
Dive into how CFO roles differ in Private Equity environments, from transformational tasks to exit-focused responsibilities.
Discover the essential skills and personal traits that define successful CFOs in the Private Equity sector.
Uncover insights into the recruitment process for CFOs in Private Equity.
Get an overview of the latest salary trends and equity structures for UK CFOs in Private Equity
Gain valuable advice for professionals aspiring to step into CFO roles within Private Equity.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Jamie Irwin's LinkedIn
Learn more about Finatal
CFO Remuneration, Equity and Outlook Report 2023 | Finatal
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Join host Hannah Munro in this enlightening episode of CFO 4.0 podcast, featuring returning guest Hannah Williams, CEO of Alacrity Foundation. Dive into a detailed exploration of the transition from a CFO to a CEO role, along with insights into effective team communication, board meeting management, and much more.

Key Points Covered:

Team Communication: Highlighting the importance of aligning team efforts with organisational goals.
In-depth discussion on managing board meetings efficiently.
The importance of giving and receiving feedback for continuous personal and organisational growth.
The role of mentorship in leadership development and the power of leveraging networks for organisational growth.
Colour Profiling in Professional Communication

Links mentioned in this episode

Hannah William's LinkedIn
Learn more about Alacrity
Alacrity on Instagram
Listen to Alacrity’s Podcast ‘By Founders For Founders’
Hannah’s Book Recommendation: Surrounded By Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behaviour by Thomas Erikson
Take the True Colours Personality Test
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Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) (The Surrounded by Idiots Series)

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This week's episode of CFO 4.0 we have a slight change to the usual format. We are excited to give you a sneak peak of our brand new podcast that is coming soon. Join Hannah Munro and itas’ Pre-sales consultant Paul Newton in this insightful first episode of 'itas Talks Sage Software' where we discuss the world of Sage Financial Software. In this pilot episode we dive into how Sage 50, Sage 200 and Sage Intacct handle financial consolidation, and which is the best choice for your business.
We'd love for you to tune in and to give your feedback.

In this episode, we cover:

Understand the basic consolidation functionalities across Sage 50, Sage 200, and Sage Intacct.
Learn about the consolidation process in Sage 50, including its limitations and unique features.
Dive into the enhanced capabilities of Sage 200, particularly its departmental consolidation and flexibility.
Discover the advanced consolidation options in Sage Intacct, including its ability to handle multiple currencies and drill-down reporting features.
Contrast the three Sage products in terms of ease of use, functionality, and suitability for different organisational needs.
Gain valuable insights from Paul's extensive experience with Sage software to guide your decision-making process.

Links mentioned:

Hannah’s LinkedIn
Paul’s LinkedIn
Learn more about itas Solutions
Be the first to hear about ‘itas talks Sage software’ here
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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Join Hannah Munro in this insightful episode of The Financial Transformation Live series.

This episode is a comprehensive guide for finance professionals navigating the complexities of system audits and employing technology for efficient financial management.

Key Points Covered:

Discussion on ensuring system security, privacy, and user access controls
The need for documenting financial processes, checklists, and standard operating procedures
The shift towards digital approvals and controls in transaction processing
Insights into the importance of controlling report design and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of financial reports.
Strategies for monitoring changes in financial transactions.
Encouraging a shift to digital audits

Links mentioned:

January FTL: Ensuring your system passes Audit
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for February's Financial Transformation Live session
Request a Requirement Template
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast host Hannah Munro welcomes Chris Ortega, CEO at Fresh FP&A, for an engaging discussion, diving into the evolving world of Finance in 2024.

In this episode, we cover:

How finance professionals can transition from tactical to strategic roles
Delving into how AI is reshaping finance, from theoretical understanding to practical applications.
Exploring the shift towards a more people-centric approach in finance.
Discussion on the transition from traditional budgeting to rolling forecasts
How adopting new technologies can streamline operations, attract better talent, and push finance professionals to evolve beyond traditional tools like Excel.
Understanding the changing landscape of finance careers

Links mentioned:

Chris’ Linkedin
Learn more about Fresh FP&A
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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Join Hannah Munro and guest Soufyan Hamid, Financial Storytelling Trainer at The Finance Circle, for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of storytelling in finance.
This episode explores how finance professionals can effectively communicate complex data through compelling narratives.

Key points covered include:

The Journey to Storytelling: Soufyan shares his transition from a technical auditor role to mastering storytelling in finance.
Strategies for tailoring financial presentations to different audiences.
Understanding the SCQA technique (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer) for engaging financial presentations.
Tips on finding the right balance between crucial financial data and engaging storytelling.
How to effectively communicate challenging financial updates in a business environment.
The importance of CFOs in cascading financial storytelling skills throughout their teams.

Links mentioned:

Soufyan’s Linkedin
Find out more about The Finance Circle
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast join Hannah Munro, in an engaging conversation with Dominique Highfield, Chief Operating Officer of Purplebricks, as they delve into the dynamics of financial and operational leadership.

In this episode, we explore:

Insights into managing cash burn and transformational challenges at Purplebricks.
Strategies for leading effectively during times of corporate and personal challenges.
How to foster team resilience and support during restructuring and redundancies.
Navigating corporate environments in both private and public sectors.
The importance of vulnerability and emotional expression in corporate leadership roles.
Advice for New C-Level Executives: Practical tips for those stepping into high-level roles.

Links mentioned:

Dominique’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Purplebricks
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this new episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast join Hannah Munro as she interviews Scott Buchanan, the COO of Bitcoin Depot, about their journey to becoming a publicly listed company. This episode delves into the intricacies and challenges of taking a company through the IPO process, especially in the dynamic field of cryptocurrency.

Key points covered include:

Understanding the company's role as an operator of Bitcoin ATMs and its foundational history.
The insights into why Bitcoin Depot chose the IPO route and the specific path they took.
Discussing the changes in financial reporting and internal controls necessary for the transition from private to public.
Scott’s experiences with the SEC's regulations, particularly for a cryptocurrency company
The challenges and strategies in transitioning the team for public company requirements
Key insights and tips for businesses contemplating a similar path

Links mentioned:

Scott’s Linkedin
Learn more about Bitcoin Depot
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this enlightening episode, join Hannah Munro in a heart-warming conversation with returning guest Sarah Watson, Director of Finance & Technology at Make-A-Wish® UK.
Explore the fascinating world where finance meets philanthropy as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of granting wishes for children facing adversity.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

The evolving role of finance in charitable organisations.
The impact of digital transformation and real-time reporting on decision-making.
The exciting journey of integrating cryptocurrency donations into the non-profit sector.
The importance of business partnering and enabling department managers to make informed decisions.
Sarah's insights into the Make-A-Wish Foundation's mission and challenges.
How you can make a difference by supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Links mentioned within this episode:

Sarah’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Make-A-Wish
Leo’s Story
Get Involved with Make-A-Wish
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Join us in this insightful episode of CFO 4.0 podcast as Hannah Munro explores the complexities of diversity and inclusion in the workplace with our special guest, Simon Fanshawe, Partner at Diversity by Design and Author of "The Power of Difference".

In this episode, we explore:

Insights into managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, focusing on collaboration and understanding.
Strategies for creating safe spaces for disagreement and effective communication.
Challenges and opportunities in implementing diversity strategies in organisations.
Real-world examples of diversity dynamics within large corporations and public sector institutions.
Simon's perspectives on the current state of diversity and inclusion, and practical advice for managers and leaders.

Links mentioned in episode

Simon’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Diversity by Design
Simon’s Book, The Power of Difference
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro chats with Dana Price, CFO of LifeLabs Learning. As a seasoned CFO with extensive experience in private equity-backed companies, Dana shares invaluable insights and practical advice on working with private equity firms, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of finance transformation.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

Learn how to manage relationships with private equity investors and internal stakeholders effectively.
Discover the differences between private equity and venture capital, and how they operate.
Find out what private equity firms look for when considering investments and how businesses can prepare.
Learn the importance of asking questions, even if they seem basic, to gain a deeper understanding.
Discover why open and honest communication is crucial when working with private equity sponsors.
Learn about the "no-nos" that can hinder your career in private equity, and how to steer clear of them.

Links mentioned in this episode.

Dana's Linkedin
Find out more about LifeLabs Learning
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this insightful episode of Financial Transformation Live on the CFO 4.0 Podcast, hosted by Hannah Munro, we delve into the crucial aspects of calculating Return on Investment (ROI) for financial transformation projects.

Key discussion points include:

The transition from building a business case to a deep dive into calculating ROI.
In-depth examination of ROI calculation, focusing on cost savings, and various elements like time savings, risk avoidance, and intangibles.
Detailed exploration of costs not incurred, revenue generation, and the impact of intangibles on financial decisions.
Emphasizing the importance of considering resource allocation and ongoing optimization in project investment.
Top tips for establishing timeframes, managing volumes, and considering business ambitions in ROI calculations.

Links mentioned:

November FTL: Building a Business Case for Your Finance System
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Request a Requirement Template
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 podcast join Hannah Munro, as she chats with Paul Barnhurst ‘The FP&A Guy’, renowned financial modelling expert and host of the "FP&A Today" and "Financial Modellers' Corner" podcasts. Get ready to dive deep into the world of financial modelling and discover why it's such a crucial skill in the world of finance.

Highlights from the episode:

The importance of good assumptions in financial modelling.
Practical tips for building accurate and useful financial models.
The role of financial modelling in planning and decision-making.
Strategies for more agile and effective budgeting and forecasting.
The evolving role of FP&A professionals and how to gain a seat at the table.

Links mentioned in this episode

Paul’s LinkedIn
Find out more about The FP&A Guy
Listen to FP&A Today
Listen to Financial Modeller’s Corner
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this first episode of PE Backed series on the CFO 4.0 podcast, join host Hannah Munro as she delves into a fascinating journey of financial transformation with Kim Dziuk, the CFO of Adams® Flavors, Foods & Ingredients, LLC. Discover how Adams, a beloved brand with over a century of history, underwent significant changes and growth under private equity ownership, all while facing the challenges of legacy systems and manual processes.

In this episode, we cover:

Transitioning as a CFO from non-profit business to Private Equity environment
Challenges and opportunities of financial transformation.
Implementing ERP systems and the unexpected complexities.
The importance of process improvement and adapting to change.
Lessons learned and advice for finance leaders in similar situations.

Links mentioned in this episode.

Kim’s Linkedin
Find out more about Adams® Flavors, Foods & Ingredients, LLC
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In this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast Hannah Munro welcomes back special guest Andi Lonnen! Together they explore and reflect on the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp, where finance professionals gathered to enhance their skills and knowledge. Discover the key takeaways, insights, and inspiring stories from the event.

In this episode, we cover:

The importance of curiosity in the finance business partner role.
How to ask powerful questions without intimidating colleagues.
Building courage to drive change and innovate within finance.
Recognising the significance of soft skills alongside technical expertise.
Inspirational stories from finance professionals who dared to be different.

Links mentioned in this episode

Andi’s LinkedIn
Finance Training Academy
Find out more about Finance Business Partner Academy
Find out more about the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp
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This episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast comes from our recent Financial Transformation Live session with Hannah Munro, and is all about gathering and documenting requirements for financial system transformation!

Overview of what was discussed:

How to approach gathering requirements for your finance system
Infrastructure and customisation capabilities to consider
What options you have for system strategy
Hannah's top tips!

Links mentioned:

October FTL: Building Out a Set of Requirements for your Finance System
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for November's Financial Transformation Live session
Request a Requirement Template
Reserve a free one hour review session with Hannah Munro!
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro sits down with Rob, the CFO of Modaxo.
Dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions with Hannah and Rob as they explore the strategies, challenges, and key learnings from Rob’s journey. Discover how Rob achieved ongoing improvement in his approach to programmatic M&A, offering valuable insights for finance professionals and businesses.

In this episode learn about:

The importance of a clear M&A strategy
Balancing culture and numbers in acquisition decisions
Talent retention strategies in a growing organisation
Realistic assessment of integration challenges
Tips for building a win-win scenario in M&A

Links mentioned in this episode:

Rob's LinkedIn
Find out more about Modaxo
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro sits down with Marco Torrente, CFO at WebBeds, to explore the complexities and challenges of leading financial transformations across multicultural landscapes.

Topics covered in this episode:

Key strategies for keeping teams motivated during long and often challenging transformation processes
Balancing the difficulties of managing transformation while also handling day-to-day operations
Navigating Cultural Differences, emphasising the importance of understanding cultural nuances.
Tips and strategies on maintaining effective communication across different time zones and cultures.
Top Tips on what any leader should consider when starting a transformation journey, regardless of the organisation's size.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

Marco’s Linkedin
Learn more about WebBeds
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Welcome to a special edition of the CFO 4.0 podcast, brought to you in partnership with the ACCA at CogX Festival. In this live panel event, host Hannah Munro is joined by an expert panel of speakers as they dissect the future of financial leadership, offering a fresh perspective on what lies ahead for CFOs and financial teams in the journey towards Finance. Join us as we delve deep into the transformation that is underway, steering CFOs from being mere financial overseers to becoming integral value creators within organisations.

Also covered during this discussion:

Understanding the shift from a finance-focused role to a multifaceted leadership position.
Strategies for CFOs to step up and seize opportunities across various domains.
How finance professionals can foster deeper engagements and collaborations
Discussing the importance of integrating finance into the broader business dialogues and strategy sessions.
Understanding and quantifying the value that quality data and insightful financial partnering can bring to businesses.
Gather expert insights and experiences, laying out the path for the evolution of the CFO role.

