Today, we're diving into the fascinating space of AI for finance teams with Marie Speakman. Marie is a trailblazer. She transitioned from a role where she was the European CFO. She worked her way right up the, up the ranks of finance and was a CFO for many years. And now she spends her days consulting with finance teams on how to embrace AI to automate and transform their ways of working.

She's got over 15 years in finance, in a number of different roles. She's founded her own accounting practice many years ago and currently spends her time working with lots of tech providers, like us, like me, and she's been really fantastic in that and working with her clients who are businesses. And also she's got a real big passion to help fractional CFOs. Those are CFOs who tend to work a day kind of as consultants, going around helping multiple businesses in a fractional, a part -time basis. So going around and helping multiple. And so that, and that's a, that's a tricky role and to do well as a fractional CFO, you really want to have great tech to automate a lot of the work so that you can just drop in, uh, see what's going on, add value.

So we talked about the journey to AI. So she gave her recommendations on how to transition, where to start. We talked about the right tools and software. She's really big on this. So we talked about her kind of ideal stack, what tools to look for. We dived into a few specific areas and she gave us some great recommendations.

The key takeaways, she really thinks, and I agree that the role of finance is evolving and we're more and more going to become strategic partners for the business. We need to embrace automation because there's a massive advantage. We automate the routine tasks. We don't need to do those anymore. We become more strategic and then we can just dive in and sort out the systems as needed. But the future of finance is more strategic. Marie teases us on a couple of great softwares that she is excited about that are coming that are still in sort of early phases. So that was fantastic. Don't miss out. This is a really fantastic episode that could redefine your career in finance. So tune in and enjoy. Thanks very much. 

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Transition to AI and Automation

Understanding Fractional CFO

Benefits of Fractional CFO

AI Tools and Gadgets

Transformative Potential of AI in Finance

AI's Impact on Finance Roles

Automation in Different Areas of Finance

Choosing AI Tools and Software#

Becoming a Finance Business Partner

Recommended AI Tools

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariespeakman-ai/ 

In this episode, I talked with Susan Power.

Susan is the founder and CEO of Power Up Leadership. This is a fantastic consultancy that she started six years ago after a very successful career in the corporate world.

At PowerUp Leadership they're all about executive coaching and leadership development. They work with clients and help them to train their teams on how to be better leaders and managers. For this episode today, I thought it was great to have a chat with Susan about how finance can be more of a business coach and how finance teams can redefine their role to be seen as a business coach and not just a scorekeeper.

It's not just about tallying the numbers, but it's about helping to present some data and insights, but really also then ask the question and help our business counterparts to get to this moment of clarity. So Susan was fantastic. We talked through what it is to be a coach, some of the key techniques, the steps, the things that she goes through with every one of her coaching clients. 

Some of the key questions that she asks to help them get to this moment of clarity so they can get a solution to a problem that they've been wrestling with and that they wouldn't have been able to get to on their own. She thinks that this is really the way that we can be, we can transform that, she said, she suggested that this is the way that we can transform from being just an average performer to an absolute exceptional finance person and key member of the team.

She says that this is the way that we can transform our impact from being an average, from being average to really being exceptional. Susan says that this is the way that we can transform our impact from being average to being truly exceptional. It's a really fantastic conversation. Susan is an absolute expert in the field. And so I am really delighted that we can get this recorded and out for you.

It's a really great conversation. Susan is an absolute expert in the field, very knowledgeable. And so I was delighted to be able to have this conversation today. I hope you enjoy.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Finance as a Business Coach

Redefining the Role of Finance Teams

The Role of a Coach

Coaching Through Change

Technology in Coaching and Learning

Quick Fire Questions

Leadership Philosophy

Training and Contact Information

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpower/

In this episode we're joined by Carolina Lago.

She is an expert in financial modelling. She's got a finance background and she's currently working as a consultant and trainer to help corporates and individuals to improve their financial modelling skills. This episode is all about the financial modelling essentials. I thought Carolina was a fantastic person to help us dive into some of the basics of financial models. What is a financial model? What are the different things that you can do with a financial model?

