The CFO's New Playbook in the Age of Technology with Beatty D'Alessandro

November 19, 2024 • 54 MIN

The past and present of the CFO role look significantly different. Once primarily considered as the steward of a company's financial well-being, the CFO today is instrumental in charting the organization's strategic course and leveraging technological advancements for growth. But what catalyzed this shift? Join us as we delve into the change of the CFO role, tracing its origins in accounting and understanding its present-day nexus with strategy and technology in a conversation with Beatty D'Alessandro. Beatty is currently the Executive In Residence - Graduate Finance Program at Georgia State University. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for three premier companies up until mid-2018. At Merchants Metals, an Atlanta-based spin-off from Oldcastle and North America's second-largest chain link fence manufacturer, he oversaw finance, accounting, technology, and manufacturing. In 2015, Beatty finished his tenure as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Univar, a global chemical distributor valued at $10 billion. Before this, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Graybar, a company worth $5 billion. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of the CFO from accounting to strategic leadership The strategic path to CFO success How a CFO should evaluate and leverage risks and opportunities The CFO role in a large public organization versus smaller, non-public companies AI and Modern Finance

Scaling Finance in Tech with Howard Wilson

November 12, 2024 • 33 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Howard Wilson, Chief Financial Officer at PagerDuty, joins Megan Weis to dive into his journey and the insights he has learned along the way regarding scaling finance in tech. Howard shares how financial leadership now drives strategic change and integrates with commercial strategy, the importance of a customer-centric mindset, and the role of technology and data analytics in decision-making. Howard brings over 20 years of experience in software and operational management to his role as CFO at PagerDuty, where he leads the finance organization to support the company's growth and scaling initiatives. Before joining PagerDuty, Howard managed the SaaS business at Dynatrace and was Chief Operating Officer at Keynote Systems. He also served as Senior Vice President of Field Operations at Ventyx Biosciences and spent 14 years at Oracle in various senior leadership roles. In this episode, we discuss: Why CFOs are the new “Chief Everything Officers” The importance of aligning the commercial and financial strategies How technology and data analytics are shaping the future of finance Managing finance in a customer-centric environment Balancing strategic planning with operational execution Key strategies for scaling finance operations in tech

The CFO's Role in Shaping Higher Education with John Ferrari

November 5, 2024 • 36 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, John Ferrari, VP of Finance and Administration (CFO) at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), joins Megan Weis to discuss the role of a CFO as a business leader or the strategic CFO in higher education and the importance of financial stewardship and data-driven decision-making in enhancing student outcomes. John is a senior executive with expertise in business reengineering, data analytics implementation, and financial management. Besides his role at NOVA, he is also a Board Member of AAFMAA, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the American Enterprise Institute, and a Senior Strategy Mentor for Strategic Education International. In this episode, we discuss: How John is driving student success with strategy and data Driving collaboration through transparency and team empowerment Change management strategies for CFOs How the role of a CFO is evolving to incorporate a more customer-focused approach Cultivating future leaders in finance

The CFO Trifecta Unpacked with Michelle DeBella

October 29, 2024 • 41 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Michelle DeBella, Chief Financial Officer at JumpCloud, joins Megan Weis to explore the CFO trifecta: finance, strategy, and leadership. Michelle also dives into the importance of balancing immediate financial responsibilities with long-term strategic planning, the role of AI in business, and the significance of clear communication and mentorship. Michelle is a dynamic, results-oriented finance executive with over 15 years in public accounting, followed by 10+ years in VP/C-Suite roles in companies such as Knock, Lyft, Uber, Hewlett Packard, Ernst & Young, and Coram Healthcare. Michelle is also an Official Member and Finance Thought Leader for the Forbes Finance Council. In this episode, we discuss: The key elements of successful finance transformation Critical qualities a CFO has to possess to manage diverse teams How to leverage finance data and AI for business growth Storytelling and mentorship in finance

Transforming the Four FP&A Key Pillars for Business Success with Carl Seidman

October 22, 2024 • 47 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Carl Seidman, Interim CFO and Finance Director at Seidman Financial, joins Megan Weis to discuss the importance of integrating finance into the overall business and operations, how to transform your FP&A, and the four pillars of success for companies. He also shares his approach to helping companies develop financial professionals into more powerful performers and build FP&A functions so that financial intelligence drives organizational success. Carl is a trusted business advisor specializing in FP&A, business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 and middle market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams. At the same time, Carl supports financial professionals, positioning them for greater control over their careers by helping build their confidence while eliminating time-wasting activities and mistakes. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member of the American Management Association and a Senior FP&A Instructor at Wall Street Prep. In this episode, we discuss: What does transforming FP&A look like? What are the four key pillars of FP&A? What's the difference between the FP&A function in small versus large organizations? Why is there a need for FP&A professionals to be entrenched in other business functions' operations? How does technology make finance a seamless part of a company's operations? How can finance leaders promote financial responsibility and accountability cultures?

Inside Government Finance with Tonya Johnson-Simmons

October 15, 2024 • 40 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Tonya Johnson-Simmons, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director of Financial Management for the U.S. Department of the Interior, joins Megan Weis to discuss the evolving role of the CFO in government and beyond. Tonya shares how she's leveraging AI, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering inclusion in leadership while tackling significant financial challenges. With over 30 years of experience in the federal government, Tonya is currently overseeing a $159 billion portfolio at the Department of the Interior. Her expertise spans financial reporting and analysis, cost accounting, internal controls, financial policy, audits, and the Agency's Financial Report (AFR). Tonya previously worked for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and was the Director of the Financial Operations Division for the USDA. In this episode, we discuss: - The evolution of the government CFO - Strategies for managing a $159 billion portfolio - Harnessing AI and awareness to combat cybersecurity threats - How to cultivate trust in financial accountability - Empowering finance teams for tomorrow’s challenges

Strategic Financial Engineering with Chad Gold

October 8, 2024 • 36 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Chad Gold, Chief Financial Officer at G2, joins Megan Weis to discuss strategic financial engineering. Chad dives into mastering valuation and investment strategies for high-growth tech companies, financial modeling, and building strong investor relationships. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, including CFO roles at both pre-IPO and post-IPO tech companies, Chad joined G2 after serving as CFO at Salesloft. Before that, he was CFO at Rubicon, overseeing financial operations and reporting, and held CFO and finance leadership roles at SAP Ariba and The Home Depot. In this episode, we discuss: How finance drives business impact What goes into building dynamic financial models The power of growth, storytelling, and investor relationships How revolving credit can boost flexibility in high-growth companies

Is a Fractional CFO Right for You? With Luke Boyenger

October 1, 2024 • 39 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Luke Boyenger, Chief Financial Officer at Cruzumi CFO & Advisory, joins Megan Weis to share insights on building a finance team around a fractional CFO. Luke also discusses his inspiring journey from witnessing his family's business close to helping others succeed in finance and the importance of a strong finance team and effective cash flow forecasting. Luke's journey began with the tough experience of seeing his family business close during high school, sparking his passion for mastering business management. This led him to earn a degree in accounting, become a CPA, and learn from global leaders. With roles at EY as an auditor, data analytics coach, and director of accounting, he gained a deep understanding of what makes businesses thrive, building a skill set that helps bridge the gap between finance and effective operations. In this episode, we discuss: Why every small business needs a finance expert for long-term success How to choose the right CFO depending on your growth strategy When is the right time to bring in a fractional CFO Strategies for sustainable business growth while maintaining financial health

Transform Your Data with Alyssa Shadinger

September 24, 2024 • 32 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Alyssa Shadinger, Chief Financial Officer at Sisense, joins Megan Weis to share how to transform data into actionable insights. Alyssa also discusses her passion for data-driven decision-making, the importance of fostering a culture of data literacy, and the role of AI in finance. Alyssa brings a strong skill set in leadership, auditing, social media, CPA, and SAP. Before Sisense, she held roles such as Director of Finance at Akamai Technologies and Linode, Board Member for the United Women in Business Foundation, Manager at Deloitte, and Senior Manager at the Pine Hill Group. In this episode, we discuss: - How to focus on data that drives action - 3 proven strategies to empower faster, smarter decision - How AI and ML have impacted business decision-making - Leveraging insights without compromising data security

Private Equity-Backed CFO Strategies for Finance Transformation with Connor Augustyn

September 17, 2024 • 35 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Connor Augustyn, Director at West Monroe, joins Megan Weis to lay out a comprehensive guide for private equity-backed CFOs to create and implement a finance transformation roadmap that will elevate company value through both data-driven strategies and effective financial management. Connor's role as Director at West Monroe is the result of his diverse experience at both West Monroe and Clerestory Consulting, as well as Conagra Brands. He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and brings a strong skill set in finance, financial reporting, accounting, sales, and cash flow management. In this episode, we discuss: Key strategies for successful financial transformation How PE-backed CFOs prioritize for success The importance of aligning long-term strategy with short-term PE goals Maintaining stakeholder engagement throughout the transformation process How stakeholder buy-in and smart tech choices drive success

How to Master Financial Leadership Across Industries with Madhu Jagannathan

September 10, 2024 • 35 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Madhu Jagannathan, Chief Financial Officer at Lob, joins Megan Weis to share his lessons from Lob, INRIX, and ChefSteps and the evolving skill sets required for CFOs to successfully navigate financial leadership across different industries. He discusses building and managing diverse teams, collaboration between finance and other departments, lessons from outsourcing and offshoring, and the evolving role of the CFO. Madhu is an experienced professional with over 20 years of success in strategic planning, financial management, and investor relations. His impressive background includes roles as CFO at INRIX and ChefSteps, Director of Finance at Qumulo, Revenue FP&A Lead at Dropbox, and Group Finance Manager at Microsoft. Known for his strong leadership skills, Madhu excels at building and guiding diverse teams to achieve outstanding results. In this episode, we discuss: - How to adapt your leadership style to different industries - The role of technology in driving financial performance and operational efficiency - Balancing growth with maintaining financial discipline and long-term sustainability - Key tips for seamless outsourcing and offshoring success - Emerging trends that will impact the CFO role in the next five years

The Future of Finance with Emmanuel Daniel

September 3, 2024 • 42 MIN

The financial industry is experiencing a significant change with the rise of digitization and cryptocurrencies. As technology advances, traditional assets are becoming more digital, allowing for smoother transactions and greater accessibility. At the same time, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining traction as alternatives to traditional financial systems. The main question is, “What implications do these changes have for traditional financial institutions?” Emmanuel Daniel has some curious insights to share. Emmanuel is an entrepreneur and corporate strategist, acknowledged among the top 10 global influencers in the FinTech Power 50 list for both 2021 and 2022. He is the founder of TAB Global and author of "The Great Transition." Drawing on his travels to over 110 countries, Emmanuel actively shares his insights through his blog and is currently working on his second book, "The Winning Civilization," set for release in 2024. In this episode, we discuss: - Challenges and opportunities in modern finance - Blockchain and the evolution of financial institutions - Balance sheets and digital assets - The impact of decentralized finance on traditional banks - Security and stability of financial digital assets

Effective Communication and Nonprofit Leadership with Timothy Dunbar

August 28, 2024 • 31 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Timothy Dunbar, Chief Financial Officer at the American Water Works Association, joins Megan Weis to discuss effective communication and its importance across different functions and stakeholders, particularly when handling difficult situations, as well as the evolving role of CFOs in nonprofits. Timothy is an Executive Officer with 20 years of leadership experience, currently serving as CFO of a $50 million organization formed from the merger of two industry leaders. Previously, he was the Chief Financial Officer at Contexture and CORHIO. His expertise lies in leading growth-oriented operations, generating revenue, financial management, organizational governance, risk management, and strategic planning. In this episode, we discuss: - How communication drives financial performance across every role - Effective communication tips between the finance and other departments - How to manage financial communication during a crisis - Secrets to simple, impactful communication

Secrets to Success as a Young Female CFO with Niki Heim

August 20, 2024 • 35 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Niki Heim, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at LogicSource, joins Megan Weis to share her journey to becoming an under-40 female CFO, the experiences she has gained, and the challenges she had to overcome along the way. Before starting her career at LogicSource, Niki was a Controller at Title Nine and had experience working as a Public Accountant, Auditor, and Senior Analyst at Stevens Group and Umpqua Bank. After joining LogicSource as a Controller, she was promoted to the role of Executive Vice President of Finance within a year. In this episode, we discuss: - What it takes to become an effective CFO - How organizations can better support emerging female leaders - What unique perspectives do younger female CFOs bring to financial leadership - How to master work-life balance

CFOs, Gen Z, and the Future of Work with Sagar Khatri

August 13, 2024 • 35 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Sagar Khatri, Co-Founder and CEO of Multiplier, joins Megan Weis to talk about the workforce trends that CFOs are currently navigating and the nuanced challenges of integrating Gen Z into the workplace. They also touch on the importance of trust, transparency, diversity in leadership, the financial implications of remote work, and the future of work. Inspired by his personal experiences with the challenges of international expansion and previous tenures, Sagar, alongside his co-founders, created Multiplier to transform the employment landscape. Before that, he held leadership roles at Hmlet, Nomura, and The Walt Disney Company. Sagar is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for his work with Multiplier. In this episode, we discuss: - 2024 workforce trends CFOs can't ignore - How CFOs can simplify international hiring with ease - Attracting and retaining Gen Z in the workplace - The role of DEI in attracting Gen Z and driving profitability

How to Become a Top Financial Advisor with Susan Boles

August 6, 2024 • 34 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Susan Boles, Virtual CFO and Business Strategist at Beyond Margins, joins Megan Weis to share how to be a better business advisor to help business owners get clear on their numbers and truly understand their inner workings at a deeper level so that they can make decisions from a place of intention and purpose instead of panic. Susan has spent over 20 years deeply immersed in productivity and achievement culture, serving as a CFO and COO for various organizations, including major universities, small retail shops, and marketing agencies. Susan is also the Creator & Show Host of the Beyond Margins Podcast, where she delves beyond the typical measures of success to help you establish a business where calm is the new KPI. In this episode, we discuss: - How rebranding transformed Susan's approach to business and life - Building a community centered around the concept of calm - How to become a better financial advisor - The importance of staying calm in business decision-making - The CALMER framework for business success

How CFOs Can Embrace New Tech Without Redesigning Their Entire Toolkit with Melissa Howatson

July 30, 2024 • 35 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Melissa Howatson, CFO at Vena Solutions, joins Megan Weis to discuss why CFOs and finance teams should not reinvent the wheel with new tools and processes and why, at times, the best solution might be making current processes more efficient, particularly when it comes to navigating new trends such as AI. Melissa is a finance leader with a strong operational focus and a proven track record of driving value through strategic execution and business insights. She has successfully guided organizations through the scaling-up phase during periods of rapid growth and is also the host of The CFO Show. In this episode, we discuss: - Why technology isn’t always the answer to solving your problems - How to choose scalable tools for your growing business - The role of AI in shaping the future of finance

Non-Clinical Spending Insights for Healthcare CFOs with David Kirshner

July 23, 2024 • 37 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, David Kirshner, Managing Partner of Healthcare at LogicSource, joins Megan Weis to discuss the impact of non-clinical spending on financial health in healthcare organizations. They discuss strategies for optimizing vendor relationships, leveraging data and analytics, and navigating regulatory compliance. David also shares his insights on the evolving role of CFOs in healthcare. David is the Managing Partner of Healthcare at LogicSource, where he builds and maintains relationships with the CFOs of healthcare clients, a critical group for LogicSource's solutions. He is also a Senior Executive Advisor at Janus Health and a Senior Executive Advisor at Waterstone Properties Group. Before that, David was an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Lifespan. In this episode, we discuss: - How healthcare organizations can save money by optimizing non-clinical spending - Why non-clinical spend management is critical for the financial health and sustainability of your healthcare system - The importance of breaking healthcare silos to leverage non-clinical spending - How to effectively manage change in healthcare spending

From Finance Specialist to Strategist with Gabriel Teixeira

July 16, 2024 • 29 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Gabriel Teixeira, Finance Director at Diageo, joins Megan Weis to explore the importance of broadening experiences to become a more well-rounded and complete finance professional. They share insights on the evolving role of finance leaders, key strategies for success, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Gabriel is an experienced business professional with a passion for leading high-performing teams. With over 15 years of experience in both in-market and corporate finance, he excels in financial planning and strategy, commercial finance, business partnering, supply finance, controlling, accounting, and treasury. Gabriel has spent over 7 years at Diageo in various roles and previously worked at RB. In this episode, we discuss: - The evolving role of finance leaders - Key strategies for team success in fast-paced environments - How finance professionals drive market expansion and revenue growth - Challenges and opportunities for finance leaders in consumer goods

Navigating Cross-Border Accounting: From the US to Europe with Katrina Nacci

July 9, 2024 • 33 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Katrina Nacci, a Self-Employed Cross-Border Accounting Advisor, joins Megan Weis to explore the topic of cross-border accounting between the U.S. and Europe or accounting conversion projects. They discuss the challenges and importance of understanding accounting standards, preparing for an IPO, and the shortage of accountants with US GAAP expertise in Europe. Katrina started her career at PwC in Boston and later moved to Germany to gain deeper insights into global businesses. Her focus has been on helping European companies go public in the US and assisting US companies with acquisitions in Europe. Katrina also advises European tech and biotech CFOs on US GAAP, IFRS, and US transactions such as fundraising, IPOs, and acquisitions. In this episode, we discuss: - US GAAP vs. IFRS - How to prepare for an IPO - The role of fractional chief accounting officers in accounting conversion projects - The future of cross-border accounting

How CFOs Are Becoming Chief Storytellers with Ben Cutting

July 2, 2024 • 33 MIN

When it comes to the evolving responsibilities of the CFO, the need to be a skilled storyteller has become a hot topic as of late. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Ben Cutting, CFO at Lithko Contracting, joins Megan Weis to explore the evolving role of CFOs as Chief Storyteller Officers and the importance of effective communication in financial leadership. Ben has over 15 years of expertise in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, accounting, pricing, and corporate restructuring. He has a proven record of managing finances successfully during significant growth and complex transitions. Previously, Ben served as the CFO of Taylor Corporation and the Treasurer and Vice President of Finance at WorkflowOne. In this episode, we discuss: - What makes a great Chief Storyteller - The art of transparent financial storytelling - Crafting narratives that inspire confidence in financial partners - Authentic financial reporting

The Power of AI in Finance with Siqi Chen

June 25, 2024 • 30 MIN

Siqi Chen, the CEO at Runway, joins Megan Weis to discuss the challenges and benefits of adopting AI technologies, the importance of accessibility and collaboration within the finance team and organization, and how AI will democratize finance and shift the role of the CFO. Siqi Chen is the CEO of Runway, a startup that enables operators to understand their business without needing a degree in finance. He is a private angel investor and has also worked for Sandbox VR for over six years. Siqi designed and developed 3D visualization and simulation systems for the Mars pinpoint landing project, and was the recipient of the US Congressional Space Act Board Award. In this episode, we discuss: - How Runway's platform simplifies financial analysis - The role of AI in revolutionizing the CFO's role - The importance of accessibility and collaboration within the finance team - The challenges and benefits of adopting AI technologies, including cybersecurity and market trend identification

Navigating Global Finance with Vandana Agarwal

June 18, 2024 • 19 MIN

Vandana Agarwal, a Finance Analyst at Merkley+Partners, joins Megan Weis to explore the key challenges when optimizing financial efficiency, the challenges and opportunities for women in finance, and the role of technology in the industry's future. Vandana Agarwal has worked in finance for over eight years, having started in India and then moved to the United States. She is currently a Finance Analyst at Merkley+Partners, has served an internship at Colgate-Palmolive, and worked at Recro and Deloitte India. Vandana also pursued an MS degree in Business Analytics at Fordham University. In this episode, we discuss: - How the basics of finance are the same globally - The importance of staying up-to-date with changing regulations - The similarities in financial practices and leadership styles among multinational companies - The challenges and opportunities for women in the finance industry - AI’s role in finance

From Rising Costs to Cost Control with Corey Noyek

June 11, 2024 • 28 MIN

In the 200th episode of CFO Weekly, Corey Noyek, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Cardata, joins Megan Weis to discuss cost management for finance leaders. They analyze the impact of the rising production costs of everything due to inflation and the importance of collaboration across multiple departments, including finance, HR, and ops. Corey is a CPA, CA, with a solid background in finance and operations. Before joining Cardata, he held various finance leadership roles at companies such as Cardata, Thriver, Deloitte Canada, and Norman, Goldberg & Co., gaining expertise in financial management, accounting, and tax filing. In this episode, we discuss: - How to thrive despite economic turbulence - Why cross-department collaboration is essential for business success - Strategies for identifying cost savings and operational improvement opportunities - How to maintain employee morale while tightening the belt

Why Your Financials Are Key to Success with Hurley Fox

June 4, 2024 • 32 MIN

While many companies treat business owners as simple customers, Hurley Fox sees them as partners. Therefore, their problems become his problems, and he's keen to solve them. Hurley is passionate about making finance easy to understand and helping businesses enhance their financial management. Today, he joined us to share his unique approach. Hurley founded Fox & Partners to offer superior professional services to business owners. He is passionate about helping small business owners understand their finances and create reports and goals to achieve their ambitions. Beyond Fox & Partners, Hurley serves on the boards of several non-profits and holds equity stakes in other small businesses. In this episode, we discuss: - Helping entrepreneurs understand complex financial concepts - How Fox & Partners turns client challenges into solutions - The importance of understanding your cash flow - What common financial pitfalls small business owners must avoid - Fostering client trust and collaboration

The Multidimensional Role of a CFO with Sharon Barber-Lui

May 28, 2024 • 37 MIN

Sharon Barber-Lui, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at Teva Pharmaceuticals US, joins Megan Weis to unveil the multifaceted role of the CFO, the need for the CFO to connect with all aspects of the business, as well as the importance of diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Sharon has over 20 years of executive experience in BioPharma, biotech, and public accounting, focusing on commercialization, finance, and operations. Before joining Teva Pharmaceuticals, she was the Senior Vice President of Global Finance at EQRx. Sharon also spent over 22 years at Merck. In this episode, we discuss: - Why CFOs must connect with all aspects of the business - Key traits for successful CFOs - Driving innovation through diversity and inclusion - The integration of technology and data analytics in finance

Unleash Your Pervasive Creativity to Drive Strategic Success with Stacey Ryan-Cornelius

May 21, 2024 • 28 MIN

Everyone thinks the main job of a CFO is to maintain the financial health of an organization. While true, Stacey Ryan-Cornelius believes that being a CFO has transcended beyond keeping books to becoming a strategic business partner, working closely with all business leaders to ensure organizational success. To learn more about the topic, Stacey joined us in the latest episode of CFO Weekly. Stacey is the Global Chief Financial Officer at Ogilvy, bringing over 30 years of experience in the entertainment, media, and communications industry. As an innovative and strategic business partner, she is dedicated to driving growth. Stacey is also an NYS Licensed CPA, a Certified Management Accountant, a member of Chief, and serves as a Trustee Board member of Marymount Manhattan College. In this episode, we discuss: - How CFOs drive strategic organizational success - The creative mindset of a CFO - Aligning financial leadership with organizational goals - Leading transformational initiatives - The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace

