FP&A Today

Five-time CFO Rick Smith has led finance at companies including inVentiv Health Communications, Exos, Parchment, Solera Health before founding Bonfire advisory. He is also the author o fDemystifying the Role of the CFO in Venture and Growth Stage Companies, a no-nonsense approach to the topic. Reviews for the book include: “This book is a must-read if you want to understand how to scale a company as a CFO” and “Should be required reading for CEOs and PE people along with CFOs.” In this episode Smith provides his take on being a CFO and his long background in FP&A, providing insights on: The path from FP&A to CFO (without a CPA) Why I like being CFO at SMBs (sub $50m) Being a dreamer, artist and buildingFP&A  Audits vs QOEs  The unspoken challenges working with PE firms FP&A and M&A – what you need to know  Link to the book: Demystifying the Role of the CFO in Venture and Growth Stage Companies

In this enlightening discussion, Preston Naegle, Director of Strategic Finance at Midway Mechanical Services, shares his journey from private equity to operational finance. He reveals how he built FP&A functions amid rapid acquisitions in the HVAC industry. The challenges of introducing budgeting to founder-led firms and leveraging data for decision-making are key topics. Preston emphasizes the importance of people in financial integration and explores the transformative potential of AI in finance, while also sharing a few personal quirks.

In this conversation, Adam Shilton, a seasoned founder and writer who transitioned from selling finance software to empowering entrepreneurs, shares key insights from his decade in sales. He emphasizes the need to bridge the sales-finance divide, arguing that commissions should be tied to deposit receipts to ensure financial accountability. Adam also discusses how AI can personalize accounts receivable processes and help predict churn by analyzing CRM and payment trends. His unique approach combines humor with finance to enhance collections and align team incentives.

Diya Sagar, CFO of AWA Studios, brings her investment banking expertise to the world of media. She shares insights on balancing creativity and finance by adopting a 'creator-first' approach in budgeting. Diya delves into the challenges of managing a hits-driven portfolio, weighing flagship projects against experimental works, and navigating unpredictable Hollywood timelines. She also discusses the cautious integration of AI in finance while emphasizing the importance of respecting creator rights and maintaining a reliable data environment.

Maria Azatyan, an international CFO and financial strategist with over 20 years of experience supporting startups, shares her journey from the finance world to becoming an AI evangelist. She discusses the challenges of cash flow management that led to significant growth at DocDoc.ru. Maria reveals her insights on implementing AI to streamline ERA filings and enhance financial operations. As a single mother, she reflects on balancing a demanding career while mentoring others in tech, and emphasizes the importance of ethical AI in nurturing the next generation.

Joyce Li, CEO and Chief AI Strategist at Averanda Partners, offers a wealth of knowledge as an advisor on AI strategy for boards and C-suites. She discusses the growing importance of AI in finance, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand AI literacy to evaluate risks and opportunities. Joyce reveals that boards are focused on ROI and measurable business goals, while also addressing the challenges of data readiness and the evolving role of AI agents. She shares insights on governance and strategic advice for CFOs navigating the AI landscape.

Rohini Jain, CFO at Bill.com, has over 20 years of finance experience with giants like PayPal and Walmart. She shares her journey into finance despite her mother’s disappointment and reveals the transformative 'magic' from GE’s training. Rohini dives into optimizing finance teams for partnership and using AI to streamline operations. With a focus on metrics, she discusses the traits that elevate finance from good to great, all while emphasizing continuous learning and the importance of empathy in product strategy.

Aurelien Nolf, Lyft's VP of FP&A and Investor Relations, shares insights from his impressive finance career, including his transition from audit to business-focused roles. He discusses the importance of aligning FP&A and investor relations to enhance transparency and reduce information loss. Nolf explores how Lyft utilizes operational metrics and machine learning for forecasting, emphasizing a culture of curiosity and innovation. He also highlights the challenges of hiring in the Bay Area and shares his personal passion for ultra running and work-life balance.

Chikako Tyler, COO at California Bank & Trust, transitioned from a math PhD to banking, revealing insights about her path from analytics to leadership. She discusses stress testing and the importance of efficiency ratios in driving growth. Chikako highlights the significance of aligning diverse teams with corporate strategy and shares lessons learned from crises like COVID. She also emphasizes inclusion in banking and the evolving role of AI, showcasing her passion for mentorship and technology.

Carl Seidman, a seasoned Fractional CFO and instructor, shares insights from his experience with top companies and his FP&A Mastery Program. He recounts a nail-biting story of building a cash flow in just five days. Carl discusses the growing demand for fractional CFOs, especially for companies under $50 million. He highlights key FP&A skills like cash flow management and warns about the limitations of AI in finance, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and domain expertise. Plus, he reveals his favorite Excel function, LET, for simplifying complex calculations.