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CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance (Hannah Munro)

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22 Feb 202268. Connecting the dots between data and insights through storytelling in finance | with Brent Dykes, Chief Data Storyteller, AnalyticsHero00:48:50

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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 LinkedIn
Brent's Forbes articles

01 Mar 202269. Financial Transformation Live - Reduce Your Month-End Close Time00:40:16

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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.

Follow us on LinkedIn to ensure you don't miss our future sessions!

15 Mar 202271. Building an impactful & commercially focused finance team with Monica Arora, EVP of Commercial Finance, Sage00:34:00

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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

 

22 Mar 202272. CFO Stories: Getting that first CFO role with Billy Scanlan, CFO at The Marketing Practice 00:42:33

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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 episode
Billy's LinkedIn
The Marketing Practice Website

29 Mar 202273. How to deal with shifts and transformations within finance teams with Chris Argent, Founder of Generation CFO00:41:49

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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 LinkedIn
Follow Chris on LinkedIn
Find out more about Generation CFO here


05 Apr 202274. Financial Transformation Live - Getting started with mapping out your finance processes00:46:16

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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:

19 Apr 202276. CFO Stories: The Unconventional CFO with Jeremy Foster, CFO, Talroo00:40:13

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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 episode
Jeremy's LinkedIn
Talroo


12 Apr 202275. The Pandemic and Beyond with Clive Webb, Head of Business Management, ACCA00:41:02

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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 LinkedIn
ACCA Website
Finance's Journey to the Future Article

26 Apr 202277. Making the shift from CFO to Board with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK00:43:52

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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 LinkedIn
Women On Boards UK Website
itas Website

10 May 202279. Future of the CFO Role - Research Discussion with Clive Webb, Head of Business Management, ACCA00:44:16

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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

03 May 202278. Financial Transformation Live - Re-engineering your Finance Processes00:55:18

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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 Live
PDF Presentation for this session
Getting started guide to streamlining your finance processes | Free download!
The 11 biggest benefits of finance process mapping | Blog
Automating your finance team with Sage Intacct | On-demand Webinar
Sign up to our mailing list to receive podcast alerts

17 May 202280. Why Finance Needs to Invest in its People - with Ash Noah, CIMA & AICPA00:39:01

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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

24 May 202281. The Increasing Importance of Understanding and Communicating Value in Finance - with Clive Webb, ACCA, and Tim Barber, University of Hull00:50:56

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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 episode
Clive's LinkedIn
Tim's LinkedIn
ACCA Website

31 May 202282. Financial Transformation Live - A Framework for Building a Future Proofed Chart of Accounts00:56:53

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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 Transformation
Follow us on LinkedIn for our Live Sessions
Register for our Upcoming Webinar: Sage Intacct's Multi-Dimensional Nominal

07 Jun 202283. CFO Stories: The Future Focused CFO - James Owen, Global CFO at Kantar00:51:33

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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
Kantar
Listen to more episodes

14 Jun 202284. The Rise of Disinformation and the Increasing Risk to both Finance and Business, with Alan Jagolinzer, Professor of Financial Accounting at Cambridge Judge Business School00:52:37

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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

27 Jun 202285. CFO 4.0 The evolution of the finance leader - Sage's Latest Research00:33:37

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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.

05 Jul 202286. How to do Financial Transformation Successfully with Michael Ryan, Founder of Finance Transformation UK00:44:36

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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: 

12 Jul 202287. Financial Transformation Live: Breaking the Year-End Stress Cycle00:38:56

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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 Transformation
Follow us on LinkedIn for our Live Sessions

19 Jul 202288. The First 90 days as a CFO: Building strong and healthy relationships with your finance team00:48:09

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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:

26 Jul 202289. The First 90 Days as a CFO: Building Exceptional Finance Teams00:46:46

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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/

02 Aug 202290. Startup CFO to COO – Funding, Scaling and Recruiting in a startup world!00:45:22

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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/

09 Aug 202291. What VCs want from a CFO with David Foreman, VC Managing Director at Praetura Ventures01:01:15

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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:

16 Aug 202292. Top reads for CFOs this summer with Mark Gandy, host of CFO Bookshelf00:58:47

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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:

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 
30 Aug 202293. Financial Transformation Live: 5 Things to think about before your next Financial Transformation project00:48:39

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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:

06 Sep 202294. CFO Stories: Balancing the need for high growth with regulation in a start-up FinTech with Rajesh Gupta00:43:02

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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:

13 Sep 202295. Recession, Inflation and Volatility – Dissecting the latest quarterly CFO Survey with Ian Stewart 00:46:13

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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:

20 Sep 202296. Finding the Silver Linings in Challenging Times with Becky Glover00:44:29

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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 video
World Finance Forum https://worldfinanceforum.co/

04 Oct 202298. CFO Stories | Fundraising: Prepare for the worst & hope for the best with Chris Roling00:52:48

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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:

