In this episode, I am joined by Daniella Wainwright (Wainwright Consulting), an inspiring fractional CFO who left the corporate grind to build a successful consulting business based on authenticity, mindset work, and a balance between business and well-being.

Daniella’s journey is incredible—starting as a trainee accountant at 16, managing multi-million-pound businesses, and eventually shifting to fractional finance work. We talk about her growth, the power of networking, and key lessons she’s learned about marketing and personal branding, especially on LinkedIn.

What really stood out to me was her focus on health and balance in a demanding industry. Daniella also shares how she built a collective of fractional CFOs, offering candid insights into the challenges and rewards of growing a service-based business.

This conversation left me feeling inspired, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

In this episode, I sat down with Rachel Marshall, founder of Magic Digits, an accounting firm for creative industries. Rachel’s story really resonated with me—she built her business from the ground up during the chaos of the pandemic, balancing career growth and family life.

Rachel shared what it takes to scale a business, the challenges she faced, and how she went from being a one-woman show to building a team. She also gave us a peek into the details of business growth, from managing hiring and cash flow to creating a remote team that fits her lifestyle.

Having transitioned from freelance to running her own company, I found Rachel’s lessons incredibly insightful—especially when it comes to making tough decisions, managing expectations, maintaining client relationships, and adapting as your business evolves.

What if there was a better way for small businesses to manage their finances without hiring a full-time CFO?

In this episode, Colin sits down with John Dalrymple from Ferrock Finance to explore how fractional finance is reshaping the financial landscape for growing companies.

John shares how Ferrock Finance, led by Scott Willis, saw a gap in the market for fractional finance roles and how they’ve been helping a diverse range of clients—from established SaaS companies to emerging startups.

We explore the benefits of fractional CFOs, especially for companies on the brink of growth. John offers an inside look at how fractional services can provide high-level financial expertise without the hefty price tag of a full-time hire. He also addresses the common hesitations around making the switch, including how to mitigate risks while balancing career and family life.

John dives into the unique value Ferrock Finance brings to the table, sharing insights on maintaining personal client relationships and avoiding common pitfalls in financial modeling and pitch presentations.

As we assess the current market landscape, John discusses the tightening of capital availability and why it’s more important than ever for businesses to demonstrate financial competence.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Is your business missing out on the financial expertise it needs to grow?

In this episode, I sit down with Marc Obrart, co-founder of fin-house, to explore how fractional finance is revolutionising the way startups and SMEs approach their financial strategies. 

Marc shares how fin-house is shaking up the traditional finance model by offering tailored, agile finance teams—delivering high-impact CFO services without the full-time commitment. We explore the gaps in conventional accounting, why proactive financial guidance is critical for scaling, and how fractional CFOs are helping businesses make smarter decisions.

From streamlining day-to-day operations to navigating high-level strategy, Marc’s insights provide a fresh look at the evolving role of finance professionals.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

How well do you really know your business’s financial health?

In this episode, we dive into the world of financial literacy for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with seasoned financial consultant Craig Rattray. With over 30 years of experience, Craig shares invaluable insights from his Know Your Numbers programme, breaking down the critical financial concepts every business owner should understand, including profit and loss statements and cash flow management.

Craig shares the risks of neglecting your finances and why regular engagement with financial metrics is key to unlocking growth opportunities. He also offers practical tips on balanced cash flow forecasting to help business owners make smarter, more informed decisions. Craig’s mission? To empower entrepreneurs to navigate their finances with confidence, turning financial literacy into a powerful tool for sustainable business success.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

What if the key to revolutionising your business's financial health lies in the hands of a fractional CFO?

We sit down with Lauren Harvey from Full Stop. She shares her remarkable journey from Peugeot to a passionate chartered management accountant. Lauren's path—marked by her tenure managing estates for the Crown Estate offers a unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of cloud accounting and financial management. Her story is a testament to the dynamic shifts in the accounting world and the growing importance of proactive financial insight, especially for SMEs navigating the post-pandemic landscape.

Lauren shares how technology and cloud accounting have empowered accountants to embrace more advisory roles, contrasting these fractional roles with traditional ones. We also explore the importance of a comprehensive finance department and the frustrations businesses often face with reactionary accounting firms.

Lauren explains how Float helps businesses manage daily cash positions while projecting future economic health, highlighting the importance of educating clients on cash flow management before financial distress hits.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Have you ever wondered how a seasoned financial executive can transform your startup's growth trajectory? Meet Karen Stephens, who joins me to share her transition from the corporate world to becoming a sought-after fractional CFO. 

In this episode, Karen reveals the critical gap she identified in financial guidance for new entrepreneurs and solo founders and how she stepped in to fill it. Her unique background, shaped by Scottish roots and international experiences, has given her a distinctive edge in advising clients across the US and UK. Karen also shares her early journey on leveraging LinkedIn to build her network including her recent controversial posts challenging traditional accountant stereotypes which might have ruffled a few feathers

Together, we explore the evolving role of fractional CFOs in today’s business landscape, the pros and cons of popular accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, and the importance of having a CFO with FP&A and strategic partnership experience.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, Kevin Steel, a fractional CFO at Claredon Finance & Strategy, shares his original mind-mapping process for uncovering clients' unique business positions. He highlights the critical importance of clean data and the essential role of skilled bookkeepers in delivering accurate financial insights.

Kevin's strategy centres on providing upfront value and smoothing out costs over the year. He stresses the importance of educating clients about cash flow and capital allocation decisions, which are vital for business growth.

Want to learn how other fCFOs are using Float Cash Flow Forecasting to enhance their services? Check out this link.