Links mentioned:

Find out more about CogX Festival
Alistair's LinkedIn
Find out more about the ACCA
Laura's LinkedIn
Find out more about Octopus Energy
Amina's LinkedIn
Find out more about The LEGO Group
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro delves deep into the ever-evolving world of procurement with our guest, Thomas Siersbæk Heller-Njor, Founder and CEO of CostBits. Together, Hannah and Thomas explore the challenges and nuances of aligning procurement with financial insights and how technology, particularly SaaS, is paving the way for improved transparency and efficiency.

In the episode, we cover:

Understanding why not all KPIs should be centred around costs and the significance of a holistic view.
How businesses can stay ahead of the curve, mitigating risks and foreseeing challenges.
The art of balancing supplier relationships
A close look at how SaaS companies are bridging the gap between procurement and finance.
The added value of advisory services in optimising procurement strategies.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

Thomas’ Linkedin
Learn more about CostBits
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro sits down with Andi Lonnen Founder & CEO at Finance Business Partner Academy to discuss the development of the Finance Business Partner Function.

Also covered on the podcast:

Listen to how organisations navigate the complex world of Finance Business Partnering.
Discover how cultivating a sense of curiosity enhances connections and understandings within a business.
Learn how informal coffee chats facilitate better connection and collaboration in achieving the strategic and commercial priorities of an organisation
Uncover the value of building networks and engaging with like-minded professionals passionate about the future of finance

Exclusive Offer for CFO 4.0 Podcast Listeners! Finance Business Partner Academy has very kindly shared a special discount for CFO 4.0 podcast listeners for their upcoming online event ‘Finance Business Partner Bootcamp 2023’ by using the code CFO10.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Andi’s LinkedIn
Finance Training Academy
Find out more about Finance Business Partner Academy
Find out more about the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp
Attend the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp 2023
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro is joined by Sylvia Ionita, CFO at waterdrop! With hands-on experience in growing start-ups, Sylvia shares her wisdom on scaling businesses, diving deep into the joys and challenges of taking a start-up to the next level.

In this episode, we cover:

• How presenting real numbers and financial data at all levels increases awareness across the team.
• Sylvia's approach to leadership meetings, mentoring, and building personal connections.
• The different implementation measures to enhance profitability and control.
• How to discern which problems need immediate attention and which require strategic solutions.
• The importance of internal mentorship and fostering personal development
• Sylvia shares her top tips for those just coming into the start-up world.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

• Sylvia’s LinkedIn
• Learn more about waterdrop
• waterdrop’s Instagram
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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This week's episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast is taken from our most recent Financial Transformation Live session where Hannah Munro delves into the crucial aspects of financial transformation and how a robust data strategy can play a pivotal role in enhancing your organisation's financial performance.

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, data has become a strategic asset that can make or break a company's success.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding the Role of Data in Finance: We will explore the transformative potential of data in finance and how it can revolutionise traditional financial practices. Discover why a well-defined data strategy is indispensable for staying competitive in the market.
Designing an Effective Finance Data Strategy: From data collection and integration to analytics and visualisation, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of building a data-driven finance approach.
Overcoming Challenges and Pitfalls: Implementing a finance data strategy can present unique challenges. During the live session, we'll discuss common pitfalls and effective strategies to overcome them, ensuring a smooth data transformation journey.
Leveraging Data for Informed Decision-making: Find out how a robust finance data strategy empowers organisations to make informed, data-backed decisions.

Links mentioned:

August FTL: Building Out Your Finance Data Strategy
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for September's Financial Transformation Live session
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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In this CFO 4.0 episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Sean Hayes, Author of The Gray Choice who has a wealth of experience in both the highs and lows of corporate leadership. Dive deep into Sean's perspective on various aspects of business and personal growth.

Topics covered include:

Emphasising the importance of taking risks to achieve success and underscores the value of seeking feedback from a tight-knit group of advisors.
Learn about Sean's personal journey, from experiencing catastrophic failures to viewing them merely as events in a larger story.
The Argument that there's merit in finding a level where you're happy and sticking to it.
Discovering how the numbers game isn't just about accuracy—it's about upholding a strict standard. Sean dives into practices and strategies to ensure this.
Highlighting the importance of having a varied group of advisors, from fellow leaders to salespeople, to get a full 360-degree view of situations.
Get an insight of Sean's book and learn more about his philosophy and practices.

Links referenced in this episode:

Shaun Hayes LinkedIn
Visit Shaun’s Website
Shaun’s YouTube Channel
Shaun’s Book: The Gray Choice
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In this episode, Hannah Munro is in conversation with James Owen, Global CFO, Profiles Division, at Kantar. James shares his expertise in financial planning and forecasting, shedding light on the nuances of the dynamic business landscape.

Also covered on the podcast:

Importance of using market data as a benchmark for performance comparisons
Strategies for managing the challenge of ensuring effective communication and understanding of financial data
Leveraging Integrated Business Planning to improve forecasting accuracy and resource allocation
The evolving role of finance professionals and the increasing importance of data science in finance
Evaluating candidates for finance positions based on emotional intelligence and business acumen
The value of scenario planning with ambition, realism, and prudence in mind

Links mentioned in this episode:

James’ LinkedIn
Learn more about Kantar
Chief Financial Officer UK Flagship Summit
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, host Hannah Munro interviews Susana Serrano-Davey, a seasoned finance leader, and leadership mentor, as they delve into the art of successful one-to-one relationships. Susana shares her expertise and valuable insights on fostering effective communication, building trust, and navigating challenges in a CFO's role.

Key Discussion Points:

The importance of structuring one-to-one meetings and making time for them
Balancing power dynamics in the relationship between line managers and direct reports
Finding your voice and expressing opinions confidently with both superiors and subordinates
Dealing with difficult conversations and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner
Supporting individuals through organisational changes and transformations
The role of empathy and emotional intelligence in building strong relationships

Links referenced in this episode:

Susana’s LinkedIn
Susana Serrano-Davey Training and Coaching
Susana’s Book
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with special guest Rob Brown, a renowned influencer and expert in the finance and accounting world. Together they jump into the crucial topic of building a powerful personal and professional brand within the finance industry. As they explore various strategies and skills needed to stay relevant and competitive in today's dynamic landscape, they offer valuable tips to help finance professionals thrive in their careers.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of personal branding and its impact on career success
Understanding the three essential brands: Corporate, Employer, and Personal
The significance of being technologically proficient and staying updated with industry advancements
The role of people skills and business acumen in elevating leadership capabilities
Bridging the gap between finance and other departments for a more holistic understanding of the business
Practical steps to change and improve one's existing reputation within the industry

Links referenced in Podcast:

Rob Brown's LinkedIn
Find out more about Accounting Influencers
Accounting Influencers Podcast
Rob's Book: Build Your Reputation
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This week's episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast is taken from our most recent Financial Transformation Live session where Hannah Munro delves into the intricacies of designing an efficient and agile finance system!

Hannah explores the world of financial system architecture, the layers of integration and automation that are crucial for enhancing efficiency and connectivity within organisations.

Key Points Covered:

Understanding the different options: Best of Breed vs. ERP systems
Unravelling the layers of financial system architecture: Functional, Data Analytics, and Forecasting
Evaluating the technical competence and capacity required for building and maintaining workflows.
The importance of a data strategy and data hygiene in optimising financial reporting capabilities
Top tips for successful finance systems integration and automation implementation

Links mentioned:

July FTL: Designing Your Finance Systems Architecture
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for August's Financial Transformation Live session
CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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In this engaging podcast episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Clive Webb, a renowned expert in finance and sustainability, to explore the emerging role of the Chief Value Officer. Delving into the evolution of the CFO role and its connection to ESG and sustainability practices.

Together, they uncover the following key topics:

Understanding the Chief Value Officer: Is it an extension of the CFO role or a distinct position?
The Challenge of Measuring Value: Navigating the complexities of ESG metrics and reporting.
Long-Term Thinking: Balancing short-term financial gains with sustainable, future-oriented decisions.
Educating the Organisation: The need to inform stakeholders about the broader concept of value.
Bridging the Perception Gap: Addressing the disparity between public perception and the CFO's actual role.
The Future of Finance Talent: Exploring the need to cultivate the next generation of finance leaders.

Links referenced in Podcast:

Clive's LinkedIn
Learn more about the ACCA
Chief Value Officer - the important evolution of the CFO report
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Bill Fink, Executive Vice President at TD Bank, and they delve into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment strategies!
Bill, an expert in the field, shares valuable insights and trends that are shaping the current business landscape. From the impact of rising interest rates to the opportunities emerging in the middle market, they explore key topics that CFOs and business leaders should be considering right now.

Topics covered in this episode:

The ripple effect of interest rate hikes and its implications on the cost of capital, debt, and deal structures.
The importance of strategic thinking and seizing opportunities amidst a challenging market.
The potential for rebound in M&A and leveraged buyout activity as interest rates signal reduction in the future.
The value of private equity partnerships and how they can contribute to business growth and expertise.
Exploring the often-overlooked option of Employee Stock Ownership Programs (ESOP) for business owners considering succession planning.

Links referenced in Podcast:

Bill Fink's LinkedIn
Learn more about TD Bank
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In this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast Hannah Munro is joined by Hannah Williams, CEO at Alacrity. Hannah Williams is a recent CFO turned CEO, and during the episode she shares her journey, passion, and insights into the world of finance and entrepreneurship, discussing the power of embracing opportunities, fuelling enthusiasm, and driving growth in family businesses.

Hannah William's authenticity and wisdom shine through as she discusses various topics, including:

The transformative journey from CFO to CEO and the excitement of new possibilities.
Unleashing passion and authenticity as key drivers for success in leadership roles.
Navigating challenges in raising the profile and brand of a startup.
Valuable advice and perspectives for CFOs in family businesses seeking growth and innovation.

Links referenced in this episode

Hannah William's LinkedIn
Learn more about Tiny Rebel
Learn more about Alacrity
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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Ilana Esterrich, CFO at Planned Parenthood joins us to delve into the world of sustainable transformational leadership.
Ilana shares with Hannah Munro her wealth of knowledge and experience in driving successful organisational transformations and highlights the critical role of change management in achieving lasting change.

Also covered on the podcast
• The significance of people's skills in driving successful change
• How you need to be good at communicating the "why" and aligning it with individual motivations
• Creating a sense of one team and fostering a culture of openness to change
• Importance of reducing non value adding activities in finance processes

Links mentioned in this episode:
• Ilana’s LinkedIn
• Find out more about Planned Parenthood
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join us for the next session in our Financial Transformation Live series that will be a game-changer for finance professionals striving for a faster, more efficient month-end close. Hosted by Hannah Munro, this session promises to provide a robust roadmap for achieving a streamlined financial close in just 12 months.

This workshop aims to empower you to take control of your close processes and reduce the overall timeline. It's about more than just speed; it's about optimising your processes for quality, efficiency, and consistency.

Key areas to be covered include:

The importance of benchmarking: Understanding this will help you measure your progress and inspire effective strategies for improvement
Identifying Barriers: Every organisation has unique challenges that slow down the financial close process, we will talk about the most common barriers experienced during month-end
Assessing Your Month-End: Develop an understanding of the overall health and efficiency of your current month-end processes
Formulating a Plan: We will delve into the creation of a practical, achievable plan to help you reach your month-end goals in 12 months

Links mentioned:

June FTL: 12 Months to a Finance Close
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for July’s Financial Transformation Live session
Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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This week, CFO 4.0 podcast host Hannah Munro is joined by Isaac Strulowitz, CFO at CoVenture who offers his unique perspective on risk management, providing valuable insights into how CFOs can protect their firms against unforeseen challenges.

In the episode, we cover:

• Isaac's account of the SVB collapse and the proactive steps his team took to protect investor capital.
• Risk management strategies that have proven effective, such as creating redundancies, maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, and evaluating all firm relationships for potential risks.
• Isaac's analogy of risk management to dental hygiene: ignoring it can lead to serious repercussions down the line.
• The delicate balance a successful CFO must strike, between budget management, operational duties, and strategic oversight.
• Isaac's concept of a "cockroach" company - one that can survive and continue functioning even after major crises.
Links referenced in this episode:
• Isaac's LinkedIn
• Isaac's Twitter
• Learn more about CoVenture
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro is joined by Chris Argent, founder of GENCFO. Together, Chris & Hannah delve into the insights, trends, and key takeaways from the recent GENCFO Summit.

Topics covered include:

The shifting role of the finance function, moving beyond transactional processing to business partnering
The necessity of selecting the right people for your tech transformation and why it's about more than just acquiring new technology
The discussion on the current and future use of Excel and the future of finance tools with the advent of cloud and machine learning capabilities
The imperative of having your finance team earn their 'seat at the table', contributing value to the business beyond traditional roles
The role of technology and how it aids in bringing about transformations in the finance function

Links referenced in this episode

Chris Argent’s LinkedIn
Generation CFO
GENCFO Summit
Digital Finance Function Awards
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This week's episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast takes an exciting twist as host Hannah Munro steps into the guest seat on Mark Gandy's highly-regarded CFO Bookshelf podcast. Hannah & Mark engage in an interesting discussion that spans entrepreneurship, mentorship, literature, and the evolution of CFO 4.0!

Throughout their discussion, Hannah and Mark delve into:

A detailed review of Derek Sivers' book 'Anything You Want: 40 lessons for a new kind of entrepreneur', evaluating its worthiness for CFOs and finance professionals.
The significance and impact of having a mentor, specifically for CFOs, and how mentorship can contribute to professional growth.
The questions they'd pose to Derek Sivers if given the chance, probing deeper into the book's themes and takeaways.
A behind-the-scenes look at the inception of the CFO 4.0 podcast, exploring how the podcast came to be and its objectives in the finance world.

