GrowCFO Show

Kevin Appleby is in conversation with Roi Ben Daniel. Roi is the founder and CEO of Received, a billing and accounts receivable solution focused on the specialised needs of B2B sales organisations. They discuss the challenges facing mid-market SaaS companies and the pressures CFOs face around software costs, pricing models, and customer unit economics. Roi also shares insights into opportunities like service monetisation and why building invoicing in-house often doesn’t make sense compared to a dedicated solution. Roi discussed how companies are gaining more pricing flexibility to address demands from both customers and investors. Offering tiered pricing through levels of service like bronze, silver and gold helps give customers options while protecting recurring revenues. He also talked about how services, which can be one of the highest costs for software businesses, are often provided for free historically. Now, companies are finding innovative ways to monetise services through recurring tiers with bank hours and overage fees. Organisations are also looking to “productise” services in order to maximise commercial value from each customer relationship. https://youtu.be/WVWwci4Ba7Y Links Join GrowCFO today GrowCFO Finance Transformation Boot Camp GrowCFO Show episode 137 “Subscription Pricing and Packaging” with Wolter Rebergen, Commercial Director at Younium Roi Ben Daniel on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Cash flow and revenue management for B2B sales lead organizations. (0:11) Fintech industry trends and the future of invoicing systems. (8:14) Automating b2b software sales and invoicing. (16:02) Mid-market software, pricing, and customer strategies. (21:32) Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favourite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Google Podcasts, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. You can join GrowCFO as a free member today and take part in our regular networking events and webinars.  Premium members also have access to our extensive training centre and CFO Digital Toolkit. Here you can enrol in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programmes.  You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Blake Wetzel, CEO of AuctionIQ, discusses how companies can save money on technology expenses through a reverse auction process. Blake has experience as both a CFO and CEO and explains how his financial background helps him as a CEO. He outlines how AIQ evaluates a company’s entire technology spend, identifies areas for savings, and runs a competitive bidding process to get the best price while still meeting quality requirements. Companies can typically save 40% on costs this way compared to 15% through traditional negotiations. Benefits include increased cash flow and enterprise value. The process takes 3-4 months on average. Tips for CFOs include finding an expert partner to manage the process and getting contracts and invoices organised beforehand. Blake explains that AIQ’s patented reverse auction process involves first vetting suppliers to ensure they meet the client’s technical and other requirements. AIQ sits down individually with each potential supplier to evaluate how well their solution matches what the client needs. Suppliers are given a qualitative score based on this evaluation. The suppliers that pass the threshold then participate in a live auction where they can see other suppliers’ bids and bid against each other in real-time. This competitive dynamic drives prices down further than traditional one-on-one negotiations. On average, reverse auctions yield savings of 40% compared to 15% for direct negotiations. The process aims to find the best supplier at the right price, not necessarily the lowest price bidder. https://youtu.be/coiW6ti0Ydc Links Join GrowCFO today GrowCFO Finance Transformation Boot Camp Blake Wetzel on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Introducing Blake Wetzel (0.11) Saving cash through technology expenses with a former CFO. (2:11) Using auctions to negotiate better deals for IT services. (6:28) ERP implementation and process optimization. (13:59) Optimizing IT infrastructure spend through reverse auctions. (17:20) Procurement auctions and evaluating suppliers. (23:25) IT supplier evaluation and cost savings. (26:46) Evaluating and acquiring fintech companies. (32:49) Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favourite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Google Podcasts, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. You can join GrowCFO as a free member today and take part in our regular networking events and webinars.  Premium members also have access to our extensive training centre and CFO Digital Toolkit. Here you can enrol in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programmes.  You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