Who should be building financial models? Who should know how they work and some tips and tricks. And she was absolutely fantastic. She shared her insights, her recommendations, also her things that you should really look out for and avoid. So this show is just packed full of golden nuggets to help you when you are making a big decision. If you really want to understand the finances and the data around a big decision, then this is the episode for you.

Of course, at the end, I threw some fun questions at her just to keep her on her toes. But she was absolutely fantastic. And I hope you enjoy the episode. Thanks.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Carolina's Training Course

The Importance of Financial Modeling

Using Emojis to Describe Business Ventures

Types of Financial Models

What is Financial Modeling?

Essentials of a Good Financial Model

Common Financial Models

Who Should Build Financial Models?

Avoiding Hard-Coded Values in Models

Using Consistent Design and Structure

The Value of Future-Proofing Models

When to Use Financial Models

Financial Models for Different Departments

The Role of Financial Models in Decision-Making

The Use of Technology in Financial Modeling

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Models

Using Python in Excel for Advanced Modeling

Success Stories in Financial Modeling

Building a Financial Model

Emerging Trends in Financial Modeling

Favorite Tech Tools

Favorite Productivity Hack: Notion

Dream Collaboration: Microsoft

Collaborating with Google Sheets

Favorite Phrase or Quote

Favorite Chart or Visual: Waterfall

Craziest Advice Given: Focus on Processes

Desire to Learn Coding

Launching a Course

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/ 

In this podcast episode, I speak to Bhavik Vashi, We go way back, we used to work together! I thought he'd be a great guest to bring on - Currently Managing Director for Carta in APAC - the focus for this week is to hear from a Next Generation Sales leader about what makes a difference and how Finance teams can support the mission.

Carta is an impressive B2B software company. They are commonly known as a cap table or an equity management company.

Bhavik discusses his journey from his start at KPMG in accounting to his current role as a Sales leader and General Manager.

He shares insights on what makes him successful - such as leadership cadence, major meetings and metrics that help him stay on top of the business. 

Bhavik also emphasizes the importance of a strong finance business partner who understands the context of the business and empowers the sales leader to make informed decisions. 

We dive into essential tech tools for sales leaders. 

Bhavik discusses the importance of an “abstraction layer” - most people might call that "The Spreadsheet", the place where you bring together data from multiple systems, and connect both operational and financial data. 

Bhavik is a rising star - Carta is an impressive company and this episode does not disappoint.

Enjoy.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

What Inspires and Motivates

Surprising Personal Interest

Transition from Accounting to Sales

Role of a Managing Director

Key Meetings and Ceremonies

Key Metrics and Sales Forecasting

Reporting and Accountability

Ideal Finance Business Partner

Essential Tech for Sales Leaders

The Abstraction Layer

The Need for Real-Time Decision Making

Limitations of CRM Systems

The Role of Enterprise Performance Management Tools

Other Essential Tools: Slack and Zoom

Favorite Catchphrase and Chart

Favorite Place to Get Work Done

Living the Dream

Topics to Learn More About

The Need for an Abstraction Layer

The Search for a Middle Ground

The Frustration with Excel

How to Connect with Bhavik

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavikvashi/ 

In this podcast episode, I speak to Nick Vandesype, Co-Founder and CEO at Predikt -  Nick is an AI strategy and advanced analytics professional with a background in financial analysis, financial modelling, and data science.

Nick started his career at Deloitte Before deciding to blaze his own trail and work on Predikt.

Predikt is a new startup pioneering innovative technologies and building predictive analytics solutions for finance teams.

What is Predictive Analytics you say - well... that's why we recorded this episode.

Nick understands the topic so well that he makes something really complex sound so simple. It's impressive actually.

Nick's superpower in working with finance teams is storytelling, using data and analytics to create digestible and actionable insights.

Enjoy the episode.

