CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance
Hannah Munro
Welcome to CFO 4.0, where we explore the dynamic landscape of Financial Leadership in the era of Technology 4.0. I'm your host, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas, a pioneering Financial Transformation consultancy. In this podcast series, we unravel the intricate connection between cutting-edge technologies and the financial domain. It's more than just adopting tools; it's about cultivating the skills necessary to navigate and spearhead the transformative journey within Finance. CFO 4.0 embodies the archetype of the Financial Leader in the future — a fusion of strategic visionaries and tech-savvy innovators. As the CFO role swiftly evolves from a mere cost controller to a strategic influencer, each transition opens up novel possibilities. Tune in as we share valuable insights and guidance from inspirational CFOs and finance leaders every episode, empowering you to revolutionise your processes, people, and data. Seize the opportunities, propel your business and career forward, and lead with unwavering confidence. Join us in shaping the future of Finance — this is CFO 4.0, your guide to the Future of Finance. We’d love for you to join our community, and if you like what you hear (which I’m sure you will 😉) it would be great if you rate and share.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 16, 2025 • 44min
255. PE Backed: How to survive and succeed as a CFO in Private Equity with Omar Choucair
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Omar Choucair, CFO at Trintech, for a forthright look at life inside private equity. Omar offers a clear view of what the role truly demands and why it isn’t for the faint hearted. He discusses the expanded remit of today’s CFO, the operational intensity of PE-backed firms and the importance of pace, people and process when value creation is the end goal.The conversation covers The sharp contrasts between public company and private equity expectationsWhat a PE-ready finance team looks like and why curiosity, stamina and tight-knit business partnerships matter more than ever How to build trust across the business and move finance from scorekeeper to genuine strategic partner The realities of scaling fast the role of technology, automation and a modern ERP in enabling profitable growth What new and aspiring PE CFOs need to know from managing the CEO relationship to anticipating board demandsLinks mentionedOmar's LinkedinLearn more about Trintech Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Dec 9, 2025 • 51min
254. First 100 Days as a CFO: From Diagnosis to Direction with Nicolas Raynaud FCCA
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, recorded in partnership with ACCA, Hannah Munro is joined by Nicolas Raynaud FCCA, CFO at the Science Museum Group. Nicolas shares a frank and practical view of what it really takes to settle into a new CFO role and why those early months demand clarity, curiosity and steady judgement.In this episode, Nicolas covers Why the first 100 days start with understanding the organisation you’re joining, not diving into delivery How to diagnose whether you’re entering a growth phase, a turnaround or a realignment The importance of preparing before day one and validating the brief you were given How to balance early stakeholder engagement with the pressure to act What to do when your findings don’t match expectations, and how to handle difficult course correction Why staying open minded, curious and willing to learn will set the tone for long term successLinks mentionedNicolas' Linkedin Learn more about the Science Museum Group Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Dec 2, 2025 • 44min
253. Data first, People first: The making of a modern finance function with Matthew Robinson
Send us your thoughtsIn this in-person conversation, Hannah Munro sits down with Matthew Robinson, Financial Controller at Zebra Pens, to explore the realities of running and transforming finance inside a small but ambitious business. This episode coversWhy small-business finance needs pragmatism, balance and the courage to let go of total control How Matt rebuilt finance around risk-based thinking, strong foundations and the ability to switch off at the end of the day The hard lessons of a difficult first implementation How Zebra Pens is moving towards 21st-century operations with integrated systemsLinks mentionedMatthew's LinkedinLearn more about Zebra PensZebra Pens Customer Story Coming Soon! Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Nov 25, 2025 • 35min
252. Financial Transformation Live: Transformation Trouble-shooters November Special
Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter episode, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle two real scenarios sent in by finance and operational leaders wrestling with change. They cut through the noise and give practical, experience-led guidance on managing competing priorities, handling resistance and keeping transformation efforts on track.What the episode covers Why misaligned leadership priorities derail projects How to define ROI early so cost concerns don’t dominate later Ways to balance the natural tension between speed, control and risk How to use stakeholder management, individual conversations and senior sponsorship to regain direction What to do when a team member becomes disruptive during implementation and how to reset the room Practical facilitation toolsLinks MentionedPrevious session: Stop Shopping, Start Transforming Connect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunExplore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Learn more about Sage Intacct Customer Success StoriesBook a discovery call Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Nov 18, 2025 • 34min
251. CFO 4.0 Revisited: What are Boards looking for in a CFO? with Patrick Dunne
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Dunne, an experienced chair and author of 'Boards', shares invaluable insights on what boards look for in a CFO. He emphasizes the importance of trust and respect in the CEO-CFO relationship and highlights key qualities like integrity and strategic skills that boards value. Patrick also dives into how new CFOs can foster strong connections and navigate board dynamics, offering practical tips on leadership and communication that can make or break senior relationships.
