

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

Mar 14, 2023 • 46min
119. CFO Stories: Finance’s hierarchy of needs with Darren Woods, CFO of Freedom Fibre
Send us your thoughtsBack due to popular demand, Darren Woods, CFO at Freedom Fibre sits down with Hannah Munro to discuss useful tips and advice for both brand new and new into role CFOs! Together they discuss the influence you have as a CFO that is new into role, how soon is too soon to start that financial transformation journey and how to prioritise your transformation efforts. Also covered on this episode:Darren’s ambition for finance What is finance’s hierarchy of needs?Why you need to understand the problem you are trying to solve before you try to solve it?How do you speed up your time to value as a CFO?Why you need to know the 3 things that keep your CEO awake at nightLinks referenced in this episode Freedom Fibre websiteFreedom Fibre LinkedInDarren’s LinkedIn Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Mar 7, 2023 • 60min
118. Handling conflict and friction effectively in finance with Dr. Jon Gruda
Send us your thoughtsReturning to the CFO 4.0 podcast this week with Hannah Munro is Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Maynooth University, Dr. Jon Gruda! Jon and Hannah dig into the concept of conflict, discussing how to best navigate specific scenarios within finance teams, particularly during change. Also covered in this episode:What is conflict within an organisation? How do you approach a disagreement between team membersWhat are the key components of good decision-making?Tips for structuring the way you deal with conflict Links referenced in this episode:Jon Gruda’s websiteJon Gruda’s university profile pageJon’s LinkedInSubscribe to CFO 4.0 Podcast Alerts Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Feb 28, 2023 • 48min
117. CFO Stories: Integration, automation and finding your niche with Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities Limited, sat down with Hannah Munro to share her story and talk about everything from finance’s carbon footprint through to integrating your finance team with the rest of the business. Also covered in this episode • Why finance need to stop underestimating the power of automation • Finding your niche as a CFO • The importance of integrating your finance team with the rest of the business • How to develop the skills and knowledge within your finance team Links mentioned in this episode.Cécile’s LinkedInLearn more about Vital Energi Vital Energi on LinkedIn Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Feb 21, 2023 • 43min
116. Financial Transformation Live: Flash Reporting - Everything you need to know!
Send us your thoughtsThis week’s episode of CFO 4.0 brings the first Financial Transformation Live session of 2023, Flash Reporting: Everything you need to know!Hannah Munro explains what flash reporting is, why it is important and breaks down the differences between flash reporting and normal month-end reporting.Also covered in this session:Best practice for implementing flash reporting Our top tips for flash reportingWhat metrics should you be including in your reportingWhy you should use the ‘Goldilocks principle’ to plan out your reporting needsLinks mentioned:Explore previous Financial Transformation Live sessionsSign up for monthly Financial Transformation Live email alertsFollow us on LinkedInJoin our Financial Transformation Live community group on LinkedIn Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Feb 14, 2023 • 46min
115. The Future of the Finance Function – ACCA Research Discussion with Clive Webb
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at the ACCA to dissect the latest report from the ACCA around the future of the finance function!Also covered in this episode: Why CFOs need to start focusing more on the future and not just the past.The importance of being agile when it comes to financial reporting.7 Key areas to focus on when it comes to budgeting & planning.Is it time to ditch the spreadsheet? Why CFOs need to become comfortable with the dynamism that required around budgeting & planning.Links mentioned in this episode:Clive’s LinkedIn Learn more about ACCA Planning and performance management paradigm reportImplementing Beyond Budgeting: Unlocking the Performance PotentialGrow the Pie Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Feb 7, 2023 • 31min
114. CFO Stories: Challenges a Bootstrap CFO faces with David Brandeis, CFO of PowToon
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by David Brandeis, CFO at PowToon to chat about the challenges David faces as a CFO of a bootstrap organisation as well as his unique journey to becoming a CFO.Also covered in this episode • Where to begin building out a finance team from nothing• How bootstrap companies measure success• The affect Covid-19 has had on software-based companies • How to balance strategy and being hands-on as a CFOLinks mentioned in this episode.• David’s LinkedIn • Learn more about PowToon Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Jan 31, 2023 • 40min
113. Stepping away from a traditional Finance mindset with Chris Ortega
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah Munro is joined by Chris Ortega, CEO of Fresh FP&A, together they share their passion for financial transformation and discuss their ideas on what the future could look like for finance leaders.Also covered by Chris and Hannah in this episode:• Chris’ journey to becoming a Fractional CFO• How much change has the pandemic driven in finance?• The benefits of healthy friction in finance teams• What does good finance business partnering look like?• Why CFOs need to start stepping out of their comfort zoneLinks mentioned in this episode:• Chris’ LinkedIn• Learn more about Fresh FP&A Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Jan 24, 2023 • 45min
112. Managing stress and burnout in your finance team in 2023 with Tony Martignetti
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, Tony Martignetti, a self-proclaimed recovering finance professional, now a Chief Inspiration Officer at Inspired Purpose Coaching talks to Hannah Munro about how finance leaders can manage stress and burnout in their finance teams. Also covered on the podcastThe importance of planning and structure to avoid overwhelm in the New Year Why finance leaders need to strike the balance between optimism and realism Identifying the different types of stresses within your finance teamHow to recognise when your team are heading into burnout territoryThe importance of a work-life balance to alleviate stress and burnout Links mentioned in this podcastTony’s LinkedIn Inspired Purpose CoachingTony’s book Climbing The Right Mountain Listen to more CFO 4.0 episodes Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Jan 17, 2023 • 39min
111.The World of Football through a Finance Lens with Stefan Gamble, CEO of Walsall Football Club
Send us your thoughtsJoining Hannah Munro on this week’s episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast is CEO and ex FD of Walsall FC, Stefan Gamble! Stefan & Hannah talk about his experience transitioning from Finance Director to CEO at Walsall FC, sharing his secrets for success in both roles and what its like working in finance at a football club. Also covered in the episode:What attracted Stefan to finance in footballStefan’s journey from Management Accountant to Finance DirectorHow football was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic The challenges finance teams have working in football How Stefan balanced the books in a volatile environmentLinks mentioned in the episode:Walsall FC (The Saddlers) website Walsall FC’s job vacancies (In case that finance role ever comes up!)Hannah’s LinkedIn Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Jan 10, 2023 • 42min
110. What does 2023 hold for finance teams with Kevin Appleby, GrowCFO
Send us your thoughtsStarting the New Year with a bang, Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby from GrowCFO to talk about what 2023 might look like for finance teams. Not only do they share their own predictions for 2023, but also those of CFOs that GrowCFO have surveyed in recent months, diving into some interesting insight! Also covered on the podcast:How much time are finance teams spending on non-finance activities?The trend towards sustainability reporting and ESG reportingFinance’s responsibility to good data governance The shift in the skills required for finance roles How finance should be using technology to drive process improvement Links mentioned in this PodcastKevin’s LinkedinGrowCFO LinkedinThe nine topical blogsAssessment surveys Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!