How CFOs Are Steering Early-Stage Startups Toward Success with Felix Beccar

May 14, 2024 • 30 MIN

Traditionally, CFOs have been associated with established corporations. However, we've been noticing their growing presence in startups, including early-stage businesses. We were wondering: what are the primary challenges faced by CFOs in early-stage startups? To answer the question, we have Felix Beccar. With more than 15 years of experience in management consulting and technology, Felix serves as the CFO at Mural, a top visual collaboration platform, where he leads the global finance team. Felix is also an Advisor for Brevity and Funnel IQ, an Investor at Mapo Tapo, as well as an Entrepreneur In Residence at INSEAD. In this episode, we discuss: - What role do CFOs play in early-stage startups? - The CFO-COO combination and its impact on startups - How to stay ahead in hiring and technology implementation - The importance of aligning financial goals with operational objectives - How to maintain financial discipline during rapid scaling

Master Cash Flow Forecasting with Colin Hewitt

May 7, 2024 • 29 MIN

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and for small businesses, it is even more vital. Accurate cash flow forecasting allows business owners to better manage their finances, make informed decisions, and plan for the future. To help us better leverage cash flow forecasting for financial leadership and strategic decision-making, we discuss it with Colin Hewitt. Colin is the CEO and Co-founder of Float Cash Flow Forecasting. He has spent more than twenty years in the software industry, focusing on helping small businesses understand their finances. Colin co-founded Flow to offer simple, precise tools for scenario planning and budgeting that work with well-known accounting platforms. Previously, he served as the Director at IfLooksCouldKill. In this episode, we discuss: - How accurate cash flow forecasting empowers CFOs - How Float's scenario planning allows CFOs to navigate market uncertainties - Integrating advanced tech in cash flow management - Best practices for CFOs to master cash flow in uncertain times

The Power of Systemized Decision-Making with Dhiraj Rajaram

April 30, 2024 • 31 MIN

Big companies need a better art of problem-solving. You can't simply rely on luck or intuition. Data and analytics must become your greatest allies in your decision-making process. However, it's not just about employing any tool you find; it's about finding the right tool for your needs. In the case of big companies, Dhiraj Rajaram has the solution. Dhiraj is the founder of Mu Sigma, where he leads the company's strategic direction. Before starting Mu Sigma, he gained experience at Booz Allen Hamilton and PwC. Dhiraj was listed in Fortune Magazine's "40 under 40" in 2011 and 2013. In 2012, Ernst and Young India honored him with the "Entrepreneur Of The Year India" award in the Services sector. Additionally, in early 2014, CNBC TV18 India Business Leaders Awards presented him with the Young Turk award. In this episode, we discuss: - The financial benefits of systemized decision-making - The art of problem-solving - Financial planning and optionality through analytics - The changing role of CFOs - AI and machine learning in finance

High-Performance Finance Leadership with Daniel Welch

April 23, 2024 • 39 MIN

People expect CFOs to be masters of everything, not just finance. Strategy, technology, marketing, or customer engagement, a financial leader truly has to get a strong grasp on every aspect of a business. Impossible, some might say. But not for Daniel Welch, who joined us in this episode of CFO Weekly to share his personal performance as an executive as well as strategies for successfully scaling high-growth businesses. Daniel has a deep passion for developing and enhancing value in consumer-focused companies with standout products and strong customer connections. Before Kate Farms, he served as the CFO of Oura Health, led corporate finance and development at Sonos, and has a background in investment banking. In this episode, we discuss: - How to maintain high levels of performance in finance leadership - Key strategies for scaling high-growth businesses - The importance of leveraging technology in high-growth companies - Building efficiency in finance teams

Business and Digital Transformation with Steve Hankins

April 16, 2024 • 51 MIN

Business and digital transformation are two of the hottest topics today, critical for surviving and thriving in today's competitive environment. From streamlining processes to improving accuracy and efficiency, technology has revolutionized the way financial operations are carried out. To explore the benefits of business and digital transformation and how they can be effectively implemented, we discuss with Steve Hankins. Steve brings a wealth of experience from an outstanding career across the food and logistics industries, having sharpened his skills in various senior roles, including 21 years at Tyson Foods. Today, he is the CFO at Morgan Foods. Previously, Steve was also CEO of US Bentonite and Accio.US, as well as the Global CFO/CIO for Globe Express Services. His expertise spans business integration, transforming financial operations, financial reporting, and more. In this episode, we discuss: - Business and digital transformation - The role of technological innovation in reshaping financial operations - How to leverage technology for operational efficiency - Automation and digital transformation for business success

How Today's CFOs Lead Businesses into the Future with Alex Glueckler

April 9, 2024 • 35 MIN

It's not the first time we have explored the evolution of the CFO role. According to Alex Glueckler, today the CFO is expected to be a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board of directors. They must provide insights and analysis that drive decision-making and help shape the company's long-term growth strategy. What else is on the list? Alex breaks it down for us. With more than 18 years of experience in accounting, finance, and product management, Alex is a dynamic and goal-driven leader. He skillfully merges strategic planning, analytical prowess, and process enhancement capabilities to boost business efficiency and expansion. Some of his previous roles include Chief Financial Officer for CLMBR and Pure Harvest Corporate Group, as well as Interim CEO of Alternate36. In this episode, we discuss: - The evolving role of the CFO - Effective leadership and communication in finance - The importance of work-life balance for CFOs - Managing stress and avoiding burnout - Harnessing the power of data analysis in finance

Tech-Savvy CFOs with Aneal Vallurupalli

April 2, 2024 • 35 MIN

Do modern CFOs need to consider integrating AI, automation, or analytics into their financial operations? The answer is a resounding yes. These technologies are not only useful for streamlining accounting processes but also for making more informed strategic decisions that can give businesses a competitive edge. To shed light on this topic, we have invited Aneal Vallurupalli to share his expertise. Aneal is the CFO at Airbase, a company focused on helping businesses with their spend management needs. He has vast experience in corporate finance, corporate development, operations, and technology mergers and acquisitions. Before joining Airbase, Aneal was the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Mattermost, where he played a key role in significantly increasing the company's enterprise value. In this episode, we discuss: - How financial technology drives value and efficiency - The role of analytics and AI in finance - Streamlining accounting processes - What the role of the modern CFO entails

Harnessing the Power of Technology and People with Tom Panther

March 26, 2024 • 26 MIN

The emergence of new technologies like AI and the increasing influence of data-driven decision-making have brought new challenges to financial professionals. At the same time, CFOs can use them to provide the most value to a company’s financial performance. It's all about the strategy. And today, Tom Panther shares his wisdom on how CFOs can leverage all these modern tools. Tom is an experienced finance professional with a 25-year track record in the industry, encompassing finance, accounting, and HR roles. Throughout his career, he held leadership titles such as Director of Corporate Finance, Corporate Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, and Head of Total Rewards at companies like FLEETCOR, SunTrust, and EVO Payments. In this episode, we discuss: - The impact of technology on the CFO role - How authentic leadership drives financial success - Talent acquisition strategies for CFOs - The future of high-performing CFOs - What role does AI play in finance?

Growth and Cash Flow Strategies for 2024 with Guido Torrini

March 19, 2024 • 29 MIN

CFOs play a key role in shaping financial strategies to ensure the growth and success of their organizations. However, when faced with a high-interest rate environment, the challenges become even more significant. CFOs need to adapt their financial planning approaches to navigate these circumstances effectively. Today, we'll explore the topic along with Guido Torrini, CFO of OneTrust. Guido's thirty-year career has consistently been at the forefront of transformative enterprise technology. Starting at Cisco and Dell, he played a key role in developing the hardware and network infrastructure critical for the widespread adoption of computers and devices. As a leader of finance teams at companies such as Groupon and Gympass, he promoted direct online interactions and transactions between businesses and customers. In this episode, we discuss: - How to balance growth and profitability in 2024 - The power of networking for CFOs - The impact of interest rates on financial planning - Key traits for today's CFOs - Customer experience and product innovation - The CFO's role in a high-interest rate environment

AI-Driven CFOs and Optimizing Net Cash Flows with Max Dame

March 12, 2024 • 21 MIN

Optimizing cash flows is key for an organization to stay financially healthy and achieve sustainable growth. Cash flow management involves monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the inflow and outflow of cash within the company. Traditionally, this responsibility has fallen on the CFO. However, with the rise of AI, CFOs can now leverage new tools and algorithms to enhance their role in optimizing cash flows. Let's speak with Max Dame to learn how to do that. Max is an experienced finance and accounting leader with a strong background in SaaS and marketing technology and expertise in financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, and accounting. Currently, he serves as the Vice President Of Finance And Operations at Tesorio. Before that, Max was the Vice President of Finance at Formation, Director of Finance and Accounting at Kenandy, as well as Director of Finance and Senior Consultant at Meritus. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of AI-driven CFOs in net cash flow optimization - Why CFOs should embrace technology and AI - The three pillars for successfully transforming financial health - Cash flow optimization strategies in the current economic landscape - AI's impact on the future of finance

Redefining the CFO-Legal Relationship with Eric Bouchard

March 5, 2024 • 30 MIN

While businesses are constantly looking for ways to optimize their spending and maximize their ROI, they often overlook legal spending, which plays a key role in safeguarding the organization's interests. That's where a strong relationship between CFOs and legal teams becomes critical to ensure cost-effective legal services. To help us dive deeper into this topic today, we have Eric Bouchard. Eric is the Chief Financial Officer at Axiom. He has diverse work experience, starting in 1998 as a Senior at KPMG Audit. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions at companies such as Bombardier Transportation, Alcan, Bauxite and Alumina, Atrium Innovations, and Nestlé Health Science. Today, he serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Axiom. In this episode, we discuss: - The CFO-legal partnership - Maintaining quality in legal support - How to avoid regulatory issues - Integrating AI while managing risks

The Rise of the Chief Future Officer with Joy Mbanugo

February 27, 2024 • 29 MIN

Historically, CFOs were mainly responsible for financial management, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring the company's financial health and profitability. However, with the CFO's increasing involvement in strategic decision-making and their crucial role in shaping the future direction of their company, the role is now taking on a new title - the Chief Future Officer. To understand the various aspects of this evolving role and discuss how CFOs are adapting to meet the challenges of the future, we discuss with Joy Mbanugo. As ServiceRocket's CFO, Joy oversees the Finance, Accounting, Procurement, and Workforce Planning teams. With more than 20 years of experience in audit, tax, business operations, financial services, and financial planning and analysis across different industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Before ServiceRocket, Joy spent five years at Google, where she assessed Google Cloud Partnerships and Solutions, managed Alphabet's financial data, and optimized the cash management for assets exceeding $100 billion. In this episode, we discuss: - The evolving role of the CFO - Upskilling employees for growth - From Chief Financial to Future Officer - Collaboration and team building for CFOs - Empowering women in the workplace

The Future of Finance with Emmanuel Daniel

February 20, 2024 • 42 MIN

The financial industry is experiencing a significant change with the rise of digitization and cryptocurrencies. As technology advances, traditional assets are becoming more digital, allowing for smoother transactions and greater accessibility. At the same time, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining traction as alternatives to traditional financial systems. The main question is, “What implications do these changes have for traditional financial institutions?” Emmanuel Daniel has some curious insights to share. Emmanuel is an entrepreneur and corporate strategist, acknowledged among the top 10 global influencers in the FinTech Power 50 list for both 2021 and 2022. He is the founder of TAB Global and author of "The Great Transition." Drawing on his travels to over 110 countries, Emmanuel actively shares his insights through his blog and is currently working on his second book, "The Winning Civilization," set for release in 2024. In this episode, we discuss: - Challenges and opportunities in modern finance - Blockchain and the evolution of financial institutions - Balance sheets and digital assets - The impact of decentralized finance on traditional banks - Security and stability of financial digital assets

Simplifying Your Finances with Danielle Hendon

February 13, 2024 • 28 MIN

Small business owners encounter multiple difficulties when it comes to making wise financial decisions. Limited resources, lack of expertise, and time constraints can often restrict their ability to make informed choices that can enhance the financial well-being and success of their businesses. But Danielle Hendon of 4 Corners CFO is on a mission to change that. Danielle helps business owners earn their deserved income and increase their profits annually by helping them understand their finances and the reasons behind their fluctuations. With over ten years of experience in corporate finance and accounting from her time at LINN Energy/Riviera Resources, UHY Advisors, and Devon Energy, she offers small businesses tailored financial guidance that aligns with their budget and requirements. In this episode, we discuss: - Strategies for improving operational profit - The role of CFOs in small business success - How small businesses can benefit from thinking like the big ones - The value of non-revenue-generating roles for scaling your business

Bridging Finance and Operations with Luigi Testa

February 6, 2024 • 29 MIN

Businesses are always searching for methods to improve their operations and gain an advantage over their competitors. One area often neglected is making finance part of the business' operating fabric. However, by bringing finance into decision-making processes and aligning it with other functions, companies can achieve better financial outcomes, mitigate risk, and drive growth. And that's what Luigi Testa talks about in today's episode. Luigi is an accomplished finance and strategy professional with a vast background in venture capital and SaaS industries. He is the Chief Financial Officer at LinkSquares and a Founding Member of The F Suite, an exclusive, invitation-only community for CFOs. Previously, Luigi worked at Building Engines. His performance and leadership were recognized when he was named among the Boston Business Journal's 2023 CFO of the Year. In this episode, we discuss: - How integrating finance elevates business operations - The AI impact on finance - Leadership and relationship building in finance - How to strike a balance between growth and efficiency - Storytelling in finance communication

Tackling Today's Toughest Economic Challenges with Ali Firoozi

January 30, 2024 • 38 MIN

The global pandemic, armed conflicts, political instability, and rapidly evolving technology are just some of the key challenges faced by financial leaders in today's economic climate. Nevertheless, they can also present opportunities for organizations to succeed. Today, Ali Firoozi provides practical insights to help navigate challenges like recent rate increases from the Fed and the recurring threat of a US government shutdown. With over two decades of expertise in finance, Ali serves as the CFO of The PAC Group, where he oversees the financial integrity and system accuracy for the company's $65 million global consulting and engineering management operations. Throughout his career, Ali has worked for companies like Logix Federal Credit, JPMorgan Chase, and Washington Mutual Bank. In this episode, we discuss: - The impact of Federal Reserve rate increases - Potential ramifications of a US government shutdown - Challenges and opportunities for financial leaders in today's economy - CFO strategies for turbulent times - The future of the US dollar as the reserve currency

How to Maximize Your Profits and Grow Your Business with Manny Skevofilax

January 23, 2024 • 22 MIN

No profits, no growth. It's a business reality applicable to all companies. Without profits, there is no way to invest in innovation and operations expansion, or attract top talent. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Manny Skevofilax joins Megan Weis to share how to maximize profitability while growing your business. Manny is the Principal at PORTAL CFO Consulting. His role is to serve business owners as their navigators to business growth and making more money. Along the journey, Manny helps clients gain a better understanding of their business's financial health so they can make more informed business decisions. In this episode, we discuss: - Strategies for maximizing profitability - Overcoming the challenges of business growth - Building efficiency in business operations - The role of financial discipline

From Planning to Execution: IPO Winning Strategies with Jayson Noland

January 16, 2024 • 18 MIN

An IPO is not just a financial milestone in the business growth, but a transformative journey demanding a complete, data-driven, and strategic reorientation of the entire business. A CFO plays a key role in the IPO process. To learn more about it, we discussed it with Jayson Noland. Jayson Noland is CFO at HackerOne, a company empowering the world to build a safer internet. He is also an Advisory Council Member at Forgepoint Capital. Previously, Jayson worked at Cloudflare as VP of Strategic Finance, Treasury, and Investor Relations. In this episode, we discuss: - IPO readiness strategies - Data-driven decision-making in IPO planning - Steps to transform your business for the stock market - How to effectively manage capital market engagement

A CFO's Perspective for Understanding Operations and Driving Value with Aaron Sallade

January 9, 2024 • 18 MIN

Amidst a constantly shifting landscape defined by economic flux, geopolitical unrest, fleeting product cycles, and fierce talent competition, businesses strive to stay ahead. At the helm, CFOs wield crucial influence, not merely overseeing financial outcomes but actively driving strategic transformations. As guardians of a company's fiscal health, they proactively shape and steer organizations through these dynamic challenges, ensuring resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Aaron Sallade is the Chief Financial Officer at BiggerPockets. He is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of expertise in finance strategy and operations, dedicated to driving value creation. Before joining BiggerPockets, Aaron spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives and pioneered category expansion efforts at Home Advisor. His extensive background includes diverse roles in corporate finance, private equity, and investment banking. Moreover, Aaron is an Army veteran, having served in Bosnia Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Beyond his professional endeavors, he manages a small portfolio of investment properties and cherishes moments with his wife and four kids. In this episode, we discuss: - Understanding operations as a CFO - Prioritizing revenue over cost-cutting for tangible impacts - Identifying, analyzing, and aligning resources for future strategies - Risk mitigation and financial strategies

Top Skills and Strategies for Standing Out in Finance with Stephen Newland

January 2, 2024 • 34 MIN

Winning at the finance game requires a specific set of skills. It's not just about financial literacy or accounting; soft skills are equally important. You might wonder what these skills are and how to learn them, but don't worry. Stephen Newland, Director of FP&A at GrowthLab Finance-as-a-Service, got you covered. Stephen has worked in a finance role at various organizations, including startups, early-stage companies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500s. He earned the Certified Management Accountant designation in July 2022 and has an Honors Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. Before GrowthLab, Stephen held finance roles in organizations like Gravy, Qoins, North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, Delta Air Lines, and GE. In this episode, we discuss: -How does GrowthLab help businesses optimize their finances for growth? -The importance of learning from mistakes -What skills are essential in helping finance professionals stand out and advance more quickly within their organizations? -How can finance professionals develop soft skills early on? -How can you build relationships and win over the trust of leadership? -Creating a plan for personal growth Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Transforming the Four FP&A Key Pillars for Business Success with Carl Seidman

December 26, 2023 • 47 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Carl Seidman, Interim CFO and Finance Director at Seidman Financial joins Megan Weis to discuss the importance of integrating finance into the overall business and operations, how to transform your FP&A, and the four pillars of success for companies. He also shares his approach to helping companies develop financial professionals into more powerful performers and build FP&A functions so that financial intelligence drives organizational success. Carl is a trusted business advisor specializing in FP&A, business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 and middle market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams. At the same time, Carl supports financial professionals, positioning them for greater control over their careers by helping build their confidence while eliminating time-wasting activities and mistakes. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member of the American Management Association and a Senior FP&A Instructor at Wall Street Prep. In this episode, we discuss: -What does transforming FP&A look like? -What are the four key pillars of FP&A? -What's the difference between the FP&A function in small versus large organizations? -Why is there a need for FP&A professionals to be entrenched in other business functions' operations? -How does technology make finance a seamless part of a company's operations? -How can finance leaders promote financial responsibility and accountability cultures? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why the Future for CFOs is More Than Just Number Crunching with Ilana Esterrich

December 19, 2023 • 29 MIN

In recent years, the CFO role has undergone a significant transformation. No longer limited to simply managing financial resources, CFOs now play a critical role in strategic decision-making, fundraising, ensuring long-term sustainability, and much more. To get a 360-degree view of the evolution of the CFO, we're joined today by Ilana Esterrich. With her extensive 30-year career in operations and finance, Ilana currently excels in her role as the CFO of Planned Parenthood, a trusted healthcare provider. Before that, Ilana served as CFO for the American Coatings Association, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Centre of Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, and President of the American Women’s Club of Thailand. In this episode, we discuss: - The evolving role of the CFO - The subtle differences between modern nonprofit and for-profit CFO roles - How to build effective financial teams - Leveraging AI in accounting and finance

“No Risk It, No Biscuit”: A Financial Perspective on Risk with Isaac Strulowitz

December 12, 2023 • 23 MIN

Risk is an inherent part of the business game. However, the level of risk and skills involved in playing professional power are very different from those required to win a lottery. To win in business, you must take smart risks while conducting thorough research and proactively managing assets. But let's hear what Isaac Strulowitz has to say about mitigating financial risk. Isaac is a finance professional with over 10 years of experience. He is a Partner and Chief Financial Officer at CoVenture. Prior to this, Isaac worked in Real Estate Finance for The Blackstone Group. His first professional roles were at EY, where he started as an Intern. In this episode, we discuss: - Balancing risk and reward - Smart risk-taking and mitigation - Integrating judgment, experience, and data - Avoiding common mistakes in fast-growing businesses

Unmasking Time Theft by Making Work Visible with James Kennedy

December 5, 2023 • 42 MIN

Your team may seem busy, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are being productive. They may be working hard but not necessarily smart, often spending time on ineffective tasks. These are known as "time thieves," silently hurting your business productivity. However, according to James Kennedy, "Making Work Visible" can help combat these time thieves. Today, he will be sharing some insights with us. James is a well-versed entrepreneur, currently dedicated to assisting finance teams by providing a wealth of resources, including educational content, podcasts, videos, and specialized software. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding and managing companies like Piehole and Smartnote, building on his earlier experience as a Contract Engineer at Arantech. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of "Making Work Visible" for enhancing team productivity - How to identify and mitigate "time thieves" - The 15-minute daily stand-up meeting productivity hack - Strategies for harmonizing expectations with reality

Seize Control of Your Financial Risk Management in a Tech-Driven World with Meg Johnson

November 28, 2023 • 17 MIN

Inflation, COVID-19, and AI are just a few of the many concerns that can lead to unexpected business scenarios. The ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate these risks is crucial for an organization to navigate the uncertainties and challenges they face. In simple terms, it's all about financial risk management. And today, we have the pleasure of diving into the topic with a special guest, Meg Johnson. Meg is a Financial Services Regulatory Professional with over two decades of experience in bank regulation, risk management, operational strategies, and strategic planning. Currently, she serves as the CFO at Terra State Community College. Before that, Meg was the Executive VP and Deputy Chief Risk Officer at S&T Bank and the VP of Community and Regional Supervision at the Federal Reserve System. In this episode, we discuss: - Strategies for effective financial risk management - How to cultivate a culture of integrity in financial risk management - The role data, analytics, and technology in financial risk management Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Art of Financial Storytelling: Turning Your Financial Data into Engaging Stories

November 21, 2023 • 35 MIN

Whether it's sharing ideas, persuading stakeholders, or driving action, clear and engaging communication is crucial. Storytelling is the tool financial professionals need to master to enhance their communication. To better explore the power of financial storytelling, its impact on driving action, and how it can improve communication in the financial industry, we speak to Soufyan Hamid. Soufyan is an experienced FP&A expert based in Belgium who founded SouFBP to offer specialized support to businesses looking for temporary or independent financial management solutions. Before that, he held the roles of Finance Business Partner at Proximus and Manager at Deloitte Belgium. In this episode, we discuss: - The power of financial storytelling - Why financial professionals need to nail storytelling - What skills do you need to be a good financial storyteller - How to transform financial reality into great stories - Designing engaging financial presentations Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Rise of Embedded Finance with Daniel Yubi

November 14, 2023 • 36 MIN

Embedded finance, finance business partnering, and collaboration between CFOs and product teams - a trio every business must fully grasp and master to succeed in the complex financial landscape of the 21st century. To learn more about them, we spoke to Daniel Yubi, the CEO of Payable. Daniel holds the prestigious Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, a distinction conferred upon only 200 global tech innovators by TechNation in collaboration with the UK Home Office. Before Payable, Daniel's career trajectory included his participation in the On Deck Fintech Fellowship, a tenure as Senior Product Manager at Checkout.com, and a role as Product Manager at Curve. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of embedded finance - The potential of finance business partnering - Collaboration between CFOs and product teams - Key compliance strategies for marketplace financial operations Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Fintech Is Revolutionizing Finance: Insights from Rebecca Bacon

