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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Charlotte Crowley, CFO at Altano, to explore her journey through finance leadership, acquisitions, and the challenges of integrating companies without losing their culture.

Charlotte shares her unique career path — from starting in advertising and PR to working in boutique firms, McKinsey, and private equity-backed businesses — and reflects on what she’s learned along the way.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Charlotte’s journey from economics graduate to CFO at Altano
• How to balance startup agility with professionalising finance processes
• First-hand lessons from acquisitions, private equity, and integration
• The pressures of due diligence — and how to prepare for them
• Why people, trust, and communication matter more than just the numbers
• Charlotte’s top advice for new and aspiring CFOs

Links mentioned: 

• Charlotte's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Altano

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this special solo episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro takes on a personal challenge what she would do with 90 days to transform finance. Drawing on her experience working with finance teams, Hannah breaks the journey into three clear phases: stabilisation, automation and efficiency, and forward looking acceleration.

You’ll discover practical, actionable steps you can apply in your own finance function, including

• How to stabilise core processes in the first 30 days, including bank reconciliations, AR, AP, cash collection, reporting structures, and balance sheet checks
• Why automation and efficiency in the next 30 days should focus on AP automation, AR solutions, payment processes, chart of accounts redesign, and month end optimisation
• How to approach the final 30 days with a forward looking mindset, including forecasting, budgets, dashboards, and integrating wider business data
• The importance of KPIs for measuring effectiveness across AR, AP, bank rec, and reporting
• How to set realistic timelines for transformation without overwhelming your team
• Why process mapping, controls, and risk management are essential foundations before scaling

Links Mentioned:

• Hannah's Linkedin

• 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 is joined by returning guest Susana Serrano-Davey, seasoned finance leader and leadership mentor, to explore the people side of change. Together, they discuss how leaders can support teams through uncertainty and build a culture of resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why honesty and transparency are critical in times of change.
• How to help individuals find motivation and opportunity in transformation.
• The importance of authentic leadership and believing in the change yourself.
• Practical strategies for supporting overwhelmed team members.
• How giving people both choice and voice improves engagement.
• Tips for effective communication, from quick stand-ups to celebrating progress.

Links mentioned: 

• Susana's Linkedin
• Discover Susana's work here

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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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!