
Modern SaaS Finance with Sage
A podcast for CFOs, Controllers, FP&A, Revenue Operations, and other members of the finance community in fast growth SaaS companies.
We discuss subscription and usage billing models, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO
Latest episodes

Jul 26, 2023 • 51min
3 best practices for forecasting for fundraising - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. This is episode 6 of our Learn on the GO series from the recently launched Modern SaaS Finance Academy. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of "3 Best Practices for Forecasting for Fundraising."
As a SaaS company, fundraising is a pivotal moment in your journey towards growth and success. Effective forecasting plays a vital role in attracting investors and securing the necessary funds to fuel your expansion. In this episode, you'll learn how to create accurate financial projections that showcase your company's potential and align with your growth strategy. We guide you through the process of identifying key performance indicators, understanding market dynamics, and analyzing historical data to build a solid financial model.
Whether you're preparing for a seed round or gearing up for a Series B, this episode offers invaluable insights that will set you apart in the fundraising landscape. Learn from a seasoned experts on how to fine-tune your forecasting techniques and maximize your chances of securing the funding your SaaS company deserves.
Listen to the full episode to gain practical advice and proven strategies that will empower you to make compelling financial projections and propel your fundraising efforts to new heights.
Please NOTE: These episodes are not CPE credit eligible. Join us on the academy to enroll in our full course line up and learning path options that offer globally recognized badges, CPE credits and so much more! If you are yet to enroll on the academy, join us for FREE today!About the Modern SaaS Finance AcademyThe Modern SaaS Finance Academy is an always-on, free curated learning experience designed to educate SaaS finance leaders and experts on subscription and usage billing models, accounting, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO. For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Jul 12, 2023 • 27min
How to hit the ground running in your first 90 days as a SaaS CFO - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Tom Kirby, CEO and founder of Prepped, shares vital insights for newly appointed SaaS CFOs. He discusses crafting a 90-day ramp plan to effectively establish roles and relationships in the company. Tom emphasizes the importance of understanding financial KPIs and company dynamics. Strategies for audit readiness, proactive management, and navigating remote communication are highlighted. Additionally, he focuses on the need for community support and networking to ensure a smooth transition into the finance leadership role.

Jun 28, 2023 • 27min
How to Build and Forecast a Usage-Billing Business - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage. This is episode 4 of our Learn on the GO series from the recently launched Modern SaaS Finance Academy. This episode is on "How to Build and Forecast a Usage-Billing Business."
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, many companies are embracing usage-based billing models to drive revenue growth and offer flexible pricing options to their customers. However, successfully building and forecasting a usage-billing business comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.
Join us as we explore best practices on how to navigate the intricacies of building and forecasting a usage-billing business. From understanding the complexities of metering and pricing models to leveraging data analytics for accurate forecasting, this episode uncovers practical insights to help you align your billing system with your business objectives, effectively communicate pricing to your customers, and optimize revenue generation.
Listen now for strategies that will empower you to build a successful and profitable usage-billing business and get ready to unlock new revenue opportunities and enhance your customer relationships through effective billing and forecasting practices.
Please NOTE: These episodes are not CPE credit eligible. Join us on the academy to enroll in our full course line up and learning path options that offer globally recognized badges, CPE credits and so much more! If you are yet to enroll on the academy, join us for FREE today!
About the Modern SaaS Finance Academy
The Modern SaaS Finance Academy is an always-on, free curated learning experience designed to educate SaaS finance leaders and experts on subscription and usage billing models, accounting, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO.
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Jun 21, 2023 • 26min
5 Tips to Build Your Ideal Finance Tech Stack - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Welcome to another episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. This is episode 3 of our Learn on the GO series from the recently launched Modern SaaS Finance Academy. In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of finance technology and explore the concept of building your ideal finance tech stack.
As businesses continue to evolve and embrace the digital transformation, it has become increasingly crucial for finance teams to leverage technology to streamline their processes and drive efficiency. However, with an overwhelming number of options available, selecting the right tools for your organization can be a daunting task.
On this episode, David is joined by Ben Murray - Founder, The SaaS CFO and Ray Rike - CEO, RevOps Squared. They discuss five valuable tips to help you build your ideal finance tech stack. By aligning your technology choices with the maturity level of your finance processes, you can ensure that your tech stack supports your unique business needs and helps you achieve optimal results.
Whether you're a finance leader looking to optimize your current tech stack or a startup founder trying to establish robust financial operations from the ground up, this episode offers invaluable advice to help you make informed decisions and propel your finance function to new heights.
Listen to the full episode and get ready to take your finance operations to the next level and unlock the true potential of your organization.
Please NOTE: These episodes are not CPE credit eligible. Join us on the academy to enroll and explore learning path options that offer globally recognized badges, CPE credits and so much more! If you are yet to enroll on the academy, join us for FREE today!
About the Modern SaaS Finance Academy
The Modern SaaS Finance Academy is an always-on, free curated learning experience designed to educate SaaS finance leaders and experts on subscription and usage billing models, accounting, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO.
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Jun 14, 2023 • 29min
How to Build Your Team Through Your Company's Lifecycle - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Welcome to another episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. This is episode 2 of our Learn on the GO series from the recently launched Modern SaaS Finance Academy. In today's episode, we explore the topic - "How to Build Your Team Through Your Company's Lifecycle."
As businesses evolve and go through different stages of growth, the needs of their teams change as well. From the early startup phase to scaling and beyond, understanding how to strategically build and manage your team is essential for success.
Join David Appel and Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner from Bessemer Venture Partners and former CFO of Oracle as they share insights and expertise on navigating the intricacies of team-building throughout your company's lifecycle. In this episode, you'll gain valuable strategies and actionable tips on hiring, managing, and retaining talent at each stage.
Discover how to effectively assess your team's needs, create hiring plans, and attract the right individuals to join your organization. Learn about the importance of building a strong company culture that aligns with your values and fuels employee engagement.
Whether you're a founder looking to establish your initial team or a seasoned executive managing a rapidly expanding workforce, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build and nurture a high-performing team throughout your company's lifecycle.
Listen to the full episode and get ready to take your company to new heights with the right people by your side.
Please NOTE: These episodes are not CPE credit eligible. Join us on the academy to enroll and explore learning path options that offer globally recognized badges, CPE credits and so much more! If you are yet to enroll on the academy, join us for FREE today!
About the Modern SaaS Finance Academy
The Modern SaaS Finance Academy is an always-on, free curated learning experience designed to educate SaaS finance leaders and experts on subscription and usage billing models, accounting, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO.
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Jun 5, 2023 • 33min
The Hiring your Finance Team Playbook - #MSFA Learn on the GO Series
Welcome to a new season and a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. This is the 1st episode of our Learn on the GO series from the recently launched Modern SaaS Finance Academy. In today's episode, we delve into "The Hiring Your Finance Team Playbook."
Building a strong finance team is crucial for the success of any organization. However, navigating the hiring process can sometimes be complex and challenging. Joining us on this episode is Alamin Mollick, VP Finance, Posh. David and Alamin deep dive into the hiring playbook and share valuable insights and practical strategies to help you attract, assess, and select top finance talent.
Whether you're a finance leader seeking to expand your team or a startup founder looking to build a finance department from scratch, this episode is a must-listen. Gain the knowledge and tools you need to assemble a high-performing finance team that will drive your organization's growth and success.
Listen to the full episode and get ready to recruit and retain top finance talent that will propel your organization forward.
Please NOTE: These episodes are not CPE credit eligible. Join us on the academy to enroll and explore learning path options that offer globally recognized badges, CPE credits and so much more! If you are yet to enroll on the academy, join us for FREE today!
About the Modern SaaS Finance Academy
The Modern SaaS Finance Academy is an always-on, free curated learning experience designed to educate SaaS finance leaders and experts on subscription and usage billing models, accounting, revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, forecasting and other key functions on driving the cash flow and trajectory of a firm on its path to IPO.
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