November 7, 2023 • 25 MIN

In recent years, the landscape of financial services has experienced a profound transformation, primarily driven by the rise of Fintech. The industry has expanded beyond the traditional borders of banking and lending, paving the way for innovative players in the market, such as Upgrade. Today, we speak with the company's VP and Head of Financial Institutions about how Upgrade leverages Fintech to deliver a seamless digital experience that outshines the offerings of classic banks and credit unions. Rebecca Bacon serves as the VP and Head of Financial Institutions at Upgrade, where she leads the company's nationwide engagement with various financial entities, ranging from smaller credit unions with assets of $30 million to major banks with assets up to $200 billion. Under her leadership, Rebecca's team has recently expanded its services to include deposit liquidity solutions for its network of over 200 partners, providing match-funding solutions for financial institutions with deposit pressure. In this episode, we discuss: - How fintech disrupts the financial industry - What is a flow program? - Frictionless digital experiences - The role of AI in Fintech - The future of Fintech in financial services Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Breaking Spreadsheet Boundaries for Next-Gen Finance Analysis with Bobby Pinero

October 31, 2023 • 37 MIN

Financial analysis is key to making informed decisions and building strategic plans. It empowers organizations to accurately measure their financial health, identify trends, and make informed decisions for growth and profitability. However, traditional financial analysis tools can be time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient. This is where modern tools like Equals come into play, which attempts to build a spreadsheet for this era's work. And today, we speak with the company's CEO and Co-Founder, Bobby Pinero. Bobby has a decade of experience as an analyst. His most significant contribution was during his nearly 8-year tenure at Intercom, where he played an essential role in establishing and expanding the Finance, Analytics, and Business Operations departments. When Bobby started at Intercom, the company was under $1M ARR and had a team of around 20 people. By the time he left, the company had grown to approximately $200M ARR and 700 employees. In this episode, we discuss: - How Equals reinvents spreadsheets - The importance of high-level financial modeling - Entrepreneurship and Finance - The power of learning SQL for finance Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

A New Frontier in the Payment Industry with Chermaine Hu

October 24, 2023 • 26 MIN

If there's one thing we can be sure about technology, it's growing crazy fast, and it's impacting every industry. But we wanted to understand what changes the new wave of tech brought to the fintech sector. And we have found the right person for that, so please welcome Chermaine Hu. In her role at Episode Six, Chermaine oversees global finance and accounting operations, in addition to managing M&A and investor relations. Before this, she served as the CFO of Rêv Worldwide and worked as an M&A Banker with Morgan Stanley in both London and New York. In this episode, we discuss: - Modernizing the payment technology - The power of technology in finance - Building a global fintech startup - The role of CFO in a fintech startup - Empowering women in fintech Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How AI Is Changing the CFO Playbook with Ashwath Bhat

October 17, 2023 • 41 MIN

In the past year, AI has taken center stage, leaving a profound impact on most industries, and finance is no exception. By integrating AI tools, financial institutions have completely transformed their operations, increasing their efficiency and growth… but at what cost? To explore the role and impact of AI in finance, we discussed with Ashwath Bhat. Ashwath Bhat serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Fractal. With over twenty years of experience in global finance across multiple markets, he has a proven track record of collaborating with industry leaders to enhance financial outcomes. His expertise lies in FP&A, strategic planning, M&As, commercial finance, pricing strategies, treasury management, and in-depth financial analysis. Before Fractal, he served in various leadership roles at Nielsen, IBM, and GE. In this episode, we discuss: -The role of AI in finance -Leveraging AI for efficient decision-making -The evolving role of CFOs in the age of AI -Data privacy and cybersecurity Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Mastering the CFO Trifecta with Jenny Fuss

October 10, 2023 • 32 MIN

In the last ten to twenty years, the world of CFOs has changed quite a bit. It's not just number crunching and accounting anymore. Today's CFOs wear multiple hats, stepping up as key strategists and decision-makers in their organizations. Want to know what this dynamic role looks like up close? Let's dive deeper into the ever-evolving world of finance, strategy, and leadership in a friendly chat with Jenny Fuss, the Chief Financial Officer at Boart Longyear. Jenny is a senior executive with a track record of leading business turnarounds and growth at the C-level across Europe, Asia, and North America. She excels in dynamic business landscapes on the brink of significant transformations, rapidly achieving objectives across diverse business scenarios and cultures. With her expertise in unique business models, she has overseen various projects, services, and product manufacturing across multiple industries. In addition, Jenny holds positions as a Member and Mentor at the CFO Leadership Council and as a Member of the Coalition of Global Advisors at LifeHikes. In this episode, we discuss: -Key qualities of a top-tier CFO -Balancing finance, strategy, and leadership -The power of CFOs in cross-functional collaboration -Transitioning from pure finance leaders to people operations and strategy leaders -How can CFOs ensure that the finance function is agile and adaptable to the rapid evolution of technology? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Growing Impact of CFOs in Biotech Innovation with Ozan Pamir

October 3, 2023 • 33 MIN

In recent years, the biotech industry has seen remarkable expansion and innovation. Alongside this growth, the role of CFOs in the sector has transformed, bringing along unique challenges and plenty of opportunities to positively impact their companies' success. Want to understand how to navigate and triumph over these challenges and opportunities? Gain insights from Ozan Pamir, a voice of experience and expertise in the field. Ozan holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at 180 Life Sciences, playing a crucial role in successfully listing the company on NASDAQ and overseeing most of its funding rounds. He possesses a rich history of helping companies in defining their corporate strategies and skillfully navigating corporate transactions, including M&A and IPOs. Ozan was a Board Member and CFO at Unify Pharmaceuticals, Chief Financial officer at Enosi Life Sciences, Professional Member Committee Member at CFA Society Toronto, and VP of Investment Banking at Echelon Wealth Partners. In this episode, we discuss: - Challenges CFOs face in biotech - What does the modern CFO profile encompass? - Key qualities CFOs seek in potential team members within biotech - How can CFOs navigate challenging economic times? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Changing DNA of the CFO: 2023 EY Survey with Myles Corson

September 26, 2023 • 28 MIN

Whether it's the tug-of-war between generating long-term value and immediate cost-cutting, walking the tightrope of managing risk while driving groundbreaking change, or the evolving expectations that demand more than just traditional financial insight, the CFO role is loaded with paradoxes. Based on the eye-opening findings from the 2023 Global EY DNA of the CFO Survey, we're joined by Myles Corson to explore how CFOs can broaden their skills and build high-performing finance functions to successfully navigate this intricate landscape. As the Head of Strategy and Markets for EY Financial Accounting Advisory Services, both globally and in the Americas, Myles leads a customer-centric team committed to assisting international organizations in navigating the complexities of regulatory shifts and transformative changes in financial reporting. His expertise lies in guiding clients through significant transitional phases, equipping them to be future-ready. Additionally, Myles hosts the EY Better Finance podcast, where he delves into timely finance-related topics. In this episode, we discuss: -EY’s 2023 Global DNA of the CFO Survey insights -Balancing long-term performance and short-term results -The paradoxes of the modern CFO -The human side of finance -CFOs and economic uncertainties -Innovation and technology in finance Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Anatomy of High-Growth Startups’ Finance with Chithra Rajagopalan

September 19, 2023 • 35 MIN

It's true that with great power comes great responsibility, as well as challenges and opportunities. But when you're a high-growth startup, things really can change overnight. Navigating these swift transitions goes down to assembling a stellar finance team and mastering precise forecasting. To learn more about the topic, we’re joined by Chithra Rajagopalan, Head of Finance at Glue. Chithra is an outstanding finance leader with a passion for philanthropy. Her expertise is deeply rooted in leading operations for high-growth SaaS enterprises. With an impressive history of guiding start-ups, both as an internal figurehead and a consultant, Chithra has navigated companies through funding rounds, acquisitions, global expansions, and preparations for IPOs. Her illustrious career includes roles such as Director of Corporate Finance & Accounting at ClickUp, Director of Finance & Accounting at People.ai, and Accounting Manager at Kranz & Associates. In this episode, we discuss: -Building efficient finance teams -Finance strategies for high-growth startups -Data integrity and collaboration -Aligning sales, marketing, and product -Six key steps for efficient forecasting in high-growth startups -Promoting diversity in the tech industry Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Crafting Agile Finance Teams: Insights from Gaurav Gupta

September 12, 2023 • 31 MIN

Change is a constant across all sectors and industries. For CFOs, agility and swift adaptability to shifting market dynamics are essential. As the landscape of finance and accounting transforms, CFOs need to cultivate resilient teams adept at navigating uncertainties and spearheading strategic expansion. And today, Gaurav Gupta educates us on precisely this subject. Gaurav is an outstanding change leadership consultant, acclaimed author, and dedicated researcher. Serving as the Managing Director at Kotter International, he seamlessly integrates his vast global expertise in strategy execution with the latest insights from the evolving science of change. In collaboration with John Kotter, Gaurav co-authored Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times. Besides his prolific career at Kotter, Gaurav is a co-founder of Ka Partners and holds the position of CEO at US Medic to Medic. In this episode, we discuss: -Building agile finance departments: -How CFOs can adapt in uncertain times -Driving change in finance and accounting -How to foster agility and adaptability in organizations -The science behind creating change-capable organizations Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The CFO's New Playbook in the Age of Technology with Beatty D'Alessandro

September 5, 2023 • 54 MIN

The past and present of the CFO role look significantly different. Once primarily considered as the steward of a company's financial well-being, the CFO today is instrumental in charting the organization's strategic course and leveraging technological advancements for growth. But what catalyzed this shift? Join us as we delve into the change of the CFO role, tracing its origins in accounting and understanding its present-day nexus with strategy and technology in a conversation with Beatty D'Alessandro. Beatty served as the Chief Financial Officer for three premier companies up until mid-2018. At Merchants Metals, an Atlanta-based spin-off from Oldcastle and North America's second-largest chain link fence manufacturer, he oversaw finance, accounting, technology, and manufacturing. In 2015, Beatty finished his tenure as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Univar, a global chemical distributor valued at $10 billion. Before this, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Graybar, a company worth $5 billion. In this episode, we discuss: -The evolution of the CFO from accounting to strategic leadership -The strategic path to CFO success -How a CFO should evaluate and leverage risks and opportunities -The CFO role in a large public organization versus smaller, non-public companies -AI and Modern Finance Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Top Financial Leaders Stay Ahead in Today's Economy with Adam Ante

August 29, 2023 • 27 MIN

The power of financial leadership cannot be overstated in driving an organization's success and expansion. However, it goes beyond mere fiscal management. True financial leadership involves strategic foresight and the growth of a passionate team ethos. Who else better to talk to us about building competitive teams and executing formidable financial strategies than Adam Ante. Adam has over eighteen years of expertise in the SaaS HCM and payments sectors, having served in high-growth public and private equity entities. He is the CFO of Paycor, a cutting-edge human capital management platform that revolutionizes aspects of people management — from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, career advancement, and retention. In this episode, we discuss: -The state of today's economic environment -Managing financial risks -How to build better finance teams -Understanding business operations -Evolving strategies to keep businesses competitive Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Future of Finance: Data, Analytics, and Automation with Anna King

August 22, 2023 • 25 MIN

Data analytics is essential to financial success. The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data can provide valuable insights that drive informed decision-making and improve overall financial performance. As a CFO with years of experience in the finance industry, Anna King can vouch for the transformative power of data and analytics. Anna brings more than a decade of expertise in data and analytics to drive financial precision and spearhead strategic projects. At Mesh Payments, she leverages this depth of experience to empower finance teams with real-time insights into their expenses. Before joining Mesh, Anna held CFO positions at EverC, Joyance Partners, Social Starts, and Transactis. In this episode, we discuss: -The power of finance automation -Driving financial control with data and analytics -How to become a data-driven organization -The potential of business intelligence -Crafting a streamlined real-time data strategy Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Balancing the Books and People with Derrek Gafford

August 15, 2023 • 27 MIN

The realm of financial management extends far beyond numerical analysis. It has exceeded its traditional role of closing books. A successful CFO must now juggle operational efficiency, business strategy, and the satisfaction of customers and employees. Achieving this balance is key to overall success. To help us with that, we turn to the expertise of Derrek Gafford. Derrek has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Trueblue since 2006, where he is responsible for the company's strategy, corporate finance, FP&A, accounting, order-to-cash, risk management, and internal audit functions. Before joining Trueblue, Derrek was the CFO of Metropolitan Market and held various management positions with Deloitte & Touche LLP and Albertsons. In this episode, we discuss: -Employment trends and financial measurement -Aligning finance and HR metrics -Customer satisfaction as a critical financial metric -Driving growth through acquisitions and digital transformation Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Nurturing Finance Leaders for the Future with Leonard Hicks

August 8, 2023 • 26 MIN

Winning in finance goes beyond getting your numbers right. Businesses have to understand the value of developing and planning for the succession of finance team members. Given the finance department's essential role in strategic decision-making and maintaining financial stability, it's important to cultivate talent within the organization to ensure a smooth transition when key personnel leave or retire. To delve into the significance of talent development, succession planning, and bench strength in finance, we discuss with Leonard Hicks. With over twenty years of experience in business operations and financial management, Leonard has an impressive track record of leading large-scale growth and transformation at Lockheed Martin. He currently serves as the CFO of Abt Associates and is a valuable member of the executive management team. Leonard's expertise as a proven entrepreneur brings best-in-class leadership and collaborative problem-solving skills. In this episode, we discuss: -Developing future finance leaders -Building bench strength in finance -Talent development and succession planning -Driving sustainable growth -The role of innovation in finance teams Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Advocating for Diversity, Inclusion, and Women's Leadership in Finance with Sayle Hutchison

August 1, 2023 • 29 MIN

Gender diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important in various industries recently. However, the finance sector has traditionally lacked gender diversity, with women being significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. Developing and empowering female leaders in finance is not only a matter of equality but is also crucial for the industry's strategic growth. So today, Sayle Hutchison, Chief Financial Officer at 15five, joins us to discuss the importance of diversity in the workplace and the need to cultivate the next generation of female finance leaders. Sayle is an accomplished operations and finance executive with over twenty years of experience in the international high-tech industry. She has a demonstrated track record of implementing operational changes, improving efficiency, and driving growth. In the past, she has held various leadership positions, including Vice President of Finance at ExtraHop, Outreach.io, and Avvo, as well as Director of Finance at Microsoft. -In this episode, we discuss: -The significance of diversity in the workplace -Empowering women in finance -Developing the next generation of female finance leaders -Heart-centered leadership Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Digital Assurance and Business Transparency with Mark McCaffrey

July 25, 2023 • 36 MIN

CFOs are key drivers in business growth, leading innovation, and making strategic decisions. With the digital age comes a wave of data, and it's up to CFOs to sort through and translate it into insights for their companies. But even as data and tech take the front seat, CFOs can't overlook the human side of their role. They need to manage emotions, build strong relationships, and encourage fresh thinking. To shed more light on this topic today, we have Mark McCaffrey, CFO at GoDaddy. Mark has more than two decades of experience at PwC, where he held diverse roles within the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications sectors. Throughout his career, Mark has been dedicated to serving clients primarily in the technology and media sectors, with a particular emphasis on helping organizations enhance their digital capabilities. Mark also holds the prestigious position of President Of The Board Of Directors at Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation. In this episode, we discuss: -How can finance leaders balance data and gut feeling effectively? -Why are digital assurance and transparency important to a CFO? -How can CFOs foster an environment of experimentation? -What does it take to approach finance to operations? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

E-commerce Cash Flow Masterclass with Matt Putra

July 18, 2023 • 31 MIN

With the rise of online shopping and its global reach, entrepreneurs are increasingly drawn to the e-commerce industry to exploit its vast potential. However, many e-commerce businesses overlook a critical aspect of their operations: cash flow management, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability and success of any business. To shed light on this topic, we are joined by expert Matt Putra. Matt is an accomplished Fractional CFO specializing in eCommerce companies and agencies. With an impressive portfolio that includes Eightx, Tru Earth, The Turmeric, Lusomé, and BiBADO, he has consistently provided priceless financial expertise to help these businesses prosper. In addition to his role as a Fractional CFO, Matt is also a Co-Owner and holds the positions of CFO and COO at Keep Nature Wild. In this episode, we discuss: -Optimizing your cash flow -Effective financing strategies for e-commerce brands -Balancing cash reserves and growth investments -Common mistakes and best practices for managing your cash flow -Key metrics for e-commerce cash flow management -Creating realistic and accurate forecasting Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Financial Planning 101 for College Students with Stephen Heath

July 11, 2023 • 45 MIN

Education extends beyond the simple acquisition of knowledge. Its core function is to empower individuals, facilitating their journey to reach their full potential and equipping them with the vital tools and skills necessary to capably handle life's challenges. However, there appears to be a gap in this empowerment when we consider financial education, particularly among college students. To assist them in making more informed financial decisions, we invited Stephen Heath onto this episode of CFO Weekly. Stephen is a full-time Accounting Professor at the College of San Mateo (CSM), teaching Personal Financial Planning and several related accounting courses. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), and a Certified Financial Forensic Analyst (CFF) with over twenty-five years of career in accounting. Before Stephen started teaching full-time at CSM, he was a director at the Berkeley Research Group for almost a decade. In this episode, we discuss: -The importance of financial empowerment among college students -How can college students build pathways to meaningful careers? -Making informed financial choices -What resources can students use to further develop their personal financial planning skills outside the classroom? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Making Finance a Business' Beating Heart with Sinohe Terrero

July 4, 2023 • 35 MIN

The CFO role has evolved from financial management to a strategic partnership driving business success. Integrating finance into the business operating fabric is crucial for leveraging the CFO's expertise and ensuring you embed financial considerations in decision-making. By embracing technology, enhancing financial visibility, and cultivating a culture of financial literacy, organizations can unlock the full potential of their CFOs. But how can you successfully integrate finance into your business' operating fabric? Sinohe Terrero has all the answers. Sinohe Terrero is CFO and COO at Envoy. Envoy is a workplace platform that brings together everything you need to seamlessly and securely run one workplace or a hundred. Sinohe has over fifteen years of leadership experience. He stepped into his current role as Envoy’s CFO in 2020. Before Envoy, Sinohe served as CFO and COO of Quid Inc., a big data and analytics company. At Indiegogo and Etsy, he led the finance and data teams. Sinohe holds an MBA in Finance from Baruch College in New York City. In this episode, we discuss: -What is Envoy, and how does it power up productive workplaces and strategic growth? -Why should CFOs make finance an integral part of the business's operation? -How do the current tech industry headwinds and events empower businesses and finance integration? -What changes should happen within the CFO role once finance becomes part of the business operating fabric? -How will the CFO role transform once finance becomes integrated into the business operating fabric? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Strengthening Your Business Operating Fabric with Dan DeGolier

June 27, 2023 • 24 MIN

As a vigilant business owner, your constant pursuit revolves around enhancing your company's performance and profitability. While you diligently attend to marketing, sales, and operations, one crucial aspect deserving undivided attention is finance. Effective financial management is a pivotal element for the sustained success of any business. In this context, we delve into the significance of making finance part of the businesses' operating fabric with Dan DeGolier. Dan is an accomplished financial leader with a wealth of expertise spanning over three decades. He possesses a deep-rooted enthusiasm for collaborating with entrepreneurs and high-growth enterprises, aiding them in comprehending their financial landscape, optimizing cash flows, and securing the necessary capital to unlock their ultimate potential. In 2011, Dan established Ascent CFO Solutions, an innovative platform that offers fast-growing companies the opportunity to engage with an experienced Chief Financial Officer on a part-time and flexible basis. In this episode, we discuss: -When should you bring in a fractional CFO, and when it's time to switch over to that full-time? -How to make finance a part of the businesses' operating fabric -How does Ascent CFO Solutions help businesses integrate finance into their operating fabric? -Innovative cash strategies for sustained growth How can a business forecast when it's so difficult to see what the future holds Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Protect Sensitive Information in the Remote Work Era with Ben Chrnelich

June 20, 2023 • 30 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Megan Weis speaks with Ben Chrnelich, President and Chief Financial Officer at Symphony, about cybersecurity, record management, and monitoring issues stemming from remote work. We discuss how Symphony has put measures into place to accommodate remote working whilst still protecting from cyber security breaches, reasons for the recent explosion of cyber threats, and why CFOs need to maintain constant awareness of the potential threats their organization is facing at any given time. Ben has spent his career focused on enabling trading organizations to utilize technology that drives efficiency and productivity. Having spent the last two decades in several financial and management leadership roles at organizations such as Charles Schwab, Lehman Brothers, and the New York Stock Exchange, Ben now works at Symphony, a capital markets platform focused on market infrastructure collaboration workflows and provides a community capability to all professionals working in financial services and capital markets. He is also the current Co-Owner of Real Central NJ Soccer. In this episode, we discuss the following topics: -The new cybersecurity challenges faced by financial services companies amidst the shift to remote working -Reasons for the recent explosion in cyber threats -Advice to CFOs to protect their organizations from cybersecurity breaches Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Importance of a Sound Financial Strategy in Your Wealth Management with Elliot Kallen

June 13, 2023 • 30 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Megan Weis speaks with Elliot Kallen, President of Prosperity Financial Group, about the importance of having a sound financial strategy in your wealth management. We discuss the difference between fee-based and commission-based financial planning, common emotion-based mistakes clients make, and predicting where the markets are headed. Elliot also touches on how wealth management is evolving based on changes in generational needs and the role of AI in wealth management. Elliot Kallen is a leader who brings over thirty years of passion and robust entrepreneurial business ownership experience to his elite financial planning & advising practice. He has built international organizations, been the CEO of two other companies before forming Prosperity Financial Group, and is a frequent keynote speaker at charities, podcasts, and radio shows. He speaks on various topics, including motivation, leadership, charitable work, marketing, and different financial subjects. In this episode, we discuss the following topics: -Common emotion-driven mistakes made by clients -Predicting the markets, art or science? -The role of AI in advisory services -The role of resilience in the success of an entrepreneur Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The ESOP Effect: Empowering Employees and Transforming Businesses with Adanma Akujieze

June 6, 2023 • 27 MIN

Welcome to another episode of CFO Weekly with Adanma Akujieze, the esteemed Chief Financial Officer at Larson Design Group. Today, we dive deep into the world of employee stock ownership plans, also known as ESOPs. Adanma unpacks how this unique model transforms employees into business owners, the intricacies of transitioning a business into a 100% ESOP-owned company, and the challenges and opportunities of being an ESOP company. Adanma is a proven leader and dynamic thinker, guiding Larson Design Group through the financial data needed for drawing meaningful conclusions and making critical business decisions. As a co-administrator of the firm's ESOP, she works to ensure that current and future objectives are well aligned with its obligations towards its valued employees. Adanma is also a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Internal Auditor. In this episode, we discuss: -What is an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)? -How does an ESOP empower employees as business owners for a secure retirement? -How can a business transition to 100% ESOP ownership? -What are the challenges and opportunities of an ESOP company? -How can you balance the interests of the ESOP participants with the company's financial goals? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Striking and Maintaining the Right Board Balance with Inder Singh

May 30, 2023 • 31 MIN

A company's board includes individuals with various backgrounds and beliefs. So maintaining the right balance with your board is a nuanced dance that lies at the heart of successful governance in an organization. It's a dynamic interplay that influences an organization's overall health and effectiveness and involves ensuring a mutual relationship based on trust, respect, and communication. However, striking that balance is the real challenge. Lucky for us, Inder Singh shares his insight about the topic. Inder is an accomplished financial executive with an extensive background in strategic financial planning, corporate finance, and risk management. He is currently a Board of Directors Member of Wiley, IonQ, and Affinity Federal Credit Union. Some of his previous roles include Chief Financial Officer and EVP at Arm, Chief Financial Officer and SVP at Unisys, Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets at SunTrust, Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy at Comcast, and Vice President of Corporate Financial Strategy and M&A at Cisco. In this episode, we discuss: -How can you secure a board seat? -Striking balance within the board -How can CFOs cultivate trust and maintain positive relationships with the board of directors? -The role of transparency in managing board expectations Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Unlocking Business Success: Essential Steps for Every Aspiring Entrepreneur with Danielle Hayden

