The CFO Show – Details, episodes & analysis

The CFO-COO partnership is undeniably one of the most powerful alliances that can make or break a company's success. When working in perfect harmony, this duo creates a formidable force that drives strategic decisions, enhances operational efficiency, and propels growth. 

In this installment of our finance business partnering series, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Sandra Clarke, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Shield of California. Sandra, who spent the majority of her career in finance, progressed from analyst to CFO before taking on the COO role. She discusses the unique perspective of having been on both sides of the CFO-COO relationship, addressing the benefits of close collaboration as well as the challenges that may arise from competing priorities. 

Discover what it takes to build a successful CFO-COO business collaboration that benefits the entire organization and learn how this dynamic partnership directly impacts a company's bottom line.

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The role of the COO, its variability across companies, and where it intersects with the CFO role in facilitating company strategy and boosting growth. 
• How finance leaders can bring the most value to the operations team by understanding the business, identifying patterns in numbers that may indicate potential issues, and recommending optimal resource allocation. 
• Key elements of a strong CFO-COO partnership, including humility, mutual trust in each other's expertise, and an unwavering focus on what's best for the business. 
• Navigating tensions between CFO and COO roles when financial data doesn't support perceived operational needs, and strategies for collaboration in these challenging situations. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Healthcare costs continue to be the most unpredictable expense for businesses, creating a challenging dilemma for CFOs. While healthcare benefits serve as a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining employees, the escalating costs are forcing many finance leaders to seek innovative ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of care or the attractiveness of their benefits packages.

Anisha Sood is the Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at First Choice Health, with more than 20 years of experience across the healthcare industry. Since joining First Choice Health in 2019, she has overseen finance and strategy, focusing on offering more cost-effective solutions to employers. In this episode, Anisha talks to host Melissa Howatson about why healthcare costs are rising and how providers like First Choice Health are bringing them down without sacrificing quality care.

Discover how CFOs can adopt innovative approaches to manage both healthcare costs and employee benefits expenditures effectively during challenging economic times.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Recent trends and changes in healthcare benefits, and factors contributing to rising costs
• How First Choice Health is disrupting the traditional healthcare benefits model through expanded partnerships and reduced administrative costs
• Strategies to mitigate healthcare costs, including how insurers can tailor benefits to an employer’s unique needs, considering factors such as geography and remote workforce
• Balancing the CFO’s need to control costs with the CHRO’s goal of recruiting and retaining employees
• The growing importance of mental and behavioral health benefits in comprehensive healthcare packages

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Revolutionizing tax functions is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. This episode delves into the groundbreaking transformation of tax departments from cost centers to strategic powerhouses. Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Daren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader, share their expertise on how Generative AI or GenAI and other cutting-edge technologies are elevating tax departments from mere cost centers to strategic business partners. 

The discussion explores how innovative tax strategies are influencing everything from supply chain management to corporate transactions, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a modernized tax function. 

This episode examines the challenges and opportunities facing today's tax professionals. From talent acquisition to technological integration, it provides insights for finance leaders aiming to unlock the full potential of their tax departments and drive business value in an AI-driven world. 

Learn how forward-thinking companies are leveraging their tax functions to navigate complex regulatory environments, drive efficiency, and inform critical business decisions. 

Discussed in This Episode  

• The role tax plays in partnership with finance and business decision-making 
• How Generative AI is helping CFOs transform tax operations 
• Challenges in tax data management and integration within finance operations 
• AI use cases in tax 
• How tax functions integrate seamlessly into finance 
• Initial steps for AI adoption 
• Change management in AI adoption

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The AI revolution is here, and it’s transforming business as we know it.  

In this episode, Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer of Vena, discusses the new industrial revolution powered by artificial intelligence. With over 20 years of experience as a product and technology leader, Hugh offers insights into how AI is reshaping the modern business landscape.  