Connect with Colin on LinkedIn for feedback or questions: Colin's LinkedIn.

For more expert insights, connect with Kevin: Kevin's LinkedIn

Stacey Borrow, an agency finance specialist, to discuss her role in helping small agencies with their finances. She brings fractional financial support to agency owners, allowing them the benefit of day-to-day access to financial expertise without the cost of a full-time FD.

In this episode, she shares the typical scenarios she encounters with her agency clients, the need for better financial planning and the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and goals. Stacey underscores the value of cash flow forecasting and the benefits of using specialized software for accurate financial tracking.

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Stacey for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyborrow

Susan Boles is a human-centred CFO at Beyond Margins. In this episode, she shares her 'accidental CFO' journey and how she helps founders build calmer businesses with comfortable margins. Join us as we uncover actionable insights and strategies that can inspire your approach to financial management and catapult your business towards its full potential.

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Susan for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesusanboles

Chris Ortega is the mastermind behind Fresh FP&A, he dives into the game-changing role of fractional CFOs in driving financial clarity and growth for small to medium-sized businesses.

Chris takes us on a journey through his experience building and scaling finance organisations, sharing the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Fresh FP&A. He paints a vivid picture of the indispensable value that fractional CFOs bring to the table, offering strategic guidance and expertise without the hefty price tag of a full-time CFO.

Chris also shares his take on the critical importance of effective cash flow management and why finance leaders today need to leverage cutting-edge technology to analyse and forecast cash flow 🚀

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Chris for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/

How can the right financial expertise accelerate growth for startups and scale-ups, without the hefty price tag of a full-time CFO? In this episode, Colin speaks with Stephen from Growth CFO about the fractional finance revolution. With experience both on the investor side and as a CEO, Stephen shares why fractional CFOs are a game changer for small and mid-sized businesses.

Stephen highlights the importance of seasoned financial leadership, particularly during crucial growth stages, and how a fractional CFO provides not only operational oversight but strategic advice. Stephen discusses how businesses benefit from having experts who’ve ‘been there, done that’, and offers insights into building strong investor relationships and improving cash flow management.

You’ll also hear about the challenges in the funding landscape, how fractional CFOs can help navigate tricky financial waters, and why embracing financial transparency early can set you up for long-term success.

How can fractional CFOs change the way startups and scale-ups approach growth and financial strategy? In this episode, Matthew Powell, a seasoned fractional CFO, shares his journey from corporate finance at EY to running his own successful consultancy. Matthew discusses the significant advantages of bringing in a fractional CFO early on in a business’s life cycle, especially when it comes to fundraising, forecasting, and strategic planning.

With years of experience in managing financial teams, Matthew explores the crucial role of finance leaders in startups, explaining how a well-structured finance function can be the linchpin for long-term success. He delves into the importance of establishing sound financial systems and processes, particularly in fast-growing companies, and why early-stage businesses can’t afford to ignore solid financial advice.

Matthew also reflects on his time building Fluro, a peer-to-peer lending platform, and how he navigated challenges around scaling and fundraising. From tackling compliance hurdles to pivoting business models, his insights on financing, operational strategies, and cash flow management are invaluable for any growing business.

What drives someone to transition from a stable corporate career to launching a fractional CFO practice? In this episode of The New F* Word podcast, we speak with Elisabeth Sabin, a newly minted fractional CFO, about her transformative journey into the world of fractional finance. Elisabeth shares the motivations behind her decision to leave corporate finance for a more flexible and fulfilling career, one that allows her to balance professional ambition with family time and a passion for helping small businesses thrive.

We dive into the challenges Elisabeth faced as she transitioned to self-marketing and client acquisition in the fractional CFO space, discussing how long-term vision and a solid foundation are key to overcoming short-term uncertainty. We explore the evolving role of CFOs in business and how Elisabeth’s approach focuses on strategic financial guidance rather than just number crunching.

Elisabeth also shares her passion for working with impact-driven businesses, where financial success aligns with social impact. We discuss the psychology behind financial decision-making, the importance of trust and emotional intelligence, and how Elisabeth plans to scale her practice sustainably while staying true to her values.

How can fractional finance leadership transform small businesses, and why is the role of a fractional CFO so vital? In this episode of The New F* Word podcast, I speak with Nikole Mackenzie founder of Momentum Accounting, as we explore how outsourced financial services are reshaping the way small businesses manage their finances.

Nikole shares her journey from traditional public accounting to launching Momentum Accounting in 2017, a company that helps businesses with revenue ranging from $1 to $10 million streamline their financial operations. We discuss the many reasons business owners turn to fractional CFO services, often out of frustration or urgent need, and how Nikole uses educational content to build trust and showcase the value her services provide.

We also dive into the tools and strategies that have helped Nikole grow her business, such as her innovative cash potential calculator, and how she effectively uses marketing and branding to position Momentum Accounting as a leader in the fractional finance space. Nikole’s insights into managing a growing team and her vision for the future highlight how fractional finance can unlock growth and financial clarity for small businesses.

In this episode of The New F Word, Colin sits down with Graeme Tennick, founder of Tennick Accountants, to explore the game-changing potential of fractional CFO services for small businesses. Graeme shares his journey from traditional accountancy to a model focused on genuine advisory relationships and a “sense of belonging” project, designed to bring more human-centred value to clients.

Together, they explore the power of asking better questions, aligning business success with personal values, and making financial advisory services accessible to business owners. Graeme shares the pivotal moments that shaped his approach, from realisations during family moments to the pressures of COVID, which inspired him to rethink what clients truly need from their accountants.

