Explore every episode of the podcast CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance
Dive into the complete episode list for CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.
Topics covered include:
Andrew’s unique path from event management to CFO
Building lean, scalable finance functions for startups
Managing cashflow challenges with creativity and clarity
The strategic role of FP&A in early-stage businesses
Navigating investor relationships across VC and PE
Advice for new CFOs on due diligence, early wins, and adding value fast
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
In this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.
In this episode, they cover:
How to manage multiple overlapping transformation projects without burning out your team
Approaches to reprioritising and phasing work to avoid chaos and maintain momentum
What to do when a new CFO questions an in-progress finance system rollout
The importance of focusing on outcomes—not just solutions—when defending project decisions
How to engage teams stuck in Excel and manual processes without triggering resistance
Practical ways to build buy-in, uncover hidden capabilities, and lead change effectively
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.
Key topics covered:
Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO work
Structuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growth
Managing M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integration
Communicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firms
Building robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategies
Preparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and discipline
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window.
In this episode, we cover:
How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisions
Signs of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environments
Building trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peers
Managing people issues and making tough but necessary team changes
The importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planning
Avoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journey
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?