The CFO Show

Compliance and risk management thrive on a robust partnership between finance and legal departments. When CFOs and CLOs collaborate effectively, they cultivate a culture of trust and ethical business practices that enhance corporate governance and drive superior business outcomes.This episode explores the crucial alliance between finance and legal departments, focusing on the CFO and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) dynamic. Megha Parekh, Executive Vice President and CLO of the Jacksonville Jaguars, shares her extensive experience since joining the team in 2013. As part of her responsibilities, Megha oversees all legal matters for the Khan family's portfolio of sports and has advised on acquisitions, real estate developments, naming rights, and other major deals.Megha and host Melissa Howatson discuss the complex intersections of business and law, and the pivotal partnership and strategic collaboration between CFOs, CLOs and General Counsels. From lessons learned to the impact of strong relationships, and from best practices in budgeting to effective project management, discover valuable insights on how finance and legal teams can collaborate to overcome challenges and achieve stellar business outcomes.Discussed In This Episode:The complementary roles of legal and finance, as well as the challenges that arise between the two departments.Top traits Megha has observed in successful CFOs she has worked alongside.The importance of treating colleagues as clients and delivering excellent service between in-house departments.The role of early communication in fostering strong cross-functional partnerships and mitigating business risks.Lessons Megha learned from negotiating the Jaguars’ stadium renovation deal and securing a 30-year lease extension.The value of curiosity and communication in legal and finance.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

As the global push for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and sustainability gains momentum, CFOs face the challenge of translating complex mandates into actionable strategies that simultaneously satisfy regulators, investors, and the company's bottom line.Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Partner and Head of Sustainability at MHA (an independent member of Baker-Tilly International) guides UK and global business leaders through the process of integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into their operations. Mark joins host Melissa Howatson to explore the impacts of UK environmental regulations, sustainability reporting, and climate-related financial disclosures. In part two of our two-part series, discover the latest developments in sustainability regulations both in the UK and globally and learn how companies can prepare for this increasingly complex regulatory landscape.Discussed in This EpisodeIntegrating sustainability risk management across all company processes to address ESG concerns comprehensively, rather than treating them as isolated compliance tasks.The importance of establishing a board-level leader, ideally a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), to coordinate and elevate sustainability initiatives throughout the organization.Engaging a critical third-party advisor to periodically review ESG practices and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.The necessity for companies to begin collecting baseline sustainability data now, ensuring readiness for future disclosures and maintaining strong customer relationships.Learn what part politics play in shaping sustainability legislation in the U.S. and Europe.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

As the global push for ESG and sustainability gains momentum, CFOs find themselves translating complex mandates into actionable strategies that satisfy regulators, investors, and the bottom line alike.Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Partner and Head of Sustainability at MHA (an independent member of Baker-Tilly International) guides UK and global business leaders through the process of integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into their operations. Mark joins host Melissa Howatson to explore the impacts of UK environmental regulations, sustainability reporting, and climate-related financial disclosures. In part one of our two-part series, learn about the latest developments in sustainability regulations in both the UK and around the globe, and how companies should prepare for this complex regulatory landscape.Discussed In This Episode:The latest developments in sustainability regulations worldwideHow firms looking to expand globally should navigate sustainability mandates across diverse marketsGuidelines for appointing the right team of advisors to manage regulatory complexity.The importance of adopting a long-term approach (3-5 years) to effectively navigate complex regulations, mitigate potential risks, and implement ESG strategies that enhance market value.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

During times of uncertainty, CFOs must serve as the guiding compass for their organizations, helping business leaders move beyond reactive decisions toward sustainable, long-term strategies. Myles Corson, leader of EY’s Global and Americas Strategy and Markets, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and the host of The Better Finance Podcast, has engaged with numerous CFOs about the complexities of navigating turbulent economic landscapes.Myles joins host Melissa Howatson to discuss why CFOs are uniquely equipped to drive business success in volatile times. They delve into how finance leaders can harness their comprehensive organizational perspective to not only weather challenges but also position their companies for growth and resilience.Discover actionable insights on how CFOs can leverage their unique vantage point to ensure their businesses thrive during challenging times.Discussed in This Episode:How finance leaders can use their vision as a navigation tool for informed decision-making and value creation.The significance of communicating clear end goals and actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders.Strategies for adapting to changing business landscapes without losing sight of long-term objectives.An increasing appetite for finance leaders to be critical players in innovation, as well as the challenges they face in implementing innovation within their own departments.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

