In this episode of CFO Weekly, Paul Peterson, Managing Partner at Wiss and Company LLP, joins Megan Weis to explore how Gen Z represents the solution to the CPA shortage rather than being part of the problem. Paul Peterson brings over 30 years of experience in public accounting and has been leading Wiss and Company's strategic evolution for more than a decade.


With his extensive background in developing talent and fostering innovation in accounting firms, Paul shares insights on how the profession can adapt to attract and retain the next generation of CPAs. Currently serving as Managing Partner at Wiss and Company, Paul oversees the firm's long-term strategy and has successfully implemented programs that embrace Gen Z's strengths while addressing industry challenges.


What You'll Learn:

• Why Gen Z's characteristics make them ideal for the modern accounting profession
• How to adapt training and development models for the next generation
• The role of technology integration in attracting Gen Z talent
• Strategies for creating meaningful work experiences that resonate with younger professionals
• How to leverage Gen Z's adaptability to drive innovation in accounting firms

Learn more about Paul:

• Paul Peterson on LinkedIn
• Wiss and Company LLP Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Jessica McClain, Chief Financial Officer at Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, joins Megan Weis to explore the critical importance of continuous learning in financial leadership. Jessica McClain brings exceptional expertise in nonprofit financial management, having successfully transitioned from over a decade in public accounting to strategic leadership in mission-driven organizations.


With extensive experience across public accounting and nonprofit sectors, Jessica oversees financial strategy, the iconic Girl Scout cookie program, retail operations, and camp property management for the largest Girl Scout council in the country. Her passion for professional development and mentorship has earned her recognition as a 2024 Rising Star by the CFO Leadership Council, 2023 Nonprofit CFO of the Year, and multiple honors from prestigious accounting organizations.


What You'll Learn:

• Why emotional intelligence is becoming the defining skill for modern CFOs
• How to foster a culture of continuous learning within finance teams
• The evolution from technical accounting to strategic storytelling
• Practical strategies for staying ahead of technological disruption
• Building communication skills that translate complex financial data into actionable insights

Learn more about Jessica:

• Jessica McClain on LinkedIn
• Girl Scouts Nation's Capital Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Steve Mastin, Chief Financial Officer at 4M Building Solutions, joins Megan Weis to explore how centralization of financial and operational functions drives growth in private equity-backed environments. Steve Mastin is recognized for his strategic financial leadership and ability to optimize business performance through systematic integration and standardization.

With nearly two decades of experience across various senior leadership roles in finance, accounting, and executive positions, Steve brings deep expertise in financial transformation and M&A integration. Currently serving as CFO at 4M Building Solutions, where he oversees financial operations, IT, human resources, risk management, and M&A activities, Steve Mastin has successfully navigated complex integrations and driven growth across diverse business sectors in the fast-paced private equity environment.


What You'll Learn:

• The critical importance of standardizing the chart of accounts across business units
• How centralization creates operational efficiency and cost savings
• The evolution of the CFO role from financial reporting to strategic leadership
• When to implement centralization in a company's growth trajectory
• Managing cultural integration during acquisitions and mergers

Learn more about Steve:

• Steve Mastin on LinkedIn
• 4M Building Solutions Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Dennis DuBois, Virtual CFO at Creative Planning, joins Megan Weis to explore how interim and fractional CFOs serve as strategic resources for both buyers and sellers in private equity transactions. Dennis DuBois is known for optimizing business potential through top and bottom line growth while establishing quality relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

With experience across multiple industries, private equity companies, and organizations of all sizes, Dennis brings a systemic viewpoint to growth strategy development and financial infrastructure building. Currently serving as Virtual CFO at Creative Planning, an independent wealth advisory firm managing over $300 billion in assets, and as Board Member at publicly traded Entrepreneur Resorts Limited, Dennis DuBois has successfully navigated complex transactions, COVID-19 disruptions, and the transition from traditional CFO roles to fractional finance leadership.


What You'll Learn:

• The key differences between interim and fractional CFO roles and when each is most valuable
• How fractional CFOs can prevent transaction failures by identifying risks early
• Common financial reporting gaps that derail M&A deals
• Why most sellers overvalue their businesses and how to set realistic expectations
• The critical role of financial preparation in successful exits

Learn more about Dennis DuBois:

• Dennis DuBois on LinkedIn
• Creative Planner Website

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Nikhil Patel, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the City of Detroit, joins Megan Weis to navigate the critical challenges of process friction in both government and private sectors, as well as ways to reduce it by optimizing and streamlining operations.


With vast experience across management consulting at Boston Consulting Group, startup leadership, and public sector finance, Nikhil brings a unique perspective to operational efficiency and process optimization. His background includes a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to define process friction through key metrics
• The "Black Box" approach to breaking down complex organizational processes
• Why understanding legacy systems and regulatory constraints is crucial for implementing change in government organizations
• How to balance thorough analysis with agile decision-making in large-scale projects
• The strategic framework for implementing automation and AI in traditional financial operations
  
  

Learn more about Nikhil:

• Nikhil Patel on LinkedIn
• City of Detroit Website

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

With unprecedented tariffs looming, how can businesses adapt their financial strategies? In this episode of CFO Weekly, Michael Perica, CFO at Rimini Street, and Sameer Katiyar, CFO at Cleo, join Megan Weis to discuss the far-reaching impacts of tariffs on global business operations. They share invaluable insights on navigating supply chain disruptions, managing financial risk, and maintaining operational efficiency in uncertain times.

Michael Perica is the Chief Financial Officer at Rimini Street. With vast experience in shareholder relations, SEC reporting, financial planning and analysis, capital raising, and M&A, Michael is known for his excellent problem-solving abilities and multifunctional team leadership skills. His expertise in managing financial operations during periods of significant change, particularly regarding tariffs and global trade dynamics, provides valuable insights for finance leaders navigating complex market conditions.