The conversation delves into AI’s impact on finance and productivity, offering a glimpse into the future of work. Hugh outlines the emerging skill sets required to thrive in this new era and provides valuable advice on how professionals and organizations can stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.  

Hugh explores the myriad ways AI is revolutionizing work by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering creative problem-solving. From maximizing operational efficiency to nurturing creativity, Hugh offers practical examples and actionable insights for strategically integrating AI into business operations as a workforce partner.  

Learn how AI is shaping the future of business and how you can position yourself and your organization at the forefront of this exciting new frontier.  

Discussed in This Episode   

• The AI-Driven industrial revolution: How to avoid getting left behind  
• The changing skill sets required for the future AI-driven landscape  
• How businesses are integrating AI into their workflow  
• Embracing AI as a workforce partner, not your replacement  
• Suggestions on how to integrate AI without disruption  
• Importance of change management in AI adoption 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

During times of uncertainty, CFOs must serve as the guiding compass for their organizations, helping business leaders move beyond reactive decisions toward sustainable, long-term strategies. Myles Corson, leader of EY’s Global and Americas Strategy and Markets, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and the host of The Better Finance Podcast, has engaged with numerous CFOs about the complexities of navigating turbulent economic landscapes.

Myles joins host Melissa Howatson to discuss why CFOs are uniquely equipped to drive business success in volatile times. They delve into how finance leaders can harness their comprehensive organizational perspective to not only weather challenges but also position their companies for growth and resilience.

Discover actionable insights on how CFOs can leverage their unique vantage point to ensure their businesses thrive during challenging times.

Discussed in This Episode:

• How finance leaders can use their vision as a navigation tool for informed decision-making and value creation.
• The significance of communicating clear end goals and actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders.
• Strategies for adapting to changing business landscapes without losing sight of long-term objectives.
• An increasing appetite for finance leaders to be critical players in innovation, as well as the challenges they face in implementing innovation within their own departments.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

A severe talent shortage is threatening the foundation of the finance function: accounting.

The accounting profession is facing a critical talent shortage, threatening the foundation of financial operations across accounting firms and businesses of all sizes. Mark Maurer, reporter for

The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal team, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore this pressing issue. Drawing from his extensive coverage of the shrinking talent pipeline, Maurer discusses the factors driving the increased demand for accountants and the dwindling supply of qualified professionals.

As competition for accounting talent intensifies, this episode offers valuable insights for CFOs, finance leaders, and business executives. Join us for a timely discussion on the urgent talent gap and its far-reaching impact on the future of finance teams and beyond.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The consequences of the current talent shortage, both on daily business operations, and long-term opportunities.
• What’s behind the sharp decline in CPA candidates and a dwindling interest in the accounting profession, and what plans are in place to regrow the pipeline.
• How finance leaders can retain talent by making accounting team members feel more engaged and valued.
• Ways to prevent burnout on short-staffed accounting teams, especially given the seasonality of the business function.
• The role AI will play in the future of accounting and solving the talent shortage.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Financial data alone can’t drive a company’s success; it’s the CFO’s ability to turn that data into a compelling narrative that moves the needle. Whether engaging investors, rallying the board, or inspiring internal teams, the power lies in transforming raw data into stories that align with the company’s vision and steer it through both challenges and opportunities.

In this episode, Stephen Bates, Chief Financial Officer of Canford Healthcare Ltd. shares his more than 20 years of experience in finance roles across a wide range of industries in the UK. Stephen discusses the crucial role CFOs play in transforming financial data into engaging stories that drive business outcomes, especially during uncertain times.

Learn how effective narratives and storytelling can propel companies toward their strategic goals.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The importance of transparency and clarity in financial storytelling. 
• Weaving your strategic vision into the financial stories you tell. 
• How to select the right metrics and KPIs that align with your story and communicate them through data visualization. 
• Techniques for connecting financial data with emotional appeals to inspire and motivate stakeholders. 
• The key components of an effective change narrative: setting the stage, identifying the drivers of change, outlining the journey, and envisioning the future. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit, this episode features insights from FP&A and accounting leaders about the demands and rewards of their work. Join us as we dive into the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the art of balancing strategic vision with daily tasks, and the leadership skills that make a difference. Discover how teamwork and a purpose-driven mindset are shaping the future of finance.