Chapters

Introduction and Setting

Background and Journey

Overview of Predictive Analytics

Predictive Analytics in the AI Landscape

Benefits and Applications of Predictive Analytics

Superpower in Working with Finance Teams

Emerging Trends in Predictive Analytics

Piece of Advice

Topics to Learn

Introduction to Predikt and Call for Alpha Customers

How to Get in Touch

Explanation of Digital Twin

Conclusion

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickvandesype/ 

Guest website: https://predikt.tech/

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Alex Falcon Huerta, the Founder of her own Accountancy practice, Soaring Falcon Accountancy, where she helps ambitious Tech businesses to launch into new markets. If that wasn't enough she launched a second business based in Sri Lanka, and has built a following on linkedin where she shares advice and authentic moments from her journey.

In this episode we talk about the right “Finance Tech Stack” - Alex discusses the importance of embracing technology in finance, and shares her lessons and recommendations on what solutions you need, and what tools she recommends.

She is a Digital accountant (Cloud First) and uses technology to streamline her work with clients and enable her to follow her other passion - Travel.

I thought Alex was a great person to talk about because she helps to put in a Tech Stack from scratch - often moving things from ad hoc spreadsheets and emails into systems.

When she started her career everything was still running on paper - so she's been involved in the transition from physical books, to desktop based solutions, to Cloud.

Overcoming Resistance to Technology Adoption and Alex shares Success Stories of Technology Implementation, Exploring New Technologies she's excited about for Finance, Favourite Productivity Hacks, and tech Products she's excited about that improve her day to day as a Founder & CEO.

Alex is hilarious, really amazing approach to finance & work, she's building 2 really impressive businesses but is super humble and authentic.

She also talks about a new group she's launching with some partners called the "Global Women's Accounting Influencers" Group

I hope you enjoy.

Useful Links 

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfalconhuerta

Guest website: https://www.soaring-falcon.co.uk/ 

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Transition to Cloud Technology

Benefits of Embracing Technology in Finance

Expanding Business Ventures

Integrating Travel with Career

Role of Technology in Finance Operations

Transition from Manual to Digital Accounting

Importance of User-Friendly Reporting

Finance Tech Stack for Different Business Sizes

Overcoming Resistance to Technology Adoption

Success Stories of Technology Implementation

Benefits of Technology for Finance Teams

Exploring New Technologies

Productivity Tools

Favorite Products and Collaboration

Go-to Productivity Hack

Dream Collaboration

Favorite Phrase or Quote

Data Visualization

Craziest Advice Given

Learning Spanish

Global Women's Accounting Influencers Group

In this episode, Simon speaks to Paul Barnhurst. Paul (also known as The FP&A Guy) is an expert in finance planning and analysis (FP&A). He's a finance tech influencer with over 85,000 followers on LinkedIn - #impressive

He's been referred to (by himself) as the Kim Kardashian of FP&A. He's a bit of a joker as well.

Today, we dive deep into FP&A. Paul's definition of FP&A is all about helping the business spend the next dollar in the best way. We dive into FP&A trends like:

FP&A's increasing commercial focus.

How and why FP&A is a great breeding ground for the next generation of CFOs

How scenario modelling is becoming increasingly important as we dive into an ever-changing world.

We talk tech, we dive into Excel, FP&A solutions, whether now is the time to ditch Excel and try some fresh ideas.

Simon also asked him some very random and awesome questions - e.g. If he had one wish, what would he do? What would he improve? Paul's favourite power pose memories? favourite chart? his best spot to work?

Stay tuned for an amazing episode. Enjoy!

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Definition of FP&A

Day-to-Day of FP&A

Financial Modelling vs FP&A

Trends in FP&A

Excel vs FP&A Solutions

Impact of Automation and AI on FP&A

Accounting Vendors vs Best-of-Breed Approach

Improvements in Systems and Processes

Power Pose Moment

Favorite Catchphrase and Chart

Favorite Place to Get Work Done

Living the Dream

Topic to Learn More About

Introduction and Christmas List

Considering Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Delegating Administrative Tasks

Contact Information

Conclusion and Farewell

Useful Links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/

Guest website: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/

In this podcast, Simon is joined by Johnny Bray, the CFO at Vistair Systems based in Bristol in England. Vistair is an ambitious tech business growing fast. Johnny started there over six years ago as their commercial finance, in commercial finance, then promoted to head of finance.