Links referenced in this episode:

Mark Gandy’s LinkedIn
CFO Bookshelf Podcast
Derek Siver’s Book – Everything You Want on Amazon

Please note: This episode aired originally on the CFO Bookshelf Podcast.

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro delves into the essential characteristics and skills needed for successful finance business partnering with guest, Andi Lonnen, Founder & CEO at Finance Business Partner Academy! Andi shares her insights on the 9 C's of effective finance business partners and discusses the importance of having the right mindset, skillset, and daily actions. Hannah & Andi also explore the challenges of onboarding finance business partners and the critical role they play in organisations.

Also covered in this episode:

The 9 C's of effective finance business partnering
The importance of mindset, skillset, and daily actions
Challenges in recruiting and finding finance talent
Onboarding strategies for new finance business partners
The role of communication and relationship-building in finance business partnering

Links referenced in this episode

Andi's LinkedIn
Learn more about FBP Academy
What are the 9 C's
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast Hannah Munro is joined by guest, Oliver Deacon, Executive Coach at Oliver Deacon Coaching, to discuss the future of finance and how it will be transformed in the next five years.

With a focus on the importance of soft skills, leadership, and process engineering, Oliver shares pragmatic tips to help finance professionals and teams stay ahead of the curve.

Listen in as they explore a range of topics, including:

The importance of soft skills, leadership, and process engineering in the finance sector
Cultivating personal resilience and adapting to change
Fostering a culture of learning within finance teams
Leveraging new technologies to drive impact and solve problems
Practical tips for staying ahead of the curve and preparing for the finance revolution

Links mentioned in this episode

Oliver's LinkedIn
Oliver Deacon Coaching
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This week brings us a ‘CFO Stories’ episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast! Hannah Munro sits down with Alysha Randall, an experienced portfolio CFO at Fast Growth Consulting Limited, who shares her insights and expertise transitioning from the corporate sector to startups, and the various aspects and challenges of being a portfolio CFO!

In this episode, we cover:

The transition from corporate to startup finance
Key financial challenges faced by startups and how to tackle them
The importance of cash flow management for startup success
Differences between a startup and corporate CFO role
The benefits and challenges of being a portfolio CFO
Signs of a successful portfolio CFO and measuring success

Links mentioned during this episode:

Alysha's LinkedIn
Fast Growth Consulting
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This episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast is taken from our recent Financial Transformation Live session! Host and Managing Director at itas, Hannah Munro, discusses the challenges and best practices for implementing new finance systems. Drawing from her extensive experience, Hannah offers valuable insights and guidance on how to effectively manage change in the finance department.

Key takeaways:

Understanding the change cycle: Pre-implementation activities to set up for success.
Phases of a successful implementation project: How to avoid common pitfalls and optimise outcomes.
Ensuring open communication: Encouraging constructive feedback and addressing concerns.
Focusing on outcomes, not inputs: Aligning objectives with the desired end results.
Avoiding scope creep: Being ruthless in prioritising and managing project phases.
Building capacity for change: Allowing teams to recover and feel the benefits of change.

Links mentioned:

Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes
Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Register for June’s Financial Transformation Live session
Take our ‘Which Sage Product is right for you?’ quiz

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, join our host Hannah Munro as she chats with Ash Noah, VP & Managing Director at CIMA & AICPA and an expert on the evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Together, they delve into the new competencies required by finance professionals, the role of CFOs, and the exciting opportunities that ESG presents for the accounting profession.

In this episode, they cover:

The increasing importance of ESG reporting and its impact on finance professionals
Understanding the new skills required to effectively manage ESG reporting and standards
The role of CFOs in driving sustainable business practices and embracing ESG as a strategic priority
The opportunity for the accounting profession to attract new talent and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world
The significance of integrating ESG into business models and decision-making for long-term value creation
AICPA and CIMA's initiatives to enable finance professionals to engage with ESG strategically and operationally

Links mentioned in the episode:

Ash's LinkedIn
Find out more about ESG
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, join our host Hannah Munro as she engages in an insightful conversation with Mark Laine Toner, Finance Director at Evri who has extensive experience in driving successful finance transformation projects. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of finance transformation and learn how to navigate the challenges that come with it.

In this episode, they cover:

The importance of aligning team culture for successful transformation
Adapting to the pace of business and balancing team expectations
Embracing technology to keep finance relevant in today's rapidly changing environment
Valuable tips on stakeholder management and the significance of setting realistic deadlines
The importance of mentoring and coaching in finance
The need for finance professionals to stay updated on emerging technologies and tools

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Evri
• Explore more CFO 4.0 Podcast Episodes

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Joining Hannah Munro on the CFO 4.0 Podcast this week is Catherine Clark, Lead CFO Mentor at GrowCFO and Director of Cristallum Limited. With a wealth of experience behind her, Catherine shares her insights on the importance of mentoring, particularly for finance leaders, and how having that safe space to reflect and share can be extremely powerful.

Also covered in this episode:

The difference between mentoring and coaching
What soft skills are needed when transitioning between different level finance roles?
The key components of good communication within your finance team
Why finance leaders need to be aware of the impact their team is having on the rest of the organisation

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn
Learn more about Cristallum
GrowCFO
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, we dive into the world of private equity through the lens of a seasoned CFO, Edward, who shares his experiences, challenges, and successes with Host, Hannah Munro. Join us as we discuss the nuances of working in private equity and explore essential tips for aspiring CFOs in this high-stakes industry.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Edward's journey into private equity and his key learnings
Building relationships with private equity firms and management teams
Managing expectations and handling pressure in a private equity-backed business
The importance of preparing for an exit from the moment you join a business
Top tips on how to negotiate your own position in a private equity deal
Standing your ground on growth forecasts and managing risks
Recommendations for aspiring CFOs looking to break into the private equity world

Links referenced in this episode

Edward's Linkedin
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Welcome to a special edition of the CFO 4.0 podcast, brought to you in partnership with the ACCA. In this live panel event, host Hannah Munro is joined by an expert panel of ACCA members, including Hannah Williams, Becky Glover, Andi Lonnen, and Jess Harcourt. Together, they share their insights and experiences on how finance and business awards can propel your business and personal brand to new heights.

In this engaging and informative discussion, our panellists delve into the following topics:

Discover the key elements that make an award-winning application and learn how to showcase your achievements effectively
Finance and business awards to look out for
Top tips for preparing for the awards
The impact of winning awards on your business and personal profile
How to get involved in the judging side of awards

Links mentioned:

Digital Finance Function awards
Celebrating Members Success Hub
Find out more about the ACCA
Explore more CFO 4.0 Podcast Episodes

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This week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast is part of our monthly Financial Transformation Live series, how to map out your finance integration project!

Part two of our integration series, Hannah Munro covers what options for integration you have, and shares her top tips for building out an integration strategy paired with some helpful examples!

Also covered in this session:

Key areas to focus on before building out your integration strategy
Why it’s important to plan out your data dependencies
Hannah’s top tips for building out an integration strategy
Best practice for approaching field mapping
Integration things to think about when looking for new finance software

Links mentioned:

Part One:Integrating your Finance systems
Upcoming Financial Transformation Live in April
Learn more & subscribe to FTL alerts
Join our Financial Transformation Live Community LinkedIn Group
On-demand webinar: Automate your finance team with Sage Intacct

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Back due to popular demand, Darren Woods, CFO at Freedom Fibre sits down with Hannah Munro to discuss useful tips and advice for both brand new and new into role CFOs!
Together they discuss the influence you have as a CFO that is new into role, how soon is too soon to start that financial transformation journey and how to prioritise your transformation efforts.

Also covered on this episode:
• Darren’s ambition for finance
• What is finance’s hierarchy of needs?
• Why you need to understand the problem you are trying to solve before you try to solve it?
• How do you speed up your time to value as a CFO?
• Why you need to know the 3 things that keep your CEO awake at night

Links referenced in this episode
• Freedom Fibre website
• Freedom Fibre LinkedIn
• Darren’s LinkedIn
• Subscribe to CFO 4.0 Podcast Alerts

cfo #podcast #hierarchy

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Returning to the CFO 4.0 podcast this week with Hannah Munro is Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Maynooth University, Dr. Jon Gruda!

Jon and Hannah dig into the concept of conflict, discussing how to best navigate specific scenarios within finance teams, particularly during change.

Also covered in this episode:

What is conflict within an organisation?
How do you approach a disagreement between team members
What are the key components of good decision-making?
Tips for structuring the way you deal with conflict

Links referenced in this episode:

Jon Gruda’s website
Jon Gruda’s university profile page
Jon’s LinkedIn
Subscribe to CFO 4.0 Podcast Alerts

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In this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities Limited, sat down with Hannah Munro to share her story and talk about everything from finance’s carbon footprint through to integrating your finance team with the rest of the business.

Also covered in this episode

• Why finance need to stop underestimating the power of automation
• Finding your niche as a CFO
• The importance of integrating your finance team with the rest of the business
• How to develop the skills and knowledge within your finance team

Links mentioned in this episode.
Cécile’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Vital Energi
Vital Energi on LinkedIn
Listen to more CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes.

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This week’s episode of CFO 4.0 brings the first Financial Transformation Live session of 2023, Flash Reporting: Everything you need to know!

Hannah Munro explains what flash reporting is, why it is important and breaks down the differences between flash reporting and normal month-end reporting.

Also covered in this session:

Best practice for implementing flash reporting
Our top tips for flash reporting
What metrics should you be including in your reporting
Why you should use the ‘Goldilocks principle’ to plan out your reporting needs

Links mentioned:

Explore previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Sign up for monthly Financial Transformation Live email alerts
Follow us on LinkedIn
Join our Financial Transformation Live community group on LinkedIn

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at the ACCA to dissect the latest report from the ACCA around the future of the finance function!

Also covered in this episode:

Why CFOs need to start focusing more on the future and not just the past.
The importance of being agile when it comes to financial reporting.
7 Key areas to focus on when it comes to budgeting & planning.
Is it time to ditch the spreadsheet?
Why CFOs need to become comfortable with the dynamism that required around budgeting & planning.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Clive’s LinkedIn
Learn more about ACCA
Planning and performance management paradigm report
Implementing Beyond Budgeting: Unlocking the Performance Potential
Grow the Pie
Listen to more CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes.

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by David Brandeis, CFO at PowToon to chat about the challenges David faces as a CFO of a bootstrap organisation as well as his unique journey to becoming a CFO.

Also covered in this episode
• Where to begin building out a finance team from nothing
• How bootstrap companies measure success
• The affect Covid-19 has had on software-based companies
• How to balance strategy and being hands-on as a CFO

Links mentioned in this episode.
• David’s LinkedIn
• Learn more about PowToon
• Listen to more CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by Chris Ortega, CEO of Fresh FP&A, together they share their passion for financial transformation and discuss their ideas on what the future could look like for finance leaders.

Also covered by Chris and Hannah in this episode:
• Chris’ journey to becoming a Fractional CFO
• How much change has the pandemic driven in finance?
• The benefits of healthy friction in finance teams
• What does good finance business partnering look like?
• Why CFOs need to start stepping out of their comfort zone

Links mentioned in this episode:
• Chris’ LinkedIn
• Learn more about Fresh FP&A
• Listen to more CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, Tony Martignetti, a self-proclaimed recovering finance professional, now a Chief Inspiration Officer at Inspired Purpose Coaching talks to Hannah Munro about how finance leaders can manage stress and burnout in their finance teams.

Also covered on the podcast

The importance of planning and structure to avoid overwhelm in the New Year
Why finance leaders need to strike the balance between optimism and realism
Identifying the different types of stresses within your finance team
How to recognise when your team are heading into burnout territory
The importance of a work-life balance to alleviate stress and burnout

Links mentioned in this podcast

Tony’s LinkedIn
Inspired Purpose Coaching
Tony’s book Climbing The Right Mountain
Listen to more CFO 4.0 episodes

Climbing The Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life

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Joining Hannah Munro on this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast is CEO and ex FD of Walsall FC, Stefan Gamble!

Stefan & Hannah talk about his experience transitioning from Finance Director to CEO at Walsall FC, sharing his secrets for success in both roles and what its like working in finance at a football club.

Also covered in the episode:

What attracted Stefan to finance in football
Stefan’s journey from Management Accountant to Finance Director
How football was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
The challenges finance teams have working in football
How Stefan balanced the books in a volatile environment

Links mentioned in the episode:

Walsall FC (The Saddlers) website
Walsall FC’s job vacancies (In case that finance role ever comes up!)
Hannah’s LinkedIn
Explore more CFO 4.0 Episodes

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Starting the New Year with a bang, Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby from GrowCFO to talk about what 2023 might look like for finance teams.

Not only do they share their own predictions for 2023, but also those of CFOs that GrowCFO have surveyed in recent months, diving into some interesting insight!

Also covered on the podcast:

How much time are finance teams spending on non-finance activities?
The trend towards sustainability reporting and ESG reporting
Finance’s responsibility to good data governance
The shift in the skills required for finance roles
How finance should be using technology to drive process improvement

Links mentioned in this Podcast

Kevin’s Linkedin
GrowCFO Linkedin
The nine topical blogs
Assessment surveys
Listen to more CFO 4.0 episodes

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This week’s episode of CFO 4.0 brings the last Financial Transformation Live session of 2022, Building out your 12-month Transformation plan!

Hannah Munro talks you through the different stages of a top-level plan for you and your finance team and the framework you will need to build it out.