Whether you’re a business owner or simply curious about the evolution of financial services, Graeme’s insights help to reshape how we view success.

Karen Trickett from Mighty Atoms joins us to explore the growing world of fractional leadership roles. Karen, who’s carved her path from Pepsi to Golden Charter, CMO to CEO, Karen is an experienced board executive focused on CX, marketing, and commercial strategies. Karen shares how her journey led her to fractional marketing and management and why she believes “the future is fractional”.

Karen and I explore what sets fractional roles apart from freelance or interim positions, offering strategic leadership in finance and marketing that’s agile, cost-effective, and incredibly impactful. She reveals why fractional roles are essential for today’s businesses, especially startups and scale-ups looking to harness expertise without the overhead of full-time hires. With the UK business landscape ripe for change, Karen sheds light on how fractional talent is helping businesses thrive in challenging economic times.

We also delve into how to choose the right fractional leader, discussing the importance of strategic thinking, chemistry, and the potential of this model to prevent common growth pitfalls. Karen’s stories of campaigns she's led highlight the powerful combination of creativity and analytics, offering practical insights for startups wondering if a fractional hire could be their next best move.

How do small businesses thrive in a complex financial landscape? As we wrap up Season One of The New F Word, we’re celebrating the incredible journey we’ve taken together through the world of fractional finance and the inspiring leaders who joined us along the way. In this special episode, we look back on the invaluable insights shared by forward-thinking fractional CFOs, entrepreneurs, and finance experts who are pioneering new paths to small business success.

Throughout this season, our guests have shared the power of technology, cash flow mastery, and proactive financial strategies that allow even the leanest teams to thrive without sacrificing vision. We’ve heard stories from fractional CFOs on how they help businesses steer through cash flow dilemmas, tackle unexpected financial hurdles, and develop growth-ready finance functions. It’s been a season full of unfiltered stories that highlight the vital role of trust, resilience, and creativity in finance leadership.

From navigating challenging financial years to scaling with technology rather than headcount, our visionary guests have illustrated what it means to guide businesses through growth in today’s dynamic world. They’ve shown us how the right financial partner can transform uncertainty into opportunity, using the power of forecasting and forward-thinking strategy.

Join us as we reflect on the standout moments of Season One and celebrate the voices that made it possible. And don’t miss out on what’s coming next –Season Two, where we’ll bring you even more inspiring conversations with finance leaders who are reshaping the industry.

In this episode of The New F Word, we sit down with Simon Kallu, an expert in fractional CFO services and Tony Robbins' UK and Europe's Accounting Partner, to explore how this evolving role is reshaping financial strategies for growing businesses. 

Simon shares insights from his decade-long journey in finance, explaining how his company, Growfactor, helps businesses on the cusp of major growth by offering tailored financial expertise. We explore the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when managing their finances solo, and how a strategic partner can bridge the gap between day-to-day operations and long-term success.

Simon uncovers the importance of financial intimacy—understanding that while DIY methods may work short-term, external expertise can provide the fresh perspective needed to scale effectively. Simon also shares his experiences working with high-profile entrepreneurs and offers practical advice on integrating finance into every aspect of business strategy.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Want elite execs without the big bill or long-term lock-in? I sit down with Stephen Halpin, the mind behind Portfolio XD, a team offering fractional C-suite talent—CEOs, CFOs, CMOs—on demand. Frustrated by consultancy roles where sharp strategies just sat unused, Stephen crafted a model that delivers real impact, not just slides. Post-COVID, Portfolio XD took off as SMEs sought flexible, high-calibre leaders to tackle funding rounds or global growth.

Here’s the twist: it’s not just cost-effective—it’s a total rethink. Imagine a UK media firm landing a Toronto CEO or a bioscience startup tapping a Boston CCO, no recruitment hassle. Stephen breaks it down—speed, expertise, no risk for companies, and execs (not just retirees) love the flexibility. He’s upfront about the missteps too, like corporate pros stumbling in fast-moving SMEs. And his take on networks? It’s who you know that sparks the magic. This ain’t fluff—it’s raw, punchy, and might just make you rethink your own game plan.

What’s it take to be a fractional CFO? I’m talking with Elliott Gasper from OxConsult. He’s a hands-on fixer who’s raised millions and scaled companies big-time. Now, he’s shaking up fractional finance.

Elliot shares the three types of fractional CFOs he has identified so far and which bucket he falls under. The industry is still growing and with a lot of noise, business owners still don’t get what fractional CFOs do. But Elliot loves that because it’s a chance to make real impact for businesses.

He also shared how having dyslexia as a kid got him labelled a “terrible employee.” Now? It’s his problem-crushing superpower. He’s also kicked off the Fractional Finance Forum—CFOs sharing battle scars and hacks. Solo gig, but teamwork wins.

As I mentioned, I’m teaming up with Elliott for an upcoming webinar where we’ll be discussing the best finance tech stack for 2025 with industry experts:

📅 Monday 24th March, 3pm (GMT)

👇 Register now to secure your spot and get your finance function future-ready!

https://lu.ma/rng2jp39

This episode’s a bit different, I’m trying something new by bringing on not one, but two guests — Michael Spyrou and Tim Johnson, co-founders of Axcelera.

I’ve been really curious about how the role of the fractional CFO is evolving, and these two are right at the forefront. Axcelera is a group of CFOs with a fresh approach—combining strategic financial planning with smart tech to help growing businesses thrive.