Sameer Katiyar serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Cleo, bringing extensive expertise in the technology sector with a focus on FP&A, accounting, cost management, and business transformation. His background in both public company and private equity environments, combined with his strategic approach to financial leadership, offers unique perspectives on managing tariff-related challenges and supply chain optimization.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to balance core financial governance with agile forecasting in uncertain times
• Why investing in people remains the critical foundation for navigating trade disruptions
• The strategic framework for managing tariff-induced costs without defaulting to price increases
• How to develop effective communication strategies with investors regarding tariff-related risks
• Why supply chain diversification and operational efficiency are crucial alternatives to price increases
• How to leverage technology and tools to maintain visibility across global operations

Learn more about Michael and Sameer:

• Michael Perica on LinkedIn
• Sameer Katiyar on LinkedIn
• Rimini Street Website
• Cleo Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

The CFO role has evolved dramatically, especially for venture and growth-stage companies where traditional MBA theory meets harsh startup realities. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Rick Smith, a five-time CFO and founder of Bonfire Advisory, joins Megan Weis to share hard-earned lessons from his new book and decades of experience building financial operations from the ground up.


Rick Smith is a seasoned financial executive who has served as CFO for five different companies across industries, including SaaS, health tech, education technology, and retail. With experience scaling businesses from $20M to $300M in revenue, Rick founded Bonfire Advisory to provide fractional CFO services to Series A and B companies. His new book, "Demystifying the Role of the CFO in Venture and Growth Stage Companies," offers practical guidance for finance leaders navigating the unique challenges of high-growth environments.


What You'll Learn:

• Why early-stage CFO work is harder than large company finance roles
• How to build scalable financial systems before you desperately need them
• The critical difference between theoretical MBA knowledge and practical CFO skills
• Why most acquisitions fail and how to beat the odds in M&A deals
• How to navigate complex revenue recognition in different industries (SaaS vs. healthcare)
• The "boring but crucial" aspects that can make or break your company during a sale

Learn more about Rick:

• Rick Smith on LinkedIn 
• Bonfire Advisory on LinkedIn
• Demystifying the Role of the CFO: in Venture and Growth Stage Companies in Amazon

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Travis St. Ores, Chief Financial Officer at Comprehensive Logistics, joins Megan Weis to discuss the agility of modern middle-market CFOs. Learn how today's CFOs are becoming strategic quarterbacks for their organizations, balancing agility with financial discipline and leveraging new technologies like AI to drive growth.

Travis St. Ores is an experienced CFO specializing in private equity and founder-owned businesses, with a focus on building and optimizing finance functions for scalable growth and operational excellence. With a decade of experience in financial leadership, Travis has dedicated his career to supporting private equity-backed companies through critical phases including high growth periods, turnaround efforts, and complex transactional activities.
What You’ll Learn:
How to transition from traditional CFO responsibilities to becoming a strategic "quarterback" for the leadership team

• Why balancing rapid scaling with financial discipline requires clear communication and strategic technology adoption
• The framework for implementing AI and automation to free up finance teams for higher-value activities
• How to navigate the unique challenges of middle-market companies
• The essential skills needed to become a CFO in today's dynamic business environment within a decade
• Why developing cross-functional expertise and embracing change is crucial for modern CFO success
  
  

Learn more about Travis:

• Travis St. Ores on LinkedIn
• Comprehensive Logistics Website

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Mohammed Wasim, Senior Data Insights Analyst at Molson Coors Beverage Company, joins Megan Weis to explore the transformative power of data analytics in modern finance, specifically how it can reveal stories and drive decisions that create meaningful change.


With a Master of Science in Data Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Mohammed brings expertise in data visualization, statistical analysis, and predictive analytics to the global internal audit team. In his current role, he focuses on integrating SAP data into Databricks and performing comprehensive analysis to help identify key risk indicators and align business strategies.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to integrate advanced analytics tools like Databricks and SAP to transform financial analysis and reporting
• Why starting with descriptive analytics before moving to predictive models creates a stronger foundation for data-driven decisions
• The essential differences between implementing data analytics in large corporations versus smaller companies
• How to ensure data insights align with broader strategic goals through cross-functional collaboration
• Why developing a data-driven culture requires both technical tools and employee training in data literacy

Learn more about Mohammed

• Mohammed Wasim on LinkedIn
• Molson Coors Beverage Company Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Angie Paglinawan, Director of Finance IT at Aristocrat, joins Megan Weis to explore the real-world evolution of finance leadership. From standardizing processes and implementing automation to mastering the art of financial storytelling, Angie offers practical insights for finance leaders.


Angie is a solutions-driven finance leader and financial project professional with over 25 years of experience spanning utilities, gaming manufacturing, hospitality, IT, and construction industries. She specializes in driving financial processes, executing transformation projects, and implementing strategic system improvements.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to transition from traditional accounting roles to strategic finance leadership
• Why standardization and automation are crucial for enabling finance teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks
• The evolution of the CFO role into a storyteller who must communicate financial insights differently across various stakeholders
• How to leverage AI and automation to free up finance teams for more strategic work while maintaining data accuracy
• Why cross-training teams and standardizing processes are essential for maintaining agility in fast-paced environments

Learn more about Angie

• Angie Paglinawan on LinkedIn
• Aristocrat Website
  
  

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website
• Personiv on LinkedIn
• Personiv on Facebook
• Personiv on Twitter
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, then please either:

• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Instructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.
Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
• Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
• Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
• NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
• What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
• Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
  
  

If you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guest

CFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so