Also covered in this session:

Understanding your current situation and challenges
Traditional brainstorming VS independent brainstorming
Techniques to identify what your priorities should be
What are the key elements of a business case?
How to put together an effective project plan

Links mentioned:

Explore previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Sign up for monthly Financial Transformation Live email alerts
Follow us on LinkedIn
Join our Financial Transformation Live community group on LinkedIn

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Wrapping up the year, we're bringing to you our final CFO 4.0 podcast guest of 2022, Sarah Watson, Director of Finance & Technology at Make-A-Wish UK.

Hannah and Sarah discuss the important role technology plays in helping finance teams deliver on their mission.

Also covered on the podcast:

Balancing the Benefits of Real-Time Reporting and the Fear of Giving Out Information
Things to consider before tackling a finance transformation project
The importance of a team approach when it comes to transformation
Ellie's Christmas Appeal
How you can help Make-A-Wish UK

Links mentioned in this Podcast

Sarah’s Linkedin
Make-A-Wish website
Ellie’s Story
Get Involved with Make-A-Wish
Listen to more CFO 4.0 episodes

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro & Chris Argent, Founder & Chief Future Officer at GenCFO, dissect day two of the GenCFO Academy, delving into transformational mindsets and what it means.

Also covered on the podcast:

Why finance traditionally lacks a transformational mindset
What does a Chief Future Officer profile look like?
What does the future look like for entry-level finance jobs?
The definition of a transformational mindset

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Follow GenCFO on LinkedIn
Explore the GenCFO academy
Chris Argent’s LinkedIn
CFO 4.0 Podcast

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This week’s episode of CFO 4.0 brings the latest Financial Transformation Live session, covering all things finance automation!

Hannah Munro talks you through the best approach to automating your finance processes, covering why you should consider automation, and how you can best prepare for it.

Also covered in this session:

What is automation in finance?
What stops us from being able to introduce automation?
The benefits of understanding and documenting your processes before automating
Why automation doesn’t always mean new technology
The options we have for automation in finance
Hannah’s top tips for automation

Links mentioned:

Explore previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
Sign up for monthly Financial Transformation Live email alerts
Follow us on LinkedIn
Join our Financial Transformation Live community group on LinkedIn
Register your interest in Driving Automation in Sage with Codeless RPA Webinar

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Back with another exciting Financial Transformation Consultant Insight episode, Hannah Munro & Michael Ryan find themselves challenging the status quo in finance, digging into the depths of innovation in finance teams, and exploring what is holding them back!

Also covered in this episode:

What is innovation in finance?
There is a time and a place for Excel, but when is it?
What’s stopping finance from becoming critical thinkers?
Why finance teams should be the strategic partner in a business
The problem with siloed functions in finance

Links referenced in this episode:

Michael’s LinkedIn
The most recent issue of Finance Transformation Magazine
Hannah’s LinkedIn
Financial Transformation Live sessions
Explore more CFO 4.0 Episodes

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Originally airing live as part of the GenCFO Academy, in this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah was joined by Chris Argent!

Hannah and Chris dig deep into the fundamental management skills needed within finance teams, discussing the benefits of flexible, diverse, and multidisciplinary teams and the impact it can have on business performance.

Also covered on the podcast:

Does every finance person want to be a CFO?
Are CFOs generalists or specialists?
What are fundamental management skills within finance teams?
What does an agile finance team look like?
How to make sure you build career paths that work for both finance and business

Links from the podcast:

Follow GenCFO on LinkedIn
Explore the GenCFO academy
Chris Argent’s LinkedIn
CFO 4.0 Podcast

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In this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Alwyn Jones, CFO of Global Cryptocurrency company, Luno, sat down with Hannah Munro to talk about the importance of an effective finance business partner function.

Hannah and Alwyn covered the following:

Alwyn’s journey to becoming a CFO
Why businesses are reluctant to invest in finance and analytics at an early stage
How to prioritise effectively as a CFO
Understanding the impact of finance teams
The benefits of providing insight to the executive team

Links mentioned in this podcast:

Connect with Alwyn Jones on LinkedIn
Learn more about Luno
Listen to more CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

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On this episode of CFO 4.0, we're bringing you our latest session of Financial Transformation Live, Integrating your Finance Systems.

Hannah Munro talks you through the best approach for integrating your finance systems, covering why you should integrate, what options you have, and planning it out!

Also covered in this session:

What systems should you be integrating?
What are your options for integration?
The pros and cons of Excel, Middleware, API, and P2P
How to map out your integrations

To learn more about this financial transformation live session, visit

www.itassolutions.co.uk/financial-transformation-live/

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We’ve heard your feedback and are now bringing you an additional regular financial transformation slot! Get a sneak peek behind the consultant curtain with these sessions as Michael and Hannah discuss what makes a successful financial transformation project and how they approach their clients.

This time, they kick things off with a discussion about the differences between Financial Transformation and Software implementation and how to tell the difference.

Also covered in this episode:

Why transformation is more than just automation
What is a use case and why do you need it
Top tips around process mapping your finance processes
The importance of validating your process maps
How to benchmark your finance team’s current performance

Links referenced in this episode:

Michael’s Linkedin
The most recent issue of Finance Transformation Magazine
FT live sessions

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This week CFO 4.0 Podcast host, Hannah Munro is joined by Sandline Global CFO & author, Glenn Hopper!

With over 15 years of experience as a CFO, Glenn talks to Hannah about his new book ‘Deep Finance’ discussing the importance of being a data-driven organisation no matter your business size.

Other topics they cover include:

The different levels of data maturity within an organisation
How your finance team can become finance scientists
The importance of real-time data for finance teams
How to become a data-driven organisation

Links mentioned in this episode:

Glenn’s LinkedIn
Learn more about Sandline Global
Glenn’s Book, Deep Finance

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro continues her conversation with Jon Gruda, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Maynooth University.

Jon has been researching the role of leadership and previously on the podcast, he discussed the relationship they have with their followers.

This week, Hannah and Jon dig deeper into the topic, talking in depth about what a leader's relationship with their followers means regarding the changes in management, and how we manage leadership.

Also covered in this episode:

How to keep people motivated and engaged in a crisis environment?
How do relationships work within change and transformation?
How do you support your team and organisation during a change?
What are the best ideas or approaches to understanding the change?
How to ask and receive feedback.
What key factors leaders should consider before starting a change?

Links referenced in this episode:

Jon Gruda’s website
Jon Gruda’s university profile page
Jon’s LinkedIn
Subscribe to CFO 4.0 Podcast Alerts

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This week CFO 4.0 Podcast host, Hannah Munro is joined by the CFO for Coinme, Chris Rolling!

Chris and Hannah dive into the world of start-ups and fundraising, discussing whether fundraising fatigue is real, the impact of Covid on fundraising, and how to maintain a healthy cash balance.

Other topics they cover include:

The top success factors in finance teams
Challenges start-ups are facing in this current climate
Balancing the needs of CFOs & CEOs: Pragmatic VS Passionate
How inflation is impacting the cash runway
Chris’ top tips for fundraising

Links mentioned in this episode:

Chris’ LinkedIn
Learn more about Coinme

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On this episode of CFO 4.0, we're bringing you our latest session of Financial Transformation Live.

Hannah Munro talks to you about how you can assess your current finance system.

Also covered in this session:

Framework for reviewing your current system
10 Common quick wins for system improvement
How to identify whether to invest in improving your current system vs switching to a new one
Template for documenting and sharing your findings

To learn more about this financial transformation live session, visit
www.itassolutions.co.uk/financial-transformation-live

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Becky Glover, Finance Director at VNC Automotive.

Putting the World to rights, Becky & Hannah take it upon themselves to find the silver linings in the challenging times we have faced and are currently facing.

Other topics they cover include:

Why encouraging failure drives innovation in finance teams
How challenging circumstances can pressure businesses to change their processes for the better
The benefits of networking in finance
Becky’s future predictions on the changes in finance

Links referenced in this videoWorld Finance Forum https://worldfinanceforum.co/

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Repeat offender, Ian Stewart, Chief Economist from Deloitte, and Founder of the CFO Survey joins Hannah Munro on this week’s episode of CFO 4.0!

Ian shares some key findings from the most recent CFO Survey, a quarterly survey that is sent out to some of the UK’s leading CFOs on pressing issues.

Hannah & Ian explore some interesting findings, including that CFOs predicted the recession.

Also covered in this episode:

Why do the Bank of England and Treasury use the CFO Survey findings
Key findings from the most recent CFO Survey
How CFOs predicted the recession two months before the Bank of England announced it
What strategies CFOs are using to deal with high inflation
How the Pandemic, Brexit, and the Ukraine war have impacted supply chains and shocked the economy

Links mentioned in this episode:

Read the recent CFO Survey Report
Learn more & subscribe to the Deloitte Monday Briefing
Ian Stewart’s LinkedIn
Subscribe to CFO 4.0 Podcast Alerts

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Joining Hannah Munro on this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast is Rajesh Gupta, CFO of OakNorth Bank!

With a wealth of experience building and leading finance teams, Rajesh talks to Hannah about the challenges he’s faced when trying to grow a finance team in a volatile environment and a highly regulated industry.

Also covered in this episode:

How OakNorth does strategic planning well
Balancing the need for growth and talent in a start-up
The importance of hiring people who think differently
What diversity in all its forms can bring to a finance team
Rajesh’s top tips for new CFOs

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Rajesh Gupta on LinkedIn
Explore OakNorth Bank’s website

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Join Hannah Munro on the most recent Financial Transformation Live session as she shares practical tips and frameworks to think about before you tackle your next Financial Transformation project!

The 5 areas Hannah dives into are:

Have you understood the problem?
Have you selected the right solution?
Have you identified what good will look like?
Have you engaged the team well?
Have you resourced it properly?

Links for this episode:

Learn More about Financial Transformation
Follow us on LinkedIn for our Live Sessions

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks to Mark Gandy, creator of the Financial Operating System and Host of the CFO Bookshelf podcast. A finance pioneer, Mark has worked in several finance positions during his career including Corporate Controller, VP of Finance, and CFO. Together Hannah and Mark talk about their shared interest in reading and discuss their book recommendations for finance this Summer.

Also covered on this episode:

Hannah & Mark’s favourite genre of books
Why people in finance should embrace their creative side
Mark’s top book recommendations for finance
What books should CFOs be reading on their next beach holiday
What you can learn from narrative non-fiction books

Links referenced in this episode:

Mark Gandy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markagandy/
CFO Bookshelf: https://cfobookshelf.com/category/podcast/

Book mentioned in this episode:

Barbarians at the gate - Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
Crime & Punishment - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Uncle Tom’s Cabin - Harriet Beecher Stowe
Drive – Daniel H. Pink
A whole new mind – Daniel H. Pink
Reversing the slide – James Shein
Endurance – Brian Sanders
The great game of business - Bo Burlingham and Jack Stack
The effective executive - Peter Drucker
CEO: Building a $400 Million Company from the Ground Up – Sandra Kurtzig
Open – Andre Agassi
The Wisdom of Finance - Mihir A. Desai
The secret life of groceries - Benjamin Lorr
Boys in the boat - Benjamin Lorr
The Warehouse – Rob Hart
Ghost in the wires – Kevin Mitnick
Why – Simon Sinek
Atomic Habits – James Clear
Nudge – Richard Thaler
One minute manager - Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
Noise – Cass R. Sunstein, Daniel Kahneman, and Olivier Sibony
Deep work – Cal Newport
So good they can’t ignore you – Cal Newport
All change – the project leaders secret handbook - Eddie Obeng
The living leader – Penny Ferguson

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks to David Foreman, self-proclaimed 'worst accountant ever'. After dabbling in finance and investment banking, David realised his passion lay in helping founders build their businesses from the ground up and founded Praetura Group, specialists in lending and equity solutions for start-ups & SMEs. David runs the VCs group of Praetura Ventures.

Also covered in this episode:
What are VCs looking for in a CFO?
What is currently happening in the world of VC funding?
What are VCs looking for in a seed/series A company?
Signs of a healthy CFO and founder relationship
Why “No” now doesn’t mean “No” forever
How to find the right VC for your organisation
What in a finance function would make David walk away?

Links referenced in this episode:
Praetura Ventures: https://www.praeturaventures.com/
Praetura Ventures LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/praeturaventures/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-foreman-praetura/

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Startup CFO to COO – Funding, Scaling, and Recruiting in a startup world!

In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks to Sabrina Castiglione, Chief Operating Officer at Pento.

She comes from a slightly unusual background for a CFO having studied chemistry at university, working in financial services for a number of years, and then got into the world of startups as a CFO at Tassie.

During this session we cover:

Hannah and Sabrina explore the differing needs of a business as it shifts from Seed to Series A and beyond
What does life as a startup CFO look like?
Making the shift to COO?
What is the current landscape for funding?
How has the economic climate changed what investors are looking for?
People vs roles – what does recruitment in a startup look like?

Links referenced in this episode:

Pento https://www.pento.io/
Sabrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scastiglione/

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks to Darren Woods, CFO at Freedom Fibre about building the ideal finance team.

Darren has a degree in Finance and Accounting in Portsmouth, over 20 years of experience working in finance including multiple CFO roles as well as a stint as a consultant helping other companies develop teams.

Also covered on this episode:

Darren’s passion for people and team development
Does finance invest enough in different skills?
What are the potential skill gaps in finance teams?
Finding the right balance of personalities and skills when recruiting in finance
How do you approach the assessment of skills and personal development to build the team that you want?

Links referenced in this episode:
Freedom Fibre: https://www.freedomfibre.com/
Freedom Fibre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freedomfibre/
Darren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-woods-4508a26/

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Jon Gruda, who is the Assistant Professor of organisational behaviour at Maynooth University.