Michael’s got over 20 years of finance experience across multiple countries and sectors. His focus? Helping SMEs get a grip on their numbers and make confident decisions. Tim’s background is in banking and entrepreneurship—he’s founded multiple businesses and even ran call centres in the Caribbean. Together, they’ve built something pretty special.

In this chat, we get into:

* Why the fractional CFO is so key for scaling businesses

* The importance of delivering insight, not just information

* How tech is transforming the finance function

* What founders really need from their CFO

If you’re running a business or advising one, this is well worth a listen.

In this episode of The New F*Word host Colin Hewitt sits down with Alison Bolt, a CIMA-qualified CFO, to unpack how fractional finance can help founders build stronger businesses, make better decisions, and avoid costly mistakes as they scale.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to transition from tactical finance work to strategic advisory

* Why copy-and-pivot beats original ideas when building your fractional practice

* How to build a scalable fractional model around three interconnected services

* Why chemistry with your clients matters more than size

* The real value of staying close to cash flow

Alison Bolt is a Fractional CFO and Founder of Agile Talent, specializing in providing strategic financial guidance and integrated business support to high-growth SMEs and membership-based organizations. With over a decade of experience spanning multinational corporations to the SME space, Alison has built a reputation for moving beyond traditional finance management to become a trusted strategic advisor and right-hand person to founders and CEOs.

Explore Float’s platform and solutions at https://floatapp.com.

In this episode of The New F*Word host Colin Hewitt sits down with Alastair Manson, Fractional CFO at Flinder, to discuss why the human side of leadership is where real value gets created, how coaching can unlock your teamțs potential, and the practical strategies to shift command-and-control to collaborative leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why technical excellence alone won’t keep you at the table

* How to shift from ‘telling’ to ‘coaching’ without losing control

* The three non-negotiable relationships every CFO must master

* How to spot when your fixed mindset is sabotaging your team

* Why fractional CFOs have a competitive edge in advisory services

Alastair Manson is a seasoned fractional CFO, leadership coach, and performance strategist. With over 20 years of experience helping founders, finance teams, and even athletes unlock peak performance, Alastair brings a rare blend of financial expertise and human-first coaching. As a Fractional CFO at Flinder and Founder of Kinetika Coaching, he helps finance leaders and SMEs build resilience, clarity, and purpose in their work.

Explore Float’s platform and solutions at https://floatapp.com.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Clayton Coke, Founder and Managing Director of PRMS, to share his insights on ethical debt collection, prevention strategies, and how businesses can protect themselves from bad debt while maintaining positive customer relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to implement ethical debt recovery practices that preserve business relationships

* The Three Buckets Framework for categorizing debtors

* Why conducting proper due diligence before extending credit can prevent major financial headaches

* How to use Companies House effectively to assess potential clients’ creditworthiness

* Why setting appropriate credit limits is crucial for business survival, and how to determine them

* How fractional CFOs can help create robust systems for debt prevention and collection

Clayton Coke is the Founder and Managing Director of PRMS, the UK’s leading provider of Ethical Debt Recovery and Business Debt Prevention training. Clayton has spent over 20 years helping SMEs and professional services businesses protect themselves from bad debt, recover outstanding invoices, and improve cash flow management. Clayton is also the Creator and Host of The Cashflow Show Podcast.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Peter Turner, CEO of ConnexionCFO, to share his unique approach to fractional CFO services, why traditional CFO models are being disrupted, and how his innovative equity-sharing model attracts world-class CFOs.

What You’ll Learn:

* How world-class CFOs differentiate themselves through storytelling and strategic repositioning

* Why the best fractional CFOs focus on business opportunities rather than just solving current problems

* The game-changing equity-sharing model that enables CFO collaboration and long-term engagement

* How to structure a high-performing finance function beyond just the CFO role

* Why market opportunity, product strategy, and go-to-market approach are crucial focus areas for modern CFOs

* The transformative impact of having the right CFO

* How to effectively work with ADHD founders through structured financial leadership

Peter Turner is the CEO of ConnexionCFO, a pioneering fractional CFO firm that’s revolutionizing how high-caliber financial leadership is delivered to scaling businesses. With 17 years of industry experience and a background as a qualified accountant and CFO, Peter has facilitated the placement of CFOs in over 700 scaling businesses. He’s known for developing an innovative equity-sharing model that allows top-tier CFOs to collaborate and share in their clients’ success. Having founded and successfully sold his own technology company to Experian in 2021, Peter brings unique insights into the evolving role of fractional CFOs, particularly in helping ambitious founders achieve significant growth and successful exits.

In this Greatest Hits episode of The New F*Word Podcast, I revisit my conversation with Elliott Gaspar, Founder of Ox Consult and a hands-on advocate for redefining what it means to be a Fractional CFO.

Elliott shares how his journey, from scaling startups to raising $600M in funding, shaped his perspective on finance as a true value driver rather than just a cost center. We dive into the different types of fractional CFOs emerging in the market, why the industry is still in its early days, and how he’s pioneering a model rooted in problem-solving, practical systems, and trusted founder relationships.

From navigating the “edge of chaos” in high-growth startups to leveraging AI for smarter bookkeeping, Elliott gives a candid look at the challenges and opportunities shaping this fast-growing field.

