CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

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.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, we dive into the critical 30 to 60 day phase of a CFO's journey with returning guest Jeremy Earnshaw,  Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO. Building on our previous conversation about the first 30 days, this episode explores how new CFOs can transition from learning to leading.🔍 Key Takeaways:How stakeholder expectations shift after the first monthWhy your first management reporting pack matters Using the interest vs. power matrix to prioritise demands from senior stakeholders.The importance of understanding communication preferencesHow to evaluate finance processes for inefficiencies, single points of failure, and quick wins.Ways to check if you’re truly delivering on your CFO mandateLinks 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, host Hannah Munro speaks with David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, about the accelerating pace of AI and its profound implications for business, society, and the future of work. Together, they explore the near-term possibilities and longer-term consequences of artificial intelligence—from transformation to potential turmoil.In this episode, we cover:Why some companies struggle with AI adoption The rise of neuro-symbolic AI and the combination of logic-based and intuitive systemsBreakthroughs in video generation, self-prompting AI, and the future of AI-generated mediaWhat Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could mean for jobs, skills, and human relevanceHow emotional intelligence and adaptability will be essential skills for leaders in the AI eraLinks mentioned:David’s Linkedin Learn more about London FuturistsLondon Futurists Meetups The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future by  Mustafa SuleymanSupremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that changed the world by Parmy Olson Uncontrollable : The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence by Darren McKee 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 is joined once again by Rob Jackson, now Senior Associate Consultant at Protiviti UK. Rob reflects on his journey from leading finance operations at Sage to spearheading transformation projects in private equity-backed businesses. Together, they unpack what it really takes to deliver finance change, lead shared services, and balance organisational complexity.In this episode, we explore:Rob’s experience transitioning from Sage to working in a private equity environment How to successfully drive incremental finance change The importance of defining clear goals and resisting the temptationBuilding and managing an effective Shared Service CentreThe critical role of stakeholder managementRob’s top advice for new shared services leadersLinks mentioned: Rob's LinkedinLearn more about Protiviti Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 – The PE CFO Series, Hannah Munro is joined once again by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners. Together, they dive into “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of private equity—an honest conversation unpacking what it’s really like behind the boardroom doors of a PE-backed business.With a wealth of experience across corporate, startup and PE environments, Richard shares practical insights on how CFOs can protect their teams, influence direction, and stay focused on long-term value—even in short-term funding cycles.In this episode, they explore:The shift in relationships and leadership behaviours post-PE investmentWhat to retain (and what to adopt) when transitioning into a PE environmentThe evolving role of the CFO and how it differs from a Finance DirectorWhy month-end speed matters—and how it changes company mindsetBalancing investor expectations with long-term business thinkingThe signs of disengagement from your PE house—and how to respondLinks mentioned:Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!