This episode features Tom Schultz, author of the book “So You Want to be a Fractional CFO?”. Tom shares his story of how he accidentally got into fractional CFO work in 2006 after helping sell the company he worked for. He discusses building his business through referrals from his network and eventually forming a firm called Next Gen CFO with 18 fractional CFOs. Tom provides advice on how to build a referral network and develop fractional CFO business. He also discusses how the book came to be written to help others entering this field. The book is available on Amazon and provides guidance for those considering or new to the role of fractional CFO. Tom formed NextGen CFO in 2010 with another fractional CFO he met. They decided to combine forces to be able to handle more referrals and pass clients to each other if one was too busy. They launched with just the two of them. Another established firm was looking to enter their area, so they grew to five people to establish themselves first. Since then, they have continued growing, with 18 fractional CFOs serving around 70 clients. Forming the firm provides stability since no one person loses their whole paycheck if a client leaves, and it’s less impactful than if they were solo practitioners. https://youtu.be/NMWNlDYiPjw Links Join GrowCFO today So You Want to be a Fractional CFO? On Amazon US and UK NextGen CFO Tom Schultz on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Introducing Tom Schultz. (0:11) Becoming an accidental fractional CFO and managing multiple clients. (4:43) Fractional CFO role and relationship building. (9:46) Building a network for business development. (13:54) Building a successful fractional CFO business. (18:16) Fractional CFO roles and market demand. (22:39) Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favourite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Google Podcasts, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. You can join GrowCFO as a free member today and take part in our regular networking events and webinars.  Premium members also have access to our extensive training centre and CFO Digital Toolkit. Here you can enrol in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programmes.  You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

This week on The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby sits down with Charles Fisher, CFO of Turo, the world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace. Chuck shares the story of how Turo is disrupting the traditional car rental industry by allowing people to list, discover and book cars anywhere without owning a large fleet. He discusses his role overseeing finance and operations as Turo scales rapidly while maintaining profitability. Chuck also offers insights from his previous career in investment banking and lessons learned from the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on finance, entrepreneurship and leadership in a fast-growing tech company. Chuck also discusses Turo’s transition to a flexible remote and hybrid working model. He notes the benefits of accessing talent anywhere and the challenges of managing teams remotely. Key points include: Scheduling more intentional check-ins and meetings to prevent issues from “festering below the surface” Finding ways to connect teams who no longer interact serendipitously in offices socially The importance of in-person interactions for building culture and mentorship, especially for junior employees His efforts to regularly visit San Francisco to interact with teams directly Bringing the entire global company together twice per year to reinforce connections. https://youtu.be/afVX8At_jnA Links Join GrowCFO today GrowCFO Finance Team Training Turo Charles Fisher on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn   Timestamps Introducing Charles Fisher (0:11) Disrupting the car rental industry with a platform offering convenience and variety. (2:53) Growth strategies for Turo. (8:44) How to prepare for an IPO. (13:41) Remote work challenges and benefits. (16:14) Hybrid work models and their impact on career development. (21:35) Becoming a CFO and leading a marketplace business. (27:19) Lessons learned from Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy and its impact on employees. (30:42) Career advice, networking, and business growth. (35:48)

Kevin Appleby introduces the 150th episode of The GrowCFO Show and looks back over the last three years of podcasting. The show has covered many topics and featured well over 100 guests. In this episode, Kevin reveals which ones have attracted the most interest from you—the listener. You might be a CFO with many years of experience or still be trying to land your first CFO role. Whichever it is, the podcast should bring something for you. We’ve covered many different personal development topics, looked at hot current issues, examined the state of the economy, and talked about how to raise finance and the impact of recent events. But which ones mattered to you? Here’s the top 12 episodes of the GrowCFO Show: Episode 132 How to Empower Your Finance Team with Myles Downey, Author Speaker and Leadership Coach Episode 142 How to Approach a Difficult Conversation with Catherine Clark, Head of Mentoring at GrowCFO Episode 91 Building Financial Models in Excel with Giles Male and Myles Arnott, Founders at Full Stack Modeller Episode 67 First 100 Days in Your New Finance Role with Dan Wells founder at GrowCFO Episode 30 CFO Competency Framework with Dan Wells Episode 102 How to Gain Control of Your Time with Laura Vanderkam, speaker and author of 168 hours. Episode 137 Subscription Pricing and Packaging with Wolter Rebergen Commercial Director at Younium Episode 123 Becoming a Transformational CFO with Yoana Land, CFO Transformation at L’Oreal North America Episode 118 Influencing Without Authority with Wassia Kamon, VP Finance & Accounting at ACM Chemistries Episode 119 How to Implement a Cashflow Forecasting system with Timothee Clement, Country Manager at Agicap Episode 101 How to Become a Great Finance Business Partner with Oliver Deacon, Former FD at Microsoft Episode 133 How to win at your next finance job interview with Susana Serrano-Davey, GrowCFO Mentor and Author https://youtu.be/R5GFzGJlFu4 Links Future CFO Programme CFO Competency Framework Finance Business Partnering Boot Camp Free workshop: Cash Flow Management Demystified: What is the alternative to spreadsheets? Myles Downey’s books on Amazon UK and USA Laura Vanderkam on Amazon UK and Amazon US Susana’s Book “I Wish I had Known” is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US