May 11, 2023 • 17min
David Sheen ( CFO at Vestwell) on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. Joining us on todays episode is David Sheen, Chief Financial Officer at Vestwell, a turnkey solution for financial advisers that provides them with the ability to offer clients a retirement plan without taking on the risk and costs typically associated with creating one.
On this episode, David shares some insight into what has changed in managing uncertainty for finance leaders, he explores what makes building a fintech solution unique and how he partners with P/L leaders in attaining profitable growth. This is one episode you do not want to miss! Listen to the full episode for all the great insights shared.
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Apr 19, 2023 • 21min
Bjoern Lasse Herrmann (VP, Sage AI) on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. On todays episode, we have joining us, Bjoern Lasse Herrmann, VP of Sage AI, where he is leading a team to transform Sage into an AI enabled technology business. He shares some insight into how AI will affect Finance and some best practices on how CFOs should explain the positive impacts of AI to their teams. He also talks about the areas in AI that Sage focuses on and why. Listen to the full episode for all the great insights shared!
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Apr 5, 2023 • 17min
Mark Sue (Chief Financial Officer) on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. Joining us today is Mark Sue, an industry leading CFO on a discussion about market trends. He shares his perspective on what CFOs need to focus upon right now, what investors are asking for, how to manage your board, how to navigate economy uncertainties and how CFOs can give clarity of purpose to their teams right now. Listen to the full episode for all the great insights shared!
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.

Mar 30, 2023 • 18min
Sidarth Kakkar (Co-Founder/CEO at Subscript) on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast
Welcome to a new episode on the Modern SaaS Finance Podcast hosted by David Appel, head of Software/SaaS at Sage Intacct. Joining us on todays episode is Sidarth Kakkar, Co-Founder/CEO at Subscript. Subscript is the first subscription intelligence platform that makes it easier for companies with recurring revenue to get the data they need and wish they had.
On this episode, Sidarth shares insights into why it is important for everyone on the leadership team - from CFOs to CROs to CEOs - to understand their SaaS metrics and how it strategically benefits the company. He also shares concrete challenges companies experience in tracking and analyzing their SaaS metrics and how to solve them. Listen to the full episode for all the great insights shared!
For more episodes on the Modern SaaS Finance, subscribe to our podcast channel on any major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, etc. If you are a SaaS finance leader or expert and will like to join our Modern SaaS Finance community, click here to request access. Explore more SaaS finance tips and best practices here.