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In this insightful episode of the FP&A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh is joined by two dynamic finance leaders: Alwyn Jones, CFO at Luno, and Megan Walbyoff, soon-to-be maternity leave-taker and Commercial Finance Director at Luno. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in FP&A within the crypto and financial services industry, touching on how agility, data-driven decisions, and strategic forecasting play pivotal roles in shaping business outcomes.

The episode dives deep into how finance teams must adapt and collaborate across departments to maintain effective decision-making processes amidst fluctuating markets. From unit economics to the balance of commercial insights, this discussion provides valuable takeaways for finance professionals navigating an unpredictable business landscape.

Key Takeaways

Balance of Data and Intuition: In fast-moving industries like crypto, FP&A teams need to blend data analysis with business intuition for effective decisions.

Strategic Forecasting: Scenario planning and thoughtful forecasting are key to managing market volatility, knowing certainty is elusive.

Customer Unit Economics: Analyzing customer profitability helps drive strategic shifts and better decision-making, as seen with Luno.

Partnership with Business Teams: FP&A must collaborate with business leaders to align financial strategy with business goals.

Adapting to Change: Quick adjustments to forecasts and strategies are essential in fast-changing environments.

Noteworthy Quotes

"FP&A is the cool side of finance." – Megan Walbyoff

"The real skill in FP&A is not just analysis but judgment." – Alwyn Jones

"Numbers are right if based on real-time data, but strategy comes in interpretation." – Tejas Parikh

"FP&A is about partnership, not just spreadsheets." – Alwyn Jones

"Every business has that one person who says the number is wrong." – Tejas Parikh

"FP&A pros need balance between detail and big-picture thinking, plus curiosity." – Megan Walbyoff

"The future of FP&A is integrating financial and operational data for actionable insights." – Alwyn Jones

"In volatile markets, the right number today may not be right tomorrow—stay adaptable." – Megan Walbyoff

Key Timestamps

00:28 - Intro: Welcome and Call to Action for the Episode

01:10 - Meet the Guests: Alwyn Jones and Megan Walbyoff Introduction

02:33 - Balancing FP&A and Commercial Finance Priorities

07:06 - Adapting to Market Shifts and Forecasting Challenges

11:10 - Managing Forecasts and Board Expectations in Volatile Markets

13:14 - Navigating a Disruptive Market and External Influences

20:52 - When FP&A's forecast convinces the board or investors to back a bold initiative.

31:28 - Key attribute that FP&A professionals should have

37:48 - FP&A's Role in Gaining Board Confidence During Crisis

38:58 - Future of FP&A: Evolving with Data-Driven Decisions

50:08 - Closing Thoughts on FP&A, Strategy, and Business Partnerships

FOLLOW OUR GUEST ALWYN JONES & MEGAN WALBYOFF ON:

LinkedIn Alwyn Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwynhjones/

LinkedIn Megan Walbyoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-w-33668622/

FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/

Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/

FOLLOW FP&A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:

Website: https://aksharconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aksharconsultingltd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aksharbusinessconsulting

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