May 23, 2023 • 34 MIN

Starting a business can be an exhilarating journey, but it also comes with multiple financial responsibilities. For every aspiring business owner, there are key financial steps that lay the foundation for success, such as creating a budget and managing finances effectively, paying taxes correctly to avoid any legal repercussions, preparing for unexpected expenses or financial setbacks, and utilizing financial data to make informed decisions that can drive growth and sustainability. Today, we explore these key financial steps and provide actionable insights for beginning business owners to navigate the financial aspects of their entrepreneurial journey with Danielle Hayden. Danielle is a reformed corporate CFO on a mission to help entrepreneurs understand their numbers to gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending ten-plus years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, she is now in her sweet spot as the CEO of Kickstart Accounting, where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education. Danielle is also the author of The Profit Planner book series and host of the Entrepreneur Money Stories Podcast. In this episode, we discuss: -Separating personal and business finances -Building a strong money team -Using financial data to make informed business decisions -Preparing for financial setbacks -Leveraging bookkeeping for future success Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Embracing and Fostering Diversity in Finance with Jeremy Springer

May 16, 2023 • 30 MIN

Diversity plays a vital role in the finance domain, carrying immense significance both ethically and as a driving force for financial achievements. Promoting diversity in the workforce, and among suppliers, yields numerous advantages that go beyond societal advancement. However, diversity encompasses more than recruiting individuals from varied cultures or ethnic backgrounds into your company. According to Jeremy Springer, diversity is intricately tied to one's range of experiences. In the following discourse, Springer will impart valuable knowledge on cultivating and harnessing the complete potential of DIVERSITY. Jeremy is the Chief Financial Officer at Frontier Energy, a leading professional services firm known for its remarkable expertise in driving market transformation. With a fervent dedication to assisting engineers, program managers, and scientists, he actively supports their endeavors to revolutionize the global energy landscape through visionary leadership and groundbreaking innovations in finance, technology, and business operations. Before Frontier Energy, Jeremy held CFO roles at Energy Insight, Davis Energy Group, and Advanced Energy Products. In this episode, we discuss: -Pioneering the intelligent use of energy -Why diversity is a function of experience -Leveraging workforce diversity -The importance of supplier diversity -Enhancing client diversity Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Intersection of Finance and Technology: Staying Agile and Modernizing Your Finance Operations with Joe Chevalier

May 9, 2023 • 24 MIN

With the rapid advancements in technology, it has become crucial for businesses to modernize their finance and accounting operations. As companies strive to modernize their financial processes and systems, they realize the need to weave finance into the fabric of their operations. Joe Chevalier joins us today to uncover how digital transformation and finance integration help businesses stay agile, responsive, and adaptable in the face of a rapidly changing business environment. As a finance-oriented Certified Public Accountant, Joe has made it his mission to connect the dots between business operations and financial outcomes while serving as a valuable strategic partner to CEOs. Currently holding the position of Vice President of Finance and Operations at APS Payroll, Joe is responsible for overseeing the complete cycle of financial, accounting, tax, and treasury operations. With a career spanning multiple industries, Joe has held various leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer at Carrollton Springs, Controller at Encompass Health, Senior Auditor of Healthcare at Lester, Miller, and Wells CPA's, and Infantry Squad Leader at the United States Marine Corps. In this episode, we discuss: -The importance of adapting to digital transformation in finance -Aligning business finance and operations -Upskilling finance departments -Embracing automation in accounting -The role of finance in business growth and success Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Driving Better Business Outcomes Through Financial Management Platforms with Kurt Shintaffer

May 2, 2023 • 39 MIN

Software products are the lifeblood of modern companies. A strategically built tech stack can significantly boost your business efforts and outcomes. However, when it comes to finance, it's still challenging to find the right tools that will make your life easier, not harder. If you are a business owner or manager looking to optimize your costs and resources, stay tuned as we explore Apptio's platform and how it can transform the way you manage your IT resources with Kurt Shintaffer. Kurt is the Co-Founder and CFO at Apptio. With more than twenty years of financial and operational management experience, Kurt has led Apptio through key milestones and achievements, which include raising $136 million in venture capital, taking the company public in 2016 with a $110 million IPO, executing a $144 million convertible note offering in 2018, and closing an acquisition deal with Vista Equity Partners to take the company private in 2019. Before Apptio, Kurt was the CFO at iConclude, VP of Finance at Pacific Edge Software, and Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young. In this episode, we discuss: -How Apptio helps businesses manage their costs and drive better business outcomes -The benefits of connected technology investment -Enhancing transparency in IT services for cost savings -AI-powered cloud financial planning Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Breaking Barriers: How Modern Women CFOs Are Tackling the Gender Pay Gap and Transforming the Workplace with Jenna Fisher

April 25, 2023 • 33 MIN

The traditional working system was unintentionally designed by men, for men, resulting in men getting paid more and women making up only nine percent of CEOs. This was observed by Jenna Fisher after researching multiple Fortune 100 companies. Women juggle multiple roles and seek innovative ways to balance their responsibilities effectively. And to attract top talent, companies must recognize this and offer greater autonomy and flexibility. But how else can we tackle the gender pay gap? Let's find out from Jenna. As the Managing Director of Russell Reynolds Associates, Jenna focuses on overseeing senior financial officer assignments and has an impressive track record of completing over 400 CFO searches for clients in diverse industries. Her clients range from Fortune 1000 corporations to private equity portfolio companies and high-profile, pre-public venture-backed enterprises. In addition to her successful career, Jenna is the author of the book To the Top: How Women in Corporate Leadership Are Rewriting the Rules for Success. In this episode, we discuss: -Qualities of successful CFOs -Barriers to women achieving CFO roles -Closing the gender pay gap -Empowering women in corporate leadership -The importance of networking and investing in yourself Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Leading Financial Transformation: Key Considerations for Modern CFOs with Janice Stucke

April 18, 2023 • 34 MIN

Financial transformation leaders are tasked with driving their organizations through periods of significant change. This responsibility can be overwhelming for some CFOs. But not for Janice Stucke, who joins the show to exemplify how to lead your organization to successful financial transformation. Janice is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Achieving the Dream, which leads America’s largest network of community colleges working to become strong engines of student and community growth. Some of her previous roles include Director of Finance and Business Analysis at SHRM, Controller at CertaTech Solutions, and Lead Accountant at CFO Services Group. In this episode, we discuss: -Janice's career pivot from refuge programs to CFO -Key considerations for CFOs in planning digital transformation -Designing a successful financial transformation strategy -Balancing short-term with long-term financial goals when leading a transformation project -The role of Data and analytics in financial transformation Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Technology for Better Businesses: The Importance of Value-Driven Finance Solutions with Michael Tannenbaum

April 11, 2023 • 25 MIN

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, technological innovation has become critical in ensuring a company's success. By leveraging technology to align with their values and ethical principles, businesses can not only create a positive impact on society but also enhance their bottom line. And Michael Tannenbaum will help us uncover the full potential of investing in value-driven finance technology. Michael is the Chief Operating Officer at Brex, a unified finance platform for corporate cards, expense management, reimbursements, travel, business accounts, and bill pay. He began his career in investment banking and private equity before joining SoFi as its 75th employee. Michael then left SoFi to join Brex as its first employee in 2017. In this episode, we discuss: -The value of finance technology -The evolving role of CFOs in the digital age -Ethical and social responsibility in finance tech -The future of finance tech -Networking and mentorship for aspiring CFOs Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Taming Payment Chaos: How Ledge is Empowering Finance Teams with Tal Kirschenbaum

April 4, 2023 • 34 MIN

Looking for a solution to the complex world of B2B payments? Look no further than Ledge! When working for Melio, Tal Kirschenbaum couldn't find an efficient way to match transactions and payments between different banks, payment providers, ERPs, and invoice solutions. So, he built one himself. Tal is the Co-Founder and currently the CEO of Ledge, a command center for payments built for finance teams operating at scale. Before starting Ledge, he held various leading roles at companies such as Melio, Pine Capital, Facebook, Boston Consulting Group, and Intel Corporation. In this episode, we discuss: -Taming the payment chaos -Automating financial infrastructure with Ledge -Digitizing finance teams -Multi-bank treasury management solutions Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Modern Technology Solutions Uplevel the Finance and Investment Space with Fraser Armstrong-Watters

March 28, 2023 • 23 MIN

Technology has created numerous opportunities for the finance and investment space, some of which include automation, access to data, AI, online investing, and more. It has transformed the finance and investment space, improving efficiency while challenging traditional business models. But more on the topic will be shared today by Fraser Armstrong-Watters. Fraser is the Chief Financial Officer of The Palisades Group, an alternative asset manager in the global residential credit markets that has managed more than twenty-one billion in loans and real estate. His role involves partnering with CEOs to determine their company's corporate and financial goals, objectives, and timelines. Fraser is also on the Advisory Board at The CFO Leadership Council and Texas McCombs School of Business and is a mentor at Techstars. In this episode, we discuss: -How can CFOs balance risk-taking with risk mitigation? -How has technology changed how the Palisades Group approaches to finance and investment management? -What opportunities has technology created for the finance and investment space? -What is the importance of digital assurance and transparency in the finance industry? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

A Smarter Way to Manage Your Bookkeeping: Switching to Accounting Automation with Jason Richelson

March 21, 2023 • 35 MIN

Automation has been a buzzword in the business world for the past decade. But it's still surprising to see how prevalent manual accounting is, with some companies relying on spreadsheets and paper-based systems to manage their finances. If your business is one of them, do not worry – Jason Richelson will walk you through some of the best automation tools and strategies you can implement to improve your accounting practices. Jason is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bookkeep, an accounting automation platform for independent bookkeepers, accounting firms, and growing businesses. He is also currently the Owner of Simply Wine and was an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Finalist New York Region. Before Bookkeep, Jason was the Founder and Board Member at ShopKeep, Co-Founder of The Greene Grape, and Assistant Trader at Bluefin Trading. In this episode, we discuss: -How does Bookkeep help businesses automate their accounting function? -Revolutionizing the accounting industry -The benefits of automation for small business owners -How does Bookkeep handle sales tax calculations and reporting for businesses operating in multiple states? -Overcoming accounting and sales tax compliance mistakes Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Reducing Indirect Spending Through Effective Procurement Management with Matthew Smith

March 14, 2023 • 26 MIN

Indirect spending might include everything from office supplies and utilities to marketing and IT services. Managing it is a vital part of the procurement process, as it accounts for a significant share of your company's overall spending. Though it sounds simple, managing indirect spend and procurement processes is challenging. That is why we asked for help from Matthew Smith, Executive Vice President and CFO of Fine Tune. Matt has over twenty years of extensive executive experience outside of Fine Tune as CFO of Soteria Imaging Services, Executive Vice President and CFO at Cobalt Ventures & Blue, and Executive Vice President at indiGO Auto Group. During those years, Matt was instrumental in helping these companies grow from promising startups to successful businesses. In this episode, we discuss: -Why should CFOs care about the "good contract bad deal" phenomenon? -How do collaboration and communication between procurement, finance, and other departments play a role in achieving true expense management? -What role do software, data, and analytics play in decision-making and optimizing procurement processes? -What does the future of procurement look like? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Enhancing Business Efficiency and Competitiveness in the Constant-Changing Finance World with Anupam Satyasheel

March 7, 2023 • 50 MIN

"The only constant thing is change" is a familiar adage, and the pandemic has exemplified this statement. Businesses worldwide have faced devastating impacts due to the pandemic, leading many companies to make significant operational changes to survive. However, even now, many businesses continue to struggle to remain afloat. As we transition into a post-COVID world, you should explore ways to enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness. To help us in this pursuit, we discussed with Anupam Satyasheel, the Founder and CEO of Occams Advisory. Anupam has twenty years of international experience in entrepreneurship, financial and risk management, M&As, due diligence, operational efficiency, and creating and implementing strategic structures and roadmaps. Besides Occams Advisory, he is also the Co-Founder of Child Literacy, EquiPay, and eCheck.Money and the Head Of Operations at Vitruvia Consulting Corporation. In this episode, we discuss: -Redefining advisory services for SMBs -Why do most clients of Occams Advisory are under the billion dollars mark? -What is the difference between owner-operated versus professional management companies? -Staying on top of the industry trends and developments -How will the finance world change ten to fifteen years from now? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Financial Decision-Making Frameworks for High-Growth Businesses with Emil Vasilev

February 28, 2023 • 41 MIN

Finance leaders often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk and making informed financial decisions in high-growth businesses. With the potential for rapid expansion, they must be able to identify the winning strategies to maximize their chances of success. To learn the art of effective risk management and informed financial decisions, we invited Emil Vasilev. Emil is the VP of Finance at Hero, a digital in-home healthcare company that helps members manage their daily medication needs. Prior to that, he held several financial roles at companies such as Total Brain, Ride.com, Corsair, and Barclays Capital. Emil also sits on the board of SKY Schools USA and is a meditation instructor for The Art of Living. In this episode, we discuss: -How can finance professionals effectively manage risks and make informed decisions? -Balancing the necessary risk in a startup environment with the controls finance needs to succeed -What is the role of self-reflection and continuous improvement in achieving peak finance performance? -How can you adapt and evolve strategies as your company grows to stay relevant? -Fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration within your team -Ensuring the company has the right resources and personnel to effectively manage finance Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Top Skills and Strategies for Standing Out in Finance with Stephen Newland

February 21, 2023 • 34 MIN

Winning at the finance game requires a specific set of skills. It's not just about financial literacy or accounting; soft skills are equally important. You might wonder what these skills are and how to learn them, but don't worry. Stephen Newland, Director of FP&A at GrowthLab Finance-as-a-Service, got you covered. Stephen has worked in a finance role at various organizations, including startups, early-stage companies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500s. He earned the Certified Management Accountant designation in July 2022 and has an Honors Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. Before GrowthLab, Stephen held finance roles in organizations like Gravy, Qoins, North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, Delta Air Lines, and GE. In this episode, we discuss: -How does GrowthLab help businesses optimize their finances for growth? -The importance of learning from mistakes -What skills are essential in helping finance professionals stand out and advance more quickly within their organizations? -How can finance professionals develop soft skills early on? -How can you build relationships and win over the trust of leadership? -Creating a plan for personal growth Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Transforming the Four FP&A Key Pillars for Business Success with Carl Seidman

February 14, 2023 • 47 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Carl Seidman, Interim CFO and Finance Director at Seidman Financial joins Megan Weis to discuss the importance of integrating finance into the overall business and operations, how to transform your FP&A, and the four pillars of success for companies. He also shares his approach to helping companies develop financial professionals into more powerful performers and build FP&A functions so that financial intelligence drives organizational success. Carl is a trusted business advisor specializing in FP&A, business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 and middle market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams. At the same time, Carl supports financial professionals, positioning them for greater control over their careers by helping build their confidence while eliminating time-wasting activities and mistakes. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member of the American Management Association and a Senior FP&A Instructor at Wall Street Prep. In this episode, we discuss: -What does transforming FP&A look like? -What are the four key pillars of FP&A? -What's the difference between the FP&A function in small versus large organizations? -Why is there a need for FP&A professionals to be entrenched in other business functions' operations? -How does technology make finance a seamless part of a company's operations? -How can finance leaders promote financial responsibility and accountability cultures? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How CFOs Can Master Change and Build the Future with Heidi Crane

February 7, 2023 • 39 MIN

If you've been following CFO Weekly for some time, you've probably noticed that some of the most popular words we encounter during our conversations are: change, adaptability, and agility. That's the new reality of finance, and the most successful finance professionals are the ones who can adapt to an ever-changing business world. And to help you thrive in this new reality, we speak to the best finance leaders, like Heidi Crane. Heidi has extensive experience in financial planning, strategy, and fundraising; she has over fifteen years of experience in various consumer product companies in beauty, fashion, travel, and fitness. Currently, she serves as the CFO at FightCamp, a fast-growing connected fitness company delivering at-home boxing fitness. Before FightCamp, Heidi held several financial roles at companies like BH Cosmetics, Surf Air, TechStyle Fashion Group, Leiner Health Products, 99 Cents Only Stores, Netsmart, and Diageo. In this episode, we discuss: -What is FightCamp? -Investing for immediate return and cash flow management -Similarities and differences in the role of a finance leader across various industries -How can modern CFOs thrive in an ever-changing marketplace? -Working in entrepreneurial startups versus large corporations -How can CFOs create successful company cultures? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

From NBA to Tech-Enabled Mental Health Services with Zac Makin

January 31, 2023 • 40 MIN

Finance professionals should only focus on profit, budget, and ROI. That's what most of them think. Undoubtedly, a CFO should be good at everything related to numbers. But the role goes beyond that, and the most successful CFOs are the ones who manifest empathy, can build strong finance teams, and take on strategic business decisions. To learn more about the CFO role in the modern business environment, we invited Zac Makin. Zac is an experienced finance manager with a demonstrated history of working in the tech and sports industries. He is the CFO at eLuma, the premier provider of live, online therapy services and software solutions for K-12 and special education. Before eLuma, Zac was the VP of FP&A at Degreed, Senior Director of Finance at Utah Jazz, and Controller at MasteryConnect, Curve Dental Software, BackOps, and Wavelink. In this episode, we discuss: -The CFO versus VP of FP&A role -Tech-enabled services for mental health -Navigating turbulent times as a finance professional -The role of a modern CFO -How does the CFO role contribute to a company's culture and values? -How can CFOs ensure that they contribute to defining a company's strategy? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Technology Influences the Modern CFO with Dan Fletcher

January 24, 2023 • 40 MIN

The role of the contemporary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is one of the most important functions in any organization. In today's ever-changing business environment, CFOs need to possess a unique set of skills and abilities that will enable them to effectively lead their organizations through times of uncertainty. For that reason, Dan Fletcher joins the show to share what these skills are. Dan is the CFO of Planful, an FP&A platform that empowers businesses to plan confidently, close faster, and report accurately. He is a C-suite executive investor and board member with deep experience in high-growth SaaS companies. Dan also serves as an Advisory Board Member at Gappify and is a Certified Public Accountant. In this episode, we discuss: -Relationship building and perseverance for career pivots -The FP&A platform for continuous planning -The role of technology for CFOs -What makes a great CFO? -What makes a good independent director? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Role of a CFO in a Construction Company with Samantha Cook

January 17, 2023 • 42 MIN

There are plenty of non-traditional paths that CFOs have taken to get where they are today. We’ve spoken with financial leaders who came from marketing, sales, and even psychology. Today, we dive into a story shared by Samantha Cook, who started as an architect and became a CFO in the construction industry. Samantha is the CFO of Brinkmann Constructors and the President and Founder of Third Entity Group, a private consulting firm focused on delivering strategic business, finance, technology, and supply chain direction to SMBs. Before Brinkmann, she held several roles in finance and operations leadership at companies like Clayco, Brown Smith Wallace, and Escala. Samantha was named a 2019 influential woman in real estate by the REJournals and won the 2019 Inclusion Award from SLCCC. In this episode, we discuss: -Construction and finance -What should first-time CFOs focus on when taking the role? -CFO versus Senior Director of Finance -Supporting SMBs -The CFO role in the construction industry Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Preparing the Next Generation of Finance Leaders with Wassia Kamon

January 10, 2023 • 28 MIN

Becoming a successful finance leader requires a good balance of soft and technical skills. Besides accounting and FP&A, you need to learn how to leverage branding strategies, talent acquisition, relationship building and networking. Even the best learners need guidance to advance their careers in the right direction, so we invited Wassia Kamon onto the podcast to mentor you on that journey. Wassia is the VP of Finance and Accounting at ACM Chemistries. Before this role, she accumulated thirteen-plus years working for international manufacturing companies in various accounting and FP&A leadership roles. Wassia also serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of H.O.P.E, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income single parents obtain college degrees and become financially independent. In 2022 she was selected as one of 40 Under 40 Accounting Professionals by CPA Practice Advisor. In this episode, we discuss: -How can you leverage soft skills for career success? -Leadership skills finance executives should master -How do you ensure that you're hiring the right people? -Mentoring entrepreneurs -Building relationships to advance your career Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Training FP&A Skills to Finance Teams and Business Leaders with Christian Wattig

January 3, 2023 • 36 MIN

Learning FP&A is difficult, especially if you try to master it yourself. Ideally, you need skillful and experienced mentors to guide you along the journey. But finding great mentors who can teach you the science behind FP&A is a challenge. Luckily, we found one. His name is Christian Wattig. Christian is an FP&A leader with twelve-plus years of experience in multinational consumer goods companies and fast-growing tech startups. He is the Head of FP&A Training at Datarails and teaches FP&A skills to finance teams and business leaders via his live online course, FP&A Bootcamp. Christian is also the Founder of FP&A Prep and was previously Financial Planning and Analysis Lead at Squarespace, Senior Finance Manager of FP&A at Unilever, and FP&A Financial Analyst at Procter & Gamble. In this episode, we discuss: -What is FP&A Bootcamp? -How to enhance and automate FP&A processes -FP&A essential skills -What makes a great CFO? -How can CFOs ensure they have a seat at the table when big strategic decisions are made? -Building trust with cross-functional teams Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

What Makes a Great CFO with Chris Ortega

December 27, 2022 • 36 MIN

As CFO, you are responsible for managing the organization's financial operations. You’ve got to be able to develop and implement strategies that will help your company achieve its financial goals. You might think your only role is dealing with the numbers, but that’s far from the truth. For Chris Ortega, the role of a modern CFO expands beyond finance and accounting. He joins Megan to share what makes a great finance leader. Chris is the CEO of Fresh FP&A, a consultancy organization focused on finance transformation and scale solutions for businesses. He is a dynamic and empathetic financial leader with extensive experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, strategic planning and financial leadership. Before starting Fresh FP&A, Chris was the VP of Finance at Unsupervised and Emarsys, FP&A Manager at WebLink International, Senior Financial Analyst at Covance, Accounting Manager at ChaCha and Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young. In this episode, we discuss: -A fresh perspective on FP&A -Understanding financial transformation -The six key pillars of financial transformation -How can finance play a part in the decision-making process? -The benefits of getting a fractional CFO on board -What makes a great financial leader? -Tactical mistakes CFOs should be aware of Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Benefits of a Fractional CFO for Women-Owned Businesses with Kathy Svetina

December 20, 2022 • 28 MIN

Business owners often struggle to understand their finances. But what if someone could help them understand and give advice tailored specifically to their needs? Kathy Svetina knows the importance of financial data and has seen firsthand how it can make or break a company. She joins Megan Weis to discuss the benefits of fractional CFO services for women-owned businesses and gives advice on making great financial decisions. Kathy has nearly twenty years of experience in senior-level financial planning and analysis for Fortune 500 companies. She started NewCastle Finance to offer those same powerful financial insights to small businesses and help female business owners make financial decisions that result in healthy, sustainable, and thriving companies. Some of her previous roles include Finance Lead of Consumer Banking, Student Loans at Discover Financial Services, Finance (FP&A) - Global Shared Services at Wolters Kluwer, and Financial Analyst at Aon. In this episode, we discuss: -Finances for women-owned businesses -The benefits of a fractional CFO for businesses -Fractional versus full-time CFOs -Advice for small business owners looking for a fractional CFO -Women-owned business challenges -Insights into finance leadership in global corporations versus early-stage high-growth companies Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Exploring the CFO Trifecta: Finance, Strategy, and Leadership with Kapil Mehta

