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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Mark Blakemore, CFO at Compleat Software, about the unique challenges and opportunities of working in SaaS finance. Mark shares valuable insights from his 30+ year career in finance, offering a detailed look into the world of SaaS, including practical advice for CFOs and finance professionals aspiring to break into the sector.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Mark's journey to becoming a CFO and his transition from audit to SaaS finance.
• The evolution of SaaS models and the challenges of shifting from perpetual licences to recurring revenue.
• Key metrics for SaaS CFOs, including MQL-to-win ratios, CAC, and revenue growth levers.
• The importance of cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and engineering teams.
• Lessons learned from managing cultural differences and communication challenges in international teams.

Links mentioned:

• Mark's Linkedin
• Learn more about Compleat Software

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro kicks off The World of CFOs in Private Equity series by exploring the fascinating world of PE  with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners.

Dive into the dynamics of private equity and learn what it takes to succeed as a CFO in this unique investment environment.

Key discussion points include:

• An overview of private equity
• The internal structures of private equity firms
• How CFOs can understand the type of private equity backing their organisation
• The concept of leveraged buyouts, including how debt is used to maximise returns
• The varying levels of private equity involvement in businesses
• Key strategies for value creation.
• Essential skills and expectations for private equity CFOs

 Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro in this thought-provoking episode of CFO 4.0 as she sits down with Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, to explore the latest insights from ACCA's ground breaking research, Finance Evolution. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the finance function of tomorrow.
 
Key discussion points include:

• How finance teams can position themselves as custodians of reliable data.
• Emerging roles like Sustainability Controllers and Data Governance Leads
• The rise of AI, machine learning, and e-invoicing, and their impact on forecasting and compliance.
• The role of finance in bridging the gap with accurate and integrated data.
• The skills needed to build predictive models and adapt to rapid changes in the business landscape.
• Bridging the gap between traditional roles and the demands of the future.

Links mentioned:

• Clive's Linkedin
• Learn more about the ACCA
• Finance evolution report: Thriving in the next decade

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro explores how to assess and optimise your current financial systems to support your organisation’s goals. As the final live session of the year, this episode is packed with actionable advice and frameworks to help finance leaders plan their next steps for system improvements.

Tune in to learn:

• The four key components of a financial technology stack: controls, compliance, reporting, and process efficiency.
• A comprehensive framework for assessing your financial systems, including:
  • Understanding strategic direction and goals.
  • Gathering feedback and insights from stakeholders.
  • Performing process documentation and Excel audits.
  • Running reporting assessments and SWOT analyses.
• Practical tips to improve month-end efficiency and reduce close times.
• 10 quick wins to optimise your financial systems, from automating bank feeds to improving credit control.
• How to decide whether to enhance your current system or invest in a new platform using a traffic light evaluation method.
• Insights into leveraging your team’s expertise and industry benchmarks for continuous improvement.

Links mentioned:

• Building a Future-Proofed Reporting Architecture
  Please reach out to Hannah via LinkedIn if you'd like to be notified once our Sage Systems Feedback document is live!
• Getting Started with Mapping Out Your Finance Processes
• Breaking the Excel Addiction - Are you Over-Reliant on Spreadsheets?
• Reduce Your Month-End Close Time
• Helpful Guides for Sage 50, Sage 200, and Sage Intacct
• Sage Intacct On-Demand Demo
• Sage 200 Standard Coffee Break Demo
• Sage 200 Interactive Demo  
• Sage 50 Coffee Break Demo
• Download your System Audit Template

• Nov: Financial Transformation Live | Assessing Your Current Financial Systems 
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon in the first instalment of a series of discussions on the complexities and challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jeremy draws on his wealth of experience in executing over 25 transactions to offer practical advice for CFOs embarking on their M&A journey. 

