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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Daniel Healey, Group FD at Direct Heating Group, about building a finance function that never stands still.

Also covered in this episode:

• From manual processes to a fully automated, scalable finance team
• How to prioritise automation projects and prove ROI to stakeholders
• Overcoming resistance and redefining finance’s value beyond transactions
• Using automation to free capacity for strategic, value-add work
• Why continuous improvement beats perfection in transformation
• Daniel’s practical tips for starting small and scaling smart with automation

Links mentioned:

• Daniel's Linkedin
• Learn more about Direct Stoves
• Learn more about Flue & Ducting
• Learn more about Direct Fireplaces

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We’re rewinding to where it all began. In the very first episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro sat down with digital transformation expert Phil Raynor (now Lead Delivery Manager at the UK Home Office) to unpack what makes or breaks a transformation programme — and how finance leaders can navigate change with confidence.

In this CFO 4.0 Revisited edition, we revisit the timeless lessons that still shape transformation success today. From planning and communication to leadership and culture, this conversation remains as relevant as ever for modern CFOs leading digital change.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The key differences between projects and programmes — and why that distinction matters
• What defines a truly successful digital transformation
• The most common causes of failure and how to prevent them
• The CFO’s critical role in managing expectations and driving alignment
• How to plan, communicate, and secure stakeholder buy-in for change
• Why “slowing down to speed up” is the secret to long-term success

Links mentioned:

• Phil's Linkedin
• Contact Phil directly: phil@philraynor.com

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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Host Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby, host of the Grow CFO Show, to share hard-won lessons from finance transformation projects. From failed demos to faster closes, they explore how CFOs can avoid common pitfalls and deliver real value.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to approach system selection with scenarios and use cases, not just feature lists.
• Why keeping solutions simple and phased prevents failure points.
• The importance of engaging naysayers and building super users for adoption.
• Why benefits come from people and process changes, not just technology.
• Practical lessons for faster month-end closes and smarter procurement processes.
• How CFOs can communicate with boards, influence decisions, and choose the right timing for go-live.

Links mentioned:

• Kevin's Linkedin
• Learn more about GrowCFO
• Join the Grow CFO community
• Discover more with Anchor Customer Story

• 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 and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world transformation challenges submitted by finance leaders. Together, they share practical advice, frameworks, and lessons learned from years of hands-on transformation and consulting experience.

💡 Topics covered in this session include:

• Rethinking requirements gathering – moving away from 1,000-line requirement lists and focusing on outcomes, use cases, and best practices instead of replicating
• System selection approaches – how to frame your needs, engage vendors effectively, and avoid box-ticking RFP traps.
• Data migration dilemmas – when to clean data before Go Live, strategies for managing messy supplier and transactional records, and the risks of “garbage in, garbage out.”
• Simplify before you automate – why tackling root causes and streamlining processes is often more valuable than layering automation on top of inefficiency.
• Dealing with change fatigue – overcoming eye-rolling resistance to yet another project by contextualising benefits for teams, linking change to day-to-day roles, and building compelling outcomes.
• Practical controls and safeguards – validation techniques, duplicate supplier detection, and post-implementation clean-up strategies.

Links mentioned:

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

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Charlotte Crowley, CFO at Altano, to explore her journey through finance leadership, acquisitions, and the challenges of integrating companies without losing their culture.

Charlotte shares her unique career path — from starting in advertising and PR to working in boutique firms, McKinsey, and private equity-backed businesses — and reflects on what she’s learned along the way.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Charlotte’s journey from economics graduate to CFO at Altano
• How to balance startup agility with professionalising finance processes
• First-hand lessons from acquisitions, private equity, and integration
• The pressures of due diligence — and how to prepare for them
• Why people, trust, and communication matter more than just the numbers
• Charlotte’s top advice for new and aspiring CFOs

Links mentioned:

• Charlotte's Linkedin
• Learn more about Altano

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this special solo episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro takes on a personal challenge what she would do with 90 days to transform finance. Drawing on her experience working with finance teams, Hannah breaks the journey into three clear phases: stabilisation, automation and efficiency, and forward looking acceleration.

You’ll discover practical, actionable steps you can apply in your own finance function, including

• How to stabilise core processes in the first 30 days, including bank reconciliations, AR, AP, cash collection, reporting structures, and balance sheet checks
• Why automation and efficiency in the next 30 days should focus on AP automation, AR solutions, payment processes, chart of accounts redesign, and month end optimisation
• How to approach the final 30 days with a forward looking mindset, including forecasting, budgets, dashboards, and integrating wider business data
• The importance of KPIs for measuring effectiveness across AR, AP, bank rec, and reporting
• How to set realistic timelines for transformation without overwhelming your team
• Why process mapping, controls, and risk management are essential foundations before scaling

Links Mentioned:

• Hannah's Linkedin

• 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 by returning guest Susana Serrano-Davey, seasoned finance leader and leadership mentor, to explore the people side of change. Together, they discuss how leaders can support teams through uncertainty and build a culture of resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why honesty and transparency are critical in times of change.
• How to help individuals find motivation and opportunity in transformation.
• The importance of authentic leadership and believing in the change yourself.
• Practical strategies for supporting overwhelmed team members.
• How giving people both choice and voice improves engagement.
• Tips for effective communication, from quick stand-ups to celebrating progress.

Links mentioned:

• Susana's Linkedin
• Discover Susana's work here

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, host Hannah Munro shares what it really takes to deliver a successful finance system implementation. From preparing your team to managing risks and ensuring a smooth go-live, Hannah offers practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects.

You’ll learn:

• How to prepare your team and build urgency using the change cycle
• The critical stages of a finance implementation – from planning to go-live
• The role of stakeholders and how to use a RACI matrix to clarify responsibilities
• Why proof of concept and thorough testing are key to stress-free delivery
• Best practices for training, capacity planning, and super-user support
• Tips to avoid common pitfalls like scope creep, poor data migration, and resistance to change

Links mentioned:

• Previous session: Transformation Troubleshooter
• Connect with Hannah Munro
• Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessions
• Which Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!
• How to Map Out Your Finance Integration Project
• How to Assess Your Current Finance System
• Customer Success Stories
• Book a discovery call

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