234. The CFO as a Storyteller: Making KPIs Count with Matt Topham

Send us your thoughtsIn 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, includingHow to stabilise core processes in the first 30 days, including bank reconciliations, AR, AP, cash collection, reporting structures, and balance sheet checksWhy automation and efficiency in the next 30 days should focus on AP automation, AR solutions, payment processes, chart of accounts redesign, and month end optimisationHow to approach the final 30 days with a forward looking mindset, including forecasting, budgets, dashboards, and integrating wider business dataThe importance of KPIs for measuring effectiveness across AR, AP, bank rec, and reportingHow to set realistic timelines for transformation without overwhelming your teamWhy process mapping, controls, and risk management are essential foundations before scalingLinks Mentioned:Hannah's Linkedin Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn 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 LinkedinDiscover Susana's work here Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn 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 cycleThe critical stages of a finance implementation – from planning to go-liveThe role of stakeholders and how to use a RACI matrix to clarify responsibilitiesWhy proof of concept and thorough testing are key to stress-free deliveryBest practices for training, capacity planning, and super-user supportTips to avoid common pitfalls like scope creep, poor data migration, and resistance to changeLinks mentioned: Previous session: Transformation TroubleshooterConnect with Hannah MunroExplore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!How to Map Out Your Finance Integration ProjectHow to Assess Your Current Finance SystemCustomer Success StoriesBook a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro talks with Tariq Munir, Managing Partner at Finspyr and author of Reimagine Finance, about how CFOs and finance leaders can lead successful transformation in the age of AI. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why transformation should be embedded in everyday finance work, not treated as a separate roleHow to influence change without authority and build a “transformation snowball”What good governance looks like — and the pitfalls that can derail changeHow to measure AI project success beyond ROI, including adoption and engagementThe role of subject matter experts in training and maintaining effective AI modelsHow to simplify workflows and manage complexity before introducing AILinks mentioned:Tariq's Linkedin Learn more about FinspyrTariq's book Reimagine Finance  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro continues the Private Equity series with Ian Pugh, CFO at Precise TV. Ian shares his journey into private equity and reveals the realities of leading finance in a fast-paced, investor-backed business.In this episode, you’ll discover:The importance of trust with investors — and how to manage bad news or crises effectivelyLessons from handling a serious fraud incident and protecting stakeholder relationshipsHow to make board packs engaging, concise, and valuable for both investors and non-execsStrategies for managing investor reporting demands alongside running the businessAdvice for CFOs entering PE-backed roles, including first 100-day priorities and long-term success factorsLinks mentioned:Ian's Linkedin Learn more about Precise TV Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.Topics covered include:Andrew’s unique path from event management to CFOBuilding lean, scalable finance functions for startupsManaging cashflow challenges with creativity and clarityThe strategic role of FP&A in early-stage businessesNavigating investor relationships across VC and PEAdvice for new CFOs on due diligence, early wins, and adding value fastLinks mentioned:Andrew's LinkedinLearn more about Distributed  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.In this episode, they cover:How to manage multiple overlapping transformation projects without burning out your teamApproaches to reprioritising and phasing work to avoid chaos and maintain momentumWhat to do when a new CFO questions an in-progress finance system rolloutThe importance of focusing on outcomes—not just solutions—when defending project decisionsHow to engage teams stuck in Excel and manual processes without triggering resistancePractical ways to build buy-in, uncover hidden capabilities, and lead change effectivelyLinks mentionedPrevious session: Future Proofing your Finance Software ArchitectureConnect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil Lynchehaun Explore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Our Implementation Options and MethodologyCustomer Success StoriesBook a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.Key topics covered:Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO workStructuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growthManaging M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integrationCommunicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firmsBuilding robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategiesPreparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and disciplineLinks mentionedAndy's LinkedinLearn more about Summit 17 Ltd Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window. In this episode, we cover:How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisionsSigns of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environmentsBuilding trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peersManaging people issues and making tough but necessary team changesThe importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planningAvoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journeyLinks mentioned: Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.Key topics covered:Matt’s unconventional journey to CFOThe realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for changeHow to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and LTV to CAC to guide decisionsWhy speed and imperfection often beat precision in fast-moving environmentsManaging cash, growth, and riskPractical tips for new CFOs on building meaningful KPIs and driving strategic clarityLinks mentioned: Matt's Linkedin Learn more about Practical CFO Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!