CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world transformation challenges submitted by finance leaders. Together, they share practical advice, frameworks, and lessons learned from years of hands-on transformation and consulting experience.💡 Topics covered in this session include:Rethinking requirements gathering – moving away from 1,000-line requirement lists and focusing on outcomes, use cases, and best practices instead of replicatingSystem selection approaches – how to frame your needs, engage vendors effectively, and avoid box-ticking RFP traps.Data migration dilemmas – when to clean data before Go Live, strategies for managing messy supplier and transactional records, and the risks of “garbage in, garbage out.”Simplify before you automate – why tackling root causes and streamlining processes is often more valuable than layering automation on top of inefficiency.Dealing with change fatigue – overcoming eye-rolling resistance to yet another project by contextualising benefits for teams, linking change to day-to-day roles, and building compelling outcomes.Practical controls and safeguards – validation techniques, duplicate supplier detection, and post-implementation clean-up strategies.Links mentioned:Previous session: Planning a Successful ProjectConnect 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!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Charlotte Crowley, CFO at Altano, to explore her journey through finance leadership, acquisitions, and the challenges of integrating companies without losing their culture.Charlotte shares her unique career path — from starting in advertising and PR to working in boutique firms, McKinsey, and private equity-backed businesses — and reflects on what she’s learned along the way.🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:Charlotte’s journey from economics graduate to CFO at AltanoHow to balance startup agility with professionalising finance processesFirst-hand lessons from acquisitions, private equity, and integrationThe pressures of due diligence — and how to prepare for themWhy people, trust, and communication matter more than just the numbersCharlotte’s top advice for new and aspiring CFOsLinks mentioned: Charlotte's Linkedin Learn more about Altano Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!