CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.Topics covered include:Andrew’s unique path from event management to CFOBuilding lean, scalable finance functions for startupsManaging cashflow challenges with creativity and clarityThe strategic role of FP&A in early-stage businessesNavigating investor relationships across VC and PEAdvice for new CFOs on due diligence, early wins, and adding value fastLinks mentioned:Andrew's LinkedinLearn more about Distributed  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.In this episode, they cover:How to manage multiple overlapping transformation projects without burning out your teamApproaches to reprioritising and phasing work to avoid chaos and maintain momentumWhat to do when a new CFO questions an in-progress finance system rolloutThe importance of focusing on outcomes—not just solutions—when defending project decisionsHow to engage teams stuck in Excel and manual processes without triggering resistancePractical ways to build buy-in, uncover hidden capabilities, and lead change effectivelyLinks mentionedPrevious session: Future Proofing your Finance Software ArchitectureConnect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil Lynchehaun Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Our Implementation Options and MethodologyCustomer Success StoriesBook a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.Key topics covered:Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO workStructuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growthManaging M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integrationCommunicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firmsBuilding robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategiesPreparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and disciplineLinks mentionedAndy's LinkedinLearn more about Summit 17 Ltd Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window. In this episode, we cover:How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisionsSigns of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environmentsBuilding trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peersManaging people issues and making tough but necessary team changesThe importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planningAvoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journeyLinks mentioned: Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.Key topics covered:Matt’s unconventional journey to CFOThe realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for changeHow to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and LTV to CAC to guide decisionsWhy speed and imperfection often beat precision in fast-moving environmentsManaging cash, growth, and riskPractical tips for new CFOs on building meaningful KPIs and driving strategic clarityLinks mentioned: Matt's Linkedin Learn more about Practical CFO Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this month's Finance Transformation Live host Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can design scalable, resilient systems that adapt to change and support long-term growth.Key topics covered:The four pillars of future-proof finance architecture: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenanceWhy multi-dimensional data structures are essential for reporting, AI, and agilityHow to evaluate API strength, integration flexibility, and vendor transparencyAvoiding common pitfalls like over-customisation, poor data design, and dead-end system configurationsBuilding layered tech stacks to support FP&A, BI, automation, governance, and collaborationPlanning for continuous improvement: training, upgrades, and staying ahead of business needsLinks mentioned: Previous session: Finance Record to Report Maturity ModelConnect with Hannah MunroBuilding Out Your Finance Data Strategy Reporting Tools in Sage IntacctWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Book a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this insightful episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners, for a no-holds-barred session of myth-busting in the world of private equity. This episode offers practical wisdom, experienced insights, and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to lead in a PE-backed business. Tune in to explore:Why growth and profit aren’t mutually exclusive in private equity strategyThe real expectations around budgeting and how to balance ambition with achievabilityWhat kinds of mistakes are toleratedHow equity structures work, and why understanding “good leaver vs bad leaver” clauses is essentialWhether industry experience or private equity background matters more for CFO rolesHow values, trust, and transparency drive performance in today’s private equity landscapeLinks mentioned: Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Karl Lloyd, fractional CFO and founder of Lloyd Consulting Limited, about his transition from full-time finance roles to a portfolio CFO career. Karl shares practical insights from working across sectors like e-commerce, SaaS, and travel, and reflects on the realities of life as a fractional CFO.In this episode, Karl covers:The biggest differences and challenges between full-time and fractional CFO rolesBuilding effective financial models and keeping them simple, flexible, and insightfulWorking with investors and managing expectations through clear reportingLessons from multiple management buyouts and how to prepare early for due diligenceAdvice for aspiring fractional CFOs, including mindset, client management, and business developmentLinks mentioned: Karl's Linkedin Learn more about Lloyd Consulting Limted Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.Key topics covered include:Karla’s career journey from audit trainee to CFOHow to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.The role of finance in creative industriesBuilding financial literacy across teams through internal trainingApproaching talent investment and balancing short-term results with long-term value.Tips for new CFOs on strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong CEO partnerships.Links mentioned: Karla's LinkedinLearn more about Ogilvy Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Neil Lynchehaun, a finance transformation expert with decades of experience, dives into the Records-to-Report maturity model. He explains how maturity models serve as inspirational tools rather than mere evaluations. The conversation highlights the five levels of finance maturity and the need for a mindset shift towards operational-led planning. Neil discusses real-time accounting to eliminate month-end chaos and emphasizes creating finance functions that actively support business operations, pushing back against traditional compliance-only approaches.