CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

256. 2025 Highlights: Transforming Finance Conversations with Today's Finance Leaders

Send us your thoughtsIn this special highlights episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro reflects on the most impactful conversations of 2025, bringing together lessons from CFOs, transformation leaders, and futurists. Drawing on insights from across the year, this episode explores what finance leaders have really learned as the role continues to evolve under pressure from growth, technology, and rising expectations.In this episode, we reflect onWhy finance transformation fails when it is treated as a separate role rather than a day-to-day mindsetHow CFOs are learning to make faster, better decisions without waiting for perfect dataWhat the explosive adoption of AI, including ChatGPT, signals for finance teams and leadership expectationsThe practical warning signs that data integrity and control environments are no longer fit for growthHow CFOs can professionalise fast-growing businesses without killing the agility that made them successfulThe realities of growth versus profit in private equity-backed organisations and what investors actually expectThis episode features highlights and perspectives from 240. AI in Finance: Complex Workflows to Scalable AI Solutions with Tariq Munir218. AI in Finance | From Generative AI to Reinforcement Learning with Peter Morgan234. The CFO as a Storyteller: Making KPIs Count with Matt Topham227. AI in Finance: Preparing for the AI Revolution: Abundance or Catastrophe? with David Wood235. First 100 Days as a CFO: Mastering the 60–90 Day Window as a CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw244. CFO Stories: Acquisitions, Due Diligence & Building Trust with Charlotte Crowley243. The 90-Day Finance Transformation Playbook with Hannah Munro232. The Private Equity CFO: Myths, Mistakes & Misconceptions with Richard Sandersand offers a clear-eyed view of where finance leadership is heading next. Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

255. PE Backed: How to survive and succeed as a CFO in Private Equity with Omar Choucair

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Omar Choucair, CFO at Trintech, for a forthright look at life inside private equity. Omar offers a clear view of what the role truly demands and why it isn’t for the faint hearted. He discusses the expanded remit of today’s CFO, the operational intensity of PE-backed firms and the importance of pace, people and process when value creation is the end goal.The conversation covers The sharp contrasts between public company and private equity expectationsWhat a PE-ready finance team looks like and why curiosity, stamina and tight-knit business partnerships matter more than ever  How to build trust across the business and move finance from scorekeeper to genuine strategic partner The realities of scaling fast the role of technology, automation and a modern ERP in enabling profitable growth  What new and aspiring PE CFOs need to know from managing the CEO relationship to anticipating board demandsLinks mentionedOmar's LinkedinLearn more about Trintech Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

254. First 100 Days as a CFO: From Diagnosis to Direction with Nicolas Raynaud FCCA

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, recorded in partnership with ACCA, Hannah Munro is joined by Nicolas Raynaud FCCA, CFO at the Science Museum Group. Nicolas shares a frank and practical view of what it really takes to settle into a new CFO role and why those early months demand clarity, curiosity and steady judgement.In this episode, Nicolas covers Why the first 100 days start with understanding the organisation you’re joining, not diving into delivery How to diagnose whether you’re entering a growth phase, a turnaround or a realignment The importance of preparing before day one and validating the brief you were given How to balance early stakeholder engagement with the pressure to act What to do when your findings don’t match expectations, and how to handle difficult course correction Why staying open minded, curious and willing to learn will set the tone for long term successLinks mentionedNicolas' Linkedin Learn more about the Science Museum Group Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

253. Data first, People first: The making of a modern finance function with Matthew Robinson

Send us your thoughtsIn this in-person conversation, Hannah Munro sits down with Matthew Robinson, Financial Controller at Zebra Pens, to explore the realities of running and transforming finance inside a small but ambitious business. This episode coversWhy small-business finance needs pragmatism, balance and the courage to let go of total control How Matt rebuilt finance around risk-based thinking, strong foundations and the ability to switch off at the end of the day The hard lessons of a difficult first implementation How Zebra Pens is moving towards 21st-century operations with integrated systemsLinks mentionedMatthew's LinkedinLearn more about Zebra PensZebra Pens Customer Story Coming Soon! Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

252. Financial Transformation Live: Transformation Trouble-shooters November Special

Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter episode, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle two real scenarios sent in by finance and operational leaders wrestling with change. They cut through the noise and give practical, experience-led guidance on managing competing priorities, handling resistance and keeping transformation efforts on track.What the episode covers Why misaligned leadership priorities derail projects How to define ROI early so cost concerns don’t dominate later Ways to balance the natural tension between speed, control and risk How to use stakeholder management, individual conversations and senior sponsorship to regain direction What to do when a team member becomes disruptive during implementation and how to reset the room Practical facilitation toolsLinks MentionedPrevious session: Stop Shopping, Start Transforming Connect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunExplore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Learn more about Sage Intacct Customer Success StoriesBook a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!