🔑 You’ll discover:

* The three types of Fractional CFOs and why the hands-on builder stands apart

* Why finance should be seen as a value driver, not a cost center

* Common mistakes founders make when approaching startup finance

* How AI is transforming bookkeeping and decision-making

* The power of community and collaboration in scaling a fractional practice

* Elliott’s personal journey from dyslexia to redefining success in both finance and family life

Elliott’s story shines a light on the future of fractional finance: flexible, tech-enabled, and deeply human.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Madeline Reeves, Founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, for a wide-ranging conversation about building resilient businesses, the messy reality of advisory services, and why the finance industry needs fewer shiny tools and more strategy.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to navigate the AI hype cycle while maintaining focus on genuine business value

* Why the traditional General Ledger model is becoming obsolete and what's replacing it

* The critical difference between operational finance leadership and true CFO strategic guidance

* How to build a successful fractional CFO practice while choosing between boutique and scaled models

* Why community building and peer support are essential for modern accounting firm growth

Madeline Reeves is the Founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, an 8-year-old strategic consultancy specializing in go-to-market strategy and business development. With vast experience as a global business development leader for leading tech companies, she helps organizations from solo founders to billion-dollar enterprises optimize their market presence and growth strategies. Additionally, Madeline is the Founder of We Talk Money, the first-ever online network designed to connect underrepresented leaders in finance to industry opportunities and each other.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt speaks with Jo Wood, Co-founder of The 6 Figure Bookkeeper and Hey Monika, about the evolving role of bookkeepers in modern business. Jo shares how she grew The 6 Figure Bookkeeper from 60 Facebook members to 28000, sold her multi-six-figure practice to prove bookkeeping businesses can be valuable assets, and co-founder Hey Monika, an AI-driven training platform giving bookkeepers real-world experience in a safe space.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to leverage AI and automation while maintaining valuable human insights in bookkeeping

* Why building a tech stack is crucial for modern bookkeeping

* How bookkeepers can transition from traditional services to higher-value advisory roles

* Why confidence, not just technical knowledge, is key to successful financial advisory

* How to create effective partnerships between bookkeepers, accountants, and fractional CFOs

* Why embracing technology education and practical experience platforms like Hey Monica are reshaping professional development

Jo Wood is a pioneering figure in modern bookkeeping and financial education, known for co-founding The 6 Figure Bookkeeper. With a background in auditing and virtual FD services, she has grown a community of over 28000 bookkeepers and accountants while successfully building and selling her own multi-six-figure bookkeeping practice, Jo Wood Virtual FD Ltd. Jo is transforming the bookkeeping industry through innovative solutions, like HeyMonica, an AI-powered platform that provides practical experience for aspiring financial professionals.

Episode Resources:

* Jo Wood on LinkedIn

* The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Website

* Hey Monika Website

* Bookkeeping Business From Home Podcast

* The Bookkeeper Rises Book

* Colin Hewitt on LinkedIn

* Float Cash Flow Forecasting Website

The Founder Who Learned the Hard Way

Wood built Receipt Bank from a startup to a £500 million exit to IRIS Software Group in 2024. During that journey, Receipt Bank eventually migrated to NetSuite as they scaled. Wood now says if today's technology had been available then, they would have stayed on their modular stack rather than making that expensive, complex transition.

As someone who's lived through a painful ERP transition, Wood sees the opportunity to help businesses avoid this pain. The idea for Translucent centres around the fact that the general ledger is essentially an API layer, and works well for many businesses. There is a constantly evolving app ecosystem marketplace that enables businesses to plug in ones to fit their unique use cases. By providing this multi-entity system, businesses can have multiple Xero entities in the UK and Australia, a QuickBooks setup in the US, and a Pennylane in France. Businesses can use the tools that they know, yet create reports in one place, avoiding or delaying the ERP migration until a much more significant scale than would have been possible before.

Translucent's core capabilities include automated group reporting with real-time FX conversion, intercompany reconciliation, treasury consolidation across currencies, and unified search across all entities. The platform operates as a data warehouse that syncs and harmonises information from Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and Pennylane, enabling enterprise-level consolidation without forcing companies to abandon familiar SMB accounting tools.

The market response has been favourable. Translucent achieved 1,000 Xero entities in just 168 days - claimed to be the fastest any Xero app has reached this milestone. The company has raised £7.7 million across pre-seed and seed rounds, attracting notable investors including Craig Walker (Xero co-founder/former CTO) and Gary Turner (Xero co-founder/former UK MD) as board members.

The Fractional CFO Movement Is Accelerating This Shift

The fractional CFO movement is driving a fundamental change in how growing companies approach their finance stack. These strategic partners bring experience from their time at multi-entity organisations, and they're proving that modular finance stacks are not just viable–they're smarter.

“Our experience of the market is most people do not want to leave Xero. They want to stay, but they have a problem. That problem may be forecasting, it may be intercompany automation, prepayments, consolidated reporting, working at AP groups, across the group. It can be all sorts of different things, but normally they are running this, you know, these multiple zeros, this multi entity setup, and they have a burning problem. And what we try to do is to help them with that first problem”

Unlike permanent CFOs who might default to familiar enterprise solutions, fractional CFOs see the same problems across dozens of clients. They watch companies struggle with ERP implementations, and they are starting to see alternative paths becoming viable, bringing both significant time and cost savings.

This positions them perfectly to challenge the old orthodoxy. When a fractional CFO with experience across 20+ implementations says, "you don't need NetSuite yet," that carries weight that transforms boardroom conversations.

The Hidden Reality: ERPs Are Failing at Scale

The statistics behind ERP implementations tell a sobering story that fractional CFOs are increasingly aware of. According to Gartner research, 55-75% of ERP projects either fail outright or don't meet their intended objectives. Only 23% of all implementations are considered successful by organisations' own standards.