Featured Guests in Order of Appearance:

• [00:00], [01:03] Blake Dunaway, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Corcentric
• [00:46] Eugene Fedorinov, MBA, CFA,Sr. Manager, Finance Database & Budget Analysis, Arizona Cardinals 
• [02:43] Pat Jones, SVP, Corporate Controller, PetIQ
• [04:15] Sultan Akif, Unicorn Account Executive,  Microsoft
• [06:02] Harjot Ghai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Delbridge Solutions, Inc.
• [06:48] Christine Harms, Vice President and Controller, The Tuscon Roadrunners
• [07:26] Brian Krause, Chief Financial Officer, Community First Solutions
• [07:34] Jesse Funes, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, New Horizons
• [11:07] Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Officer, Kansas City Chiefs
• [13:04] Carrie Self, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, Tacala Companies

Discussed in This Episode:

• What finance leaders enjoy most about their jobs, from working with so many other teams to being at the center of every major business decision.
• How finance leaders feel they could be even more impactful with the help of their team and colleagues,
• What finance leaders wish other colleagues understood about their jobs, and what it takes to be successful.
• How FP&A roles have changed over time, and why it’s so important to have a bridge between strategic and tactical work.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

The CEO-CFO partnership is arguably the cornerstone of an organization’s success, shaping not only its financial health but its strategic trajectory. This relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect, candid dialogue, and aligned vision. A thriving CEO-CFO dynamic goes beyond simple collaboration; it involves a continuous cycle of challenging each other’s perspectives, reinforcing financial discipline, and driving innovative strategies. 

Our host and CFO of Vena, Melissa Howatson, shares such a dynamic relationship with Vena CEO Hunter Madeley. Together, they explore the unique perspectives of their respective roles and how aligning them is key to ensuring that the business is healthy today and positioned for sustainable growth.

Learn how the CEO and CFO partnership can be a strategic catalyst for success and discover how this strategic alliance is more than just a business necessity—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of an organization, ensuring its resilience today and its growth well into the future.

Discussed In This Episode: 

• What’s top of mind for today’s CEOs and how finance leaders can support them through uncertain economic times
• The evolving role of CFOs, and whether they should be perceived as order-takers or strategic sparring partners in shaping the future of the business
• How CFOs can use their unique vantage points to help other functional leaders be more future-centric
• The horizons of investments, and how CFOs can help CEOs commit to short and long-term goals

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since 2018, reshaping how businesses handle personal data across the globe. While many view GDPR as solely a legal or IT challenge, its impact ripples far beyond those departments—it touches every aspect of an organization. 

For CFOs, GDPR isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the financial health of the company, managing operational risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability. CFOs must be at the forefront of creating a GDPR-compliant organization, not only to avoid costly penalties but to protect the organization's reputation.

Greet Gemels is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Advantage Group International, where she oversees the Finance, Human Resources, and Operations functions of a global market research company. In this episode, Greet and host Melissa Howatson discuss the critical implications of GDPR for CFOs and analyze the financial and operational risks involved.

Discover how CFOs can effectively navigate current and evolving GDPR requirements to mitigate data security risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard their organization's financial and operational integrity.

Discussed in This Episode

• How GDPR data privacy laws have transformed data handling practices and regulatory compliance across organizations.
• The tangible and intangible costs of achieving GDPR compliance, along with the serious repercussions of non-compliance.
• The risks and implications of working with third-party vendors for tasks such as human resources and payroll.
• The critical need for strategic resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration, and robust metrics to assess the financial impact of GDPR compliance efforts.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.