CFO 4.0 Podcast

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, host Hannah Munro shares what it really takes to deliver a successful finance system implementation. From preparing your team to managing risks and ensuring a smooth go-live, Hannah offers practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects.

You’ll learn:

• How to prepare your team and build urgency using the change cycle
• The critical stages of a finance implementation – from planning to go-live
• The role of stakeholders and how to use a RACI matrix to clarify responsibilities
• Why proof of concept and thorough testing are key to stress-free delivery
• Best practices for training, capacity planning, and super-user support
• Tips to avoid common pitfalls like scope creep, poor data migration, and resistance to change

Links mentioned: 

• Previous session: Transformation Troubleshooter
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
• Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
• How to Map Out Your Finance Integration Project
• How to Assess Your Current Finance System
• Customer Success Stories
• Book a discovery call 

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

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro talks with Tariq Munir, Managing Partner at Finspyr and author of Reimagine Finance, about how CFOs and finance leaders can lead successful transformation in the age of AI. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why transformation should be embedded in everyday finance work, not treated as a separate role
• How to influence change without authority and build a “transformation snowball”
• What good governance looks like — and the pitfalls that can derail change
• How to measure AI project success beyond ROI, including adoption and engagement
• The role of subject matter experts in training and maintaining effective AI models
• How to simplify workflows and manage complexity before introducing AI

Links mentioned:

• Tariq's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Finspyr
• Tariq's book Reimagine Finance 

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

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro continues the Private Equity series with Ian Pugh, CFO at Precise TV. Ian shares his journey into private equity and reveals the realities of leading finance in a fast-paced, investor-backed business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The importance of trust with investors — and how to manage bad news or crises effectively
• Lessons from handling a serious fraud incident and protecting stakeholder relationships
• How to make board packs engaging, concise, and valuable for both investors and non-execs
• Strategies for managing investor reporting demands alongside running the business
• Advice for CFOs entering PE-backed roles, including first 100-day priorities and long-term success factors

Links mentioned:

• Ian's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Precise TV

• 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 chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.

Topics covered include:

• Andrew’s unique path from event management to CFO
• Building lean, scalable finance functions for startups
• Managing cashflow challenges with creativity and clarity
• The strategic role of FP&A in early-stage businesses
• Navigating investor relationships across VC and PE
• Advice for new CFOs on due diligence, early wins, and adding value fast

Links mentioned:

• Andrew's Linkedin
• Learn more about Distributed 

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

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In this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.

In this episode, they cover:

• How to manage multiple overlapping transformation projects without burning out your team
• Approaches to reprioritising and phasing work to avoid chaos and maintain momentum
• What to do when a new CFO questions an in-progress finance system rollout
• The importance of focusing on outcomes—not just solutions—when defending project decisions
• How to engage teams stuck in Excel and manual processes without triggering resistance
• Practical ways to build buy-in, uncover hidden capabilities, and lead change effectively

Links mentioned

• Previous session: Future Proofing your Finance Software Architecture
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
•  Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
• Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
• Our Implementation Options and Methodology
• Customer Success Stories
• Book a discovery call 

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

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.

Key topics covered:

• Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO work
• Structuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growth
• Managing M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integration
• Communicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firms
• Building robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategies
• Preparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and discipline

Links mentioned

• Andy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Summit 17 Ltd

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

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 In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisions
• Signs of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environments
• Building trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peers
• Managing people issues and making tough but necessary team changes
• The importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planning
• Avoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journey

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 episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.

Key topics covered:

• Matt’s unconventional journey to CFO
• The realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for change
• How to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and LTV to CAC to guide decisions
• Why speed and imperfection often beat precision in fast-moving environments
• Managing cash, growth, and risk
• Practical tips for new CFOs on building meaningful KPIs and driving strategic clarity

Links mentioned: 

• Matt's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Practical CFO

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

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In this month's Finance Transformation Live host Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can design scalable, resilient systems that adapt to change and support long-term growth.

Key topics covered:

• The four pillars of future-proof finance architecture: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenance
• Why multi-dimensional data structures are essential for reporting, AI, and agility
• How to evaluate API strength, integration flexibility, and vendor transparency
• Avoiding common pitfalls like over-customisation, poor data design, and dead-end system configurations
• Building layered tech stacks to support FP&A, BI, automation, governance, and collaboration
• Planning for continuous improvement: training, upgrades, and staying ahead of business needs

Links mentioned: 

• Previous session: Finance Record to Report Maturity Model
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Building Out Your Finance Data Strategy 
• Reporting Tools in Sage Intacct
• Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
• Book a discovery call 

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

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In this insightful episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners, for a no-holds-barred session of myth-busting in the world of private equity. This episode offers practical wisdom, experienced insights, and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to lead in a PE-backed business.

Tune in to explore:

• Why growth and profit aren’t mutually exclusive in private equity strategy
• The real expectations around budgeting and how to balance ambition with achievability
• What kinds of mistakes are tolerated
• How equity structures work, and why understanding “good leaver vs bad leaver” clauses is essential
• Whether industry experience or private equity background matters more for CFO roles
• How values, trust, and transparency drive performance in today’s private equity landscape

Links mentioned: 

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

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