Major companies are reversing course on massive ERP investments. Lidl scrapped its €500 million SAP implementation after seven years, reverting to legacy systems. Avon's $125 million SAP failure saw 33% of sales representatives quit rather than struggle with the complex interface. Mission Produce lost $22.2 million in gross profit when their ERP implementation left them unable to track basic inventory operations.

Cost overruns represent perhaps the most shocking revelation. Organisations experience an average 189% budget overrun, meaning ERP projects typically cost nearly three times the initial estimates. Timeline delays compound the financial pain, with failed projects experiencing schedule overruns averaging 230%.

Notably, only 33% of companies report satisfaction with their ERP systems, and 56% of organisations have a "high degree of purchase regret" over their largest technology purchases, with ERPs frequently topping the list.

The Rise of ERP Fatigue Drives Simplification

A significant shift is underway as companies experience "ERP fatigue" - exhaustion with monolithic systems' rigidity, costs, and complexity. By 2027, IDC forecasts that 75% of global businesses will begin replacing monolithic systems with modular, API-driven solutions.

The symptoms of ERP fatigue are consistent: inability to adapt quickly to business changes, implementation timelines measured in years rather than months, heavy interfaces that frustrate users, vendor lock-in that limits innovation, and customisation bottlenecks that constrain operations.

Gartner's evolution from promoting "postmodern ERP" to "composable ERP" reflects industry recognition that one-size-fits-all solutions no longer work.

Why the "Xero-NetSuite Gap" Is Now an Advantage

There used to be a genuine gap where companies outgrew Xero or QuickBooks but weren't ready for full ERP complexity. That gap has largely disappeared thanks to modern tools that solve specific problems without requiring complete system replacement.

Translucent handles multi-entity reporting, unified search, and intercompany reconciliation - but other tools are also adding powerful additional functionality to the multi-entity tech stack. Float recently launched its consolidated short-term cashflow forecasting and reporting to bring direct method 13-week cashflow reports across the whole organisation.

These aren't simply band-aid solutions. They're purpose-built tools that often work better than ERP modules because they're designed for specific use cases rather than trying to be everything to everyone. They're also improving at a faster pace with the advent of AI.

The Cost of Delaying Is Now Massive Savings

The traditional logic suggested that delaying ERP migration would eventually force expensive, rushed implementations. The opposite has proven true. Companies that resist the ERP pressure are saving hundreds of thousands - or millions - while their competitors struggle with complex migrations.

Michael put it like this:

“What we try to do at Translucent is allow them just to buy the apps or the modules that they need at a very cost-effective price…without having to get bogged down into a project of, ‘I’ve got to migrate my accounting software. But you don’t need to rip up everything else you’ve got just to now scratch that itch. You can keep everything else in place and solve that problem.”

The numbers tell the story: NetSuite implementations start at £200,000 for mid-market companies and can easily exceed £1 million with customisation, training, and disruption costs. A typical Xero + Translucent + Float + specialist tools approach might cost £5,000-£10,000 annually - a fraction of the ERP investment with far better user adoption and faster implementation.

More importantly, that modular investment preserves optionality. If a company eventually needs true ERP capabilities, it can migrate individual functions over time rather than forcing a "big bang" replacement that puts the entire business at risk.

With 56% of organisations experiencing high purchase regret and failure rates exceeding 60%, recommending an ERP migration is increasingly difficult to justify. Meanwhile, the modular approach offers clear benefits: faster deployment, lower risk, incremental investment, and the ability to course-correct without organisational trauma.

Today, by developing their knowledge of a modular-based tech stack, CFOs are positioning themselves as strategic advisers who help companies avoid unnecessary complexity rather than consultants who default to enterprise solutions. This differentiation becomes a competitive advantage as the market recognises that complexity often kills growth.

The Bottom Line for Modern CFOs

The evidence suggests that traditional ERP implementations pose unacceptable risks for growing companies. With failure rates exceeding 60%, average cost overruns of 189%, and only 33% customer satisfaction, the promise of integrated systems too often delivers organisational trauma instead of transformation.

The companies abandoning their ERP investments aren't failures - they're pioneers of a more pragmatic approach to enterprise technology. They're proving that modular, best-of-breed solutions can deliver enterprise-level capabilities without the complexity typically associated with them.

For fractional CFOs advising growing companies, the message is clear: challenge the ERP orthodoxy. The technology landscape has evolved to the point where the "Xero-NetSuite gap" is no longer a limitation. Companies that resist the pressure to "graduate" to complex ERPs often find themselves more agile, more profitable, and better positioned for sustainable growth.

When your clients hit those traditional ERP trigger points - multiple entities, complex reporting needs, or scaling operations - remember Michael Wood's insight: if today's technology had been available during Receipt Bank's growth, they never would have made the NetSuite transition. That's not a failure of ambition; it's the wisdom of experience.

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Most finance professionals (e.g. accountants and fCFOs) are still relying on outdated marketing tactics: generic websites, vague messaging, and a hope that referrals will carry the business.

However, as Karen Reyburn shares, that approach no longer works.

In this episode of The New F*Word, I sit down with Karen to chat about what really works when it comes to marketing for accountants and fractional CFOs. Karen shares practical insights on defining your audience, crafting compelling stories, and evolving your marketing as services change.

Here are the main takeaways from this episode:

* Boring marketing is bad for business. If your firm sounds like every other one, clients can't choose you. Make it human. Make it real.

* Talk less. Listen more. Ask therapist-style questions: "How are things really?" Then build your messaging around what people actually say.

* Get specific. The narrower your niche, the stronger your pull. Broad messaging attracts no one. Great marketing divides.

* Done is better than perfect. You don’t need the perfect brand before you start showing up. Just start.