December 13, 2022 • 42 MIN

The CFO role has evolved dramatically over the last twenty years. It's no longer just about finance, accounting, and FP&A, modern CFOs are also strategic partners with decision-making responsibilities. To get a deep understanding of what the profile of a modern CFO looks like, we invited on Kapil Mehta, the CFO and COO of Allied Digital Services. Kapil talks to us about cybersecurity risks, education for CFOs, and the challenges of managing a large team. Kapil is a certified Chartered Accountant in India, and achieved his CPA, CGMA, and MBA from the United States. Before joining Allied Digital, he worked in the pharmaceuticals, textile, manufacturing and hospitality industries. Kapil has over twenty-five years of experience in business finance, corporate governance, strategic matters, M&A, risk management, measurement and operations, and is passionate about adapting the latest technologies to generate business efficiencies. In this episode, we discuss: -How to combine and manage finance, strategy, and leadership roles -How has the CFO role evolved over time? -Transitioning from finance to operations and strategy roles -Financial leadership in various industries -The importance of prioritizing cybersecurity -Managing a large team to develop a culture for success -Cash flow and accounting for business growth opportunities Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Evolving Role of CFOs and Negotiating Market Volatility with Misha Mikhaylov

December 6, 2022 • 27 MIN

The role of a CFO is evolving to include an operational focus as an increasing number of CFOs are crossing over to COO roles. This trend is gaining traction in the startup space, where CFOs, especially those with cross-functional exposure, are at the CEOs right-hand. They are skilled at funding the company vision while driving fiscal prudence in a landscape of business volatility. Misha is the CFO and Board Director at Strive, a SaaS startup in the sports and fitness space. He has been instrumental in building and guiding the team at Strive. Misha followed his passion for health and fitness when he moved to Strive from his role as COO at Union Square Park Capital Management. He is a qualified CFA with a bachelor's degree in Finance and Investment from Baruch College. In this episode, we discuss the following: -Follow your passion - pivoting from a large investment fund to a SaaS startup -Funding strategies for startups -CFO role evolution - CFO and COO can be two faces of the same coin -Building high-performing teams -Challenges for 2023 Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How On-Demand Payroll Can Upgrade Your Business with Brian Radin

November 29, 2022 • 47 MIN

As the business world is changing ever faster, you have to stay ahead of the game or suddenly you’ll wake up at the back of the pack. Companies that can't adapt lose both money and their best people,and without good people, businesses fail. Brian Radin proposes a clever solution for you to innovate, keep pace with the change, and retain your best talent. It might not sound that juicy, but it focuses on your payroll. Brian is the President of Comdata Prepaid/Payroll at FLEETCOR. In his career, he has proven success with market leaders and startups across software, business services, human capital management, and finance. Brian has been recognized for identifying and securing key partners and sales channels, raising capital, building strategic C-level relationships with the investment community, and developing highly-engaged leadership teams that have increased revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction. He is also a Board Observer at Instant Financial and Advisor at Runway Venture Partners. In this episode, we discuss: -How can you innovate your payroll process? -What is a pay card and how is it more financially inclusive? -How does on-demand payroll work? -How might on-demand pay help you attract and retain talent? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Unmasking the Experience of a Healthcare CFO with Mike Grover

November 22, 2022 • 32 MIN

Healthcare is a capital-intensive industry that takes more money to operate and grow than other industries. With that in mind, you’d assume that financial leaders in healthcare have a hard time managing all of the financial operations, teams, and responsibilities involved. Interested? We invited Mike Grover to come and either confirm or debunk these perceptions for us. Mike is the Chief Financial Officer at Greater Good Health, a company looking to expand primary care access and build a new system that supports the needs of both nurse practitioners and patients. He has over a decade of progressive finance experience, including six years working with risk-bearing primary care groups at DaVita Medical Group and Optum. Mike also has deep expertise in value-based payment mechanisms and partnership models. In this episode, we discuss: -Empowering nurse practitioners -What is a risk-bearing provider? -The four roles of a healthcare CFO -What healthcare CFOs should focus on -Value-based versus traditional care Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Great Sales and Marketing Can Level Up Your Accounting Business with Tyler Clark

November 15, 2022 • 35 MIN

An accounting firm deals with the client's numbers only, right? So reaching new clients and retaining them shouldn't be that much of a problem. After all, they need your services to keep everything in order. Though that’s partially true, even in the accounting space, the competition is high, and you need to cut through the noise and get in front of your dream customers to succeed. Funnily enough, Tyler Clark believes accounting businesses can do just that with the help of a well-established sales and marketing strategy. Tyler Clark is the Co-Founder of DreamFirms, a company that works with entrepreneurial accountants to build the accounting firms of their dreams. After working with thousands of accountants, Tyler knows what works and what doesn’t in today's fast-paced digital age. Before DreamFirms, Tyler was the Co-Founder of America’s Choice Bookkeeping, and Tax and Digital Marketing Strategist at New Clients Incorporated. In this episode, we discuss: -The first-ever marketing and sales consulting firm for accounting professionals -How DreamFirms help accounting firms build their dream businesses -Traditional versus modern marketing methods -How to ensure the timing is right for your marketing strategy -What good content looks like in the accounting space Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Art and Science of Sourcing and Procurement in 2022 with David Pennino

November 8, 2022 • 33 MIN

How much do you spend on marketing, IT, distribution, logistics, and corporate services? If you're a consumer packaged goods company, a retailer, or an e-tailer, it's probably about twenty percent of revenue. For a one-billion-dollar business, that means 200 million dollars, which is a lot. But David Pennino states that you should be able to save between five and fourteen percent on that by doing sourcing and procurement efficiently. David is the Founder, CEO, and Director of LogicSource, a business consulting and services company that focuses exclusively on the sourcing and procurement of indirect expenditures. He has spent the last twenty years advising and helping companies buy better. David’s experience includes a mix of early-stage and established businesses. Before LogicSource, he held senior and executive leadership roles at Williams Lea, Gartner, and Scient. In this episode, we discuss: -What is LogicSource -How organizations can buy better -Reinventing sourcing and procurement -The advantage of doing sourcing and procurement well -How companies can buy better in 2022 -The value of indirect procurement to a CEO and CFO -Misconceptions about procurement Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Role of CFO and Storytelling in Managing High-Growth Businesses with Matt Wolf

November 1, 2022 • 32 MIN

Working across the entire organization and collaborating effectively with other teams represents a leading factor in the evolution of the CFO. But that’s just one aspect of a CFO’s job. There is so much more to being a great CFO, like being able to tell the company’s story in a compelling way to investors, managing finance teams, ensuring successful M&As, and so much more. So let's dive in and see what it takes to nail each of these functions with our guest, Matt Wolf. As the CFO of ChartHop, Matt spearheads communicating the company's story in a compelling way to investors and the broader market. Before ChartHop, he served as the CFO at Roadster, where he gained experience leading financial services, implementing effective fundraising, and guiding operational improvement. In this episode, we discuss: -How can CFOs manage high-growing organizations? -What is the key to being able to tell a company story in a compelling way to investors in the broader market? -How can CFOs ensure a successful acquisition integration? -How can you maintain the entrepreneurial spirit while still managing risks? -What is the key to cultivating an environment that ensures employees have the right resources to succeed, particularly remotely? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why a High-Growth Company Needs a Top-Class CFO with Valerie Bauer Gore

October 25, 2022 • 24 MIN

Valerie Bauer Gore of Loop thinks that a modern CFO's responsibilities differentiate from those of ten or twenty years ago. Would you agree with her? Let's see what Valerie has to say on the topic and understand what makes a great CFO today. In this episode, we discuss: -Maintaining a company's culture remotely -Growing profits through returns -The role of a modern CFO Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Role of a CFO and ESG in the Public Sector with Hughey Newsome

October 18, 2022 • 56 MIN

What does the role of a CFO look like in the public sector? We asked ourselves the same question. To find the answer, Hughey Newsome, the Chief Financial Officer at Wayne County Michigan, joins Megan Weis to share the benefits and challenges associated with working for a governmental entity and the importance of emerging ESG initiatives in this space. In this episode, we discuss: -Government CFO responsibilities and challenges -What makes the government CFO role unique -Why is ESG important for a CFO? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Prepare Your Business for Growth and Success with Tony Tiscornia

October 11, 2022 • 40 MIN

If there's one thing we know for sure about where the economy is headed, it's that we don't know. The current uncertainty level and macroeconomic challenges are too high to make any accurate predictions. But that doesn't have to stop your plans. If you are on the way to growing your business, do it. And Tony Tiscornia, the Chief Financial Officer at Coupa Software, will share what you need to be fully prepared for that. In this episode, we discuss: -What makes a successful IPO -Navigating through macroeconomic storms -The importance of unifying systems -What an effective finance team looks like Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Holy Grail of Growth with Chad Gold

October 4, 2022 • 37 MIN

As amazing as it might sound some companies do find the Holy Grail of growth! In doing so their sales and revenues increase by astonishing numbers. But growth is just the beginning, the real challenge is sustaining it and managing it successfully. Chad Gold, the Chief Financial Officer at Salesloft, shares his strategies and wisdom on how CFOs can manage fast-growing companies. In this episode, we discuss: -What factors make a business grow fast? -What is the key to managing fast-growing companies successfully? -Why should CFOs build cross-functional partnerships with all business teams? -How to establish and manage the right processes in a high-growing company? -What are the main functions of finance? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

From Teaching to Finance: An Unconventional CFO Journey with Amy Huerta

September 27, 2022 • 46 MIN

Many CFOs these days come from fields unrelated to finance and accounting. You may encounter former marketers, salespeople, and even psychologists or teachers. Their unconventional paths grab lots of attention, and people want to know how they succeed. After all, if it worked for them, it might work for you too. For that reason, we invited Amy Huerta, a former teacher who became the CFO at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Amy joins Megan Weis to discuss the benefits and challenges of taking what could be considered an unconventional route to the role of the CFO. In this episode, we discuss: -Amy’s path from teaching to finance -What is compassionate grit? -How to manage cross-functional teams effectively? Advice for future CFOs coming from unconventional backgrounds Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why Credit Unions Should Benefit and Drive Communities with Steve Arbaugh

September 20, 2022 • 50 MIN

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Arbaugh, Senior VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at SECU Maryland, on to the podcast. Before joining SECU, Steve spent thirty years in commercial banking, developing leadership skills in various financial sectors. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Steve joins Megan Weis to discuss challenges associated with working for a credit union and the importance of making a positive impact on the community. In this episode, we discuss: -The differences between a credit union and a commercial bank -Digitalization of the financial sector -Why it’s more beneficial to invest in retaining an employee than hiring a new one -Why it is absolutely vital for businesses to have good relations with their communities Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Winning Practices for CFOs Leading M&A Transactions and the Role of ESG for Modern Businesses with Simone Grimes

September 13, 2022 • 40 MIN

Mergers and Acquisitions are some of the best strategies companies employ to scale or diversify their businesses. M&As can take various forms, sizes, shapes, and goals. Regarding the planning and managing sides of an M&A, CFOs are responsible for leading efforts toward a successful deal. So how can you ensure that will happen? Simone Grimes, Chief Financial Officer at Acadia Insurance, joins the next episode of the CFO Weekly podcast to discuss challenges associated with M&A integration, how CFOs can manage businesses across multiple M&A stages, and the importance of ESG initiatives. In this episode, we discuss:: -What role do CFOs play in an M&A? -Post-acquisition integration challenges -How should CFOs prepare themselves for M&As? -How should businesses square the cost-benefit equation of ESG? Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Can CFOs Support Business Growth Through an M&A with Charles Freund

September 6, 2022 • 42 MIN

As challenging as it sounds, M&As bring significant opportunities that most companies never have the chance to experience. CFOs have substantial responsibilities in leading successful acquisition and integration processes. To better prepare for a potential M&A, Charles Freund, Chief Financial Officer at FLEETCOR, joins the next episode of the CFO Weekly podcast. He shares the challenges and benefits of an M&A growth strategy and the importance of ESG initiatives. In this episode, we discuss: -Why should CFOs work close to HR -International growth strategies -The science behind M&As -How to lead a successful integration process Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Real-Time Decision-Making Tools for Real Top-Performing CFOs w/ Rose Punkunus

August 30, 2022 • 32 MIN

Finance professionals have to make not only good but the best decisions all the time. Their directives are crucial for the success or failure of businesses. And, considering the pace at which the business world evolves, they need to be prompt with their decisions. But how can CFOs ensure that they make the best choices instantly? The answer lies in data and real-time decision-making tools. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Rose Punkunus, Founder and CEO of Sudozi, joins Megan Weis to discuss how finance professionals can leverage real-time decision-making tools to make better-informed decisions and drive businesses to success. In this episode, we discuss: -Why should finance professionals automate business processes -Real-time solutions for strategic finance teams -How can the right data leverage business decisions Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Business Partnering: The Leading Strategy Towards Your FP&A Success w/ Anders Liu-Lindberg

August 23, 2022 • 33 MIN

Having a positive impact on the business starts by becoming a great business partner. But what does that mean, and how can financial professionals increase their business partnering influence? In this episode of CFO Weekly, Megan Weis is joined by Anders Liu-Lindberg, Chief Commercial Officer, Partner, and Co-Founder of Business Partnering Institute, to share his wisdom and top practices on business partnering and FP&A. In this episode, we discuss: -What does business partnering mean? -How to overcome business partnering challenges? -Increasing your business partnering influence -FP&A automation -How can businesses better structure their FP&A to achieve its full potential? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Guiding and Growing CFO Talent w/ Jack McCullough

August 16, 2022 • 38 MIN

Accounting, finance, strategy, and operations; modern CFOs should master all these business elements. It's a lot of responsibility, and it might be overwhelming for a lot of people. But fear not! Jack McCullough is here to help you. Jack is the Founder and President of the CFO Leadership Council, a professional association dedicated to CFOs. He is also a keynote speaker, contributor to Forbes.Com, author of the Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, and The Psychopathic CEO: An Executive Survival Guide book. In this episode, we discuss: -What is the CFO leadership council -The portrait of a modern CFO -“Secrets of Rockstar CFOs” -“The Psychopathic CEO: An Executive Survival Guide” For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Driving Business Growth Through Disruptive CFO Leadership w/ Melissa Hurrington

August 9, 2022 • 50 MIN

When it comes to financial leadership, what style do you prefer? Delegative, participative, or maybe authoritarian? Our next guess, Melissa Hurrington, believes in the power of servant leadership, which is about working for the people. Melissa is the Chief Financial Officer and VP of Operations at Premier Claims. In this episode, she talks about financial leadership, getting winners in your team, and the secrets behind growing a business at a great rate. In this episode, we discuss: - Why should CFOs learn operations? - The power of servant leadership in finance - How to grow your business at a great rate - How to get winners onboard For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why Strong Financial Teams Begin With a Strong CFO Leader w/ Adnan Mughal

August 2, 2022 • 38 MIN

The CFO role has evolved and transitioned from accounting to operations and leadership. All modern CFOs should treat their work like their businesses, and they have to care about all the internal teams and customers. That is a challenging task, considering CFOs were taught they should focus only on finance. So how can you become a super CFO with a fantastic team? In this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Adnan Mughal, the Chief Financial Officer at Cherry Coatings, joins us to discuss how to find and retain top talent to build a strong financial team and why CFOs should focus primarily on people instead of just numbers. In this episode, we discuss: Finding and retaining the right people How can CFOs familiarize themselves with operations Why CFOs need to put people first

Financing Justice and Building High-Performing Financial Teams w/ Ken Brause

July 27, 2022 • 35 MIN

What makes a great CFO? It's not the first time we have discussed this on the CFO Weekly podcast. But all our guests have personal experiences and insights you can learn from. And today's guest is Ken Brause. Ken is a strategic financial executive with experience across several financial services, healthcare, and Fintech industries. He is the Chief Financial Officer at Burford Capital and is responsible for managing and overseeing global finances and financial strategy. Before joining Burford Capital, Ken worked as a CFO at OnDeck and Executive Vice President and Treasurer of CIT Group and CIT Bank. In this episode, we discuss: Legal financing What makes a successful CFO? How can CFOs build high-performing financial teams?

Becoming a SaaS Guru w/ Anthony Nitsos

July 19, 2022 • 44 MIN

Anthony Nitsos is the Founder and Lead Guru at SaaS Gurus, which provides Finance, Accounting, HR, Equity, Legal, and Admin best practices and systems for Founders and CEOs of SaaS Start-Ups in the Post Revenue, Pre-Seed to Pre-B phases of the investment. Previously, he served as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer at SkySync, the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer at LLamasoft, and the Senior Director of Finance and Accounting at Duo Security. Besides SaaS Gurus, Anthony is also a Partner at Ascendeus. In this episode, he shares his experience helping SaaS companies scale quickly and set themselves up for success. In this episode, we discuss: - Managing ERP implementation - About Saas Gurus - The science behind rapid scaling For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Mastering Financial Planning and Analysis w/ Paul Barnhurst

July 12, 2022 • 23 MIN

FP&A is an acronym all finance professionals know about. But mastering it and supporting businesses is another story. In this episode, Paul Barnhurst, Founder of The FP&A Guy, will share his top secrets and insights on becoming an FP&A specialist. Paul is a finance professional with twelve-plus years of finance and FP&A experience. He possesses a strong background in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, financial modeling, report building, and business partnering. His experience includes the US government travel services, finance automotive, cyber security, eCommerce, and more. In this episode, we discuss: - FP&A role and value - The FP&A Guy - FP&A tools and techs For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Science Behind Thriving Financial Leadership w/ Grant Fitz

July 5, 2022 • 42 MIN

Grant Fitz, Chief Financial Officer at EFI, joins Megan Weis to share his best insights regarding the role of a CFO and the importance of diversity in leadership. Grant brings nearly thirty years of experience overseeing accounting, business support, and financial planning and analysis in the print marketing, tech, and automotive fields at companies such as Valassis, Xerox, Nexteer Automotive, and General Motors. In July 2019, Siris Capital purchased EFI, and Fitz was brought in to significantly improve its financial performance and prepare the company for an exit strategy in the future. Grant oversees the financial and information technology operations for EFI and supports the development of sound business strategies, strong internal controls, financial discipline, and integrity. In this episode, we discuss: - Shaping the personal leadership style - Transitioning from public to private sector - What should CFOs consider when launching a new product? - Tips and advice for CFO newbies

Empowering FP&A Teams Into Advisory and Strategic Roles w/ Thomas Kyei-Boateng

June 28, 2022 • 36 MIN

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Thomas Kyei-Boateng, Chief Financial Officer at ISACA, joins Megan Weis to discuss the role of a CFO in aligning finance and strategy and helping business leaders make better decisions. In his CFO role at ISACA, Thomas Kyei-Boateng leads all aspects of financial strategy, financial operations, finance transformation, and enterprise risk management. He also oversees the investment of ISACA's assets to create value for members and make the world realize the positive potential of technology. Before joining ISACA, Thomas held various financial roles at multiple organizations, including the Senior Director of Strategic Finance at The College Board and the Senior Manager of Corporate Finance at PwC. In this episode, we discuss: - Leveraging your cyber security strategy - Aligning finances with strategy - Accelerating business growth - How to become a CFO?

Paving the Road to Become a World-Class CFO w/ Steve Rosvold

June 21, 2022 • 36 MIN

What do you need to become a world-class Chief Financial Officer? Steve Rosvald thinks of practical learning and developing opportunities. With thirty-plus years of experience in corporate finance, Steve understands innovative and responsible financial leadership is critical for success in any business today. He spent a good share of his career in various CFO and other leadership roles and founded CFO.University to help finance heads stay innovative while exposing aspiring finance leaders to career-changing professional development. The virtual on-demand platform is built around the four pillars of CFO success, accounting, finance, treasury, and leadership. Steve also operates KRM business solutions, an advisory practice that equips companies and their finance teams with the knowledge processes, systems, and tools they need for success. In this episode, we discuss: - Upgrading your financial skills and career - What do the next generation CFOs look like? - CFO.University self-assessment tool For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Can CFOs Face Challenges at High-Growth Companies w/ Jim Morgan

June 14, 2022 • 30 MIN

Leading the financial aspects of high-growth businesses is definitely challenging. That's a job for top CFOs with years of experience. Luckily, we invited that kind of expert and business leader. Jim Morgan, Chief Financial Officer at CallRail, is a financial executive with experience in financial planning and analysis, M&A, SaaS and software business models, fundraising, board and investor relations, and human resources/capital management. He spent most of his career working with companies in the growth phase and trying to reach scale. Today, Jim talks about how CFOs can manage challenges at high-growth companies and the role of data analytics in helping the organization grow faster and more efficiently. In this episode, we discuss: - How can CFOs leverage data analytics? - Attracting and retaining talent - Challenges CFOs face at high-growth companies For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Becoming a Superboss and Building Stronger Companies w/ Sydney Finkelstein

June 7, 2022 • 42 MIN

What do Superbosses look like? What skills do they possess, and how do they go about creating future leaders? Let's find out all the answers from one of the most exceptional leaders, Sydney Finkelstein. Sydney is a Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, a Consultant, a Speaker to senior executives, and an Executive Coach focusing on leadership, talent development, and corporate governance. Sydney is also a fellow of the Academy of Management and is listed on the Thinkers50, the world's most prestigious ranking of leadership gurus, and the author of Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent. Moreover, he is a columnist for the BBC and the host of his own podcast, The Sydcast. In this episode, we discuss: - How can you learn to ask the best question? - Leading through crisis and change - Finding the right job - What makes Superbosses stand out? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Embracing Data Analytics to Improve Internal Audits w/ Yusuf Moolla

May 31, 2022 • 27 MIN

Why is data important in the audit process? And why should internal auditors approach data themselves? For several reasons, including that it helps improve audit quality and acquires better insights on a business. But there are many more causes that we uncover today. Yusuf Moolla, Director and Co-Founder of Risk Insights, will help us understand the role of data in performance audits. Yusuf has over twenty years of experience in data and assurance. He previously worked for two Big Four firms, Deloitte and KPMG, leading audits and data projects worldwide. Yusuf is also the Co-Host of The Assurance Show, a podcast for internal auditors and performance auditors that focuses on data and risk, and Co-Author of The Data-Confident Internal Auditor. In this episode, we discuss: - Helping internal audit teams use data - Why should CFOs support the use of audit data analytics? - How does a successful audit find solutions across departments? - Using data for more effectively and higher-quality audits For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Driving Growth Through Accounts Payable Automation w/ Sarah Spoja

May 24, 2022 • 34 MIN

What is AP automation? Why should CFOs automate financial processes? These are questions that modern financial professionals should look at and give some good answers to. But if automation sounds new to you, we got you covered. Sarah Spoja, Chief Financial Officer at Tipalti, shares some benefits and solutions of automating accounts payable. Sarah is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the Fintech and Retail industries. She is skilled in financial modeling, operations, pricing strategy, management, mergers & acquisitions, corporate development, and payments. Before Tipalti, Sarah was a director at KKR Capstone for eight years, where she worked with portfolio companies in the Financial Services, technology, and Retail Sectors. In this episode, we discuss: - Automating the AP and payment management processes - The implications of Tipalti software for finance professionals - What does the modern CFO look like? - The benefits of automating payables For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Creating Financial Visibility and Improving Your Accounting Processes and Financial Reporting w/ Brian Hayes