A severe talent shortage is threatening the foundation of the finance function: accounting. The accounting profession is facing a critical talent shortage, threatening the foundation of financial operations across accounting firms and businesses of all sizes. Mark Maurer, reporter for The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal team, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore this pressing issue. Drawing from his extensive coverage of the shrinking talent pipeline, Maurer discusses the factors driving the increased demand for accountants and the dwindling supply of qualified professionals.As competition for accounting talent intensifies, this episode offers valuable insights for CFOs, finance leaders, and business executives. Join us for a timely discussion on the urgent talent gap and its far-reaching impact on the future of finance teams and beyond.Discussed in This Episode:The consequences of the current talent shortage, both on daily business operations, and long-term opportunities.What’s behind the sharp decline in CPA candidates and a dwindling interest in the accounting profession, and what plans are in place to regrow the pipeline.How finance leaders can retain talent by making accounting team members feel more engaged and valued.Ways to prevent burnout on short-staffed accounting teams, especially given the seasonality of the business function.The role AI will play in the future of accounting and solving the talent shortage.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Financial data alone can’t drive a company’s success; it’s the CFO’s ability to turn that data into a compelling narrative that moves the needle. Whether engaging investors, rallying the board, or inspiring internal teams, the power lies in transforming raw data into stories that align with the company’s vision and steer it through both challenges and opportunities.In this episode, Stephen Bates, Chief Financial Officer of Canford Healthcare Ltd. shares his more than 20 years of experience in finance roles across a wide range of industries in the UK. Stephen discusses the crucial role CFOs play in transforming financial data into engaging stories that drive business outcomes, especially during uncertain times.Learn how effective narratives and storytelling can propel companies toward their strategic goals.Discussed in This Episode:The importance of transparency and clarity in financial storytellingWeaving your strategic vision into the financial stories you tellSelecting the right metrics and KPIs that align with your story, and communicating them through data visualization.Techniques for connecting financial data with emotional appeals to inspire and motivate stakeholders.The key components of an effective change narrative: setting the stage, identifying the drivers of change, outlining the journey, and envisioning the future.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit, this episode features insights from FP&A and accounting leaders about the demands and rewards of their work. Join us as we dive into the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the art of balancing strategic vision with daily tasks, and the leadership skills that make a difference. Discover how teamwork and a purpose-driven mindset are shaping the future of finance.Featured Guests in Order of Appearance:[00:00], [01:03] Blake Dunaway, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Corcentric[00:46] Eugene Fedorinov, MBA, CFA,Sr. Manager, Finance Database & Budget Analysis, Arizona Cardinals [02:43] Pat Jones, SVP, Corporate Controller, PetIQ[04:15] Sultan Akif, Unicorn Account Executive,  Microsoft[06:02] Harjot Ghai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Delbridge Solutions, Inc.[06:48] Christine Harms, Vice President and Controller, The Tuscon Roadrunners[07:26] Brian Krause, Chief Financial Officer, Community First Solutions[07:34] Jesse Funes, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, New Horizons[11:07] Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Officer, Kansas City Chiefs[13:04] Carrie Self, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, Tacala CompaniesDiscussed in This Episode:What finance leaders enjoy most about their jobs, from working with so many other teams to being at the center of every major business decision.How finance leaders feel they could be even more impactful with the help of their team and colleagues,What finance leaders wish other colleagues understood about their jobs, and what it takes to be successful.How FP&A roles have changed over time, and why it’s so important to have a bridge between strategic and tactical work.

The CEO-CFO partnership is arguably the cornerstone of an organization’s success, shaping not only its financial health but its strategic trajectory. This relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect, candid dialogue, and aligned vision. A thriving CEO-CFO dynamic goes beyond simple collaboration; it involves a continuous cycle of challenging each other’s perspectives, reinforcing financial discipline, and driving innovative strategies. Our host and CFO of Vena, Melissa Howatson, shares such a dynamic relationship with Vena CEO Hunter Madeley. Together, they explore the unique perspectives of their respective roles and how aligning them is key to ensuring that the business is healthy today and positioned for sustainable growth.Learn how the CEO and CFO partnership can be a strategic catalyst for success and discover how this strategic alliance is more than just a business necessity—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of an organization, ensuring its resilience today and its growth well into the future.Discussed In This Episode: What’s top of mind for today’s CEOs and how finance leaders can support them through uncertain economic timesThe evolving role of CFOs, and whether they should be perceived as order-takers or strategic sparring partners in shaping the future of the businessHow CFOs can use their unique vantage points to help other functional leaders be more future-centricThe horizons of investments, and how CFOs can help CEOs commit to short and long-term goalsFor CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since 2018, reshaping how businesses handle personal data across the globe. While many view GDPR as solely a legal or IT challenge, its impact ripples far beyond those departments—it touches every aspect of an organization. For CFOs, GDPR isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the financial health of the company, managing operational risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability. CFOs must be at the forefront of creating a GDPR-compliant organization, not only to avoid costly penalties but to protect the organization's reputation.Greet Gemels is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Advantage Group International, where she oversees the Finance, Human Resources, and Operations functions of a global market research company. In this episode, Greet and host Melissa Howatson discuss the critical implications of GDPR for CFOs and analyze the financial and operational risks involved.Discover how CFOs can effectively navigate current and evolving GDPR requirements to mitigate data security risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard their organization's financial and operational integrity.Discussed in This EpisodeHow GDPR data privacy laws have transformed data handling practices and regulatory compliance across organizations.The tangible and intangible costs of achieving GDPR compliance, along with the serious repercussions of non-compliance.The risks and implications of working with third-party vendors for tasks such as human resources and payroll.The critical need for strategic resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration, and robust metrics to assess the financial impact of GDPR compliance efforts.For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit,we had the opportunity to engage with a range of FP&A leaders, discussing the current state of business operations and their financial priorities as they strategize for 2025 and beyond.Learn what’s top of mind for CFOs, finance leaders and Microsoft, and how they plan to support business growth in the year ahead.Featured Guests in Order of Appearance:[00:00], [01:53] Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Officer, Kansas City Chiefs[00:48],  [11:40]  Harjot Ghai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Delbridge Solutions, Inc.[03:05] Jesse Funes, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, New Horizons[03:53], [09:05] Eugene Fedorinov, MBA, CFA, Sr. Manager, Finance Database & Budget Analysis, Arizona Cardinals[04:13] Pat Jones, SVP, Corporate Controller, PetIQ[04:51] Sultan Akif, Unicorn Account Executive,  Microsoft[06:34] Carrie Self, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, Tacala Companies[07:26] Brian Krause, Chief Financial Officer, Community First SolutionsDiscussed In This Episode:The state of business operations at various organizations, including recent process improvements and investments, as well as ongoing challengesHow CFOs plan to adapt their financial strategies in the second half of the year to navigate potential economic shifts or market volatilityStrategies CFOs and other finance leaders are implementing to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting processes and prepare their organizations for growthWhere CFOs feel they need to make continued investments in the year ahead, including AI and other technologiesFor CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.