Nov 11, 2025 • 56min
250. Beyond the Buzz: Agility, AI and the Future of Finance Tech with ACCA
Send us your thoughtsIn this special live episode, recorded at the ACCA Finance Futures Conference, Hannah Munro joins Alex Falcon Huerta (ACCA) to cut through the hype and explore what it really takes to choose and implement the right finance technology.From agility in software selection to preparing for the rise of AI, they share stories, frameworks, and practical advice to help finance leaders stay ahead of the curve.In this episode, Hannah and Alex discussWhy agility is key when selecting and assessing finance softwareHow to rethink ROI beyond time and cost, and measure real business valueThe dangers of traditional RFPs and how to adopt a more flexible, iterative approachUnderstanding the technology lifecycle from bleeding edge to rusting edgeHow to future-proof your finance team with the right AI readiness and mindsetManaging resistance to change and building momentum for digital transformationLinks Mentioned:Hannah's Linkedin Alex's Linkedin Learn more about ACCA Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Nov 4, 2025 • 25min
249. Financial Transformation Live: Stop Shopping, Start Transforming
In this live session, Hannah Munro challenges finance leaders to rethink technology procurement. She highlights why traditional RFPs often miss the mark on transformation outcomes. Instead of shopping for features, organizations should focus on selecting partners that drive innovation. By educating suppliers on specific business needs, companies can enhance collaboration and accelerate value delivery. Practical steps for evaluating technology solutions based on efficiency and ROI are discussed, paving the way for a transformative procurement process.
Oct 28, 2025 • 47min
248. Automation in Motion: How Finance Keeps Getting Faster and Smarter with Daniel Healey
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Daniel Healey, Group FD at Direct Heating Group, about building a finance function that never stands still.Also covered in this episode:From manual processes to a fully automated, scalable finance teamHow to prioritise automation projects and prove ROI to stakeholdersOvercoming resistance and redefining finance’s value beyond transactionsUsing automation to free capacity for strategic, value-add work Why continuous improvement beats perfection in transformationDaniel’s practical tips for starting small and scaling smart with automationLinks mentioned:Daniel's LinkedinLearn more about Direct StovesLearn more about Flue & Ducting Learn more about Direct Fireplaces Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Oct 14, 2025 • 36min
247. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Delivering a Successful Digital Transformation Programme with Phil Raynor
Send us your thoughtsWe’re rewinding to where it all began. In the very first episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro sat down with digital transformation expert Phil Raynor (now Lead Delivery Manager at the UK Home Office) to unpack what makes or breaks a transformation programme — and how finance leaders can navigate change with confidence.In this CFO 4.0 Revisited edition, we revisit the timeless lessons that still shape transformation success today. From planning and communication to leadership and culture, this conversation remains as relevant as ever for modern CFOs leading digital change.🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:The key differences between projects and programmes — and why that distinction mattersWhat defines a truly successful digital transformationThe most common causes of failure and how to prevent themThe CFO’s critical role in managing expectations and driving alignmentHow to plan, communicate, and secure stakeholder buy-in for changeWhy “slowing down to speed up” is the secret to long-term successLinks mentioned:Phil's Linkedin Contact Phil directly: phil@philraynor.com Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Oct 7, 2025 • 56min
246. Close Faster, Decide Better: Process, People, and the Right Tech with Grow CFO's Kevin Appleby
Send us your thoughtsHost Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby, host of the Grow CFO Show, to share hard-won lessons from finance transformation projects. From failed demos to faster closes, they explore how CFOs can avoid common pitfalls and deliver real value.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to approach system selection with scenarios and use cases, not just feature lists.Why keeping solutions simple and phased prevents failure points.The importance of engaging naysayers and building super users for adoption.Why benefits come from people and process changes, not just technology.Practical lessons for faster month-end closes and smarter procurement processes.How CFOs can communicate with boards, influence decisions, and choose the right timing for go-live.Links mentioned: Kevin's Linkedin Learn more about GrowCFO Join the Grow CFO community Discover more with Anchor Customer Story Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