Jon has a joint PhD in Management and Psychology and is currently researching the role of leadership; the relationship leaders have with their followers and what that means in regards to the changes in management.

Also covered in this episode:

Building and developing the right relationship between a leader and follower
How to set yourself up for success as a leader before you even start the role
What does a good relationship look like?
The differences between a leader and a mentor
What characteristics make a strong leader?

Links referenced in this episode:

National culture comparison by country: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/
Leadership values by country: https://globeproject.com/results#country
Jon Gruda’s university profile page: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/jon-gruda
Jon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongruda/

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We all know that year-end is the time of year that most finance teams dread but surely we shouldn’t have to work late, avoid taking holidays or feel stressed out about it, it happens every year! So, we have a challenge for you - how about we make next year’s year-end the least stressful to date? Whilst it's fresh in your mind, join us on the newest FTL session as we unpick the factors that stress us out at year-end and put forward strategies to deal with them.

Links for this episode:Learn More about Financial TransformationFollow us on LinkedIn for our Live Sessions

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Michael Ryan, the Founder and Managing Partner of Finance Transformation UK.

Michael is an independent transformation consultant who previously has worked for several large corporates including Argos and Whitbread and we discuss what it takes to do Financial Transformation well.

Also covered in this episode:

Michael discusses his 25-year history with Financial Transformation
The opinions on what is the secret sauce to success in terms of adoption
What are the big mistakes found in transformation projects?
The difference between Project Management and Program Management
The top tips for someone who wants to embark on a financial transformation project

Links referenced in this episode:

Michael’s Linkedin
Most recent issue of Finance Transformation Magazine
Finance Transformation Website

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The Redefined CFO - Sage's Latest Research - The latest and aptly named CFO 4.0 Report from Sage brings you the results from the latest study of global CFOs on how the role has developed. After the success of our joint panel at Accountex, we've invited Richard Moorin (Head of Finance, Sage) and Mark Jackson (VP of Medium, Sage) to discuss the findings on the podcast.

This time the tables have turned and Mark takes over hosting the show whilst Richard and Hannah discuss the outputs. Topics covered in this week's episode include:

The three personas that the Redefined CFO
The increasing importance of ESG and value-led finance
Some interesting and unusual stats that came out

If you would like to learn more, listen to the podcast or download the report yourself, click here.

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In this latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Alan Jagolinzer, Professor of Financial Accounting at Cambridge Judge Business School.

Alan is a member of the editorial boards of The Accounting Review and The Journal of International Accounting Research. In 2015, he was a Fellow of the International Accounting Standards Board, London.
Also covered in this episode:

Alan’s background and his journey from Pilot to Professor of Financial Accounting at Cambridge Judge
What are the risks within finance?
Is it something CFOs should be concerned about?
What can be done to mitigate exposure?
Importance of bringing awareness to disinformation

Links referenced in this episode:Alan's LinkedIn

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with James Owen, Global Chief Financial Officer at Kantar, about the Future Focused CFO, and how to build a transformational mindset within your finance team.

Also covered in this episode:

James’ journey to becoming Global CFO of Kantar Profiles & his work with CIMA/AICPA
How has the CFO role changed and how will the CFO role change over the next few years?
How far away are we from where we need to be within the CFO role?
What is holding CFOs back from stepping into that role?
How to build a transformational mindset within your finance team
What are the challenges with managing a global team?
What key things do you need in place to be a successful CFO?
Understanding cultural differences within a finance team
Critical changes finance leaders need to make for the future
What James is doing to set his team up for success both now and in the future

Links mentioned in this episode:James' LinkedIn KantarListen to more episodes

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In this session, Hannah Munro talks about how you can re-design your Chart of Accounts (COA). Ideal for those who are thinking about or currently going through the process, we give you the methodology and the framework to ensure that you not only make no mistakes but that you design a robust COA that can deliver on your reporting needs, ensuring it is futureproofed so you won't have to re-do it again next year!
Links for this episode:Learn More about Financial TransformationFollow us on LinkedIn for our Live SessionsRegister for our Upcoming Webinar: Sage Intacct's Multi-Dimensional Nominal

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In this episode, Clive Webb and Tim Barber join Hannah Munro to talk about the increasing importance of understanding and communicating value in finance.

Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA. Clive deals with business and technology-related matters from the perspective of the CFO.

His research interests include the application of digital technologies to the finance function, and how they impact the people and processes they support.

Clive has a particular interest in the personal developmental aspects of an organisation.

Tim Barber has worked in the Business Consulting arena for nearly 30 years, with UK, Australian, and Saudi Arabian consultancy practices, following 7 years of line management experience in logistics and operations.

In June 2021, Tim was appointed a Visiting Fellow at Hull University’s faculty of Business, Law, and Economics, with a focus on exploring the potential for the employment of relevant systems thinking to support the successful adoption of social value principles into business.

He is also currently on the advisory boards for a couple of new businesses that are focused on addressing the sustainability agenda.

What else is covered in this episode?

What is the change that we’re seeing in finance teams and what does that have to do with value?
How do we define value?
How value goes beyond economic impact
What are the components of economic value identification?
Examples of the value identification conversation
What this means for the skills in finance

Links referenced in this episodeClive's LinkedInTim's LinkedInACCA Website

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, we have a return guest, Ash Noah, Vice President, CGMA External Relations at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), representing AICPA & CIMA, to talk to us about finance, mindset vs skills, and how the existing workforce needs to adapt.

In his role as Vice President, Ash serves as a liaison to CFOs and CEOs to understand how finance teams are evolving and guides the Association’s initiatives to help management accountants create more value for their organisations.

What else is covered in this episode?

What new skills/mindsets does the finance workforce need for the future?
What does the structure of this new organisation look like?
What's driving the urgent need for change? What will happen if we don’t?
Where is the next generation of finance teams going to come from?
How does the existing workforce need to adapt?
How do we address the non-technical skillsets needed?

Links mentioned in this episode:

Download the slides PDF
Follow Ash on LinkedIn
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, returns to the CFO 4.0 Podcast, to chat about the future of the CFO role, and discuss the key insights which came from Clive’s research.

Also covered in this episode:

The gap of perception between what a CEO wants and what a CFO thinks a CEO wants in the role
What are the areas CFOs aren’t focusing on, but they should?
How to grow the next generation of CFOs?
The virtual CFO and what they can bring to an organization
What skill sets are valuable to a CFO?

Links mentioned in this episode:
Clive's LinkedIn
ACCA Website

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Missed our last Financial Transformation Live session over on LinkedIn or YouTube?

No need to worry, you can listen to it here on our CFO 4.0 Podcast!

In this Financial Transformation Live session, Hannah covers how you can rethink and redesign your existing finance processes to improve productivity and allow your team to focus on the things that add value.

Also in this episode:

How to identify where to focus your process improvement efforts
Tools & techniques for brainstorming solutions to process problems
Top tips for implementing process changes

Links mentioned in this episode

Learn more about Financial Transformation LivePDF Presentation for this sessionGetting started guide to streamlining your finance processes | Free download!The 11 biggest benefits of finance process mapping | BlogAutomating your finance team with Sage Intacct | On-demand WebinarSign up to our mailing list to receive podcast alerts

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah sits down with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK, to chat about balancing the cultural fit with bringing something different to the Board, and top tips on setting out on your Board journey.

Fiona is the CEO of Women on Boards UK alongside advising a number of different boards and organisations, including Advisory Panel Member for the FRC, Advisory Board Member to Spktral, advisor to Peel Hunt, and Chair of Hanx's Nominations Committee.

This episode also covers:

What skills & knowledge do you need to be on a Board? And how do you get them?
How to find and identify Board opportunities? And how to identify if it’s a good opportunity for you
How to make yourself stand out as a potential Board candidate?
What does a typical Board recruitment process look like?
Top tips on interviewing well

Links mentioned in this episode:

Fiona's LinkedInWomen On Boards UK Websiteitas Website

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Jeremy Foster to discuss the role of the CFO, and the benefits of not thinking like a traditional CFO.

Jeremy is Chief Financial Officer at Talroo. He has more than fifteen years of experience as a senior executive, mainly in the technology and banking field. Jeremy has been CFO or COO for 3 Inc. 5000 companies, two of which have made the Inc. 500.

Also covered in this episode:

Jeremy’s unconventional journey to becoming CFO
Benefits of not thinking like a traditional CFO
Optimising finance structure and team design to achieve an agile finance function
Insights into financial and resource strategy for high growth
Top tips on how to approach marketing investments
Jeremy’s essential tool list to create agile finance functions

Links referenced in this episodeJeremy's LinkedInTalroo

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks to Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA. Clive deals with business and technology-related matters from the perspective of the CFO.

This episode covers the Pandemic and Beyond for finance, and also explores the research Clive carried out about the pandemic, and also the future of finance as a function.

Also covered in this episode:

Update on current research in the ACCA professional insights team
COVID and the shift it has created within the role of finance
Impact of volatility has had on the demands from the finance organisation
New data skill sets needed within finance teams
The importance of technology to the future of finance

Links referenced in this episode:Clive's LinkedInACCA WebsiteFinance's Journey to the Future Article

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Join us for the next instalment of Financial Transformation live where Hannah Munro talks about how to get started with mapping out your finance processes!

Topics Hannah covers include:

Top tips for getting started with process mapping
What process mapping tools do we use?
How to approach process mapping within your team
...and so much more!

Links referenced in this episode:

Webinar: Automating your finance team with Sage Intacct
Top 5 Process Mapping Tools for Beginners - Blog
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Learn more and sign up for live alerts for our sessions here

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On our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah sits down and chats with Chris Argent, Founder of Generation CFO.

In 2009, Chris was frustrated by poor systems, poor reporting, and lack of time. It was in 2009 that he created Generation CFO. It started off as a small group over on LinkedIn, and is now a huge community with almost 70,000 members!

What else is covered in this episode?

Chris’s journey to Generation CFO
The shift in finance Chris has seen during his time at Generation CFO
What changes are happening in finance teams today?
Importance of people to the technological shift that’s happening
Fixing processes vs automating them
Getting started on your transformation journey

Links referenced in this episode

Join the Generation CFO Group on LinkedInFollow Chris on LinkedInFind out more about Generation CFO here

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On this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Billy Scanlan, CFO at The Marketing Practice.

Billy joined The Marketing Practice in 2021, but has previously helped scale fast-growth, private equity-backed B2B businesses. In this episode, the two talk about getting that first CFO role, and how you can build your skills and capabilities to make you a good candidate for your first CFO role!

What else is covered in this episode?

What is The Marketing Practice?
Why Billy chose The Marketing Practice as his first CFO role?
How to build the skills and capabilities to make you a good candidate for your first CFO role?
How to find your first CFO role?
What questions to ask before accepting the offer?
How to make your first 90 days a success in your new role?

Links referenced in this episodeBilly's LinkedInThe Marketing Practice Website

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On this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, we have returning guest, Monica Arora, EVP of Commercial Finance at Sage. Monica has been at Sage for almost six years helping build and develop out the commercial finance function and supporting the shift to a subscription focussed organisation. Prior to that she also worked for both Schneider Electric and Invensys PLC.

In Monica's current role at Sage, she sits on both the CFO leadership, as well as the COO leadership and we talk about what it takes to grow and develop an impactful commercial function.

Also covered in this episode:

How has the commercial part of finance developed over the last few years
The changing criteria Sage now use to recruit people who give the right kind of insight
How to identify the commercial skillset during the interview process
Top tips on developing existing finance talent into more commercial roles
Importance of educating the wider organisation on core finance skills

Links referenced in this episode:Monica's LinkedIn

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In our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Lilly Miller, Chief Financial Officer at Planet Mark.

Lilly is a qualified accountant and has experience managing a diverse range of businesses and supporting many SMEs from her years in Corporate Recovery and as a Financial Controller.

This episode also covers:

Lilly’s journey to Planet Mark
Where does ESG fit within a CFO role?
Lilly’s views on running a business from home
What other areas can finance contribute to in terms of sustainability?
Why should finance leaders try and push their ESG strategy forward?
How to approach sustainability

Links referenced in this episodeLilly's LinkedInPlanet Mark

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Join us for the next installment of Financial Transformation live where Hannah Munro will be talking about how you can reduce your month-end close!

Topics she will be covering include:

Stats around typical close times
4 steps to improve your month-end close
Using timeline mapping to understand your current close process
Common month-end bottlenecks
Where should you be focusing to improve

If you would like to learn more about our Financial Transformation Live Community, visit here.

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This episode of CFO 4.0, sees Hannah Munro, chatting to Brent Dykes, Founder, and Chief Data Storyteller at AnalyticsHero.

Brent Dykes has spent more than 15 years in the analytics industry, consulting with some of the world’s most recognized brands, such as Microsoft, Sony, Nike, Amazon, and Comcast. Brent brings a unique perspective on data storytelling, and how to communicate data effectively.

Brent is a regular Forbes contributor, publishing more than 30 articles on various data topics. He has also published his latest book, 'Effective Data Storytelling: How to Drive Change with Data, Narrative, and Visuals'.
What's covered in this episode?

What is a Chief Data Storyteller?
Brent's journey to AnalyticsHero
How to communicate insight within finance teams
Frameworks that are being used to share insight throughout finance teams
How to convey financial data through stories
Top tips for getting into data storytelling for finance leaders

Links mentioned in this episode:Brent's LinkedInBrent's Forbes articles

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Andrew Collis, CFO at Moneypenny. Moneypenny is the leading outsourced communications provider supporting businesses globally with outsourced switchboards, telephone answering, live chat management, and much more.