27 Sep 202297. Financial Transformation Live: Assessing your current finance systems 01:01:43

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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 

11 Oct 202299. The First 90 Days as a CFO: Managing Leadership during change with Jon Gruda01:01:52

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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:


18 Oct 2022100. CFO Stories: How to become a data-driven CFO with Glenn Hopper, CFO & Author of Deep Finance00:55:32

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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:

25 Oct 2022101. Financial Transformation Consultant Insight – Transformation vs software implementation with Hannah Munro & Michael Ryan 00:43:16

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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:

01 Nov 2022102. Financial Transformation Live: Integrating your finance systems00:57:51

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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/ 

08 Nov 2022103. CFO Stories: The importance of an effective Finance Business Partnering Function with Alwyn Jones00:52:01

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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:

15 Nov 2022104. Agile Finance and Fundamental Management Skills - A live podcast with Chris Argent from GenCFO Academy 00:47:10

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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:

22 Nov 2022105. Financial Transformation Consultant Insight – Challenging the status quo in Finance with Hannah Munro & Michael Ryan00:53:57

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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:

29 Nov 2022106. Financial Transformation Live: How to Approach Automating your Finance Processes 01:05:49

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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:

06 Dec 2022107. How a transformational mindset can benefit finance teams with Chris Argent from GenCFO00:41:22

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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: 

17 Jan 2023111.The World of Football through a Finance Lens with Stefan Gamble, CEO of Walsall Football Club00:38:57

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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:

13 Dec 2022108. How Finance can use Technology to deliver on their mission with Sarah Watson, Director of Finance & Technology at Make-A-Wish UK00:49:04

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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

03 Jan 2023109. Financial Transformation Live: Building Your 12-Month Transformation Plan00:39:33

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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:

10 Jan 2023110. What does 2023 hold for finance teams with Kevin Appleby, GrowCFO 00:42:15

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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

24 Jan 2023112. Managing stress and burnout in your finance team in 2023 with Tony Martignetti00:44:47

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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

31 Jan 2023113. Stepping away from a traditional Finance mindset with Chris Ortega00:39:35

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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

07 Feb 2023114. CFO Stories: Challenges a Bootstrap CFO faces with David Brandeis, CFO of PowToon00:30:36

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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

14 Feb 2023115. The Future of the Finance Function – ACCA Research Discussion with Clive Webb00:46:23

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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:

21 Feb 2023116. Financial Transformation Live: Flash Reporting - Everything you need to know! 00:43:12

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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:

28 Feb 2023117. CFO Stories: Integration, automation and finding your niche with Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities00:48:18

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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


07 Mar 2023118. Handling conflict and friction effectively in finance with Dr. Jon Gruda00:59:56

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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:

14 Mar 2023119. CFO Stories: Finance’s hierarchy of needs with Darren Woods, CFO of Freedom Fibre00:45:41

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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 

11 Apr 2023123. Accelerating your impact as a CFO with coaching with Catherine Clark, Lead CFO Mentor at GrowCFO00:44:36

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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:

21 Mar 2023120. Financial Transformation Live: How to Map Out Your Finance Integration Project00:44:23

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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:

28 Mar 2023121. The positive impact of applying for finance and business awards, live panel event with Hannah Munro & ACCA00:58:32

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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:

04 Apr 2023122. CFO Stories: Navigating the World of Private Equity – Insights from Seasoned CFO, Edward Knighton 00:39:37

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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

18 Apr 2023124. Transforming Finance: People, Processes & Technology with Mark Laine Toner, FD at Evri00:57:55

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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

25 Apr 2023125. The ESG Revolution: Embracing Sustainability in Finance and Accounting with Ash Noah, CIMA & AICPA00:54:04

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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:

02 May 2023126. Financial Transformation Live: Top Tips Before Starting Your Finance Systems Implementation Project01:09:37

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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:

09 May 2023127. CFO Stories: Driving Success in Start-ups as a Portfolio CFO with Alysha Randall00:38:47

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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:

16 May 2023128. The Future of Finance: Cultivating Skills & Adapting to Change with Oliver Deacon00:52:24

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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

23 May 2023129. Mastering Finance Business Partnering: The 9 C's to Elevate Your Impact with Andi Lonnen00:44:11

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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

30 May 2023130. Flipping the Script: Hannah Munro hops into the Guest Seat on Mark Gandy's CFO Bookshelf00:50:20

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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:

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

06 Jun 2023131. Key Takeaways from the GENCFO Summit: A Look into the Future of Finance with Chris Argent00:52:49

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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

20 Jun 2023132. CFO Stories: A CFO's Guide to Navigating Risk with Isaac Strulowitz00:40:35

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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

27 Jun 2023133. Financial Transformation Live: 12 Months to a Faster Close00:42:11

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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:

04 Jul 2023134. CFO Stories | Driving Change in Finance: Unleashing the Power of Transformational Leadership with Ilana Esterrich00:51:07

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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

