246. Close Faster, Decide Better: Process, People, and the Right Tech with Grow CFO's Kevin Appleby

Send us your thoughtsIn 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 teamHow to prioritise automation projects and prove ROI to stakeholdersOvercoming resistance and redefining finance’s value beyond transactionsUsing automation to free capacity for strategic, value-add work Why continuous improvement beats perfection in transformationDaniel’s practical tips for starting small and scaling smart with automationLinks mentioned:Daniel's LinkedinLearn more about Direct StovesLearn more about Flue & Ducting Learn more about Direct Fireplaces Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsWe’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 mattersWhat defines a truly successful digital transformationThe most common causes of failure and how to prevent themThe CFO’s critical role in managing expectations and driving alignmentHow to plan, communicate, and secure stakeholder buy-in for changeWhy “slowing down to speed up” is the secret to long-term successLinks mentioned:Phil's Linkedin Contact Phil directly: [email protected] Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsHost 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!

Send us your thoughtsIn 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 replicatingSystem 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:Previous session: Planning a Successful ProjectConnect 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!

Send us your thoughtsIn 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 AltanoHow to balance startup agility with professionalising finance processesFirst-hand lessons from acquisitions, private equity, and integrationThe pressures of due diligence — and how to prepare for themWhy people, trust, and communication matter more than just the numbersCharlotte’s top advice for new and aspiring CFOsLinks mentioned: Charlotte's Linkedin Learn more about Altano Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

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!