Andrew started his career at Deloitte and joined Moneypenny with a wealth of experience and a passion for people-based organisations. Andrew is an expert in helping to scale up global businesses and driving rapid growth plans.

This episode also covers:

Andrew’s journey to Moneypenny
Building a people-first culture at Moneypenny
Building and bringing together a global finance team
Top tips for starting a new finance leadership role
Preparing companies for growth
Leading finance during change and transformation

Links referenced in this episodeAndrew's LinkedIn

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In our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Victoria Gillespie, who leads the ESG Commercial Service offering for JTC, and supports the Chief Sustainability Officer to deliver the ESG Strategy.

They talk a little about Victoria’s journey to JTC, and what the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework means for businesses.

Throughout the podcast, they cover several topics, including:

Victoria’s journey to JTC
Different frameworks that are out there
What is ESG?
Where ESG should sit within an organisation?
What shift Victoria has seen in terms of ESG, and the requirements around Brexit, COVID, and Climate Change
Is ESG a requirement?

Links referenced in this episode:ESG and JTCVictoria's LinkedIn

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, we're bringing you the first-ever episode of Financial Transformation Live.

This is a recording of a LinkedIn Live & YouTube Live session that took place on the 26th of January at 11 am, which we've turned into a podcast for our CFO 4.0 listeners!

In this session, Hannah Munro is talking about all things spreadsheets!

Are you guilty of having an addiction to spreadsheets?
How do you know if you have a problem?
What are the dangers of relying on spreadsheets?
How can you move away from relying on spreadsheets?

Links referenced in this episode:Excel Audit Template Download
Blog, 10 spreadsheets you shouldn’t have in your finance teamsWebinar, 8 Ways Sage Intacct helps you get rid of Excel SpreadsheetsCheck out our upcoming Financial Transformation Live events and subscribe to alerts

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Join us on this episode of CFO 4.0, as Hannah Munro takes you through the research behind successful transformation projects, and why some financial transformation projects fail.

What else is covered in this episode?

Current statistics around Financial Transformation
What causes Financial Transformation Projects to fail?
Practical steps to make your next project a success?
Top tips for successful transformation

Links mentioned in this episodeSage Transform PDFSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Nick Rose. Nick is CFO at fast-growing Silicon Valley VC-backed Enable and joined to help drive the company’s rapid and international expansion which he has been doing for a few years.

He joined Enable from U.K.-based building materials wholesaler Travis Perkins plc, where he spent 16 years in a range of finance director and transformation program director roles. We discuss his experience leading and managing transformation, as well as his learnings from the latest ERP project.

This episode covers:

Nick's transition from wholesale and distribution to a SAAS business
His ambitions for the role of finance
How to structure responsibilities within a finance team
How systems and platforms can impact your finance teams
Finding the right team members who have the right viewpoint
Takeaways from implementing a new finance system
Nick's business resolutions for 2022

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In this final episode for 2021, Hannah reflects back on the amazing year we've had with the CFO 4.0 Podcast. and how finance transformation has shifted due to COVID.

We wanted to say a huge thank you to those of you who have supported and listened to this podcast over the past twelve months, and we hope you'll stick around for our future episodes.

We also wanted to say a HUGE thank you to our guests who have appeared on the show.

Hannah also chats about her new project, Financial Transformation Live, and gives a little bit more insight into what that entails and how you can go about joining the sessions!

We hope you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!🎄

If you could leave a review, it would be much appreciated.

Find out more about Financial Transformation Live hereSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersitas Website

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In our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Howard Tunnicliffe.

Howard is Head of Finance - Subscriptions at The Economist, and he helps finance people to move up by mastering soft skills, which is the main subject of today's episode! Howard is also an experienced leader of Financial Planning & Analysis with over 15 years' tenure in global matrixed businesses.

What else is covered in this episode?

Howard’s journey to The Economist
Why are soft skills so important when it comes to finance?
How to assess your finance team
Why it’s important to be aware of soft skills
What are the more important skills when it comes to finance?
Top tips to develop these soft skills within your finance team

Connect with Howard on LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, join Hannah as she interviews Colin McDonagh, Finance Director of TTM. TTM Healthcare is a world-class, specialist, Irish-owned recruitment company placing candidates in the healthcare market.

Colin has focused on financial services throughout his career and has been with TTM Healthcare since 2014.

What else is covered in this episode?

Colin’s journey to TTM
How to approach accountability within finance
KPIs and accountability
How to monitor and measure accountability within finance teams
What does the process of delegation of accountability look like?
IROAR – what does it mean?

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On this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah talks to Ian Schnoor, who is the Executive Director at Financial Modelling Institute.

Ian is also a Principal and Founder of The Marquee Group, a leading provider of financial modeling training to professionals in the financial community. Ian has built The Marquee Group into a leading provider of financial modeling training, consulting, and accreditation.

Also covered in this episode:

Ian’s journey into Financial Modelling
What is financial modelling?
What makes a good financial model?
The process and framework behind a good financial model
The skillsets people need to take on this role
Top tips for building financial modelling capability internally

Links referenced in this episode:

Ian's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Monica Arora, EVP Commercial Finance at Sage. They talk all about the research report from Sage, and how COVID has had such an impact on finance teams.

Monica has been at Sage for almost six years but has previously worked at Schneider Electic as a Finance Director.

In Monica's current role at Sage, she sits on both the CFO leadership, as well as the COO leadership.

This episode also covers:

Monica's journey to Sage
Tools CFOs and other finance leaders need to shift to commercial finance support
Do people have a natural aptitude for commercial, or can it be taught?
What are some of the key findings from the report?
What are some key challenges that CFOs are addressing?
What impact has COVID had on finance teams?
How widely has cloud been adopted, and what does this mean for organisations?
The Digital CFO - what does it mean for organisations?

Download the Research Report hereSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In our newest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah speaks to Tony Shafar, Executive and Business Coach at Shafar Coaching.

Tony has over 20 years of business experience, working in senior positions for FTSE 100 companies, and smaller businesses, along with technology start-ups.

He spent 10 years working as a Finance Director for Ogilvy, where he was a key member of the senior management team.

Tony is now an executive coach, working with mainly finance leaders on mindset and helping them get clarity, overcome challenges and gain confidence.

What else does this episode cover?

What is a growth mindset?
Challenges of having a fixed mindset
Strategies you can implement to get you and your team thinking differently
What can you do as a finance leader to help your team develop their own mindsets?
Creating that ‘open book’ culture

Links referenced in this episodeShafar CoachingTony's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters If you'd like to get in touch with Tony, you can send him an email at: tony@shafarcoaching.com

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On this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, we have CFO at greenHat, Paul van der Walt joining us to discuss the power of curiosity and what it means for CFOs.

An experienced CFO, Paul has a career shaped with a combination of analysis, business partnering, and leadership. A naturally curious individual, he wants to learn how things tick. In the past, he has worked as a CFO for Specsavers, and was a Senior Finance Manager at Heathrow Airport.

In this session we talk all about the importance of curiosity both as a leader but also within a team culture.

This episode covers:

Paul’s background and his journey into the finance world
The definition of curiosity in finance
What does #GetCurious mean for him and why is it important in finance?
What does a curious CFO look like?
What are the downsides/shadow behaviours with curiosity?
Can curiosity be taught or is it a natural ability?
Building a culture that supports curiosity

Pauls LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, we talk about how Boards are now transitioning to a new way of making decisions and what CFOs need to do to support this.

Patrick is a returning guest, the Author of “Boards”, is an Experienced Chair and Serial Social Entrepreneur. He talks us through the how's, what's and why's of how Boards are shifting to a new dynamic decision making process.

In this episode, we discuss:

How has the pace of decision making changed and what is driving it?
How are Boards and senior leadership teams approaching decision making in this volatile world?
How are CFOs required to work with the Board?
Strategies to budget as a Board in an everchanging environment
Systems and Processes needed to be able to cope with this change

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Is financial transformation so black and white, or is there a grey area somewhere in the middle? Today we talk about the importance of mindset to your transformation programme.

In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Rob Jackson, VP of Finance Operations at Sage about how they do financial transformation internally.

Rob has had over 20 years of experience within the transformation roles across a range of industries. He has worked for IBM, BAE Systems, Ernst and Young, BT, and is now settled at Sage as Vice President of Finance Operations where he leads their internal transformation programme.

This episode also covers:

Rob’s journey into financial transformation and why he decided to move to Sage
How Sage approaches transformation internally and some of the challenges they have faced
Process of kicking off a new financial transformation project
Importance of communication particularly when working with a global team
How to build a team geared up for continuous transformation
The team structure needed to balance both transformation and operations
Top tips for your next transformation project

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We all know that Diversity is critical to the success of any business but why is it so hard to address?

What do leaders need to consider in their approach to building diversity and how do you know when you have achieved it beyond the typical demographic KPIs.

Kay Formanek Author and Founder of Diversity and Performances talks us through the strategic and practical aspects of building a diverse team.

What's covered in this episode?

Definitions of Diversity beyond demographics
Key pillars required for Diversity Success
Building a diversity vision and value statement
Practical examples of unconscious bias during recruitment and how they were addressed
Leadership approach required for Diversity Success

Links referenced in this episode:
Kay's LinkedInBeyond D&I BookDiversity and Performance WebsiteRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Paul Lee, who is a Partner at Deloitte UK. This episode focuses entirely on the hybrid of working at home, and at the office.

What else is covered in this episode?

Working from home, hybrid and back to the office - what is the right option?
What questions should finance leaders consider for hybrid workers
What technology trends are developing to support the new world of work
How 5g/wifi 6 going to impact the world of work

Links referenced in this episodePaul's LinkedInRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Maneesh Singh, Director of Finance at Mama Shelter. Mama Shelter is a hospitality brand, with 2161 rooms, 15 restaurants, and 750 employees in 14 cities and 9 countries.

What is discussed on this episode:

Maneesh's journey into his role at Mama Shelter
Managing a team during the pandemic
Ethics in business
How important are relationships with suppliers?
Plans for the future at Mama Shelter

Links referenced in this episodeManeesh's LinkedInMama ShelterSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah and Phil Scott, Managing Director of FD Recruit, get to grips with the recruiting of CFOs looking to make their next move. Phil is the founder of FD Recruit, a recruitment consultancy specialising in spotting talented FDs and CFOs looking for their next career opportunity.

COVID as you would expect, had a detrimental effect during lockdown, but it’s business as usual now as the country emerges from the Pandemic.

If you’re looking for progression and an upwards curve when it comes to your career or even tips on how to futureproof your skills, this is the episode for you!

Topics Covered

CFO and FD recruitment
Hybrid and Flexi-working
Networking and Interpersonal skills
Technology and the changing role of FDs and CFOs
Social Media and Marketing

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Talking to Hannah on this week’s CFO 4.0 podcast is Director of Sales at Yaypay, Raj Harash.

Raj is a whizz at simplifying and streamlining processes. He says that he can make collecting money fast, easy and highly predictable by using inbuilt AI technology.

The issue of non-payment can be a sticky one, but Raj believes it can all be avoided if the right tools and software is implemented.

Topics Covered

AI and Machine Learning in Finance
CRM and ERP software
Integrating Credit Control into the business
CCJ and bad payers
CFOs and automation
Forecasting and predicting financial models

Links referenced in this episodeFirst 90 days as a CFO: Ultimate BlueprintRaise your game with Sage IntacctRaj's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah talks with Executive Coach, Alexandra Bond-Burnett who’s helped develop leaders in the Finance, Tech and Accounting space. She gives guidance on how to approach difficult conversations and deal with different personality types. When dealing with complex transformational projects it’s not only the systems you have to work on – Emotional Intelligence is part and parcel of the process too.

Topics Covered

Emotional intelligence
Neuroscience and Psychology
Change Management Skills
Team Engagement
Process and project Management

Links referenced in this episode:

First 90 Days as a CFO: Blueprint for Success - Download for free now!Alexandra's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 we speak to Chris Beeley, practice lead for financial transformation and automation at embracent. Chris has worked for the world’s largest Accountancy firms, recently ending a 20-year stint at KPMG.

He gives us the lowdown on how tech is transforming finance and the dangers of putting mass faith into spreadsheets!

Chris and the team at embracent have conducted a piece of research with a number of leading CFOs on the revolution of automation in finance. They found that although most use tech to drive cost efficiency, many also wanted to improve customer experience and create a happier workforce.

Topics covered:

· Financial transformation and automation

· Use of Artificial Intelligence, Bots and redesigning processes

· CFO vision and creativity

· Limitations of Spreadsheets and Excel

· Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah gets an update from the returning Ian Stewart, Chief Economist at Deloitte, on how the bounce back from the pandemic is playing out in the minds of some of the country's leading financiers.

Ian produces a quarterly survey questioning some of the UK’s leading CFO’s on issues such as Climate Change, Brexit planning and workplace practices.

This survey shows how the big corporates have built up cash and strengthened their balance sheets during the downturn and hoe they’re planning to grow their businesses.

Topics Covered:

The ever-changing role of a CFO
Bomb proofing the balance sheets and reducing debt
V shaped economic recovery
Employee retention and hybrid working
The impact of Climate Change in corporate decision-making
Inflationary risks and pressures.

Ian's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Previously having worked in Government, CFO Jane Cunliffe talks with Hannah about her first 12 months at Oxfam.

Her journey into finance is a little unorthodox. Starting off as a policy professional at the Department of Education, she went on to work for Nick Clegg’s office – Deputy PM at the time, then moving on to the Treasury where she developed her passion for finance.