Andrew Waters is co-founder of recruitment consultants Zanda based in the UK and New York. He recruits finance leaders across Europe and the USA and understands the marketplace for finance staff. Andrew joins Kevin Appleby to discuss the state of the job market, what happened in the wake of COVID-19, the great resignation and the current economic slowdown. Summary Andrew’s key message is that while there have been job losses in the tech sector, the finance sector remains more buoyant. Andrew and Kevin discussed the differences between the US and European markets, with the US market bouncing back quickly. They also talked about the rise of part-time fractional CFOs, who are sought after by companies needing experienced strategic financing experience from CFOs earlier in their growth cycle. Andrew and Kevin discussed the importance of finding the right finance leader for a business based on its growth trajectory and specific needs. They also discussed the demand for finance transformation roles and the trend of flexible working models in the post-COVID era. Andrew and Kevin discussed the shift towards hybrid work models, with some businesses fully remote and others adopting a mix of remote and in-office work. They also touched on communication, workspace sharing, and career development challenges in a remote work environment.  They also touched on insights into the future recruitment market, the possibility of higher interest rates becoming the new norm, and the ongoing progress towards implementing hybrid work models. https://youtu.be/5wxVWbUFDX8 Links Zanda Find your next role on the GrowCFO job board Andrew Waters on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Introducing Andrew Waters. (0:11) What’s the current state of the recruitment market? (4:15) Differences between US and Europe. (7:41) Hiring a CFO early in the growth cycle. (12:46) What is the future need for finance leaders? (18:08) How flexible is the hybrid working model? (22:48) Importance of learning and development. (29

Catherine Marks, Is a finance professional with 20 years of experience. Most recently she was VP of Finance at Depop and Head of Group FP&A with Virgin Media O2. Catherine has joined GrowCFO as Finance Team Training Lead and is about to launch the inaugural GrowCFO FP&A boot camp. The FP&A boot camp provides practical training that enables finance teams to take immediate action and immediately make a difference in their work. The boot camp isn’t about teaching theory. Instead, the training is designed to empower participants to apply what they learn and make an impact in their roles. What is FP&A? FP&A stands for Financial Planning and Analysis. It is a critical function within an organization’s finance department that focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. The primary goal of FP&A is to provide insights and support to help organizations make informed financial decisions and achieve their strategic objectives. Here are some critical aspects of FP&A: Budgeting: FP&A professionals create and manage the company’s budget. This involves setting financial targets, allocating resources, and monitoring actual performance against the budget. Budgets are essential for planning and controlling expenses and revenue. Financial Forecasting: FP&A teams use historical financial data and current market trends to develop forecasts of future financial performance. These forecasts help organizations anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, allowing for proactive decision-making. Financial Analysis: FP&A professionals conduct in-depth financial analysis to assess the company’s financial health and performance. This may include analyzing key financial metrics, conducting variance analysis (comparing actual results to budgets or forecasts), and identifying trends or areas requiring improvement. Strategic Planning: FP&A plays a crucial role in the strategic planning process by providing financial insights to support the development of long-term business strategies. This includes evaluating the financial feasibility of strategic initiatives, assessing risk, and estimating the financial impact of different scenarios. Reporting: FP&A produces financial reports and presentations for senior management, board members, and other stakeholders. These reports often include financial statements, budget vs. actual performance reports, and financial dashboards that comprehensively view the company’s financial position. Decision Support: FP&A professionals collaborate with other departments to provide financial guidance and support for decision-making. This can involve analyzing the financial implications of proposed projects, investments, or cost-saving initiatives. Resource Allocation: FP&A helps allocate resources effectively by evaluating investment opportunities, cost structures, and return on investment (ROI). This ensures that resources are allocated to projects and activities that align with the company’s strategic goals. Risk Management: FP&A teams assess and mitigate financial risks by identifying potential threats to the organization’s financial stability. They may develop strategies to hedge against currency fluctuations, interest rate changes, or other financial risks. Performance Metrics: FP&A establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of financial strategies and operational performance. These metrics help track progress toward financial goals. Technology and Tools: FP&A professionals rely on various financial modelling tools, software, and data analytics platforms to perform their duties efficiently. These tools facilitate data analysis, scenario planning, and financial modelling. FP&A is a multifaceted function within an organization that bridges the gap between finance and strategic decision-making. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that an organization’s financial resources are allocated wisely, financial goals are met, and the company is well-positioned for future success. Summary Catherine explained that the FP&A boot camp is focussed on addressing the challenges faced by finance teams, such as data overload and lack of actionable insights that improve business performance. The boot camp provides toolkits to improve financial storytelling, business partnering, financial modeling, and budgeting and forecasting.  Catherine and Kevin discussed the importance of the budgeting process and how it can be improved to save time and resources. They also emphasized the value of planning and the need to focus on leading indicators rather than just looking at past results.  Kevin and Catherine discussed the availability of customized FP&A training for organizations and individuals. They also mentioned the launch of an FP&A competency framework that provides personalized reports and industry benchmarking to help individuals identify areas for improvement in their FP&A skills.  Catherine discussed the benefits of an FP&A course, highlighting the active learning approach, valuable additional materials, and collaboration opportunities. Kevin thanked Catherine for sharing the information on the GrowCFO show. https://youtu.be/qGf2OQlPw2s Links Catherine Marks on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO FP&A Boot camp FP&A Competency Framework GrowCFO Business Partnering for Finance Teams Boot Camps GrowCFO Finance Transformation Boot Camp GrowCFO Power BI Bootcamp Timestamps Introduction to Catherine Marks (0:11) Whats the big issue that the FP&A boot camp addresses? (2:20) What do the boot camp workshops cover? (7:06) Who is the boot camp intended for? (10:57) The FP&A competency framework (17:21)

Alex Triplett, CFO/COO at Appfire, joins the GrowCFO Show to discuss hybrid working and how to make it successful. Alex shares the culture and ways of working at Appfire and how the organisation embraces hybrid working as a core value. Hybrid working for a finance function refers to a work arrangement that combines remote and in-office work for employees within the finance department of an organization. This approach allows employees to work from different locations, such as their homes or satellite offices, while also spending some time working from a central office location. Key aspects of hybrid working for a finance function include: Flexibility: Employees have the flexibility to choose where they work, whether it’s at the office, at home, or another suitable location. This flexibility can help individuals balance their work and personal lives, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and better mental well-being. Remote Work: Employees can perform their finance-related tasks remotely, using digital tools, cloud-based platforms, and communication technologies to collaborate with colleagues, complete financial analyses, prepare reports, and engage in virtual meetings. In-Office Collaboration: While remote work is a significant component of hybrid working, employees are expected to spend some time at the office. This time is usually dedicated to collaborative activities that benefit from face-to-face interactions, such as team meetings, brainstorming sessions, training, and certain complex financial discussions. Technology and Infrastructure: Organizations must provide the necessary technological infrastructure to support remote work for their finance teams. This includes secure access to financial systems, reliable communication tools, cybersecurity measures, and access to required data and documents. Performance Measurement: Managers often focus on measuring employees’ performance based on outcomes and deliverables rather than solely on the amount of time spent in the office. This shift towards outcome-based evaluation can promote accountability and results-oriented work. Communication and Collaboration: Hybrid working relies heavily on effective communication and collaboration tools to ensure that remote and in-office employees can work seamlessly together. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools keep everyone connected and informed. Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working can provide employees with a better work-life balance, as they have more control over their schedules and can avoid lengthy commutes. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. Employee Preferences: Employee preferences for where and how they work are considered. Some individuals may thrive in a remote environment, while others may prefer the structure and social interactions of working in the office. Challenges and Considerations: Hybrid working also comes with challenges, such as maintaining a sense of team cohesion, managing communication gaps, and ensuring remote employees have equal access to opportunities and information. In the context of the finance function, hybrid working can be particularly beneficial, as much of the work involves data analysis, report preparation, and financial modelling, which can be performed effectively using digital tools. However, it’s crucial for organizations to carefully plan and implement the hybrid work model to address potential challenges and ensure that the finance function continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. Summary Alex discussed his role as CFO and COO at AppFire, a fast-growing enterprise software company that provides next-generation apps to enhance platforms like Atlassian, Microsoft, and Salesforce. He emphasized the importance of culture and human connection in the company, which was a key factor in his decision to join. Kevin and Alex discussed the topic of making hybrid working work. Alex shared that their organization has been hybrid since its inception, emphasizing flexibility and the importance of in-person interaction through hubs and department gatherings. They also mentioned their finance team’s global locations and the efforts to have virtual and in-person meetings for collaboration and connection.  