Vistair is an ambitious tech business that is growing fast. Johnny started at Vistair as commercial finance manager, then became head of finance and is now the CFO. He has a diverse skill set and experience that extends beyond the traditional finance focus. He’s responsible for HR, legal and even facilities. 

The early parts of his career was spent at Grant Thornton as an audit manager, gaining valuable experience auditing a diverse set of businesses. Interesting fact, in 2016, Johnny was recognized as one of Accountancy Age's young professionals, being named among the top 35 under 35. He also serves as the director of a community land trust, contributing to development of affordable houses in his area, South Devon in the UK.

He shares some fabulous stories in this episode of his life and experience in finance, starting out in audit and loving it. I didn't think it was possible to love a role in audit, but there you go, that's just me. He talks about what the role of CFO is like. He debunks the myths and shares why he loves the role. He encourages finance people to think more widely, not just focus on the finance, the numbers, but really get into the head of your stakeholders, deeply understand them, whether they're internal or external. 

We had a really good chat about tech and his belief that tech is a great investment in actually investing in your people. You free them up so they're more productive and that allows them to work on more strategic activities, which is much better value for the business. So here it is, stay tuned to gain insights into the multifaceted career of a CFO. I hope you enjoy.

Useful Links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-bray-b9296b36/ 

Guests company: https://www.vistair.com/

In this podcast, Simon talks to Brent Dykes. Brent is the author of an amazing book called Effective Data Storytelling. He actually started out his career in marketing. Marketeers have lots of data at their fingertips. So he got pulled into the world of data analytics.

For the last two decades, he's worked with prominent vendors, such as Omniture, Adobe and Domo. He's consulted with industry leaders like IKEA, Nike, Microsoft, Sony.

He is currently the founder of his own data storytelling consultancy, Analytics Hero. He regularly writes for Forbes, is a speaker at major industry conferences like Web Summit, and has even received industry awards in the space. 

In this episode, we dive into data storytelling for finance teams. What is data storytelling and when is it relevant? We talk about the difference between reporting and data storytelling and how there is a place for both. We also talk about what Brent calls the data analytics marathon, and why he believes that most teams give up before the end of the race, quitting without collecting their medal. 

We discuss the right tech stack to get started, and some exciting new technologies that are coming along. Also, why Brent thinks that AI is a good co-pilot for data storytelling, but... he would hold back on putting on autopilot right now. Brent is an amazing guest and he shares his insights freely and it's fantastic, it's real gold for finance teams. 

I hope you enjoy!

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdykes/ 

Guest website: https://www.effectivedatastorytelling.com/ 

In this episode, Simon talks to Jeff Duresky. He's a senior FinOps commercial architect at Amazon Web Services.

So what is FinOps? Jeff explains that FinOps or cloud financial management is really about analysing and managing your spend on the cloud. This applies to software companies who are often hosting their product online, but also pretty much every company nowadays is migrating a lot of their internal IT servers and infrastructure up to the cloud because it's much more efficient, it's a great way to save money in a lot of different ways. 

Jeff's got a finance background, data-driven insights have been a theme of his career thus far. His favourite quote is effort is a choice. So he's somebody who works hard to achieve his goals.

In the episode, he shares his tips and tricks on how to get a handle on your IT and cloud spend, how to unlock the total value of cloud for your business.

Managing cloud spend can be complex. You've got massive data sets, complex pricing. Any number of people in your IT or software engineering departments could be provisioning infrastructure any time of the day. So understanding who provisions it, who owns it, who's paying for it, and who needs to switch it off,is really important. 

So Jeff's got some great tips for us. His playbook is, I believe, I'd say your golden ticket to cloud success.

This is a really great episode. If you're spending a lot on IT and cloud, then there are some great advice in here for you. Enjoy it.

So here we go!

Useful links

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siritchie/

Sponsor: https://www.blox.so/

Sponsor Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blox-plan

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffduresky/