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
Jul 1, 2025 • 45min
233. Finance Transformation Live - Future Proofing your Finance Software Architecture
Discover the four pillars that ensure finance software architecture stands the test of time: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenance. Learn how multi-dimensional data structures enhance reporting and AI capabilities. Explore the pitfalls to avoid, such as over-customization and inadequate data design. Uncover the importance of layered tech stacks that support various financial functions. Plus, hear strategies for fostering continuous improvement and staying adaptable to ever-changing business needs!
Jun 24, 2025 • 37min
232. The Private Equity CFO | Myths, Mistakes & Misconceptions with Richard Sanders
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!
Jun 17, 2025 • 43min
231. The Fractional CFO Files | Mastering Financial Models & Fractional Life with Karl Lloyd
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!
Jun 10, 2025 • 42min
230. CFO Stories | Strategic Growth in Creative Industries – A CFO’s Perspective with Karla Smith
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!
5 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h
229. Financial Transformation Live - Finance Record to Report Maturity Model
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.
May 27, 2025 • 48min
228. First 100 Days as a CFO: Influence & Delivery in Your Second Month as CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw
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!
May 20, 2025 • 50min
227. AI in Finance | Preparing for the AI Revolution: Abundance or Catastrophe? with David Wood
David Wood, Chair of London Futurists and an expert on future technologies, dives into the impact of AI on business and society. He discusses why certain companies struggle to adopt AI while highlighting advancements in neuro-symbolic AI and video generation. The conversation explores the implications of Artificial General Intelligence for jobs and the essential skills of emotional intelligence and adaptability for future leaders. Wood warns of the risks and opportunities that lie ahead, urging responsible governance in the face of rapid AI advancements.
May 13, 2025 • 44min
226. Shared Service Centres, Incremental Change, and Finance Transformation with Rob Jackson
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!
May 6, 2025 • 45min
225. The Private Equity CFO | Culture, Control & Closing the Books Faster with Richard Sanders
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!
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 4min
224. Finance Transformation Live: Understanding the P2P Maturity Curve
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.You’ll discover:Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.How to evaluate the impact of process improvements across:The full scope of the P2P process, including:Master data creation and maintenanceThe 5 maturity levels from basic transaction recording to strategic process leverage.Real-world characteristics and examples of each maturity stage.Insights into practical tools and enablers, including supplier portals, OCR, and dynamic discounting.Strategic tips for driving better supplier relationships, optimising working capital, and protecting your financial operations.Links mentioned:Previous session: Improving the Quote-to-Cash ProcessConnect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Book a discovery call Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!