In a whirlwind first year, Jane describes how she’s had to make some tough decisions as part of the restructure at Oxfam; letting colleagues go, withdrawing from certain countries and delving into the reserves to make ends meet as COVID took hold.

This episode covers:

Restructuring a global not-for-profit company
The advantages and disadvantages of remote communication
Streamlining the finance function
Creative finance strategy
Translating data and information for non-finance colleagues

Links referenced in this episode:Jane's LinkedInOxfamSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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This week on CFO 4.0 Hannah talks with the energetic Tosha Anderson who's known as the founder and CEO of The Charity CFO. She heads up a business that matches non-profit organisations with accountants who are looking for career change, either because they 'don't want to make the rich richer' or have had enough of working in the profit sector.

Tosha began her career helping out charities but was soon consumed by everything but financial work; having to deal with flooded bathrooms to tech problems and beyond!

She's spent almost 15 years in the non-profit sector and believes it's the most rewarding career in terms of relationships as well as all round character building.

Topics discussed:

Non-profit accounting
Multi-tasking CFO beyond finance
Transitioning from profit to non-profit sector
Managing relationships with CEOs, Volunteers and Boards

Links referenced in this episode:Tosha's LinkedInThe Charity CFO WebsiteSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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This episode sees Hannah speaking to Victor Wong, CFO of Flipp, a planning and savings app that helps shoppers.

As CFO, Victor is responsible for leading the development and successful execution of Flipp’s strategy as well as the operational effectiveness of the company.

Prior to assuming the role of CFO, Victor established and scaled both the Content Operations and Finance teams. Leading Content Operations, he formed a 140 member team, working with 1,500+ retailers to deliver local savings and deal content to shoppers across North America.

Before joining Flipp, Victor spent eight years at Ernst & Young, six years in the Assurance practice, and two years in the Transaction Advisory Services group working on both buy-side integration and transaction diligence.

This episode covers:

Top tips on how to support a finance team
Creating realistic mission statements
The symbiotic relationship between a CFO and their team
Listening to new ideas and implementing them effectively
Building an environment of collaboration and engendering new disruptive mentalities

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Host Hannah Munro speaks to Ash Noah, Vice President, CGMA External Relations at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), representing AICPA & CIMA, about the crucial steps CFOs can take to change their mindsets and become more productive.

Prior to the Association, he served as CFO of the international unit of TNT Express, the global transport and logistics provider and led finance teams in 45 countries through significant transformation.

This episode covers:

How different mindsets can enhance value creation and digital transformation projects
A CFO first 90 days and why the right attitude will help to hit the ground running
What does the current business environment look like for CFOs
Challenges CFOs are facing and best ways to overcome them
The right mindsets CFO will need to be a success

Links referenced in this episode:

CGMA designation
CFO Programme
Re-inventing finance for a digital world report
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This episode of CFO 4.0 sees CEO of embracement Mark Lockton-Goddard discuss digital transformation strategies, giving an overview of the right and wrong ways to approach change.

Mark has over 25 year's experience providing business and technology advice to a range of global businesses. With senior roles at KPMG, PwC and PageGroup Mark has helped a multitude of businesses with digital transformation projects. Mark's current role as CEO at embracent, a technology consultancy firm, sees him take a hand-on approach to help businesses embrace the opportunities that technology brings.

This episode covers:

What the decision making process should look like for companies implementing financial transformation solutions
How to convince employees to accept new technology and processes
Best ways to make a digital transformation project a success for CFOs
Main focus areas when starting a digital overhaul of finance departments
How companies are changing to meet the modern business environment

Links referenced in the episode:Mark's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this edition of CFO 4.0 Hannah speaks to Ian Stewart, Partner and Chief Economist at Deloitte, about his role as chief architect of the CFO Survey, a quarterly review that acts as a barometer of UK corporates’ sentiment and strategies.

As part of his role at Deloitte, Ian advises boards and companies on macroeconomics and writes a popular weekly economics blog, the Monday Briefing. His previous roles include Chief Economist for Europe at Merrill Lynch, Head of Economics in the Conservative Research Department and Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

This episode covers:

What the CFO Survey reveals about CFOs biggest challenges and concerns?
What impact future economic trends may have on CFOs?
An in-depth look into Deloitte's CFO survey process
How the CFO role has changed over the years survey?
What external factors are CFOs most focused on?

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On this edition of CFO 4.0 Hannah is joined by the Senior Vice President and CFO of Life Cycle Engineering, Robert Bendetti. Hannah and Robert speak about his experience with change management and discuss ways that CFOs can knock down roadblocks in order to implement new strategies and processes.

Prior to his current role, Robert served as V.P. of Finance at Galey & Lord and CFO of The Coastal Logistics Group as well as financial management positions within Lockheed Martin, Hormel Foods, and Hilton Hotels.

Robert is the President and founder of the Global CFO Council. The council provides an educational and networking forum for Senior Financial Executives and has more than 1,300 members in 30 countries.

This episode covers:

How do CFOs go about assessing their own performance?
Best ways to delegate roles to the most capable people.
How the CFO role is shifting?
What support a CFO can provide people through change and transformation?
How CFOs should present their future plans?

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Join host Hannah Munro as she speaks to author, influencer and Co-founder of the Business Partnering Institute Anders Liu-Lindberg about the pivotal role good business partnering could have in the finance departments of the future.

Anders is currently COO and CMO of the Business Partnering Institute and the owner of the largest group dedicated to Finance Business Partnering on LinkedIn. He has ten years of experience as a business partner at global transport and logistics company Maersk. He has also co-authored the book “Create Value as a Finance Business Partner” and is a popular finance blogger.

This episode covers:

What are CFOs looking for in a good business partner
The factors that are important in maximising a business partner's value
The traits and skills that make someone a good business partner
How CFO can use business partners to strengthen their department
What elements of finance need to change to ensure future progress

Links referenced in this podcast episode:Create value as a Finance Business Partner BookAnder's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

Create value as a Finance Business Partner: Transforming the finance function into a profit centre

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With uncertainty surrounding the future of the workplace, Hannah sits down with author and journalist Rhymer Rigby to discuss what post-covid work conditions could look like and what career opportunities they might offer people who play their cards right.

Rhymer is the author of 28 Business Thinkers Who Changed the World and The Careerist: 100 Ways to Get Ahead at Work. He has a long career as a business journalist writing articles for the Financial Times, The Times, and The Telegraph amongst others.

What's covered in this episode?

The current landscape of the world of work
Remote vs office - pros and cons
Networking from afar and the best ways to get noticed
Use of digital and in-person technics to climb the finance ladder
Potential post-covid opportunities

Links referenced in this episode:Rhymer's LinkedInRaise your game with Sage IntacctSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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This edition of the CFO 4.0 podcast sees the tables turn as CFO and Forbes contributor Jack McCullough interviews Hannah about her career and thoughts on financial transformation.

As well as his role at Forbes, Jack is president of the CFO Leadership Council, Founder and Chair of the MIT Sloan CFO Summit and author of many business books including 'The Psychopathic CEO - The Executive Survival Guide'.

This is Jack's third appearance on the show and first time on the other side of the questions.

This episode covers:

The current landscape of technology, how is it changing finance
Why it matters i.e. pace of decision making/change in roles/finance as a value centre
Examples of technologies that are available now
How to identify what you need to change i.e. systems vs processes, where do you start, big bang or phased approach, ERP vs best of breed & integration
Top tips for finding the right technology and the right partner

Links referenced in this episodeJack's LinkedIn
Raise your game with Sage IntacctSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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On this week's edition of CFO 4.0 Hannah is join by Niki Heim, CFO at LogicSource, a procurement service and technology provider company.

Prior to joining LogicSource, Niki gained four years of experience in public accounting where she worked in various industries including small businesses, government entities, and financial institutions and was the Controller at Title Nine Sports, a women’s activewear company.

Niki and Hannah discuss her career from her initial start as a FC at LogicSource to her current CFO role. Her rise through the ranks serves as a success story for women looking to thrive in male-dominated industries.

This episode covers:

How to build the right team to support you as a CFO
Best ways to climb the corporate ladder
How women can manage a home/work balance
Diversity in the workplace
Female role models and building opportunities for women

Links referenced in this episodeNiki's LinkedInLogicSourceSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Join Hannah as she speaks to Andrew Waters, Founding Partner of Zanda a Board and Financial recruitment firm.

Andrew knows both sides corporate structures, having both 15 years experience in recruitment and an Angel Investor role in various start-ups.

He and Hannah discuss the important attributes that makes the CFO position so vital to companies growth ambitions and getting that first CFO role!

Other topics covered in this episode include:

How does someone gain the extra skills needed to become a CFO
What makes someone right for the CFO role
How is tech baked into the CFO role
CFO self-assessment and self-improvement

Andrew's LinkedInZanda WebsiteSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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This episode of CFO 4.0 features finance journalist and host of the award-wining CFO Thought Leader podcast Jack Sweeney.

Jack is the former editor in chief of Business Finance Magazine and the founding editor of Consulting Magazine. He served as editor of Integration Management and Washington Technology and currently runs a blog for Forbes' CFO Network.

As the digitisation of financial departments increases, Jack and Hannah discuss what new demands are being placed on the CFO role within businesses and what techniques CFOs can use to build a wider strategic vision for their companies.

Other topics covered in this episode include:

The CFO as 'storyteller'
Why CFOs should be more extroverted
What can CFOs do to connect with more people outside finance
What does the CFO of the future look like
The leadership role of a CFO

Links referenced in this episode:Jack's Forbes articles Jack's LinkedInCFO Thought LeaderSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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This episode sees Patrick Dunne, boards adviser and author of award winning book "Boards", back by popular demand.

He and Hannah discuss the CFO to CEO journey from a boards perspective, giving CFOs tips on how to move to the next level.

What's covered in this episode?

What are boards looking for in a CFO who are considering a move to CEO?
How has the pandemic changed the transition from CFO to CEO?
Why are more CFOs being considered for CEO roles?
What skills CFOs need to develop to be thought of as the right candidate?
How can a CFO manoeuvre their role to align more with a CEO?

Links referenced in this episode:Patrick's LinkedInPatrick's Twitter
Boards Book - Amazon / GovernanceSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah talks to Robert Brooker, Head of Fraud and Forensics at PKF GM. Robert is a leading industry figure, with more than 20 years of experience in prevention and detection of loss, and investigation of online fraud.

Before he became the Head of Fraud and Forensics at PKF, he was Head of Fraud at Transport for London where he managed a team of investigators.

What's covered in this episode?

Different types of fraud that can occur within a business
Is fraud on the rise at this moment in time?
Is there a lack of awareness of the impact fraud can have on a business?
Why does fraud happen?
Red flags we might notice and how to introduce them into our everyday lives
What are the reasons people may commit fraud?
The two types of fraud and how to prevent it

Links mentioned in this episode:Raise your Game with Sage IntacctRobert's LinkedInPKF GM WebsiteSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Chris Walker. Chris is CEO of Refine Labs, which is a demand accelerator for B2B SaaS companies.

Chris also runs his own podcast, State of Demand Gen. Chris talks innovative strategy, advice and tactics that works best for marketers, along with interviewing the top experts within the marketing industry.
This episode covers:

How has marketing changed in the last few years?
Why the MQL is no longer a good way to measure marketing impact?
How do fast growing businesses measure marketing success?
What you should be focussing on in terms of measurement?
What is brand and what sort of activities would fall underneath it?
Buyers process and their journey
Signs for CFOs that their brand is working
What questions should a CFO be asking their CMO?
Support CFOs should give to a CMO to enable success?
How long until you start to see an impact to generate leads?

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In this weeks episode of CFO 4.0, we welcome back Jack McCullough, President of The CFO Leadership Council.

This episode covers:

The definition of a psychopath
The impact of working with a psychopathic CEO
Celebrities who display traits of psychopathy
Is it common to have psychopathic CEOs?
Signs that you could be working for a psychopathic CEO
How to protect yourself from a psychopathic CEO?

Links referenced within this episode:Jack's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this new episode of CFO 4.0, join Hannah Munro, as she chats to Aarish Shah, founder of EmergeONE. Aarish helps founders, start-ups, and people grow.

In this episode, they discuss:

Portfolio CFO vs Part-Time CFO
Do you have what it takes to be a portfolio CFO?
Why do it? What are the benefits?
What are the downsides?
Picking the right portfolio to work with.

Links referenced in this episode:EmergeONE WebsiteAarish's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro interviews Gethin Nadin. Gethin is an Award-Winning Psychologist who's published in The Financial Times.

This episode covers:

Is employee wellbeing a new fad or just something we have renamed?
What matters to employees when it comes to wellbeing?
How do we measure current levels of wellbeing?
Importance of employee wellbeing to the bottom line
Shifting from reactive to proactive wellbeing
Employee wellbeing and your investors

Links referenced in this episode:Gethin's LinkedInDeloitte ReportRaise your game with Sage IntacctSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Hannah chats to Claire Bodanis, the UK leading authority on corporate reporting. Claire is also the Author of "Trust Me, I'm Listed". Claire is also the Founder and Director of Falcon Windsor.

In this episode, Hannah and Claire cover:

Challenges currently faced today with producing the annual report
How to produce a report that is engaging and valuable to investors
Balancing the increase in regulatory requirements with what investors need to hear
Communicating challenging news in your Annual Report
Common mistakes businesses make when writing their annual report
What is changing in the world of annual reporting

Links referenced in this episode:Claire's LinkedInFalcon WindsorMonthly Reporting Webinars Book: Trust Me, I'm ListedSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah interviews Aneel Delawalla, Managing Director and Partner at Accenture. They discuss the research Aneel and his team have regarding the top 17% of CFOs and what they're doing differently compared to other CFOs, and how COVID may have accelerated or slowed trends.

