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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Neil Lynchehaun unpacks the Records-to-Report (R2R) maturity model and shares hard-earned insights from decades in finance transformation. He challenges traditional finance thinking and explores how finance teams can shift from compliance to strategic enablement.

What’s covered in this episode:

• Why maturity models are tools for inspiration, not evaluation
• The five levels of finance maturity, from statutory compliance to strategic insight
• How poor tagging and manual journals hold finance back
• The mindset shift from finance-led budgeting to operational-led planning
• Real-time accounting, continuous close, and eliminating month-end chaos
• Building finance functions that partner with, not trail behind, the business

Links mentioned: 

• Previous session: Understanding the P2P Maturity Curve
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
• 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 episode of CFO 4.0, we dive into the critical 30 to 60 day phase of a CFO's journey with returning guest Jeremy Earnshaw,  Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO. Building on our previous conversation about the first 30 days, this episode explores how new CFOs can transition from learning to leading.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• How stakeholder expectations shift after the first month
• Why your first management reporting pack matters 
• Using the interest vs. power matrix to prioritise demands from senior stakeholders.
• The importance of understanding communication preferences
• How to evaluate finance processes for inefficiencies, single points of failure, and quick wins.
• Ways to check if you’re truly delivering on your CFO mandate

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, host Hannah Munro speaks with David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, about the accelerating pace of AI and its profound implications for business, society, and the future of work. Together, they explore the near-term possibilities and longer-term consequences of artificial intelligence—from transformation to potential turmoil.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why some companies struggle with AI adoption 
• The rise of neuro-symbolic AI and the combination of logic-based and intuitive systems
• Breakthroughs in video generation, self-prompting AI, and the future of AI-generated media
• What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could mean for jobs, skills, and human relevance
• How emotional intelligence and adaptability will be essential skills for leaders in the AI era

Links mentioned:

• David’s Linkedin 
• Learn more about London Futurists
• London Futurists Meetups 
• The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future by  Mustafa Suleyman
• Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that changed the world by Parmy Olson 
• Uncontrollable : The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence by Darren McKee

• 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 once again by Rob Jackson, now Senior Associate Consultant at Protiviti UK. Rob reflects on his journey from leading finance operations at Sage to spearheading transformation projects in private equity-backed businesses. Together, they unpack what it really takes to deliver finance change, lead shared services, and balance organisational complexity.

In this episode, we explore:

• Rob’s experience transitioning from Sage to working in a private equity environment 
• How to successfully drive incremental finance change 
• The importance of defining clear goals and resisting the temptation
• Building and managing an effective Shared Service Centre
• The critical role of stakeholder management
• Rob’s top advice for new shared services leaders

Links mentioned: 

• Rob's Linkedin
• Learn more about Protiviti

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

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In this episode of CFO 4.0 – The PE CFO Series, Hannah Munro is joined once again by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners. Together, they dive into “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of private equity—an honest conversation unpacking what it’s really like behind the boardroom doors of a PE-backed business.

With a wealth of experience across corporate, startup and PE environments, Richard shares practical insights on how CFOs can protect their teams, influence direction, and stay focused on long-term value—even in short-term funding cycles.

In this episode, they explore:

• The shift in relationships and leadership behaviours post-PE investment
• What to retain (and what to adopt) when transitioning into a PE environment
• The evolving role of the CFO and how it differs from a Finance Director
• Why month-end speed matters—and how it changes company mindset
• Balancing investor expectations with long-term business thinking
• The signs of disengagement from your PE house—and how to respond

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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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.

You’ll discover:

• Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.
• How to evaluate the impact of process improvements across:
• The full scope of the P2P process, including:
• Master data creation and maintenance
• The 5 maturity levels from basic transaction recording to strategic process leverage.
• Real-world characteristics and examples of each maturity stage.
• Insights into practical tools and enablers, including supplier portals, OCR, and dynamic discounting.
• Strategic tips for driving better supplier relationships, optimising working capital, and protecting your financial operations.

Links mentioned:

• Previous session: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Connect with Neil Lynchehaun
• 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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This episode kicks off our new CFO 4.0 series exploring the first 100 days in a CFO role. Host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and coach Jeremy Earnshaw, who shares practical, battle-tested guidance on navigating the critical first 30 days in a new CFO position.

Key topics covered

• Making a strong first impression and shifting from finance specialist to strategic leader
• Why liquidity is non-negotiable and how to validate cash flow assumptions early
• How to uncover hidden issues in the balance sheet and financial controls
• Engaging with stakeholders and building credibility across the business
• Leading your team with clarity, consistency and high expectations
• Common missteps new CFOs make and how to avoid them

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 inspiring and practical episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Susana Serrano-Davey—career mentor, leadership trainer, and author of the newly released Confidence is Overrated. Drawing from her journey from CFO to mentor and author, Susana shares powerful insights on how senior finance leaders can develop the soft skills essential for leadership success.

In this episode, Hannah and Susana explore:

• Why confidence is often misunderstood—and how to support yourself through self-doubt
• How to spot unhelpful behaviours that undermine your confidence
• Physical signs of stress and how to manage them in high-pressure environments
• Why active listening is a critical skill for CFOs and how to improve it
• The importance of finding your voice and knowing which battles to pick
• A framework for having productive, high-stakes conversations at work
• Letting go of control to become more influential in leadership

 Links mentioned: 

• Susana's Linkedin
• Discover Susana's work here
• Read Susanna's new book; Self-Confidence Is Overrated

• 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 speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.

In this episode, Gemma discusses

• Her career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadership
• The pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASA
• Why micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEs
• The true cost and complexity of fundraising for growth
• Forecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climates
• The importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-in

Links mentioned

• Gemma's Linkedin 

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

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro dives into the critical steps for effective process mapping and how it can drive successful financial transformation. Discover practical insights on simplifying complexity and ensuring your processes are future-ready.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of involving sales, CRM, and IT leadership in process evaluations.
• How to identify, map, and validate use cases before redesigning processes.
• Strategies to prioritise high-impact areas and manage process exceptions.
• Why future-proofing your processes is essential for growth and scalability.
• Best practices for facilitating and documenting process mapping sessions.
• Tools for effective digital documentation and why real-time collaboration matters.

Links mentioned:

• March FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• Getting started with mapping out your finance processes
• Why Salesforce Users Love Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
• The Getting Started Guide: Streamlining your Finance Processes 
• Automate your finance processes with Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

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