11 Jul 2023135. From CFO to CEO: Igniting Passion and Driving Growth with Hannah Williams00:46:26

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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

18 Jul 2023136. Navigating M&A and Investment Strategies in a Changing Landscape with Bill Fink 00:40:31

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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: 

25 Jul 2023137. From Numbers to Impact: The CFO's Evolution into a Chief Value Officer with Clive Webb00:50:25

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In this week's episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, 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: 

08 Aug 2023139. Mastering the Art of Influence: Building Your Finance Brand with Rob Brown00:53:20

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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:

15 Aug 2023140. CFO Stories: A CFO's Guide to Building Successful One-to-One Relationships with Susana Serrano-Davey00:50:15

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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:

01 Aug 2023138. Financial Transformation Live: Designing Your Finance Systems Architecture01:01:19

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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:

22 Aug 2023141. CFO Stories: Navigating Financial Planning in a Dynamic Business Environment with James Owen00:47:04

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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:

29 Aug 2023142. The Balancing Act: Risks, Ethics, and the Lessons Learnt from Failing with Shaun Hayes00:48:32

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In this CFO 4.0 episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Shaun Hayes, Author of The Gray Choice who has a wealth of experience in both the highs and lows of corporate leadership. Dive deep into Shaun'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 Shaun'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. Shaun 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 Shaun's book and learn more about his philosophy and practices.


Links referenced in this episode:

12 Sep 2023144. CFO Stories: From Start-up to Scaleup, a CFO's Guide to Navigating Growth with Sylvia Ionita00:41:47

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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

26 Sep 2023146. Aligning Procurement & Finance in the Digital Age with Thomas Siersbæk Heller-Njor00:44:57

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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:

05 Sep 2023143. Financial Transformation Live: Building Out Your Finance Data Strategy00:40:21

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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:

10 Oct 2023148. CFO Stories: Leading Global Teams Through Financial Transformation with Marco Torrente00:40:42

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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:


19 Sep 2023145. Transforming Finance: Building Out a Strong Finance Business Partnering Function with Andi Lonnen00:41:06

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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:



17 Oct 2023149. CFO Stories: Developing a Programmatic Approach to M&A with Rob Clay00:50:12

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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:

03 Oct 2023147. The Transformation of Finance: From Financial Gatekeepers to Value Creators | ACCA Live Panel Event01:01:06

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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:


24 Oct 2023150. Financial Transformation Live: Building Out a Set of Requirements for your Finance System00:53:10

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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:

07 Nov 2023151. From Curiosity to Courage: Navigating the Finance Business Partner Journey with Andi Lonnen00:40:06

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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 

14 Nov 2023152. PE Backed | Working in Private Equity: From Legacy Systems to PE-Backed Growth with Kim Dziuk00:39:12

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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.

21 Nov 2023153. Financial Modelling Excellence: Top tips from The FP&A Guy, Paul Barnhurst 00:46:50

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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

28 Nov 2023154. Finance Transformation Live: Building a Business Case for Your Finance System00:49:39

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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:

05 Dec 2023155. PE Backed | Unlocking Success in Private Equity: A CFO's Guide with Dana Price00:44:50

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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.

12 Dec 2023156. Transforming Organisations Through Diversity with Simon Fanshawe01:01:30

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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 

19 Dec 2023157. Fulfilling Dreams: The role of Finance at Make-A-Wish with Sarah Watson00:41:20

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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:

02 Jan 2024158. The Road to IPO: A Bitcoin Depot Story with Scott Buchanan00:41:19

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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: 

09 Jan 2024159. A Leadership Journey at Purplebricks – Insights into Cash Burn, Resilience, and Transformational Triumphs with Dominique Highfield00:41:19

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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: 

16 Jan 2024160. Transforming Numbers into Stories: The Power of Financial Communication with Soufyan Hamid00:41:12

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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: 

23 Jan 2024161. Navigating 2024: Agility, AI, and People-Centric Finance with Chris Ortega00:47:40

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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:

30 Jan 2024162. Financial Transformation Live: Ensuring your system passes audit 00:45:09

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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:

06 Feb 2024163. Sneak Peek! Choosing the Right Sage Software: A Comprehensive Guide to Consolidation Tools with the itas Consultant Team00:29:46

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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: 

13 Feb 2024164. Leadership Evolution: Transforming from CFO to CEO with Hannah Williams00:46:40

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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 

20 Feb 2024165. PE Backed | Insider Information on the Recruitment of CFOs in Private Equity with Jamie Irwin 00:44:01

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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:

28 Feb 2024166. Financial Transformation Live: Navigating the Budgeting Process for Transformation Success 00:44:05

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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:

05 Mar 2024167. AI's Role in the Future of Finance with Nicolas Boucher00:36:53

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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: 

12 Mar 2024168. PE Backed | The Evolution of a Finance Leader: Journey Through Audit, IPO, Acquisitions to Private Equity with Tory Bauman00:42:22

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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: 

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