CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

💡 In this episode, Hannah covers:

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Previous session: Transformation Troubleshooter
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
• Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
• Learn more about Sage Intacct 
• Customer Success Stories
• Pre Purchase Consultancy
• Book a discovery call 

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Daniel Healey, Group FD at Direct Heating Group, about building a finance function that never stands still.

Also covered in this episode:

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

Links mentioned:

• Daniel's Linkedin
• Learn more about Direct Stoves
• Learn more about Flue & Ducting 
• Learn more about Direct Fireplaces

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro continues the Private Equity series with Ian Pugh, CFO at Precise TV. Ian shares his journey into private equity and reveals the realities of leading finance in a fast-paced, investor-backed business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

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

Links mentioned:

• Ian's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Precise TV

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro sits down with Rob, the CFO of Modaxo.
Dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions with Hannah and Rob as they explore the strategies, challenges, and key learnings from Rob’s journey. Discover how Rob achieved ongoing improvement in his approach to programmatic M&A, offering valuable insights for finance professionals and businesses.

In this episode learn about:

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

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Rob's LinkedIn
• Find out more about Modaxo

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro sits down with Marco Torrente, CFO at WebBeds, to explore the complexities and challenges of leading financial transformations across multicultural landscapes.
 
Topics covered in this episode:

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

Links mentioned in this podcast:

• Marco’s Linkedin
• Learn more about WebBeds

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

Also covered during this discussion: 

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

Links mentioned:

• Find out more about CogX Festival
• Alistair's LinkedIn 
• Find out more about the ACCA
• Laura's LinkedIn
• Find out more about Octopus Energy 
• Amina's LinkedIn
• Find out more about The LEGO Group

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro delves deep into the ever-evolving world of procurement with our guest, Thomas Siersbæk Heller-Njor, Founder and CEO of CostBits. Together, Hannah and Thomas explore the challenges and nuances of aligning procurement with financial insights and how technology, particularly SaaS, is paving the way for improved transparency and efficiency.

In the episode, we cover:

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

Links mentioned in this podcast:

• Thomas’ Linkedin
• Learn more about CostBits

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

Also covered on the podcast:

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

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

• Andi’s LinkedIn
• Finance Training Academy 
• Find out more about Finance Business Partner Academy
• Find out more about the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp
• Attend the Finance Business Partner Bootcamp 2023 

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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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

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

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

Key Discussion Points:

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

Links mentioned:

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

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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