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
Nov 3, 2021 • 45min
56. CFO Stories: The Curious CFO with Paul van der Walt, CFO, greenHat
Send us your thoughtsOn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, we have CFO at greenHat, Paul van der Walt joining us to discuss the power of curiosity and what it means for CFOs.An experienced CFO, Paul has a career shaped with a combination of analysis, business partnering, and leadership. A naturally curious individual, he wants to learn how things tick. In the past, he has worked as a CFO for Specsavers, and was a Senior Finance Manager at Heathrow Airport. In this session we talk all about the importance of curiosity both as a leader but also within a team culture. This episode covers:Paul’s background and his journey into the finance worldThe definition of curiosity in financeWhat does #GetCurious mean for him and why is it important in finance?What does a curious CFO look like?What are the downsides/shadow behaviours with curiosity?Can curiosity be taught or is it a natural ability?Building a culture that supports curiosityPauls LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Oct 27, 2021 • 38min
55. Shifting from Maps to a Satnav World – Understanding the shift in the way that Boards make decisions | with Patrick Dunne
Send us your thoughtsIn this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, we talk about how Boards are now transitioning to a new way of making decisions and what CFOs need to do to support this. Patrick is a returning guest, the Author of “Boards”, is an Experienced Chair and Serial Social Entrepreneur. He talks us through the how's, what's and why's of how Boards are shifting to a new dynamic decision making process.In this episode, we discuss: How has the pace of decision making changed and what is driving it?How are Boards and senior leadership teams approaching decision making in this volatile world?How are CFOs required to work with the Board?Strategies to budget as a Board in an everchanging environmentSystems and Processes needed to be able to cope with this changeSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Oct 20, 2021 • 45min
54. Building a Transformation Mindset in Finance | with Rob Jackson, VP of Finance Operations at Sage
Send us your thoughtsIs financial transformation so black and white, or is there a grey area somewhere in the middle? Today we talk about the importance of mindset to your transformation programme. In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Rob Jackson, VP of Finance Operations at Sage about how they do financial transformation internally. Rob has had over 20 years of experience within the transformation roles across a range of industries. He has worked for IBM, BAE Systems, Ernst and Young, BT, and is now settled at Sage as Vice President of Finance Operations where he leads their internal transformation programme. This episode also covers:Rob’s journey into financial transformation and why he decided to move to SageHow Sage approaches transformation internally and some of the challenges they have facedProcess of kicking off a new financial transformation projectImportance of communication particularly when working with a global teamHow to build a team geared up for continuous transformationThe team structure needed to balance both transformation and operationsTop tips for your next transformation project Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Oct 13, 2021 • 45min
53. Leading on Diversity in Finance - with Kay Formanek
Send us your thoughtsWe all know that Diversity is critical to the success of any business but why is it so hard to address? What do leaders need to consider in their approach to building diversity and how do you know when you have achieved it beyond the typical demographic KPIs. Kay Formanek Author and Founder of Diversity and Performances talks us through the strategic and practical aspects of building a diverse team. What's covered in this episode?Definitions of Diversity beyond demographicsKey pillars required for Diversity SuccessBuilding a diversity vision and value statementPractical examples of unconscious bias during recruitment and how they were addressedLeadership approach required for Diversity SuccessLinks referenced in this episode:Kay's LinkedInBeyond D&I BookDiversity and Performance WebsiteRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Sep 28, 2021 • 46min
52. How technology can enable hybrid working for finance teams - with Paul Lee, Partner at Deloitte
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah chats to Paul Lee, who is a Partner at Deloitte UK. This episode focuses entirely on the hybrid of working at home, and at the office. What else is covered in this episode?Working from home, hybrid and back to the office - what is the right option?What questions should finance leaders consider for hybrid workersWhat technology trends are developing to support the new world of workHow 5g/wifi 6 going to impact the world of workLinks referenced in this episode Paul's LinkedInRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Sep 21, 2021 • 43min
51. Keeping the ethics in finance through challenging times - Interview with Director of Finance at Mama Shelter
Send us your thoughts In the latest episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats to Maneesh Singh, Director of Finance at Mama Shelter. Mama Shelter is a hospitality brand, with 2161 rooms, 15 restaurants, and 750 employees in 14 cities and 9 countries. What is discussed on this episode:Maneesh's journey into his role at Mama ShelterManaging a team during the pandemicEthics in businessHow important are relationships with suppliers?Plans for the future at Mama ShelterLinks referenced in this episodeManeesh's LinkedInMama ShelterSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Sep 7, 2021 • 38min
50. Hiring CFOs and the changing face of recruitment during COVID - with Phil Scott, MD at FD Recruit
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah and Phil Scott, Managing Director of FD Recruit, get to grips with the recruiting of CFOs looking to make their next move. Phil is the founder of FD Recruit, a recruitment consultancy specialising in spotting talented FDs and CFOs looking for their next career opportunity. COVID as you would expect, had a detrimental effect during lockdown, but it’s business as usual now as the country emerges from the Pandemic. If you’re looking for progression and an upwards curve when it comes to your career or even tips on how to futureproof your skills, this is the episode for you! Topics CoveredCFO and FD recruitmentHybrid and Flexi-working Networking and Interpersonal skillsTechnology and the changing role of FDs and CFOsSocial Media and MarketingSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Aug 30, 2021 • 38min
49. What does the future of AI look like for finance teams moving forward - with Raj Harash, Director of Sales at YayPay
Send us your thoughtsTalking to Hannah on this week’s CFO 4.0 podcast is Director of Sales at Yaypay, Raj Harash. Raj is a whizz at simplifying and streamlining processes. He says that he can make collecting money fast, easy and highly predictable by using inbuilt AI technology. The issue of non-payment can be a sticky one, but Raj believes it can all be avoided if the right tools and software is implemented.Topics CoveredAI and Machine Learning in FinanceCRM and ERP softwareIntegrating Credit Control into the businessCCJ and bad payersCFOs and automationForecasting and predicting financial modelsLinks referenced in this episodeFirst 90 days as a CFO: Ultimate BlueprintRaise your game with Sage IntacctRaj's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Aug 24, 2021 • 45min
48. Dealing with change in finance projects and teams – with Alexandra Bond-Burnett, Executive Coach, Speaking Ambition
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 Hannah talks with Executive Coach, Alexandra Bond-Burnett who’s helped develop leaders in the Finance, Tech and Accounting space. She gives guidance on how to approach difficult conversations and deal with different personality types. When dealing with complex transformational projects it’s not only the systems you have to work on – Emotional Intelligence is part and parcel of the process too.Topics CoveredEmotional intelligenceNeuroscience and PsychologyChange Management SkillsTeam EngagementProcess and project ManagementLinks referenced in this episode:First 90 Days as a CFO: Blueprint for Success - Download for free now!Alexandra's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
Aug 17, 2021 • 45min
47. Survey of CFOs reveals the importance of automating finance - with Chris Beeley, embracent
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 we speak to Chris Beeley, practice lead for financial transformation and automation at embracent. Chris has worked for the world’s largest Accountancy firms, recently ending a 20-year stint at KPMG.He gives us the lowdown on how tech is transforming finance and the dangers of putting mass faith into spreadsheets!Chris and the team at embracent have conducted a piece of research with a number of leading CFOs on the revolution of automation in finance. They found that although most use tech to drive cost efficiency, many also wanted to improve customer experience and create a happier workforce.Topics covered:· Financial transformation and automation· Use of Artificial Intelligence, Bots and redesigning processes· CFO vision and creativity· Limitations of Spreadsheets and Excel· Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newsletters Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