May 17, 2022 • 32 MIN

Modern CFOs need to overlook accounting, financial reporting, operations, financial strategy, and even financial teams. There are many aspects of the role, and it's not easy handling them effectively. Brian Hayes, Chief Financial Officer at NOW CFO, has some nuggets of wisdom on how to manage everything successfully. Brian has over twenty years of leadership and management experience and has managed operations and accounting for small to multi-million dollar businesses. Before joining NOW CFO, he worked in small manufacturing (job costing), import/export from Brazil and the Philippines, product sales price modeling, inventory management across multiple states, small business and personal tax returns preparation, and financial statements. Brian has also been an owner of a business that provided bookkeeping services. Today, he shares how a CFO can get better visibility into a company's financial performance and how to improve accounting processes and financial reporting. In this episode, we discuss: - Why do CFOs need to understand business operations? - What does a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to financial consulting entail? - How to get better visibility into your company's financial performance? - How can CFOs improve the accounting processes and financial reporting? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Don't Fake the Funk, Change Your Life, and Grow Your Business w/ Ken "Mr. Biz" Wentworth

May 10, 2022 • 52 MIN

If you are a business owner that wants to grow your business and boost your profits, you need to ask Mr. Biz, aka Ken Wentworth. Ken is a business professional with 20+ years of diversified experience. His areas of expertise include revenue generation, strategic business planning, operational efficiency, change management, team leadership, and development, amongst others. Today, Ken shares some of his expertise and wisdom about business growth. He also talks about his new book, Don't Fake the Funk, where he describes the simple four-step strategy that will help you achieve your life-changing business goals. . In this episode, we discuss: - Don't Fake the Funk book - The SMAC acronym - How Mr. Biz supports businesses? - What a fractional CFO does? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why CFOs Should Be the Driving Force Behind the ESG Strategy w/ John Truzzolino

May 3, 2022 • 30 MIN

These days, investors are increasingly applying Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities. ESG might be a new subject for many CFOs, considering it's a non-financial criterion. But they should absolutely do a little research on the topic to continue to attract top investors to their businesses. To better understand ESG, we invited John Truzzolino, Director of Business Development at Donnelley Financial Solutions onto the show. John is responsible for coordinating research, development, and publications around evolving global compliance, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance issues. He has more than two decades of experience following SEC compliance changes, publishes research articles, and speaks at leading governance organizations' events. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of ESG in the financial services industry - How to monetize ESG? - What is the role of a CFO in building the ESG strategy? - How to build an effective ESG strategy? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Helping Finance Leaders Become the Heroes of Their Organizations w/ Christina Ross

April 26, 2022 • 34 MIN

The world of FP&A has become more strategic and complex, but most CFO tools haven't been updated, and those available on the market continue to have issues. So how can financial leaders deal with this challenge, and is there any way to help them? Christina Ross may have the solution for that. Christina is a former CFO turned founder and CEO of Cube, the first FP&A software that delivers a delightfully frictionless experience by letting you keep what you love about spreadsheets and automating what you don’t. Christina is passionately mission-driven to help finance leaders become the heroes of every organization. In this episode, we discuss: - How to accelerate your FP&A? - Transitioning from a CFO to a CEO - Empowering finance leaders - What is the role of automation in FP&A? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Can Corporate Financial Professionals Drive Their Career Growth Successfully? w/ Bryan Lapidus

April 19, 2022 • 46 MIN

The world constantly transforms. That's a fact that applies to businesses and organizations. These changes impact individuals and their careers, including CFOs and all financial pros. To manage change, finance professionals need to adapt. But how can they do that successfully and drive their career growth and development? Bryan Lapidus has the right formula, which he willingly shares with us today. Bryan has more than 20 years of experience in the corporate FP&A and treasury space working at organizations like American Express, Fannie Mae, and private equity-owned companies. At AFP, he is the staff subject matter expert on FP&A, which includes creating and curating content to meet the needs of the profession and membership. Bryan also manages FP&A Advisory Councils in North America and Asia/Pacific that act as a voice to align AFP with the professional needs. In this episode, we discuss: - Advancing financial and professional success - The changing role of a CFO - Upskilling financial professionals - Strengthening an organization's strategic forecasting process For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Driving Financial Success In a Nonprofit World w/ David Damond

April 12, 2022 • 25 MIN

Does your nonprofit organization need a CFO? After all, it's not about the money but the mission. The reality is that to pursue the organization's mission successfully, you need financial support. Here is where the role of a CFO steps in and where Dave Damond will help us understand that better. David is responsible for developing and implementing the overall financial strategy and stewardship of the March of Dimes, management of accounting, budget, compliance, internal audit, and bank relationships. He also spent over 20 years at the headquarters of the American Red Cross, where he was the head of finance for the blood division that generated over $2 billion in revenue. Today, Dave reveals what it takes to become a successful CFO in the nonprofit space. In this episode, we discuss: - The role and responsibilities of a CFO in nonprofit space - Hiring the right CFO - What does it take to Become a Successful CFO at a Nonprofit Organization? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Financing Renewable Energy w/ Sarah Wells

April 5, 2022 • 30 MIN

One of the hottest business industries many entrepreneurs decided to focus on and invest in is renewable energy. Often referred to as clean energy, it has enormous potential. But it also comes with its specific challenges, including on the financial and accounting side. How can we learn about them? Sarah Wells, Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting at Spruce Power, joins us to share details about the renewable energy industry and its specific challenges. Sarah is an experienced finance leader with a demonstrated history of working in the renewable energy and building materials industries. With her vast experience in operational strategy, budgeting, modeling, and overall business analysis, Sarah is the right person to educate us on the topic. In this episode, we discuss: - The nuances of the renewable energy industry - Skills and traits for accountants in the renewable energy sector - How a clean energy company functions operationally For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How CFOs Play a Key Role in Supporting Business Growth Through Fundraising w/ Jeremy Foster

March 29, 2022 • 33 MIN

The role of a modern CFO continues to develop, especially at fast-growing companies. Besides accounting and finance, they have to oversee operations, HR, and business strategy. Along with other C-suite leaders, CFOs take a leading role in making critical decisions. So, what is the role of a CFO at fast-growing companies, and how do they support that growth through fundraising? Jeremy Foster, CFO at Talroo, a data-driven job and hiring event recruiting platform, breaks this down for us. In this episode, we discuss: - The #1 CFO challenge - The CFO role in work culture - How CFOs can support growth within a company - The role of the CFO when preparing for fundraising For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Can CFOs Drive the Right Plan For Transitioning the Business Towards the Growth Stage w/ Bal Bhullar

March 22, 2022 • 27 MIN

One of the main goals of every company is growth. That means more sales, profits, and investment, increased salaries, bonuses, increased market share, reduced average costs, and many other benefits. But who said that's easy to do. Many businesses fail when stepping on the path of growth. But why does it happen, and how to grow successfully as a company? Bal Bhullar, Chief Financial Officer and Board Director of Electra Meccanica Vehicles, helped the company pivot from a development stage company to a well-capitalized, high-quality automotive OEM. And today, she shares how to transition successfully from the developmental stage to the growth stage. In this episode, we discuss: - What does it mean to be a CFO today? - How to transition a company from the developmental stage to the growth stage? - What do CFOs need to know to grow a company successfully? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Map Out Your Career Path and Lead Boldly w/ Bolanle Williams-Olley

March 15, 2022 • 41 MIN

Tell me, did you ever feel like your career is heading nowhere? Maybe you don't feel like showing your true self in the workplace and struggle to make that life-changing career decision. Would you like to make bold decisions for you or your team? Then it's time for you to learn how to do that, and Bolanle Williams-Olley will help you. Mancini’s CFO and Co-owner, Bolanle Williams-Olley, is a true multi-hyphenate. In addition to her C-suite role, she is a mom of two and a highly-rated and dynamic leader with over fourteen years of experience in finance and the built industry. She is also the author of “Build Boldly: Chart Your Unique Career Path and Lead with Courage,” a practical playbook to help individuals and leaders take bold, courageous action and craft their unique career playbooks for success. In this episode, we discuss: - How technology improves a business - Creating space for women in organizations - Building your career path boldly For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Strengthening the Financial Engine of a Future Publicly-Traded Company w/ Michael Keogh

March 8, 2022 • 34 MIN

Is being a CFO the same in every company? Well, not really. Though CFOs need to understand a set of basic financial principles and knowledge and even fulfill operational roles, there are some specific differences in each industry. Today, Michael Keogh, Chief Financial Officer at Bright Machines, an industry-leading technology company, shares some of his best pieces of advice for CFOs that intend to shift towards technology and publicly-traded companies. In this episode, we discuss: - How to identify non-scalable processes - How CFOs can prepare to transition to a publicly-traded company - What CFOs need to know about technology companies before joining them For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How Can Operational CFOs Successfully Drive Change Management w/ Jennifer Herdler

March 1, 2022 • 33 MIN

Every business strives for growth and higher revenues. But you constantly have to deal with industry changes, which can have either a positive or negative effect. No matter the reason, you must be able to adapt and balance change and growth effectively to stay on top. Jennifer Herdler, Chief Financial Officer at Impact Health, shares her experience and expertise as an operational CFO when dealing with change management and how to benefit from it. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of an operational CFO - What you need to become a great operational CFO - The key for successful change management For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

What Is the Role of a Franchise CFO w/ Abraham Sherman

February 22, 2022 • 33 MIN

There are no doubts about the amount of work and responsibility a CFO has. From tracking cash flow, making financial planning and forecasting, building a finance and accounting team, to driving revenue. How could it be even more challenging? By becoming a franchise CFO. Abraham Sherman, the Chief Financial Officer at EYM Group, will share his experience as a franchise CFO and some of the specific challenges that come along with that. He also dives into a CFO's role in driving cost savings and adopting a proactive attitude in identifying those opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of a CFO in a franchising environment? - Financial strategies to save and generate millions of dollars - Why CFOs need to reinvent themselves constantly For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Strategic Planning and Forecasting for the Future w/ John Cappadona

February 15, 2022 • 43 MIN

For the past two years, we've been living in constant uncertainty. The conditions we're living in these days make it exceptionally difficult to create business plans for the future. However, our today's guest knows a secret. John Cappadona, the Chief Financial Officer at School of Rock, will share the critical component in planning for the future successfully. In this episode, we discuss: - Managing the pandemic challenges - Setting up successful scenario planning and forecasting - Strategic planning For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Manage the Supply Chain Disruptions w/ Bona Allen

February 8, 2022 • 37 MIN

Whether personally or professionally, we've all felt the pain associated with the supply chain that isn't functioning as it should be these last two years. But it's an issue that seems to be here for the foreseeable future. As a result, we've invited Bona Allen, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Kajima Building & Design Group, to share his expertise and pieces of valuable advice on how to manage these challenges better. In this episode, we discuss: - Leading and developing relationships - Dealing with supply chain challenges - How to drive strategic value to grow revenue and margin For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Learning the Best Practices of an M&A Finance Process w/ Liz Hosman and Mark Miller

February 1, 2022 • 26 MIN

In August 2021, Walker Sands, a B2B tech agency, acquired March Communications, a Boston-based PR agency. As a combined company, they make the fifth largest technology-focused firm in the country. To understand what an M&A process looks like from a financial side, we have invited Liz Hosman, the VP, Finance and Business Partner at Walker Sands, and Mark Miller, Senior Vice President of Finance at Walker Sands. They share tips, tricks, and best practices they've learned along the way during the acquisition. In this episode, we discuss: - Walker Sands and March M&A transaction - M&A tips, tricks, and best practices - How to drive strategic value to grow revenue in margin For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why On-Demand Pay Can Become the Future Payroll Model with Scot Parnell

January 25, 2022 • 33 MIN

Scot Parnell is the Chief Financial Officer at DailyPay. Since joining the team, DailyPay has built a fortress balance sheet to ensure the safety and soundness of their offering. Scot spent over twenty years as a finance leader in various organizations, such as TIAA, Citi Group, and Student Loan Corporation. He has a wealth of expertise and experience leading businesses to achieve financial success. Matched with his entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm, Scot has played a pivotal role in laying down the cultural foundation at DailyPay and designing an efficient finance team. An effective communicator and changemaker, he is known to drive visions from "here" to "there." Today, Scot shares insights about a topic new to the market, on-demand pay. In this episode, we discuss: - What is on-demand pay? - The ups and downs of on-demand pay - How to successfully move from a large company to an earlier stage growth company For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Mastering Financial Modeling for Top Business Decisions w/ Ian Schnoor

January 18, 2022 • 39 MIN

Many employers nationwide and worldwide require that their new hires have exceptional financial modeling skills. But you’d be surprised how many CFOs don’t fully understand what financial modeling is – or its importance. It is critically important to improve business decisions. Our next guest can bring some value to the topic. Ian Schnoor, the Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute, joins us in the next episode of the CFO podcast. The Financial Modeling Institute is the only Financial Modeling accreditation body in the world, founded in 2017 and presently serving major corporations in 50 different countries. Ian is also the President and Founder of the Marquee Group, a leading provider of financial modeling training, consulting, and accreditation. In this episode, we discuss: - What is financial modeling? - Why is it critical to a company’s financial planning to avoid reaching the wrong conclusions? - Using your team members’ existing education and professional experience to have them become financial modelers - How can financial modeling ensure success if you want to launch or acquire a new business? For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Evolving Role of the CFO w/ Chris Caprio

January 11, 2022 • 24 MIN

Chris Caprio, the Chief Financial Officer at Focus Technology, joins us in the next episode of the CFO podcast. Joining Focus in 2017, Chris lends his 20+ years of experience in planning, forecasting, and reporting financial data for companies in numerous sectors, including tech, energy, and professional services. He has experience across various operations, including finance, accounting, recruiting, HR, legal, tax, and employee training. During his tenure, he has been a primary contributor to the company’s modernization, transformation, and record company growth. Recognized as an industry thought leader, Chris serves as Vice President for the Financial Executives International (FEI) Boston and Co-Chair for the CFO Leadership Council Boston Chapter and is a sought-after keynote speaker at industry events across the country. In this episode, we discuss: - How can a CFO effectively manage HR - The evolving role of the CFO - Why CFOs need to stretch their budgets on achieving long-term goals For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Understanding the SPAC IPO Versus a Traditional IPO w/ Thomas Kramer

January 4, 2022 • 32 MIN

Thomas Kramer, the Chief Financial Officer at IonQ, joins us in the next episode of the CFO podcast. Thomas is an experienced chief financial officer with an extensive background leading companies through rapid growth. At IonQ, he focuses on commercializing the infrastructure and managing the company's relationships with investors and the public markets. Previously, Thomas was the CFO of Opower, guiding the company through its initial public offering and its sale later to Oracle. He was also the co-founder and CFO of Cvent, taking the company from zero revenue through the largest private software financing in the United States at that time. In this episode, we discuss: - The company’s life cycle - The evolving role of a CFO - SPAC IPO versus traditional IPO For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Leveraging Real-Time Financial Data Software w/ Benjamin Taylor

December 28, 2021 • 22 MIN

Terms like API, real-time financial data, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and cloud-based business management are all part of today's market. With the right tools and expertise, organizations can leverage new opportunities and take their businesses to the next level. One of these tools is SoftLedger. Benjamin Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of SoftLedger, shares insights on what SoftLedger is, how it works, and new opportunities that businesses can use to manage their financial data in real-time. In this episode, we discuss: - Managing critical financial data - API driven accounting - Real-time financials For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Remote Financial Management in High-Growing Companies w/ Ken Kaufman

December 21, 2021 • 36 MIN

In the present business market, finances and creativity come hand-in-hand. CFOs need to apply original methods of managing financial teams or getting investment for the company. If you struggle with this, today's guest got you covered. Ken Kaufman is the Chief Financial Officer at Community Dental Partners, led by a mixed team of dental and business veterans working together to solve the needs of today’s modern dental professionals. CDP was designed for dentists by dentists who recognized the need to partner with responsible business experts. In this episode, we discuss: - Opportunities in high-growing companies - How to efficiently manage a remote finance team - Tips on finding the best financial talent - Maintenance versus growth OPEX For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Increasing Brand Awareness w/ Ami Myrland

December 14, 2021 • 35 MIN

Why do organizations need to become more community-focused? Doing business means more than simply providing products or services to people. Companies have to embrace the idea of positively supporting and engaging with their communities. And social media platforms are the number one tool that can broadly help increase brand awareness. Ami Myrland is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the Capitol Bank, a locally-owned financial institution from Madison, Wisconsin. Ami is passionate about the banking industry. As CFO, she oversees accounting, finance, IT, HR, facilities, and project management at the Capitol Bank. In today's episode, she discusses her experience as a CFO and how she's been leveraging LinkedIn as a business development tool. In this episode, we discuss: - Why businesses need to focus on communities - How to leverage LinkedIn to develop your brand - How a CFO can build a successful working relationship with the CMO to increase brand awareness For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Driving Strategic Value for Business Growth w/ Tom Fencl

December 7, 2021 • 32 MIN

Growth. It's the value most businesses focus on. Growing in numbers, increasing sales, expanding as quickly as possible. Companies set targets on achieving these goals. To successfully realize that, companies need to leverage their opportunities, manage risks, and focus on all aspects of their business, including finance, resources, innovation, culture, and people. Tom Fencl is the Chief Financial Officer at Pricefx, a provider of full suite price management and CPQ SaaS solutions. Today, he shares his expertise and insights from Pricefx on how companies can successfully apply specific tools, strategies, and policies to grow and expand their business. In this episode, we discuss: - How Pricefx grew from 74 to 400 employees - How a company can maintain processes and manage risks - Financial tools and tactics for growing a business For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Why Every Business Owner Needs to Have Exit Strategies w/ Marvin Storm

November 30, 2021 • 43 MIN

Did you know that entrepreneurs often have to part with their businesses? And most of the time, it happens unexpectedly and forcefully, bringing lots of frustration and disappointment. To avoid that, entrepreneurs need to prepare for these moments. But do you know what those moments are and how to prepare for them? Many entrepreneurs have failed and had to pay for their mistakes. Wanting to help others avoid this and experience a positive exit, Marvin Storm launched The Business Exit Stories Podcast. The experts and consultants of this process share valuable insights on how an entrepreneur can prepare to exit from their business and not repeat others' mistakes. In this episode, we discuss: - Challenges That Business Owners Face - Why Unprepared Entrepreneurs Fail to Exit a Business - How to Prepare and Exit a Business Successfully For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Attract and Retain the Best and Brightest Talent w/ Naveed Tejany

November 23, 2021 • 44 MIN

Engagement, transparency, trust, and communication. Do these values sound familiar to you? Many businesses claim them as part of their culture, but not many follow them. And at the end, they wonder why people leave. Attracting and retaining talent has become more than a simple technical process. To get the best, you need to go beyond the common. How to do that? Our guest today reveals some valuable insights. Naveed Tejany is the CFO at OJO Labs. As CFO, Naveed oversees financial reporting, financial planning, corporate development, and business operations. Over the years, he has recruited top talent and established critical financial and human resource systems. Under his leadership, the company has raised over 130 million dollars in venture capital from top-tier mission-aligned investors. They have also successfully acquired and integrated four companies. When looking for investment partners, Naveed understands that raising capital from the right partner is critical. In this episode, we discuss: - OJO's distinctive business model - How to hire the best talent for each role - Insights on how to retain talent - The contribution of engagement and transparency in retaining talent For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Become a Successful Data-Driven Organization w/ Chip Pate

November 16, 2021 • 30 MIN

These days we're collecting more data than ever. But the data itself is worthless without undertaking the necessary transformation to extract insights from that data. Many organizations fail in achieving that transformation for one reason or another. So, how do you become a successful data-driven organization? Chip Pate is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at SecureLink. He has worked in a variety of financial and accounting roles. Chip started as a Financial Analyst at Applied Materials, moved to CompassLearning, and later was the Senior Director of financial planning and analysis at Websense. He then became Chief Financial Officer at PDI Software and eventually moved to his current role at SecureLink. In this episode, we discuss: - How the role of CFO has evolved over the last two decades - The core of a data-driven organization - How to overcome organizational resistance when applying data For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Focus on Numbers and People to Drive a Successful Business w/ April Downing

November 9, 2021 • 43 MIN

Good customer service is table stakes, and getting it wrong will likely cost you dearly in customer churn. As a CFO, you may not think this is an area that pertains to you, but creating a delightful experience for the customer begins with an attitude that permeates the entire organization starting at the top. April Downing is a seasoned financial and operational executive with over twenty years of experience for publicly and privately held technology, services, and consumer companies. As CFO of Khoros, April is responsible for leading Khoros’ global finance organization and supporting the company’s financial strength but also organic and inorganic growth. In this episode, we discuss: - What leads to a successful customer experience - The role of culture and leadership in delighting customers - Why a CFO needs to focus on a positive employee experience For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

How to Lead Your Business to a Successful IPO w/ Tyler Sloat

November 2, 2021 • 28 MIN

How can a software company reach success in today's market without losing its core vision and principles? When is the right timing to take your business to an IPO? Many organizations change their business focus to make specific companies and customers happy. As a result, their products become irrelevant to the market. Some don't have the infrastructure and metrics to go public or act at the right moment. To help businesses tackle this problem, we asked today's guest, Tyler Sloat, the Chief Financial Officer at Freshworks, to share his experience and expertise on how organizations can develop easy-to-use products for the masses and how to correctly measure the scale, growth, and efficiency required to go public. In this episode, we discuss: - How Freshworks' products allow customers to engage with their customers and employees - How a company can determine the right timing to go IPO - Why going IPO became a historic event for Freshworks and the software industry - Why organizations going IPO must focus on operational readiness and execution readiness For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Incalculable Benefits of Servant Leadership w/ Dave Sackett

October 26, 2021 • 20 MIN

The term “servant leadership” has emerged in the last couple of years, but the core ideas that make up servant leadership—empathy, empowerment, sharing responsibility—have been around for awhile. Due to the strain on the workforce caused by the pandemic, servant leadership is becoming more prevalent. Leading with empathy and giving employees more ownership over their work is becoming the norm, rather than an outlier. Dave Sackett, Chief Solutions Architect at Visibility Corporation, joins the show to explain servant leadership, its benefits, and how it makes us better leaders. In this episode, we discuss: - The core philosophy behind servant leadership - Why it’s not being taught on a wider scale - How to become a servant leader - The benefits and downsides of servant leadership For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

SPACs & The Future of the Finance Function w/ Drew Hamer

October 20, 2021 • 32 MIN

SPACs provide companies with another tool to ensure liquidity and create valuable shareholder returns. But if you are considering this route over an IPO, there are some things you need to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Drew Hamer, Chief Financial Officer at Velodyne Lidar, Inc., joins the show to explain how SPACs work and why they are here to stay. In this episode, we discuss: - The benefits of going the SPAC route - Technology needed to be ready for the future - Where to start when centralizing processes For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Automation: Love It or Hate It, You Need to Learn It w/ Max Gray

October 12, 2021 • 27 MIN

Automation has the power to free us up from being stuck on menial repetitive tasks and do what we were hired to do. But without knowing when to automate, you risk wasting even more time fixing your automation than you would have otherwise. To help understand what and when you should automate, Max Gray, Vice President of Finance at Bitcoin Depot, joins today’s show. In this episode, we discuss: - The benefits of tableau - When and when not to automate - Dealing with change management For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!  Presented by Personiv  https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly 

What It Takes to Be a Sustainable Startup CFO w/ Joel Krutz

October 5, 2021 • 44 MIN

Imagine you’ve spent the better part of two decades as a CFO at one of the largest companies in the world. Then, you find a great opportunity in a startup. Could you handle the transition?  This week’s guest doesn’t have to imagine. Joel Krutz did just that for a chance to help make the world more sustainable, while still providing value for shareholders, as Chief Financial Officer at Crown Electrokinetics (NASDAQ: CRKN). He joins the show to share the lessons he’s learned from the experience. In this episode, we discuss: - What compelled Joel to make the transition - How an SEC-traded startup requires a CFO who is part engineer, part artist - How Joel thinks about hiring  - The role of empathy plays in success as a startup CFO For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!  Presented by Personiv  https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The Evolution of the CFO Role w/ Rick Smith

September 28, 2021 • 45 MIN

The CFO role is one marked by constant evolution. Not only have the expectations for the position evolved dramatically in recent years, but to succeed as a CFO, you must be willing to evolve, too, in order to meet the shifting demands of each growth stage your company passes through or the complexities of international business.  Success doesn’t come to CFOs who sit still.  Our latest guest proves it: Rick Smith is a CFO experienced in leading high-growth VC- and PE-backed companies with revenues in the $20M-$300M range, who has led multiple companies through successful exits. Rick’s background spans a variety of industries, including SAAS, EdTech, healthcare services, advertising/marketing, and retail.  Having been a Controller, FP&A leader, and CFO, Rick’ expertise spans all areas of accounting and finance, including day-to-day accounting and processes, financial systems, buy- and sell-side M&A, financings, capital raising/recapitalizations, and international operations. Additionally, Rick has extensive experience managing areas such as Human Resources, Facilities, Data & Analytics, Project Management, and Technology Infrastructure. In this episode, we discuss: - How the CFO role has evolved over time - How a CFO’s role evolves across growth stages - How you need to evolve as a CFO to handle international business For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!  Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

CFO Weekly is back!

September 21, 2021 • 2 MIN

After a brief summer hiatus, CFO Weekly is back! Be on the lookout for new episodes every week starting on September 28th. Expect topics like: -The evolution of the CFO role -Leading a sustainable startup -Automation -Going public For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!  Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly 

What It Takes to Be a Modern CFO w/ Zach Howard

August 3, 2021 • 28 MIN

Becoming a CFO takes a lot of hard work and dedication — and for many, it’s the end goal of their career. But if you want to become a CFO, it’s important to focus on the mid-stage of your career. That’s how today’s guest, Zach Howard ended up Chief Financial Officer at ICD Group International. He joins the show today to share the most important steps young professionals should take if they want to travel the same road. In this episode, we discuss: - How technology is shaping the CFO role - The 3 most important steps young professionals should take to become CFO - Why fit and willingness to learn are the most important considerations for hiring in today’s workplace For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

The 6 P’s of Selling Your Business & Exiting Rich w/ Michelle Seiler Tucker

July 27, 2021 • 56 MIN

When you’re at the blackjack table and you’re up, do you bank those profits or do you keep betting? As a business owner, you have a similar choice: Don’t wait until a catastrophe to sell your business — you need to cash out when you’re on top. But most business owners — 80%, in fact — fail to ever sell their business. Don’t be like them… Be in that 20% prepared to sell and ready to exit rich. To help you get there, we invited Michelle Seiler Tucker, Founder and CEO at Seiler Tucker, Inc., who literally wrote the book on exiting rich, onto the show to share the secrets to getting the most out of the business you built. In this episode, we discuss: - Why 80% of companies never sell - The 5 types of buyers (and which to target) - The 6 P’s of selling your business And be sure to check out these helpful resources: - www.exitrichbook.com  - www.seilertucker.com For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Digital Transformation & the CFO w/ Thomas Anderson

July 20, 2021 • 31 MIN

A lot has been said recently about digital transformation. It’s become the new buzzword or catchphrase, and it seems like every company on earth is talking about their move to digital. What does digital transformation look like, and how can CFO’s leverage the new and emerging technologies to ensure that they’re keeping up with the rapid changes taking place all over the industry? From COVID-19 to the asian debt crisis to the 08/09 financial collapse, the financial landscape is rapidly changing, and being able to keep up is more important now than ever before. On this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, our guest is Thomas Anderson. Thomas is the Managing Director at Moneycorps Americas, and he talked all about how COVID has changed the CFO role, the biggest pain points facing CFOs, how Moneycorps are solving those pain points, and how CFOs can leverage the latest innovation to stay current. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

How To Make Your Business More IRS-Friendly w/Charley Devany

July 13, 2021 • 42 MIN

What comes to mind when you think about the IRS? For most people there’s a mild panic that only gets worse with every new phone call, letter, or email received from them. This is why we’ve asked Charley Devany, Fractional CFO & Tax Consultant, to join us once more. Since his last visit for our 16th episode, the US tax environment has endured a few changes, which we’re discussing today: The frustrating side of tax How COVID-19 affected taxation How people get in trouble with the IRS What are your options for clearing your name? Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Charley’s LinkedIn profile For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Outsourced Virtual Accounting Services w/ Matt Wood

June 29, 2021 • 29 MIN

There are virtual services, and there’s outsourcing. And then there’s outsourced virtual accounting services that blend together every good thing about finding the right person for the right job. Plot twist! This week we’re chatting to one of our own: Matt Wood, VP of Client Services, right here at Personiv. Get ready, folks, this episode will shake up the way you think about outsourcing. What we talked about: - Virtual accounting talent and support - When to outsource what, and why. - Where does technology fit in? - Matt’s advice for when you’re considering your options. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

The Right Controls Can Turn Disaster Into Victory w/ Chris Daniels

June 22, 2021 • 32 MIN

Controls are necessary for managing both the good and tough times in business. They’re probably more necessary during the good times. Chris Daniels, CFO at OrcaSmart Group Inc., knows this better than most people, which is why we’re asking him to share his experiences on this week’s episode of CFO Weekly. What we talked about: - Chris’s career and the greatest challenges and lessons from it - Is growth more challenging than the tough times? - Understanding people - Finding the right fit For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Solve Problems, Not Symptoms w/Adam Porter

June 15, 2021 • 31 MIN

Problem-solving is a critical skill that can always be improved upon. Master problem-solver and CFO at Musselman & Hall Contractors LLC, Adam Porter, shares his insight and experience with us in the latest episode of CFO Weekly. What we talked about: - What makes a great problem-solver? - Problem-solving in action: people and processes - Solving the real issues, not just the symptoms - Dealing with organizational resistance Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Adam’s LinkedIn profile - Musselman & Hall Contractors’ website For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Property Accounting w/Katherine Jackson

June 8, 2021 • 42 MIN

Mixed use buildings are changing the way we interact with each other. They’re also changing the way buildings are financed, leased, transferred, repurposed, and sold. Katherine Jackson, Vice President of Accounting for Bayer Properties, shares property accounting insights for you to take advantage of in the latest episode of CFO Weekly. What we talked about: - Bayer’s latest projects and their financial approach to property development - Opportunities and challenges within property accounting - Finding the right people for the job - How real estate is changing Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Sidewalk Film Festival - Katherine’s LinkedIn profile - Bayer Properties’ website For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

The Life of an Expatriate w/ John Kramer

June 1, 2021 • 50 MIN

For a lot of people, the idea of working in another country is an enticing one. The chance to travel, experience new things, and do meaningful work abroad is an appealing one. But being an expatriate isn’t without its challenges. On this episode of CFO Weekly, we talk with John Kramer. John is the Chief Financial Officer of BCC Engineering, and has experience working in Indonesia, Argentina, Panama, India, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico, and the United States. And he had a lot to say about: - The pros and cons of expatriate work - Overcoming cultural barriers in the professional world - Hiring and leading a multinational team with competing cultural differences - Advice for those looking to land an expatriate role For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

Leading Through Hyper-growth w/Victor Wong

May 25, 2021 • 47 MIN

It’s not always easy to lead a business through hyper-growth. We called in Flipp CFO, Victor Wong, to share his own experience and of course his key tips for you to use to your advantage. What we talked about: - You don’t need everything figured out when you’re just starting up - Structures, processes, outsourcing and time management - How to manage uncertainty in a hyper-growth environment Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Victor’s LinkedIn profile - Flipp’s website For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Understanding Iconoclasm w/ Tony Zorc

May 18, 2021 • 40 MIN

Challenge. Design. Execute. You need all 3 to be an iconoclast. In the latest episode of CFO Weekly, Professional Iconoclast and Founder and CEO of Accounting Seed, Tony Zorc, joins us for a riveting discussion about iconoclasm. What we talked about: - What does it mean to be an iconoclast, and how do you become one? - The iconoclast formula, and how entrepreneurs can apply it. - Are iconoclasts always entrepreneurs, inventors or philanthropists? Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Tony’s LinkedIn profile - Accounting Seed’s website - Iconoclasm: A Survival Guide in the Post-Pandemic Economy (book by Tony) - Tony’s website For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Mastering the Budget Cycle w/Clint Jackson

May 11, 2021 • 26 MIN

How often should you readjust budgets? What’s the best way to set a budget? How far out should you forecast a budget? Who all should be involved in the budgeting process? If you’ve ever stopped and asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone. Particularly if you’re the CFO or a finance professional in the SaaS industry. Thankfully, on this episode of CFO Weekly, we got a chance to sit down with Clint Jackson. Clint is the Chief Financial Officer at BombBomb, a SaaS company that enables anyone, but primarily sales professionals, to record, send, and track video messages. Our conversation centered all around ways that SaaS companies get the budgeting process wrong, the steps they take at BombBomb to set the revenue portion of the budget, and advice for companies looking to break down their budgeting silos. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

Invest Where It Matters w/Magdalena Cleveland

May 4, 2021 • 48 MIN

Change is constant, and it’s tough to decide where the energy in your business is best spent. That’s why we sat down to discuss strategic investment and change management with Magdalena Cleveland, VP of Accounting and Finance at BLVCKDOT LLC. What we talked about: - Magdalena’s career journey and what BLVCKDOT has to offer - Why you shouldn’t change more than one major system at a time - Is the five-year-plan still a relevant question? - Magdalena’s learnings through seeking operational improvements - Deciding which projects deserve investment, and why automation isn’t always the answer - Pulling in the right people and overcoming resistance Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Magdalena’s LinkedIn profile - BLVCKDOT LLC’s website - Personiv’s website - Domo (analytics platform) - Tableau (analytics platform) - Power BI by Microsoft For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Cutting Costs w/ Ken Wentworth

April 27, 2021 • 37 MIN

Cost-cutting: nobody likes thinking or talking about it, let alone executing it. That’s why we’re taking the edge off, by discussing it with Ken Wentworth, Speaker, Author and Fractional CFO at Mr. Biz Solutions. What we talked about: - Ken’s career progression, and defining the role ‘Fractional CFO’ - The importance of communication for career growth -How the accounting profession has evolved over the past decade - Cost-cutting: common mistakes and advice for avoiding them - Reviewing labor and benefit expenses - Avoiding the pitfall of carrying unnecessary expenses from year to year - What tools can you use to process cost-cutting? Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Ken’s LinkedIn profile - Mr. Biz Solutions’ website - Personiv’s website - Quickbooks For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CFO Weekly in your favorite podcast player.

Artificial Intelligence and the Evolution of the CFO w/ John Collins

April 20, 2021 • 40 MIN

It’s no secret that technology is moving faster than ever before. It seems like every day there’s a new company or a new product that is at the cutting edge of innovation, leaving all of the previous advancements in the dust. And at the forefront of all of that innovation is artificial intelligence. AI and machine learning are moving the world forward in ways that none of us ever could have imagined. If you really stand back and take a look at your life, you’d be amazed at how present AI actually is. But what does AI have to do with the finance industry, and how have AI and automation contributed to the evolution of the role of CFO? On this episode of CFO Weekly, we get a chance to sit down with John Collins. John is the Chief Financial Officer at LivePerson, a cloud based platform utilizing AI that allows companies to converse with customers through messaging. Though the conversation included a lot of discussion about John’s background, and his path to CFO, the real highlight was the discussion on AI and its continued contribution to the evolution of the role of CFO, and how CFOs can leverage and integrate AI into their current landscape. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

Thinking Outside the Box about the CFO Role w/ Mike dePaschalis

April 13, 2021 • 13 MIN

It’s no secret that the CFO role has changed dramatically over the last 10–20 years. What was once a traditionally conservative role centered on financial statements and reporting has evolved into something similar, and at the same time completely different. Which begs the question, what sort of background does somebody need if they’re looking at a career as a CFO? On this episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down for a chat with Mike dePaschalis, Director of Finance at Postal.io, for a conversation all about thinking outside of the box when it comes to pursuing a career as a CFO, and why an accounting degree may not be necessary. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

Managing Payroll w/ Charles Read

April 6, 2021 • 47 MIN

“Anybody who does their own payroll and is not an expert, like we are, really needs to think twice about it.” - Charles Read Today my guest is Charles Read, Certified Public Accountant, US Tax Court Practitioner, Member of the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council and Founder and C EO at GetPayroll. What we talked about: - Charles’ career progression and GetPayroll’s offering - What scale of company needs payroll-related services? - A decade of history, the current state and future of payroll - How tax changes affect payroll - Advice for CFOs managing payroll - Outsourcing payroll - Are clocks the best way to track time? - Pros and cons of on-demand pay - The gig economy and managing independent contractors Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Payroll Book - Charles Read’s LinkedIn Profile - GetPayroll’s website - Personiv’s website For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!

Value Creation through Technology in Finance w/ Arno Wakfer

March 30, 2021 • 21 MIN

Finance does not look the same as it did 15 years ago. There have been new industry challenges, the adoption of technology is ramping up quickly, and learning has become a lifelong journey. On this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Arno Wakfer, GM and Head Trainer at Educatio. Today, we covered what technologies are becoming widely adopted by finance organizations. We also talked about: - Breaking down silos across all areas of your business - Promoting financial literacy across communities - How can leaders create value within their organization - Why data visualization is critical for storytelling For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!

Why an Interim CFO May be Right for You w/Kristen McAlister

March 23, 2021 • 24 MIN

As we see more and more volatility in the financial world, more and more companies are being bought and sold. And with the buying and selling of all of these companies comes the change of talent. For a lot of financial professionals, it can feel like they’re a bit of an afterthought, getting traded around to company after company until, eventually, the decision is made to lay off a lot of those finance professionals. On this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Kristen McAlister. Kristen is the Co-Owner and President of Cerius Interim Executive Services. Her firm specializes in contract, and contract-to-hire services for Directors, VPs, and C-suite finance positions. Our conversation centered around: - The difference between an interim CFO and a fractional CFO - What firms are looking for when hiring an interim CFO - How to best market yourself for your next opportunity as an interim CFO - Why there is so much movement in the leadership space, specifically in the finance field For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

The Life and Career of a Controller: What You Need to Know w/Coulson Painter

March 9, 2021 • 48 MIN

One of the great things about the CFO Weekly podcast is getting to talk with people with different backgrounds. People who have taken unique paths to get to the place they are today. And the latest episode of CFO Weekly is no exception. In this latest episode, we talk with Coulson Painter. Coulson is the Vice President and Corporate Controller at Caliber, a real estate private equity fund asset manager in Phoenix. Our conversation centered around the unique trait of being a controller who got their start specializing in tax at the start of his career, how that has helped him as a controller, advice for someone new to the controller role, and so much more. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv https://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

From Big Companies to Small: The CFO Role Unpacked w/Jeff Lasher

March 2, 2021 • 39 MIN

As we all navigate our way through our careers in the finance world, many of us may find ourselves moving from large companies to smaller ones, or small companies back to larger companies. And few things can be as jarring and hard to deal with on a professional level as moving from one to the other. You get used to certain cultural norms in one, and then you move to the other and find that you feel completely out of place. On this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, we talked with Jeff Lasher. Jeff is the Chief Financial Officer at Coravin, and has held a number of different leadership positions at a number of different sized companies, from small companies to companies like Ford Motor Company. Our conversation touched on: The most challenging and rewarding parts of moving from large to small companies Advice for successfully transitioning from one to the other What he looks for in building a successful team Why mentorship is so crucial to professional development. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

Megan’s Career Journey w/Megan Weis

February 23, 2021 • 8 MIN

Every week, CFO Weekly brings you someone from the finance industry, in conversation with our wonderful host, Megan Weis. And you hear tips and tricks, and get some great advice on how to navigate the finance industry, especially in the crazy times we’re going through right now. Megan always asks her guests, “How did you get to where you are today?” But rarely do you get to hear Megan’s story. What was her career journey like? How did she get where she is today? What were some of the key moments in her career that stand out to her, and what has she learned along the way? On this episode of CFO Weekly, you’ll hear from Megan Weis . Megan is the VP and General Manager of Finance and Accounting Operations Outsourcing at Personiv. Megan spends some time touching on the highlights of her career, why she made the switch from one of the world’s largest professional services companies to a small company, and what it’s been like leading her department at Personiv. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player.

2020: Maybe it Wasn’t All Bad w/ Liz Hosman

February 16, 2021 • 21 MIN

With 2020 finally in the rearview mirror, many of us are reflecting back on the challenges we faced over the past year. It certainly was a difficult year for a lot of people, but maybe it wasn’t all bad. Hopefully we all learned some things, and emerged from 2020 stronger, a little more empathetic, a little wise, and a whole lot more flexible. If 2020 showed us anything, it’s that we’re all far more resilient than we ever thought. On this episode of CFO Weekly, our guest is Liz Hosman. Liz is the VP of Finance at March Communications, a technology PR agency dedicated to B2B and consumer tech brands across all sectors, but primarily those in the enterprise tech, AI, and wellness and health tech sectors. Our conversation centered on The challenges faced in 2020 How those challenges altered the landscape of her organization How she and her team plan to keep the positive changes going into 2021 and beyond. Why Yoga is playing a key role in keeping Liz grounded in 2021 and beyond For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player. 

Why You Need to Become a Storyteller w/ Liz Barhydt

February 9, 2021 • 28 MIN

When you think of financial reporting and accounting presentations, storytelling probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Most finance professionals want to report the numbers, and then continue on with their lives. But what if the WHY behind the numbers is just as important as the numbers themselves? What if storytelling is not only something that makes sense to focus on, but is something that you ought to be paying a lot more attention to than you are right now? On this episode of CFO Weekly, our guest is Liz Barhydt. Liz is the Chief Financial Officer at Directive, a performance marketing agency specifically serving SaaS companies, helping them be better marketers, drive growth, and generate better return on their marketing dollars. But one of the most impactful things we discussed was the need for better storytelling when it comes to finance and accounting. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for “CFO Weekly” in your favorite podcast player. 

Coming Through the COVID-19 Pandemic Stronger than Before w/ Macy Macaskill

February 2, 2021 • 30 MIN

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. 2020 was brutal for an overwhelming number of businesses both in the United States as well as the rest of the world. So many businesses saw their doors close permanently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing reduction in revenue. And while not every business ended up having to close their doors, every business was impacted in some way. Even those that, from a revenue standpoint, did well in 2020, had a whole new landscape to navigate. Remote work, Zoom, maybe a reduction in workforce. The pandemic took no prisoners, and nobody was unscathed. But rather than focus on the negative, we’re going to take this episode and focus on the positive. We’re going to talk with someone who, though they had to make some tough decisions, helped lead their company through the rough waters of 2020, and hopefully has set them up for continued success in 2021. Our guest on the show this week is Macy Macaskill. Macy is the Chief Financial Officer at Rockets of Awesome, and our conversation on this episode is all about struggle, perseverance, and triumph. Her company had some hard decisions to make at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they’ve rebounded from those decisions in a dramatic way. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly 

Building a Better Relationship Between Finance and Operations

January 26, 2021 • 21 MIN

Finance has become more and more strategic in driving the high level vision and direction of companies across nearly every industry. We’ve seen a huge increase in the way that CFOs interact with and support the various lines of business, particularly with the operations teams. But how do finance teams make the importance of what they do understandable to those in the operations teams? How can the teams work together to drive the strategic vision of the company? How do finance and operations work avoid being a hindrance to one another and become a collaborative effort instead? On this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, our guest is Charles Liu. Charles is the EVP and Head of Finance for Hawke Media, a full-service marketing consulting firm based in Los Angeles, working with clients all over the world. Our conversation centered around: How finance can foster a better relationship with the operations teams Why communication cannot be underestimated Why you can’t worry about being the bad guy, or the good guy. Helping the operations team to make sense of the financial side of the business For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personivhttps://insights.personiv.com/cfo-weekly

Managing an Engaged Remote Workforce w/ Mike Gilmartin

January 19, 2021 • 26 MIN

Working remotely has been a way of life for most of America for at least the past nine to ten months. Sure, there are those that are still going into the office, and there are those that have worked remotely for their entire careers, but for most of us, fully remote work is new. And while there have definitely been some upsides to fully remote work, it has not been without its challenges and frustrations. Our guest on the CFO Weekly podcast this week is Mike Gilmartin. Mike is the Chief Financial Officer at M. Davis & Sons, an award-winning, fifth generation industrial construction company that builds, installs, and services corporate and government facilities. Mike and his team were thrown head-first into remote work along with the rest of us, and our discussion contained great advice on Managing a remote workforce Changes you may need to make in order to accommodate a fully remote staff How to keep remote employees engaged Making sure that employees stay visible to their managers during remote workFor more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv 

Break Down the Silos and Help Your Team Succeed w/ David Burt

January 12, 2021 • 44 MIN

It’s no secret that, historically, the finance roles within most organizations tend to be incredibly siloed. Finance usually has their spot in the building, and they tend to keep to themselves and don't interact with a lot of the other teams, unless there’s an issue. But just because finance teams are siloed today, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way for them to perform. In fact, most companies could stand to have much more integration between their finance teams and the rest of the organization. On this episode of CFO Weekly, our guest is David Burt. David is the Chief Financial Officer at ServiceTitan, the world’s leading all-in-one software for commercial and residential HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other service businesses. David had a lot to say about: How to begin breaking down the silos within your finance organization The things you should look for when assembling a high-performing team Why you shouldn’t innovate just for the sake of innovation How to ensure that your finance team is helping the organization succeed, not hindering its growthFor more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Mergers & Acquisitions in 2021 and Beyond w/ Steven Nutt

January 5, 2021 • 35 MIN

It’s no secret that 2020 has been hard for businesses. This is particularly true in the mergers and acquisitions space. According to one study, mergers and acquisitions were down 57% in 2020 from where they were in 2019. While the year started off strong, by March, M&A had all but come to a screeching halt. What does the future hold for M&A? What can we expect moving into 2021 and beyond? On this episode of CFO Weekly, we were pleased to sit down with Steven Nutt. Steven is the Chief Financial Officer at Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, as well as a repeat guest. Steven joined us in episode four of CFO Weekly, and on this current episode, we talked all about The M&A outlook for 2021 How buyers can properly value targets How sellers can position themselves to command a top price. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Staffing Firms: The Benefits, Challenges & Reasons for Using One w/ Steve Casey

December 29, 2020 • 36 MIN

On this episode of CFO Weekly, we’re talking all about staffing firms. Everybody seems to have an opinion on staffing firms, but at the same time, most companies in America have employed the use of a staffing firm at some point in their history. Why? What are the benefits of working with a staffing firm? Why is it a good idea, especially for the small to midsize companies? And what are the challenges that come along with a staffing agency? This episode features Steve Casey, the Sr. Director of Business Development at Personiv. Steve spent over 25 years of his career working in talent acquisition spaces, so he brings an extreme amount of knowledge and experience to this conversation. We talked about: Steve’s background in staffing and what led him to be so passionate about recruiting The benefits of using a staffing agency, as well as the challenges The difference between staffing and outsourcingFor more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