This episode answers the following:

At a top level, what shifts and trends did the report identify in terms of what businesses need from their CFO?
Has COVID accelerated or slowed these trends?
What are the top 17% CFOs doing differently?
What is the impact on businesses for those that had CFOs that model those behaviours?
What can CFOs do today, to start their journey towards this shift?

Connect with Aneel on LinkedIn
Accenture's Research on what Elite CFOs are doing
Infographic
Accenture's Website
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In this episode, Hannah Munro chats to Shauna Moran. Shauna is the founder of Operate Remote - an accredited and award-winning executive coaching agency that empowers CEO's and their remote teams to create and build more emotionally-healthy, engaged and sustainable organisations- so they can scale and grow with confidence, regardless of locations.

This episode covers:

What can we do to help combat the work from home fatigue that's happening at the moment?
How can you change the way you communicate to support remote working?
How can we maintain flexibility and work life balance but still ensure good communication and productivity?
Managing boundaries and work life balance in a remote world
How to build a culture that allows people to thrive working remotely

Links referenced in this episode:
Operate Remote WebsiteShauna's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro, MD of itas, interviews Martin Spiller, an experienced CFO, who has worked with a number of high growth SAAS businesses.

Questions answered in this episode:

What are funders looking for in a CFO?
What are the top mistakes businesses make when applying for funding?
What about a Start-up vs Scaleup? How does it vary from seed to series A&B?
How to go about finding the right funding partner
Can you ever have too much funding?
Top tips for getting funded

Martin's LinkedIn
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Dr Vanessa Marcié is a Humour & Leadership expert, international speaker and a pioneer of theories of driving change through humour. She has given over 100 presentations to global audiences of more than 30 countries.

What to listen out for in this episode:

What is the benefit of using humour for both finance transformation and within your finance team?
What are the different types of humour and how do you use them effectively
How do men and women approach humour differently?
How to use humour with your direct reports and with the senior leadership?
Top tips on starting to incorporate humour into your leadership style

Links referenced in this episode:

Leading with Humour Website
Quiz
Vanessa's LinkedIn
Leading With Humour LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
The animation video
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Join Hannah Munro, MD of itas, as she talks about the 3 pillars of financial transformation and what it takes to lead a successful financial transformation project. With over a decade of experience supporting finance teams to manage change and delivering 100s of projects across a number of industries, she is going to share some top tips on how to make your next transformation project a success.

Key highlights:

Understanding the 3 pillars of financial transformation
The science behind successful transformation projects
Motivating your team during a transformation project
Removing barriers to change
Practical tips for your next project

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This week on CFO 4.0 we interview the author of “Boards”, Patrick Dunne on exactly what a good CFO looks like from a Board’s perspective.

Key topics we discuss:

What does a good board/CFO relationship look like?
What are boards looking for in a CFO?
How do you start off on the right foot with your board?
A boards perspective on the CEO/CFO relationship?
Can a poor CEO/CFO relationship be repaired?
Top tips for new CFOs

Links Referenced in this Episode:Patrick's LinkedIn
Patrick's Twitter
Boards Book - Amazon / Governance
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Join Hannah Munro, your host of CFO 4.0 as she interviews David Lincoln, Managing Director of Strengthscope. They discuss the power of positive psychology and how you can apply it to build high performing finance teams. They chat not only about why it works but also how you can apply it to both everyday team management and your recruitment process.

Things to listen out for:

What is Positive Psychology?
How it differs from typical performance management?
Impact of Using a Strengths Based Approach
Understanding Negativity Bias
How it can be used in recruitment to find the right candidates

Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, join Hannah Munro as she interviews Amelia Sordell, Founder of Klowt, the Personal Branding Agency. They discuss how you can shift the perception of both you and your role in finance from Bean Counter to Strategic Visionary.

Also covered in this episode:

What is personal branding?
Why is it important?
How to define your personal brand?
How do you build a personal brand?

Links Mentioned in this Episode
Amelia's LinkedIn
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In this episode of CFO 4.0 podcast, join Hannah Munro and Andrew MacAskill. Andrew is the founder of Executive Career Jump. As a finance professional himself, Mr Macaskill offers advice and guidance on not only making a success of your current job search, but also advice and guidance for those wanting to future proof their careers.

What to listen out for:

What companies are looking for in new CFOs
Top tips for finding the right organization and role for you
Alternative options to traditional CFO and FD roles
How to get noticed in your job search
Advice to Finance Directors to future proof their careers

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode, we have a returning guest, Jack McCullough who is the Founder and President of The CFO Leadership Council. This episode covers:

How to make the most of your first 90 days as a CFO
How to positioning yourself a strategic Partner
Key Relationships to focus on
Top tips for building a relationship with your CEO
Key Areas to Review in your first 90 days

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah delves into CIMAs research into financial resilience with Dr Ian Selby. Ian is Vice President of Global Research and Development for Management Accounting, The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA&CIMA).

What to listen out for in this episode:

Current research themes and trends for finance
Results of CIMAs Economic Recovery Survey
Role of finance in building business resilience
What is in the CIMA business recovery toolkit
What's next for CIMA?

Learn more about the CIMA Toolkits here:
Economic Recovery Survey & Business Recovery ToolkitCIMA LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro interviews Dr Chris Sier, Chairman of Clearglass. Dr Christopher Sier is also the Fintech Envoy for England, Visiting Professor of Financial Technology at the University of Leeds, Professor of Practice and Newcastle University and Chairman of Fintech North, the innovation community for tech start-ups.

What to listen out for:

Chris' journey to becoming Chairman of Clear Glass
What qualities are start-ups and scale-ups looking for in a CFO?
The difference between the Start-Up to Scale-Up CFO vs the Established, Corporate CFO
The importance of industry experience?
What should CFOs looking to work with startup and scaleups know before they start?
What experience are boards/CEOs looking for in a CFO?

Links referenced in this episodeChris Sier LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode, Hannah invites Mark Green, Technology Evangelist at Sage. They discuss how technology is changing the role of the CFO and how finance teams can start preparing for the future.

What to listen out for:

The role of a Technology Evangelist & the connection between people and technology
Current challenges in the world of finance
What technologies are going to change the future for the CFO role
What do future finance teams look like?
How finance teams can begin to prepare for the future

Links mentioned in this episode:

Mark Green's LinkedInVisit our websiteSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode of CFO podcast, join Hannah Munro as she interviews Gareth John. Gareth is the Executive Chairman and Director of Accountancy Training College in Cambridge at First Intuition Cambridge Ltd. He is also the President of ICAEW, East Anglia.

What to listen out for:

Gareth’s journey to ICAEW
Current drivers and changes in the skills needed for finance teams
How qualifications are changing to develop the next generation of finance
How do existing leaders continue to develop their skills?

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In this podcast episode, we have guest Jack McCullough, which is the founder and president of the CFO Leadership Council, a Forbes contributor, and author of “The Secrets of Rockstar CFOs”, and he has also served as a CFO to 26 different companies.

What to listen out for:

Why CFO is so critical during the current crisis?
Top tips for managing through crisis
Is the current situation actually going to change the role of the CFO?
Building a Rockstar finance team

Links referenced in this podcastJack McCullough LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this new episode of CFO 4.0, we have invited Dr. Jeff Smith. Dr. Smith is a psychologist, cultural strategist, inventor, and speaker who uses design and technology to help people and organizations thrive.

The episode will cover:

Story & Journey of Dr. Jeff Smith’s 15Five
Key areas critical to building and engage the team
How a CFO can approach engagement with every individual in the organization?
Positioning your finance team to the rest of the organisation
How to identify if its working – or not?

Links mentioned on this podcast:

https://academy.15five.com/Dr. Jeff Smith’s LinkedIn

Visit us at https://itassolutions.co.uk/
Email us at cfopodcast@itassolutions.co.uk

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This episode is our first episode in our #CFOStories series.

In this episode, Hannah Munro speaks to the CFO of Sage, Jonathan Howell about his journey and success in a number of CFO roles.

This podcast covers the story of Jonathan and how he fell into the finance world.
This episode also covers:

Jonathan's Journey to becoming a CFO at a Global Tech Business
How the CFO Role and/or Finance Teams have changed over the last few years?
What makes a successful CFO?
Understanding the Strengths and Capabilities of your finance team
Top Tips for Building a Strong Finance Function of the Future
How to Support Your Team through a Fundamental Change
Advice for those Looking to Start their Career as a CFO

Links referenced in the PodcastJonathan's LinkedIn
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

Free On-Demand Webinars mentioned in the podcastBecome a Data-Driven CFO: Making Better Finance Decisions
Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment

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In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald Research Director for IDC's Digital Transformation Strategy Team, joins Hannah Munro, as they discuss how finance leaders transition from being the 'bean counters', to becoming strategic visionaries.

This episode also covers:

What are the different types of CFOs we see today?
What is a Transformational CFO?
How are the shifts in technology and data changing the role of the finance?
How are CFOs are evolving their teams with this shift?
What skills do Finance Leaders need to thrive in this volatile environment?

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Join Hannah Munro in this episode as she interviews Louisa Weinstein, International Mediator, Founder of The Conflict Resolution Centre. They discuss the different ways you can defuse difficult situations and reach agreements with colleagues at work, particularly in regards to finance.

This episode also covers:

The principles of dealing within conflict
Dealing with resistance to change
Top tips for managing conflict remotely
How to check in with your employees effectively

Links referenced in this episode

Get in touch with Louisa
LinkedIn
Conflict Resolution Centre

Free On-Demand Webinars mentioned in the podcastBecome a Data-Driven CFO: Making Better Finance Decisions
Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment

Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Join Hannah Munro, as she interviews Sydney Finkelstein, Professor at Tuck School at Dartmouth, Author of Superbosses and Podcast Host of The Sydcast.

In this episode, they delve into how COVID has affected the lives of many finance leaders around the globe, and discuss some top tips for new finance leaders.

This episode also covers:

What a Finance Leader needs to have to react well in volatile times
Making Decisions in Uncertain Times
Building an agile and innovative finance team
Top tips for new finance leaders and how to make a great first impression
Developing a vision for you and your finance team
How to become a 'super boss'

Contact Sydney:
LinkedIn
Books and Research

Free On-Demand Webinars mentioned in the podcastBecome a Data-Driven CFO: Making Better Finance Decisions
Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment

Get in touchitas
info@itassolutions.co.uk
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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Join Hannah Munro, as she interviews Stuart Davenport from The Compliance Consultancy, as they talk about the latest updates in data compliance. They cover the implications and key strategies that you and your team need to be aware of.

This episode also covers:

Data Hacking at Blackbaud
Updates to the privacy shield legislation
GDPR implications for those working from home
Managing Remote workers in foreign countries – what impact does that have on data compliance and what do you need to be careful of?

Contact Stuart:
LinkedIn
The Compliance Consultancy

Free On-Demand Webinars mentioned in the podcastBecome a Data-Driven CFO: Making Better Finance Decisions
Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment

Get in touchitas
info@itassolutions.co.uk
Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters

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In this episode, Hannah Munro interviews Steven Gallucci, who is the US CFO Program Leader at Deloitte. This episode covers:

How the current pandemic has affected feedback and reporting from CFOs
How organisations have been operating with most employees working from home over the past 6 months

View the CFO Signal Survey, here.
Visit Deloitte's website.

Follow Steven Gallucci on LinkedIn
Follow Steven Gallucci on Twitter

Visit our website
Visit our Events Page

Watch our 'How to Become a Data-Driven CFO' On-Demand Webinar now!
Watch our 'Planning and Budgeting in a Volatile Environment' On-Demand Webinar now!
Watch our 'How Does Your Close Perform Against Your Peers?' On-Demand Webinar now!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro will be interviewing Tracy McEachran, from Curious Minds Consulting.

This podcast episode covers why it's important to understand your own behaviour before you can help others, different strengths you might find within your team, and how to build a stronger finance team. Listen to find out more!

Contact Usitas Website
email: info@itassolutions.co.uk

Contact Tracy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceymceachran/
https://curiousmindsconsulting.com/

Watch our 'Become a Data-Driven Finance Leader' on-demand webinar.
Watch our 'Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment' on-demand webinar.

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In this episode, Hannah Munro will be chatting to Phil Raynor on how to deliver a successful digital transformation programme.

Contact Phil at: phil@philraynor.com

Contact Usitas Website
email: info@itassolutions.co.uk

On-demand Webinars
Watch our 'Become a Data-Driven Finance Leader' on-demand webinar.
Watch our 'Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment' on-demand webinar.

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What is CFO 4.0? Well in this introduction episode, Hannah Munro, MD at itassolutions, gives us a brief insight into what CFO 4.0 is all about.

Make sure to follow as every two weeks, we will be uploading a brand new episode, with some episodes featuring key experts to give you real-world advice and guidance on how to transform your business, people and data.

Welcome to CFO 4.0, The Future of Finance.

Visit our website.

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In this episode, Hannah Munro will be chatting to John Smith, about what employers and employees are looking for in a CFO.

This episode covers how attributes within CFOs are identified, leadership skills and support in career development.

Get in touch with us
Email us: info@itassolutions.co.uk
Find us at https://itassolutions.co.uk

Contact John
LinkedIn

For more information about The Accountancy Recruitment Group, visit: https://www.thearg.co.uk/

Watch our 'Become a Data-Driven Finance Leader' on-demand webinar.
Watch our 'Planning & Budgeting in a Volatile Environment' on-demand webinar.

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CFO 4.0: Recent Episodes

Hannah Munro

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