Key topics covered include:

• The importance of aligning M&A activity with organisational strategy
• Understanding the critical role of the C-suite in the M&A process
• How to assess whether your organisation is ready for an acquisition
• Cultural integration and its impact on post-acquisition success
• The role of due diligence and disclosures in mitigating potential issues
• How to balance day-to-day responsibilities with the demands of M&A

 Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Tom Miller, Finance Director at Illuma Technology, to discuss the critical role of finance leaders in both crisis management and everyday operations. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to mastering cash flow and cost control, Tom shares invaluable lessons that every finance professional can apply. 

Key topics include:

• Discover how Tom’s journey from big four training to startups shaped his approach to the CFO role.
• Insights on building resilience and demonstrating leadership during the volatile COVID-19 period.
• Learn Tom’s strategies for ensuring cash flow stability
• Practical advice on negotiation with suppliers, landlords, and even tax authorities to maintain financial health.
• Explore Tom’s methods for enforcing cost discipline and incentivising budget adherence within the organisation.
• How finance can be more approachable, service-oriented, and add strategic value across the organisation.

Links mentioned: 

• Tom's Linkedin
• Learn more about Illuma Technology
• Tom's Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It By Chris Voss

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Phil Richards, CFO of GiG, to delve into his journey to CFO and the complex path of taking a company public. Phil shares his experiences and insights from leading GiG’s IPO on the Swedish First North, discussing the planning, challenges, and strategic choices involved. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Phil discusses what makes the gaming industry unique and why it continues to be an exciting and evolving space.
• Insights into the decisions and steps that took GiG public, including splitting from a parent company and selecting the Swedish First North market.
• How GiG navigated complex regulatory, tax, and investor expectations.
• The role of a CFO in maintaining investor interest post-IPO, balancing growth targets, and keeping the company’s story fresh.
• Phil shares practical advice on choosing the right stock exchange, managing advisors, and aligning teams for IPO success.

Links mentioned:

• Phil's Linkedin 
• Learn more about GiG

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, hosted by Hannah Munro, we dive into the essential strategies for building a sustainable and future-proof financial reporting architecture. Whether you're navigating reporting for the first time or refining an existing structure, this session covers critical insights and best practices to ensure longevity, flexibility, and clarity in your financial data systems.

Topics include:

• Understanding and Gathering Reporting Requirements
• Designing with Your Business Model in Mind
• Assessing and Aligning Data Structures with System Capabilities
• Validating Input Processes and Permissions
• Integrating with Existing Systems and Future-Proofing Structures
• Key Dos and Don’ts for Reporting Architecture

Links mentioned:

• October FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Building a Future Proofed Reporting Architecture
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Tatiana Okhotina, CFO of Token, to explore her journey in FinTech and discuss key challenges in scaling global finance teams in a rapidly evolving industry. Tatiana shares valuable insights into building diverse, high-performing teams and balancing the unique demands of a growing FinTech company. 

Tune in to hear about:

• Key considerations when scaling finance teams globally, especially in regulated industries.
• How FinTech companies differ from traditional tech businesses in terms of complexity, risk, and compliance.
• The role of communication and cultural understanding in managing remote, global teams.
• Tatiana’s approach to building relationships within her team and with the board.
• How sustainability and ESG initiatives play a vital role in FinTech and her passion for building sustainable businesses.

Links mentioned:

• Tatiana's Linkedin
• Learn more about Token 
• Tatiana's Book Recommendation: The Venture Mindset: How to Make Smarter Bets and Achieve Extraordinary Growth

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Byron Cowie, Director of Finance at Elliptic and former Head of Reporting and Control at Luno, to discuss his incredible journey across two innovative fintech companies. Tune in as Byron shares his experiences in scaling teams, managing volatility, and navigating the world of crypto exchanges.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Byron's transition from traditional finance roles to scaling Luno, a global crypto exchange
• The importance of the right hires, scalable finance systems, and the challenge of maintaining financial control
• How Byron and the Luno team navigated the volatile nature of the crypto market
• Building effective controls, team onboarding, and communication strategies 
• Byron’s move to blockchain analytics, focusing on how his experiences at Luno have shaped his approach in his new role.

Links mentioned: 

• Byron's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Elliptic
• Byron's Book Recommendation: In Math We Trust By Simon Dingle

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!