Alex and Kevin discussed the flexible working approach in their organizations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and output rather than fixed working hours. They agreed that allowing employees to work remotely and integrate work with personal life leads to better productivity and work-life balance. Kevin and Alex discussed the challenges of working from home and the importance of balancing deep work and social interaction. They emphasized the need for varied meetings, regular one-on-ones, and in-person gatherings to foster collaboration and build relationships within the team.  Alex and Kevin discussed the costs and benefits of hybrid work, including the savings from not having offices in every location and the additional travel expenses. They also discussed the importance of intentionally building relationships and the value of in-person meetings and employee travel opportunities. In the discussion, Kevin and Alex talked about the tools and strategies they used at Appfire to make hybrid work successful. They emphasized the importance of having a clear vision, understanding work patterns, and fostering a culture of collaboration and human connection.  Kevin and Alex discussed management techniques in a hybrid working environment, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to employees’ emotions and body language to gauge engagement and address issues early on. They also highlighted the significance of regular check-ins and open communication with team leaders to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of the entire team.  https://youtu.be/ZfVhskUUvIk Links GrowCFO Finance Team Training Alex Triplett on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Alex’s background. (0:11) Why did you decide to work at Appfire (2:18) Flexibility in work. (7:39) Collaboration in the office. (12:52) What about the coffee machine or water cooler conversation (17:56) The cost of doing hybrid work. (23:29) How do you build a culture in your company? (27:53) Management techniques for a hybrid model. (32:51)

Oliver Deacon is a member of the GrowCFO Mentoring team. He runs the GrowCFO Business Partnering and Finance Transformation Boot Camps and is a former FD at Microsoft. Oil joins Kevin Appleby on the GrowCFO Show to talk about why these boot camps deliver results for the people attending them. Boot camps don’t focus on providing training on the theory, they provide pragmatic and useful training for finance teams concentrating on the practical application of tools and techniques that deliver results. Why do boot camps provide pragmatic and useful training for finance teams? Boot camps are known for providing pragmatic and useful training due to several key factors that distinguish them from traditional education formats. Here are some reasons why boot camps tend to offer practical and applicable skills: Focused and Intensive Curriculum: Boot camps are designed with a concentrated curriculum that focuses on teaching specific skills or technologies within a short period. This intensity ensures that students are immersed in the subject matter and learn only what’s directly applicable to their goals. Hands-On Learning: Boot camps emphasize hands-on, experiential learning. Students engage in practical exercises, projects, and real-world scenarios that allow them to directly apply what they’re learning. This approach reinforces understanding and promotes the development of problem-solving skills. Project-Based Approach: Many boot camps structure their training around case studies that simulate real-world challenges. This approach encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. Rapid Skill Acquisition: Boot camps condense the learning process, enabling students to acquire practical skills quickly. This is particularly valuable in rapidly evolving fields where professionals need to keep up with the latest tools and technologies. Instructors with practical Experience: Boot camp instructors typically have very relevant experience and practical expertise. This means they can provide real-world insights, share industry best practices, and offer guidance on applying theoretical concepts effectively. Networking Opportunities: Boot camps often foster a sense of community among participants. Students come from diverse backgrounds and industries, providing opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from their peers’ experiences. Summary Oli and Kevin discussed upcoming boot camps, including business partnering and finance transformation. They also discussed the need for pragmatic and useful training to help teams apply their learning. Oli and Kevin discussed the importance of practical training that enables finance teams to take immediate action and make a difference in their work. Oli shared his experience in providing training that empowers participants to apply what they learn and make an impact in their roles. Oli and Kevin discussed their business partnering book camp, which aimed to train finance professionals to become effective business partners. They emphasized the importance of influencing and slimming down information to generate real business impact and described the structure of their two-hour interactive sessions over six weeks. Oli and Kevin discussed the finance transformation boot camp and how it has evolved over time. They highlighted the need for finance teams to undergo