* Creativity isn’t optional anymore. Whether you’re a fractional CFO or firm owner, your creative mindset is now a business asset.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

This episode is brought to you by Float, the cash flow forecasting software trusted by thousands of Modern Finance Leaders and businesses. Whether you're a growing company or a fractional CFO, Float is a cash flow forecasting tool that provides finance professionals with daily cash visibility for the businesses they serve and helps them manage and plan cash flow for any scenario they might face.

Laura Linden, founder of Feisty FD, shares her journey from accidental finance expert to guiding female entrepreneurs to multimillion-pound exits. With 12 years of experience, she reveals key insights on avoiding valuation pitfalls, the critical role of historical cash flows, and why due diligence matters. She also highlights the value of corporate finance advisors and how gender influences risk-taking, aiming to empower women in business.

Inspired by her daughter’s fearless spirit, Laura is dedicated to making finance accessible. She’s working on a book and app to boost women’s confidence with numbers. As AI transforms the industry, Laura stays ahead, offering practical advice on adapting and thriving. This episode is a clear, no-nonsense guide to mastering your business’s finances and unlocking its full potential.

Adam Sher, CFO at Vero Capital, shares his journey from Big Four accounting to scaling tech ventures. He empowers Series Seed to Series A startups by streamlining financial operations and investor communications. His insights on SaaS metrics and valuations are invaluable for CFOs helping founders navigating growth.

We explore small business challenges, from tariffs to global supply chain disruptions. Adam’s candid reflections on his own startup failures, paired with actionable strategies for managing churn and rising costs, offer founders clear, practical guidance to thrive in turbulent times.

Wondering how to tame your startup’s financial chaos? I’m with Ciarán O’Donnell, fractional CFO and Own Your Numbers founder, who equips startups with the financial savvy to grow. We uncover how to spot cash flow traps, decode KPIs, and why EBITDA isn’t just jargon—it could shape your business’s exit value.

Packed with wild stories and actionable insights, we explore how a part-time finance expert turns confusion into clarity without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re buried in spreadsheets or just want to boost your financial know-how, this episode’s got the spark you need.

In this episode of The New F*Word host Colin Hewitt sits down with Jonathan Rosenzweig, Fractional CFO at OpenExchange, to break down how the fractional CFO role differs from a traditional CFO seat and why fractional CFOs are reshaping how growing companies build financial clarity.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to know when you actually need a fractional CFO vs. a full-time hire

* Why your financial narrative must pass the one-sentence test

* The critical importance of alignment across every stakeholder

* How to balance long-term vision with tactical flexibility

* Why scenario analysis beats point forecasts every single time

Jonathan Rosenzweig is a globally seasoned finance leader and fractional CFO who has navigated nearly every corner of the financial services industry. Today, he works fractionally with middle-market growth companies and innovative tech firms, bringing his deep expertise in financial narrative building, forecasting, and team leadership to founders and finance leaders who need sophisticated CFO guidance without the full-time commitment.

Explore Float’s platform and solutions at https://floatapp.com.

Curious about ditching a cushy corporate finance gig for the wild ride of a fractional CFO business? I sat down with Kat Willem-Kent, a trailblazer who traded a top firm for Fractional Finance, growing it from a one-woman show to a seven-strong team with HR disruption in her sights. Over lunch in London, she sparked the idea and mapped it out in a sunny Paddington square. Kat’s story is raw—bold leaps, scaling chaos, and balancing family life, all spiked with energy healing and manifestation.

In this episode, she dishes on recruiting CFOs, managing client demands, and her killer tech stack (Xero, Fathom, Float). Beyond numbers, Kat’s driven by purpose, blending personal growth with big plans. Our conversation is punchy, real, and loaded with insights for entrepreneurs, finance nerds, or anyone hungry for a fresh take on business.

In this greatest hits episode, The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt, along with Karen Reyburn, Kevin Jacobs, and Michael Wood, pulls together three themes that keep showing up in growing businesses: human-first advisory, cash discipline, and the hidden cost of ‘big system’ upgrades.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why fractional CFOs are reshaping how SME businesses think about money

* How to connect authentically with clients to uncover their real pain points

* The critical difference between cash flow forecasting and the gut-feel approach most businesses rely on

* How to talk to clients like a therapist

Karen Reyburn is the Founder of The Profitable Firm, a creative agency specializing in transforming how accounting firms approach marketing. With over a decade of experience combining her background as a qualified accountant with marketing expertise, she has pioneered a unique approach to helping finance professionals connect authentically with their ideal clients. Karen is the author of “The Accountant Marketer” and an upcoming book on creativity in finance, sharing her methodology for helping accountants embrace both their analytical and creative sides.

Kevin Jacobs is a Fractional CFO at BDO USA, bringing over 20 years of industry experience spanning construction and manufacturing. With a background that includes scaling a $30M company to over $100M in six years through strategic financial planning, ERP implementation, and working capital management, Kevin specializes in helping contractors and manufacturers gain financial clarity and sustainable growth.

Michael Wood is a pioneering force in accounting technology. He co-founded Receipt Bank (now Dext), the leading data capture tool for accountants and bookkeepers, and helped scale it into a global category leader. After stepping back due to health challenges, Michael returned to build Translucent, a new platform designed to help multi-entity businesses stay on their existing accounting systems while scaling with clarity.