The Past, Present, & Future of Accounting w/ Glen Parrillo

December 22, 2020 • 52 MIN

The accounting industry has changed quite a bit over the past twenty years. While that may seem like the understatement of the year, sometimes it’s helpful to sit down with someone who has seen the changes in the industry, and get their perspective on where we’ve been, and where we’re going. On this episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Glen Parrillo to talk all about the past, present, and future of accounting. Glen is the Vice President of Finance & Controller at AccuWeather.Our conversion centered around: The roles of Controllers and CFO, and how both have evolved over the last 10 - 20 years How to get the most out of automation in your organization, and why automation is nothing to be afraid of. How to prepare for 2021 and the future of accountingFor more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Managing Working Capital During Unpredictable Times w/ Peter Woolery

December 15, 2020 • 25 MIN

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of disruption and uncertainty for companies across all sectors and geographies. And even in the best of times, many management teams struggle to sustain good control over short term cash flows and the working capital that drives them. However, the COVID-19 crisis has been unique in its combination of challenges, making mitigation even more complex. How are businesses dealing with the changes in supply chain, alterations and disruptions to cash flow, and ensuring that their suppliers, vendors, and customers are going to remain financially viable? On this episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Peter Woolery. Peter is the Chief Financial Officer at Summit Bicycles, and began his career with the company cleaning floors, toilets, and assembling kid’s bicycles for the holidays, working his way all the way to the executive team. Our conversion centered around: His journey from cleaning floors to being the CFO The ways that Summit has had to adjust to a 700% increase in online sales in 2020 Why despite all of the bicycle sales so far, bicycle company CFOs are still worrying about cash flow The one positive thing that Peter and his team have gained out of the COVID-19 pandemicFor more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Maintaining Good Mental Health During the 2020 Holiday Season w/ David Butler

December 8, 2020 • 17 MIN

2020 has been hard on everybody: parents, children, employees, leaders. As we enter the holiday season of a very challenging year, it’s important to keep good mental health top-of-mind. In this episode of CFO Weekly, we spoke with David Butler, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Fundamental Foundations Counseling Center. David offers advice for individuals feeling isolated during this difficult season, as well as recommendations for breaking up work and home, how to connect with loved ones, and what to do if you or someone you know is seriously struggling with mental health.For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

For-Profit Skills in a Nonprofit World w/ James Schleck

December 1, 2020 • 40 MIN

No matter where you come from, one thing is true about every person on the planet. We all want to devote lives to something bigger than ourselves. We all want to make a difference and do work that actually changes the world. But the truth of the matter is, we don’t live in a world where every person can work for a nonprofit. We live in a world and a society driven by markets and finance and economics, and we don’t need to feel bad about that. Because the truth is, the for-profit world is what allows the nonprofit world to exist. Simply put, without the capital created from the for-profit world, there wouldn’t be resources available for nonprofits to try and solve world hunger, eradicate poverty, or end the AIDS crisis across the globe. Our guest on this week’s episode of CFO Weekly is James Schleck, the Chief Financial Officer at Community Solutions Inc. Before making the jump to the nonprofit world, James was in the US Army and held senior leadership positions in the for-profit world. He talked with us about: The migration from for-profit to nonprofit What it means for nonprofits to level up Why you should be focusing on Human-Centered Design. How his organization is committed to eradicating homelessnes across the country As referenced in the interview, you can find Jame’s former colleague’s non-profit efficiency organization at Pantala Strategies. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

The Future of Accounting in 2021: Our Top 5 Predictions w/ Megan Weis

November 17, 2020 • 17 MIN

2020 has been a hard year for so many people. From lockdowns to remote work to parents becoming homeschool teachers, this year has thrown curveballs to all of us. And the accounting industry is no exception. Megan Weis, the host of the CFO Weekly podcast is here this week to share with all of us her 2021 predictions. Where she sees the industry going in the new year, why it’s going there, and what we can do to prepare. Megan has been in the industry for a number of years and has seen a lot of ups and downs. Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we’re not going to miss 2020 when it’s gone, and that we’re very much looking forward to 2021 and all that it may bring with it. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Being a CFO at a PE Backed Company: What You Should Know w/ Kerem Bolukbasi

November 10, 2020 • 33 MIN

If you’ve ever moved from a large corporation to a smaller company, say startup, or even a mid-sized company, you know how difficult that transition can be. It can be hard moving from a big company to a private-equity backed company. Especially as a CFO. The skill sets needed to be a CFO at a FOrtune 500 company are likely going to look very different than those needed for a boot-strap startup, or even a mid-sized company. So if you’re looking at making a change, it can be hard to know where to begin, or if you’ll be a good fit. On this episode of CFO Weekly, we talked with Kerem Bolukbasi. Kerem is the EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Exactech, and during our conversation we talked all about, among other things, what makes a PE backed company an attractive role for a CFO, the leadership skills required to succeed at a PE backed company, and how the role of a CFO differs from large companies to these smaller equity-backed ones. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

From Reseller to Manufacturer: What You Need to Know w/ Rick Mills

November 3, 2020 • 14 MIN

One of the biggest challenges a company can face is making the transition from being a reseller to a manufacturer. To go from simply putting your logo on someone else’s product and selling it, and actually manufacturing your own product. With the transition comes a lot of challenges, but also a lot of benefits. Like most things, it’s a decision that really requires you to carefully assess your company and whether or not you can efficiently make the transition. That’s why on this week’s episode of CFO Weekly, we talked with Rick Mills. Rick is the Chief Financial Officer at Headsets.com, and our discussion centered around his company’s decision to move from being a reseller of product to a manufacturer. What led to the decision to make the transition? What were the challenges? What were the benefits? How has COVID impacted their company?For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Navigating the Nonprofit World w/ Ed Goble

October 27, 2020 • 29 MIN

Like it or not, all across the business sector in the United States there is a certain stigma associated with nonprofit work. It’s often seen as the place where people go to work who couldn’t quite cut it in the for-profit world. As the do-gooders who don’t really need to make a living.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Nonprofit work is just as crucial to the movement of our economy and society as for-profit work. While it might oftentimes take on different forms, just because you’re not raking in billions for shareholders doesn’t mean that you’re not a professional doing meaningful work.  And on this episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Ed Goble. Ed is the Associate Athletic Director for Business & CFO at the University of Texas, which itself is an educational nonprofit. It’s just not the nonprofit that many people associate with traditional nonprofits.  Ed was kind enough to talk with us all about  His advice when considering a career change into the nonprofit world Why there is no specific personality type that works best with a nonprofit The biggest differences in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors How to build and establish relationships in the nonprofit world For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Going from a Startup to a Mature Company: The Do’s & Don’ts w/ Olga Shevorenkova

October 20, 2020 • 26 MIN

A lot of startups are facing a conundrum today when it comes to securing funding and raising capital. They’re finding that they don’t fit perfectly into a single vertical industry. This creates some friction when it comes to pitching to investors, and convincing them that your company is worth their investment.  Maybe you’re an infrastructure company who’s focused on technology, which causes the tech investors to view you as too boring for an investment, and the infrastructure companies to view you as too high of a risk.  So what do you do as a CFO looking to raise capital, and take your company from a startup to a successful established company? What are the pitfalls, and what should you avoid? What should you be focusing on?  On this episode of CFO Weekly, we sit down with Olga Shevorenkova. Olga is the Chief Financial Officer at EVgo. EVgo is a builder, owner, & operator of fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and they’ve gone from a startup to the largest US public fast charging network for electric vehicles. Olga had a lot of great things to say about her experiences raising capital for EVgo, her advice for companies that don’t fit into a single vertical industry, what it takes to make it to the fifth year as a startup, and advice for CFOs looking to move their companies from startups to established businesses.  For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player!  Presented by Personiv

Unpacking the Latest Deloitte CFO SignalsTM Survey w/ Steve Gallucci

October 13, 2020 • 16 MIN

Every quarter, Deloitte publishes the CFO Signals Survey. It’s a survey of some of the best and brightest financial executives in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and its purpose is to gain some insight into how they’re feeling about the direction of the economy, trends they see in their respective industries, and projections of the future state of finance. It’s a report full of fascinating insights, trends, and projections, and you can download the Q3 high-level report here.  On this episode of CFO Weekly, we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Steve Gallucci, who is a managing partner at Deloitte, to talk all about  -The results of the quarterly CFO survey -When CFOs think the economy may start to bounce back -Some of the industry shifts that have been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Emotional Intelligence and the High Performing Team w/ Larry Chillemi

October 6, 2020 • 36 MIN

As we press on through the COVID pandemic, the remote work lifestyle is becoming more and more of a permanent reality for a growing number of people. Several large companies have moved to a permanent remote workforce, or at least allowed their employees the choice of whether they want a traditional working situation, or to remain working from home.  And in the midst of all of this uncertainty, it’s more important than ever before to keep your high performing teams motivated, connected, and inspired. But how do you do that? What does it take to keep a high performing team operating at peak efficiency while working remotely?  On this episode of The CFO Weekly, we talk to Larry Chillemi. Larry is the Chief Financial Officer at Grow West, and our conversation centered around  -The importance of emotional intelligence -Keeping your high performing teams motivated -Tips for showing appreciation and recognition to your team -How technology is going to shape the future of accounting.  For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Zero Based Budgeting: What is it and Why Should You Care? w/ Adanma Akujieze

September 29, 2020 • 23 MIN

We’re all familiar with the yearly rounds of budgeting within our companies. But how often are we really looking at the WAY that we are budgeting? So often, the budgeting process is simply looking at the prior year’s budget, adding a little bit of inflation room onto it, and moving forward, never really stopping to sit back and ask ourselves WHY we are spending the dollars that we are.  And if the COVD-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can likely make do without a lot of the things that we were spending an awful lot of money on before the pandemic hit. Things like travel, entertainment, being more intentional about where we’re spending technology dollars.  Which is why this week’s guest is the perfect person to address what is known as “Zero Based Budgeting,” or ZBB. Adanma Akujieze is the Chief Financial Officer at Larson Design Group, and has been instrumental in adapting the ZBB method on her team. She was kind enough to sit down and discuss:  -What is ZBB and why should you care about it?  -The advantages of ZBB during and after the pandemic  -How to make ZBB work for you -How you may be implementing the ZBB mindset without even knowing it. For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Social Impact Companies w/ Julian Love

September 22, 2020 • 16 MIN

These days, it’s more important than ever before for companies to have some form of social impact. We don’t need to look any further than the companies that came out and took a strong stand for the Black Lives Matter movement, or the negative impact on the companies that stayed quiet.  Customers are paying attention to what companies are saying and doing, or not saying and doing, and particularly the younger generations are wanting to feel like the companies they’re doing business with are committed to making the world a better place. But how does a company both deliver value to its shareholders and make a positive social impact at the same time? Is that even possible? Or are the two mutually exclusive?  On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast we talk with Julian Love, Chief Business Officer at St. HOPE, an organization whose mission is to transform Oak Park Sacramento through public education & economic development. We talked about:  -What a social impact company is -Why they matter -Why companies are shifting their focus towards being socially impactful -Why the younger generations are driving this change.  For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Letting Go of What We Can't Control w/ Sean Rizer

September 15, 2020 • 31 MIN

Control grows in fear's petri dish. What are your fears as a CFO? Are you concerned about: -Understanding covenant calculations?  -Making cash flow projections? -Responding to COVID-19?  -Changing the business model drastically? People often say to let go of fear, but what does it mean to let go? And what should we try to control as we navigate tough times? On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Sean Rizer, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Harding Group, a construction company based in Indianapolis, discusses how to control your own destiny. What we talked about with Sean: -Moving from public accounting to industry -Advice for CFOs struggling to let go -How to live in the moment -...And the benefits of letting go! Presented by Personiv For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player!

7 Things to Know Before Hiring a Fractional CFO w/ Charley Devany

September 8, 2020 • 20 MIN

Fractional CFOs (AKA, virtual CFOs) are the gig workers of the financial world. And whether you’re looking to hire or become a fractional CFO, there are few things you need to understand about the role first. That’s why we brought in Charley Devany, a jack of all trades (yoga, writing, acting), but most importantly, a fractional CFO of 15 years. Charley answers questions about…  -The responsibilities of a fractional CFO -Advantages of hiring a fractional CFO as opposed to a full-time CFO -Challenges of being a fractional CFO -How to become a successful fractional CFO Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! 

Thinking Strategically to Get to the Top: Practical Advice on How to Make the Transition from CFO to President w/ Gene Corvino

September 1, 2020 • 40 MIN

It takes a special breed to go from CFO to CEO. Luckily, there are core competencies you can develop in order to be the best CEO your company has ever seen! In this episode of CFO Weekly, Gene Corvino — Sr. VP and CFO at Southern Diversified Distributors and President at William M. Bird — joins Megan to talk about 7 CEO competencies and how to develop them. Plus, Gene covers…  -His 4 pillars of discovery that he operates within -How genuineness and meaningfulness have supported his success in work and life -His process for developing the soft skills necessary for being CEO -Why CFOs should transfer their skill for managing risk over to the CEO’s seat Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! 

7 Reasons Why People Follow Effective Leadership w/ Roy Austin

August 25, 2020 • 34 MIN

If your friend jumped off a bridge, would you do it too? As much as we hate to admit it, mom had a point there. Leaders can influence people to do a lot of things, good or bad. It’s up to the leader to identify and develop the good qualities. In this episode of CFO Weekly, leadership coach and Managing Principal at Rockwell Business Solutions, Founder and Chair of Savannah CFO Council, and author of The Alligator Business Solution, Roy Austin joins us. He shares: -His definition of who a leader is -7 attributes an effective leader must possess -How to develop leadership skills -The benefits that result from being a good leader Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! 

The CFO’s Guide to Healthcare Benefits w/ Cory Yeager and Travis Sartain

August 18, 2020 • 35 MIN

Healthcare? Isn’t that an HR thing? Well, when it’s the second or third item on your balance sheet, it’s a CFO thing too. To help CFOs get a better understanding of healthcare benefits and medical plans for employees are Cory Yeager, Benefits Advisor, and Travis Sartain, Sr. VP, of Marsh & McLennan Agency. The benefits brainiacs share…  -Why CFOs need to care about healthcare plans for employees -First steps to understanding healthcare expenses -How to apply data to make better decisions about medical plans Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!

4 Advantages of a Data-Driven Culture w/ Ryan Passe

August 11, 2020 • 27 MIN

What does being data-driven actually mean? Many companies say they’re data-driven, but don’t stop to think about what it really involves. In this episode of CFO Weekly, we nail down what data-driven culture is, why you want it, and how to get it. To help us out, we recruited VP of Operations at Sands Investment Group, Ryan Passe. Ryan covers: -What it means to be a data-driven organization -Advantages of achieving a data-driven culture -What CFOs should be doing to foster a data-driven culture Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player! 

Want to Know Your Business Better? Spend Time on the Front Lines w/ Brent Chadwick

August 4, 2020 • 34 MIN

It might seem strange to go from working at a nationally recognized auditing firm like PricewaterhouseCoopers to a small regional convenience store chain.  One day you’re overseeing huge audits of Fortune100 companies, the next you’re pouring over the financials of your convenience store chain, dealing with nearly 100% annual employee turnover.  But our guest on this week’s episode of CFO weekly did just that. Brent Chadwick is the CFO of Plaid Pantry, which is a small chain of convenience stores primarily situated in the Portland metro area.  But it’s what Brent did upon his arrival at Plaid Pantry that we really hit on in this interview, because he didn’t operate like a traditional CFO. On this episode, we talk all about:  -Brent’s first few weeks as CFO at Plaid Pantry, and why he decided to spend them working in the stores instead of the office.  -How he was able to streamline a number of things that he’d have never known about if not for his time in the stores.  -Making the move from the country’s most prestigious auditing firm to a small convenience store chain For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Advice From a Young CFO: Getting to the Top and Making Your Mark w/ Dustin Prager

July 28, 2020 • 30 MIN

What does it take to make it to the C-Suite?  While there are certainly a well documented array of innate skills that most C-level execs seem to possess, what makes a less seasoned (read: younger than most!) individual stand out? How does someone young and hungry get the attention and credibility to fly up the ladder? Dustin Prager, CFO at Olympic Companies in Minnetonka, Minnesota sits down to discuss his experience going from Controller to CFO much earlier in his career than his peers. What we talked about: -How to set yourself apart -Taking chances and being bold -Leading with the lessons in mind For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Embrace Change, Don’t Fear It w/ Jill Barnard

July 21, 2020 • 37 MIN

A famous Greek philosopher once said, “The only constant is change.”  But most of us aren’t huge fans of change. We get upset when the grocery store changes their layout, or when our favorite app gets redesigned and we have to learn our way around it all over again.  As a business leader, you’ve got the unique responsibility to help your organization navigate change, and never has that been more true than during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It seems like every aspect of life is changing every second right now.  So how do you embrace change? How do you set your company culture up in such a way where change isn’t feared, but viewed as an opportunity for growth and development?  On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, we talked with Jill Barnard, CFO at Televerde about  -Managing for change,  -How her company went fully remote within 24 hours  -Why so many companies stick their heads in the sand and wait for the challenges to pass by.  For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

5 Things You Need to Consider Before Reopening w/ Drew Niehaus

July 14, 2020 • 19 MIN

Let’s face it.  It’s a hard time for any business. So many institutions across the country are finding themselves staring at closing up shop permanently. And for those that are lucky enough to make it through all of this, they’re left asking the question, “What do we do now?”  It’s a fair question. What does it look like to reopen? What does the new normal look like? What unique challenges are you going to face that you’ve perhaps not considered?  On this episode of the CFO  Weekly podcast, we sit down with Drew Niehaus, Managing Director at Riveron to discuss an article that he recently wrote for CFO.com around Five Accounting and Reporting Considerations you should evaluate before reopening.  For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Putting Profit First: Why It's the Bookkeeper's Responsibility w/ Andrew Royer

July 7, 2020 • 14 MIN

I love a fresh tube of toothpaste. You put a ton of it on that toothbrush, and you don't care because you've got a full tube of toothpaste. But after a while, that tube isn't full anymore, so you roll it up, scrunch it, and try to get the tiniest little bit on that toothbrush. Metaphorically speaking, that's what happens when you put profit last in your business.  On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Andrew Royer, a CPA, a certified general accountant, and a bookkeeper discusses why we should be putting profit first. What we talked about with Andrew: -The differences between accounting and bookkeeping -What led Andrew to the profit first model and how he knew it was he had been looking for all along -How external events topple companies more focused on revenue than profit -...And how to make your business more profitable! Brought to you by Personiv! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! 

The Benefits of Women in Leadership w/ Lydia Adams

June 30, 2020 • 17 MIN

Women in leadership often create better, more profitable workplaces.  Yet, as late as 2018, women held just one out of every 20 CEO spots. And in middle management, women sat in only 40% of managers' chairs despite accouting for 50% of the workforce. Yet there are clear reasons why companies should eagerly look to promote women and ensure they're engaged. What are the benefits of women in leadership? On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Lydia Adams, vice president, marketing & communications at Personiv, discusses the benefits of having women in leadership roles. What we talked about with Lydia: -Facts and figures about women in leadership positions -Why more women in leadership improves a group's problem-solving abilities -Why female leaders are more trusted -The changes Millennial and Gen Z women could bring to the workplace -...And the dollar benefits a company can realize by expanding the number of women in leadership roles! Presented by Personiv For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! 

Three Overlooked Best Practices for Today's CFO w/ Robert Bendetti

June 23, 2020 • 19 MIN

What are the top three overlooked best practices for today's CFO? Networking.  Lifelong learning.  Giving back. Not the three you expected? Granted, none of these topics is a default practice, but each one can help senior financial executives advance their careers and lead more fulfilling lives. On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Robert Bendetti, Chief Financial Officer at Life Cycle Engineering, discusses the best practices around networking, lifelong learning, and giving back. What we talked about with Robert: -Getting the most out of the top networking events, platforms, and groups -Why lifelong learning is important and the role it plays in personal growth -How senior financial executives are uniquely positioned to help hurting people right now -...And why you're not as busy as you think! Presented by Personiv For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! 

Earning a Seat at the Strategic Table w/ Steven Nutt, CPA

June 16, 2020 • 35 MIN

You’ve seen the stereotypes.  CFOs are nerds.  They’re calculator jockeys, sitting in the corner with their pencils and spreadsheets, holed up away from people, making the numbers work.  And while a CFO does need to be an accounting expert, they’re so much more than that.  On a recent episode of CFO Weekly, got to talk with Steven Nutt, CPA about the ever-evolving role of the CFO. We talked all about:  -The ever changing role of the CFO -Why the CFO should be the ultimate data champion -Why data is more important than ever before For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

Maximizing Cultural Compatibility: Outsource finance & accounting to the Philippines w/ Paulo Cheung

June 9, 2020 • 12 MIN

Why should you send work to someone on the other side of the world?  If you do outsource, what hours will your international team be available? And how many people in another country actually want to work overnight to support U.S. hours, anyway?  Most importantly, do companies that outsource get stuck with less capable talent than those who bring all their work in house? On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Paulo Cheung, Executive Vice President and Country Site Head- Philippines at Personiv, discusses why the Philippines is an ideal place to outsource finance and accounting. What we talked about with Paulo: -A brief history of the Philippines, and why colonization made Filipino culture compatible with a range of culture -The three factors that make the Philippines a top outsourcing destination for most U.S. businesses -The availability of talent in the Philippines -...And why you should consider outsourcing finance and accounting to the other side of the world! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! Presented by Personiv

The 10 Rules for Success When Working from Home w/ Ali Green

June 2, 2020 • 60 MIN

The kitchen table is the new office.  People are working from home and trying to create boundaries between their professional and personal lives.  How can you create a happy and healthy home-work environment? On this inaugural episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Ali Green, CEO and Founding Director of Pantera Press, talks about the 10 rules of success she's developed in her 12 years of work-from-home or work-alone life. What we talked about with Ali: -Rule #1 — Decide your office hours in advance and stick to them. -Rule #2 — Separate work from sanctuary. (Or … why you'll never be able to eat a meal in peace at that table again.) -Rule #3 — Use your commute time wisely. How you spend the time between when you wake up and when you start work forms your mindset for the rest of the day. -...And Ali's seven other rules for success! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player!  CFO Weekly is brought to you by Personiv.

Scouting for Accounting Talent w/ Cliff Edwards

May 26, 2020 • 31 MIN

Who looks at accounting as a sexy profession? During a booming economy, not many people do. But when the economy tanks, well...everyone knows you can get a job if you have an accounting degree.  In fact, accountants are more and more in demand. How has accounting changed in the last few years? Why is there a shortage? And what makes a top-dollar accountant, anyway? On this episode of the CFO Weekly podcast, Cliff Edwards, CEO and majority shareholder of Thomas Edwards Group, talks about scouting for accounting talent What we talked about with Cliff: -How the accounting profession and the talent in it have changed in the last 20 years -What's caused the shortage in accounting talent -The factors that motivate Millennials and the qualities Millennials bring to the workplace -...And the skills you need to be an amazing accountant! For more interviews from the CFO Weekly podcast, check us out on Apple or Spotify or your favorite podcast player! CFO Weekly is brought to you by Personiv.

Why You Should Listen to CFO Weekly

May 5, 2020 • 4 MIN

The world is a strange place right now.   But regardless of the uncertainty that we’re facing, for most people, the show must go on. Work must get done - invoices sent out and books closed.  As a finance professional, have you ever wished that you could just spend time listening to other CFOs, and learning what’s working for them? Or even better, what’s NOT working for them? So that you don’t make the same mistakes?   Well you’re in luck.   Because the CFO Weekly podcast is just that.  CFO Weekly is brought to you by Personiv.