major transformations and the lack of knowledge and tools to initiate these changes. Oli and Kevin discussed the need for a course that helps finance teams with finance transformation, including selecting software systems. They couldn’t find an existing course, so they built one themselves based on their own experiences and principles. Kevin and Oli discussed the different topics covered in their finance transformation boot camp, including software selection, strategy planning, process optimization, data analytics, and measuring key performance indicators. They emphasized the importance of getting the right data and using tools to transform and analyze it effectively. Oli and Kevin discussed the importance of change management in finance transformation. They emphasized the need to engage and involve the right people early on, address resistance to change, and empower individuals to contribute to process improvement. Oli and Kevin discussed various topics related to finance transformation, including the application of lean principles in finance processes and the need for training and guidance in areas such as forecasting and budgeting. They also mentioned upcoming boot camps on business partnering, finance transformation, and Power BI. Oli and Kevin discussed the challenges of learning and using Power BI in finance. They highlighted the need for a practical and focused course that provides the necessary steps and code to effectively utilize Power BI for financial reporting and analysis. https://youtu.be/WajSmiurzJo Links Oliver Deacon on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Business Partnering for Finance Teams Boot Camps GrowCFO Finance Transformation Boot Camp GrowCFO Power BI Bootcamp Timestamps How do you deliver pragmatic and useful training? (0:12) Business Partnering Boot Camp: The importance of influencing your team. (2:49) The Finance Transformation Boot Camp. (8:58) How to transform your month-end close (11:54) How do you select IT systems? (14:21) What are you going to measure? (20:04) How do we make sure people feel included in change? (24:21) The Power BI Boot Camp. (28:25) The difference between MS Excel and Power BI. (32:52)

At some point in the next year, the interest rate hikes will likely end. After months in near-constant rate-hike-anticipation mode, CFOs will need to shift their mindset to the new rate environment and the opportunities that will open up. Bill Fink is an expert on this. A commercial banking and credit-risk executive with 30 years of experience, Bill is a frequent commentator on the economy, looking at everything from the impact of inflation and supply chain disruptions to rising unemployment rates and trade wars. His commentary has appeared in publications like MarketWatch, Treasury Today and Financial Advisory magazine, and he’s a guest lecturer at Wharton and other schools. Bill Fink is a CPA and an executive VP at TD Bank. He specialises in the middle market and is highly experienced in facilitating mergers and acquisitions. In this episode Bill joins Kevin Appleby to discuss: Ways to be opportunistic with both capital and debt Why companies need to reassess their capital investment plans While M&A activity has been reduced by increased interest rates and economic uncertainty, the M&A market may now present growth opportunities for CFOs Why this could be an opening for companies to foster a new burst of organic growth by taking a new product deeper into an existing market or even expanding into a new market Summary Bill shared his experience as a CPA and how it has been beneficial in understanding finance and assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions.. Kevin and Bill discussed the impact of interest rates on the economy, noting that the pandemic-induced initiatives and stimulus measures led to inflation in various countries. They also highlighted the significant increase in interest rates over a span of 14-15 months, which hadn’t been seen in the US for 22 years. Bill and Kevin discussed the impact of high-interest rates on profit margins and the financing market. They also mentioned that while there are challenges, there are still opportunities for strategic acquisitions and divestitures in the current environment. Bill and Kevin discussed the potential impact of AI on productivity and borrowing costs. They also mentioned that while interest rates have increased, it has created opportunities for strategic acquisitions and growth for well-positioned businesses. Bill and Kevin discussed the banking crisis and its impact on the marketplace. They concluded that while there may be occasional bank acquisitions or convergence due to liquidity issues, overall, banks are better capitalized now compared to the crisis in 2007. They emphasized the importance of liquidity management, asset-liability matching, and contingency planning in the face of changing macroeconomic factors. Kevin and Bill discussed the importance of risk management and risk-adjusted returns in finance. They emphasized the need for constantly evaluating and planning for unexpected events, highlighting the value of skills such as building risk-adjusted models and contingency planning https://youtu.be/wjprnZ4OoXA Links Mentoring at GrowCFO  What’s happening? More Insights for 2023 Bill Fink on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn Timestamps Introducing Bill Fink (0:12) Becoming a CPA and moving into banking. (1:41) How interest rates have impacted profit margins. (6:07) Where is the opportunity for private equity? (10:35) How to look at M&A. (15:37) Borrowing costs will start to come down soon. (21:32) Opportunities that higher rates open up. (26:49) How do they look at the middle market? (30:33) Lessons learned in contingency planning. (36:01)