In this episode of The New F*Word host Colin Hewitt sits down with Laura Taylor, Founder of Empowered by Cloud and architect of the RITMOS methodology, to discuss why accounting firms remain stuck in outdated service delivery models. And, more importantly - what it actually takes to transition from compliance work to genuine advisory partnerships that drive real business value.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why virtual FD services fail to scale

* The compliance trap that kills advisory

* How to position advisory so price objections disappear

* The rhythm framework that replaces chaos with clarity

* Why your background matters more than your credentials

Laura is a visionary accounting entrepreneur and business strategist known for transforming how accounting firms operate and deliver value. With a background spanning retail management at major corporations like Sainsbury’s and ASDA, followed by founding and scaling Empowered by Cloud - a specialized virtual finance department firm serving the UK construction industry - Laura brings a unique, business-first perspective to the accounting profession. She sold her thriving practice in April 2024 and has since pivoted to helping accountants build more profitable, sustainable businesses through one-to-one advisory work and her newly launched Virtual Finance Department Program, now serving 50+ firms.

Explore Float’s platform and solutions at https://floatapp.com.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Frank Overtoom, a seasoned commercial finance leader with experience across industries, continents, and high-pressure environments. Together, they explore what it really takes to lead financial strategy when decisions carry weight, how the role of the fractional CFO continues to evolve, and how working internationally has shaped Frank’s approach to modern financial leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

* What financial leadership looks like in high-stress environments

* How the role of the fractional CFO has changed in recent years

* Why judgement and perspective matter as much as technical finance skills

* How international experience shapes modern leadership approaches

* What businesses should expect when bringing in senior financial leadership

* How experienced CFOs stay effective across different industries and stages

Frank Overtoom is a multi-lingual, board-level commercial finance leader with experience across technology, retail, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. He has lived and worked internationally and is known for leading financial strategy in complex, high-pressure environments. Frank currently works as a fractional CFO across a portfolio of businesses, supporting leadership teams with strategic clarity, commercial judgement, and calm decision-making as they navigate growth and change.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Siân Grinter, Founder and Fractional Finance Director of Superstar FD, to dive into how she transformed personal adversity into entrepreneurial growth, built a thriving niche in professional services, and learned to set healthy boundaries while scaling sustainably.

What You’ll Learn:

* How Siân turned personal challenges into motivation for change

* What separates a great fractional CFO from an accounting practice

* Building a business model that aligns with your strengths

* How to transition from doing all the work yourself to building a team

Siân Grinter is the Founder and Fractional Finance Director of Superstar FD, a fractional finance department specializing in professional services firms. With over 25 years of experience progressing from accounts assistant to finance director across law firms and financial services organizations, Siân has built a unique expertise in translating corporate finance leadership into scalable, fractional advisory.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Mairianne Stewart, Fractional CFO at Plug-In Finance, to discuss her leap from big business to entrepreneurship, what she’s learned helping founders manage cash and growth, and why startups should never wait until it’s too late to bring in a fractional CFO.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why cash blindness is killing your startup faster than a bad product

* How to avoid the two-to-three-month onboarding tax when bringing in fractional finance support

* The hidden skill that fractional CFOs actually need that has nothing to do with accounting

* How to structure a fractional CFO practice so you’re not the bottleneck

* Why the corporate world and startup world are polar opposites

Mairianne Stewart is a fractional CFO with over 20 years of experience in FTSE-100 companies and four years providing strategic CFO services to ambitious SMEs. She helps growing businesses navigate complex financial, operational, and regulatory challenges without the need for a full-time CFO. From cash flow management to governance and scalable operations, Mairianne works with founders to professionalise their businesses and prepare them for the next stage of growth.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Kevin Jacobs, Fractional CFO at BDO USA, to discuss the unglamorous but critical reality of cash flow management, scaling from $30M to $100M in revenue, and why contractors and manufacturers are leaving money on the table by obsessing over profit instead of cash.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why profit is a vanity metric and cash is your actual business lifeline

* How to implement a 13-week cash flow forecast

* Why diversification of customers and revenue streams prevents the cash flow death spiral

* How to educate field staff and back-office teams to speak the same financial language

* The fractional CFO future

Kevin Jacobs is a Fractional CFO at BDO USA, bringing over 20 years of industry experience spanning construction and manufacturing. With a background that includes scaling a $30M company to over $100M in six years through strategic financial planning, ERP implementation, and working capital management, Kevin specializes in helping contractors and manufacturers gain financial clarity and sustainable growth.

In this episode of The New F*Word, host Colin Hewitt is joined by Pauline Healey, Owner and Director at Logical BI, to share her journey and the lessons she now brings to manufacturers, distributors, and service businesses across the UK and beyond.

What You’ll Learn:

* How to identify and eliminate hidden manufacturing wastage through systematic process analysis

* Why inventory management is crucial and how to unlock millions in working capital

* How to navigate international manufacturing relationships, especially with Chinese suppliers

* The strategic approach to evaluating and optimising cash cycles in manufacturing businesses

* Why manufacturing businesses need both technical and financial expertise and operational understanding

* The key metrics and reporting systems that drive manufacturing efficiency

Pauline Healey is a seasoned fractional CFO and Founder of Logical BI. With vast international experience, including 19 visits to China and significant work in supply chain optimisation, she has helped numerous businesses improve their financial performance and operational efficiency. Her expertise spans manufacturing processes, inventory management, and international trade, having generated millions in savings through strategic financial leadership and process improvements. Currently, she’s developing a groundbreaking CFO mentorship community platform to help finance professionals in smaller businesses access high-level strategic guidance.Episode Resources:

* Pauline Healey on LinkedIn

* Logical BI Website

* Learning by Questions Website

* Colin Hewitt on LinkedIn

* Float Cash Flow Forecasting Website