Run the Numbers

Scott Spiegel, COO and former CFO of the AICPA, shares his insights on the evolving accounting profession. He discusses how AI is reshaping the field while emphasizing the need for adaptability and new skill sets. Spiegel reveals surprising overlaps between accounting and sales, underlines the importance of soft skills, and challenges misconceptions about the profitability of nonprofits. His unique anecdotes, including experiences with fraud detection, highlight a future where accountants thrive by blending technical and relationship-driven skills.

Trey O'Callaghan, a partner at Goodwin specializing in tech M&A, shares invaluable insights on navigating the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the critical role of M&A lawyers in preventing costly mistakes, from unpaid sales tax to co-founder disputes. Trey explains why earn-outs can be a source of litigation and the importance of involving legal counsel early in the process. He also sheds light on non-compete agreements and the personal implications for CFOs during negotiations. Don't miss his tips for ensuring smooth transactions in the tech industry!

Publicly traded companies in the U.S. have halved in the last 30 years, with more firms opting for private ownership. This shift stems from significant changes in the capital markets and a surge in private credit. The move to private equity presents challenges for small-cap companies, while altering the landscape for finance professionals. What does this mean for future employees and investors? The discussion dives into these trends and their implications, painting a vivid picture of a rapidly evolving financial environment.

In this insightful discussion, Amy Butte, the CFO of Navan, shares her extensive background in finance, stretching from her days at the New York Stock Exchange to her current AI-driven role. She highlights how Navan integrates AI not just for document management, but for enhancing financial workflows. Amy also explores the challenges of building effective teams, the crucial debate of building versus buying tech solutions, and the significance of mentorship in leadership roles. Her anecdotes blend humor and experience, making for a captivating conversation.

Jimmy Soni, bestselling author of The Founders, dives into the intriguing world of the PayPal Mafia, including icons like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. He shares Thiel's bold predictions regarding the dot-com bubble and discusses the unconventional hiring strategies that shaped PayPal's culture. Soni also sheds light on the fraught relationship between PayPal and eBay, as well as the creative tactics that fueled user growth at YouTube. Get ready for a treasure trove of insights about one of tech history's most influential groups!

Figma is setting new standards for IPOs with impressive financial metrics and a strong collaborative model. The analysis dives deep into their revenue growth, profitability, and retention rates. It also uncovers potential risks and competitive challenges they may face, while exploring exciting opportunities for international expansion and market valuation. Get insights on how Figma is positioning itself in the digital development landscape as it prepares for its public debut.

Scott Engler, CEO of Sync Executive Partners, dives into the crucial role of CFOs in corporate success. He boldly asserts that CFOs often outshine CEOs, particularly in private equity. Engler discusses the evolution of CFO responsibilities, emphasizing the shift from gatekeepers to proactive leaders driven by data. He offers insights on managing CEO relationships, the importance of financial storytelling, and tips for landing CFO roles, including negotiation strategies for equity packages. Expect revealing commentary on overcoming challenges and navigating performance dynamics.

Mike Wu, founder of Hire Frame and host of the What Worked podcast, interviews CJ Gustafson, a former CFO turned full-time content creator. They dive into CJ's journey after selling his company and immediately firing himself. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of supportive partners in entrepreneurship and the creative process behind his newsletter, Looking for Leverage. They also discuss the struggles of audience engagement and the significance of compound effort in achieving success. Their insights into the intersection of finance and content creation are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Sean Jacobsohn, a partner at Norwest, invests in tech firms targeting CFOs and runs the Failure Museum, showcasing lessons from failed companies. He discusses the fragmented CFO software landscape and emerging disruptors challenging legacy systems. Jacobsohn shares insights on successful partnerships, the significance of domain expertise, and evolving tools like automated expense management solutions. He reflects on the six forces of failure and emphasizes the importance of learning from missteps to drive innovation in finance technology.

Sarah Riley, CFO of dbt Labs and former finance leader at Zoom, shares insights from her time navigating hypergrowth during the pandemic. She discusses the challenges of scaling operations and adapting financial strategies amidst skyrocketing user signups. Sarah highlights her strategic use of Helmer's Seven Powers framework to drive decisions. The conversation touches on evolving pricing models, integrating AI in finance, and converting finance teams from 'doers to reviewers', all while balancing efficiency with innovation.