Advertise on podcast: The CFO Show

Growth often looks impressive from the outside. New markets, new capabilities and new headlines. But as organizations scale, leaders quickly discover that growth is the visible part. Integration is the real work. In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson sits down with Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, to discuss one of the most significant transformations in the firm’s 100-year history. As Grant Thornton evolves from a traditional partnership model into a unified multinational platform bringing together nearly 20 firms and 25,000 professionals, Jim shares lessons on governance, leadership, culture and long-term value creation. Together, they explore: Why true transformation requires more than incremental changeHow governance structures can accelerate or hinder growthThe difference between acquisition and integration, and why integration creates valueHow leaders can balance global consistency with local autonomyWhy transparency and communication matter during periods of changeHow AI and technology investments support quality, scalability and client outcomesLeadership lessons from transforming a 100-year-old organization Whether leading a major acquisition, scaling internationally or modernizing a legacy business, this conversation offers practical insights for CFOs and enterprise leaders navigating transformation at scale.

The path to becoming a CFO is rarely linear. In today’s environment of constant change, finance leaders are expected to move between strategy, operations, and capital markets while developing the judgment needed to navigate uncertainty and drive growth. In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Greg Mrva, Chief Financial Officer of GoFundMe, about how varied career experiences shape stronger finance leaders. Drawing on decades of experience across investment banking, public company leadership, and high-growth technology businesses, Greg shares how moving between roles builds pattern recognition, resilience, and better decision-making. His journey from investment banking to CFO offers a practical lens on how finance leaders can expand their capabilities over time. Together, they explore: Why non-linear career paths create stronger CFOsHow experience in banking and operating roles builds strategic insightLessons from integrating acquisitions and building unified teamsHow GoFundMe is scaling a platform at the intersection of money, trust and technologyThe role of AI in accelerating finance workflows and decision-makingHow to develop “range of motion” across strategy, operations and analyticsThe critical skills CFOs need to lead in environments defined by ambiguity and change Whether building a finance career, leading transformation, or preparing for the next generation of CFO leadership, this conversation offers practical insights on adaptability, growth, and long-term success.

Business agility has become a defining capability for organizations operating in today’s environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). But while many companies focus on operational flexibility or technology investments, fewer understand the critical role finance plays in enabling true agility across the business. In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Mitch Max, founder of BetterVu and Executive in Residence for the Association of Financial Professionals, about what separates organizations that survive from those that thrive during disruption. Drawing on research and decades of experience in enterprise performance management, Mitch shares how agility is less about tools and more about culture, decision-making, and embedded finance leadership. Together, they explore: The difference between finance agility and true business agilityWhy only a small percentage of companies outperform during volatilityThe “sense, decide, act” model for faster, more effective decision-makingHow finance teams act as early warning systems and strategic partnersThe role of EPM systems in enabling real-time planning and collaborationHow to manage data overload and focus on actionable insightsWhere AI is delivering value today, from automation to advanced analytics Whether navigating economic uncertainty, implementing new planning systems, or redefining the role of finance, this conversation offers practical guidance for CFOs and finance leaders looking to build more agile, resilient organizations.

One of the most consequential decisions a CFO will make is selecting and implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Yet beyond vendor comparisons and licensing costs lie hidden risks—customization overruns, stalled implementations, legacy system constraints, and organizational change fatigue. In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Harpal Mattu, FCMA, Managing Director at Agilyx Group, about what truly determines ERP success or failure. Drawing on decades of experience guiding global ERP transformations, Harpal shares practical lessons from both high-performing implementations and recovery projects where things went wrong. Together, they discuss: The true total cost of ERP ownership beyond implementation feesWhy excessive customization creates “Frankenstack” environmentsWhen to adapt your processes versus customizing the systemHow to structure ERP programs to reduce risk and avoid burnoutPhasing vs. “big bang” go-lives—and what CFOs must protectWhy change management must begin before system selectionThe evolution of ERP from system of record to system of reasoning Whether you’re modernizing a legacy ERP, evaluating new platforms, or leading a finance transformation initiative, this conversation offers a strategic lens for navigating ERP decisions with confidence and discipline.

Healthcare finance leaders are operating under unprecedented pressure. Rising costs, staffing shortages, payer complexity, and constant uncertainty.  Matthew Ennen, Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Ensemble Health Partners, shares how finance leaders can navigate volatility while staying anchored to their mission, their people and long-term resilience.  Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across healthcare and consumer industries, Matthew explains why finance skills are highly transferable, how analytics and scenario planning enable proactive decision-making, and why transparency, empathy and communication are now essential leadership requirements.  From balancing cost containment with innovation to keeping teams motivated through periods of transformation, Matthew offers practical insights for finance leaders in any industry facing rapid change.  Discussed in This Episode:   Leading finance teams through uncertainty and transformation Why finance skills transfer across industries Balancing cost control with innovation in mission-driven organizations Using analytics to move from reactive to proactive decision-making The role of transparency, empathy and communication in leadership For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

What separates good finance teams from great ones? In this special episode, host Melissa Howatson brings together insights from more than 20 finance leaders to answer one deceptively simple question:  What is the hallmark of a mature finance team?  Across industries and company sizes, their perspectives reveal a shared truth: modern finance teams don’t just report on the business; they help shape where it’s going.  From strategic storytelling to cross-functional partnership, from data clarity to embracing AI as an amplifier for decision-making, this episode uncovers the practices that define today’s most effective finance organizations.  Discussed in This Episode:  Why mature finance teams guide rather than control the business How partnership and communication earn finance a seat at the table The importance of ownership, consistency and predictable processes Why data culture matters more than “perfect” data How AI frees teams to spend more time on storytelling and strategy Why transformation is never one big moment, but an ongoing mindset  Guests in Order of Appearance:  John Hagerty, Distinguished Analyst, Dresner Advisory Services  Sandra Clarke, Former EVP & COO, Blue Shield of California Tom Panther, CFO, National Christian Foundation (Formerly of Corpay) Amy Ward, CFO, Blue River PetCare  Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer, Vena  Kaz Takemura, Managing Director, FP&A Technology Services, ModelCom Inc.  Aaqil Kassamali, Procurement Director, Vena  Rajat Bahri, CFO, Icertis  Scott Engler, CEO, Sync Executive Partners Anisha Sood, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, First Choice Health  Darren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader Matthew Ennen, SVP, Finance and Business Development, Ensemble Health Partners Tom Seegmiller, CFO, Texada Software  Janelle Gorman, CFO, York IE  Troy Anderson, CFO, Kelly  Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader Craig Schiff, CEO, BPM Partners  Igor Stelea, Former Director, CFGI Brandon Sharp, Chief Information Officer, Brookfield Residential  Nick McKeehan, Managing Director, CFO Solutions, Protiviti  Charlie X.W. Liu, Chief Happiness Officer, MCC Peter Emerling, Director, Digital Transformation Practice, Citrin Cooperman For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Financial consolidation has long been treated as a “back-office necessity,” but in today’s complex, data-dense businesses, it’s becoming a strategic engine.  Craig Schiff, Founder and CEO of BPM Partners joins Melissa to unpack the evolution of consolidation, why it’s resurging in importance, and how AI is reshaping both FP&A and controllership.  Craig shares what companies are getting wrong, why consolidation and planning belong together and the trends he’s seeing as organizations move from legacy systems, Excel-heavy processes and fragmented tools toward unified performance management.  He also explains the critical connection between actuals, planning accuracy and strategic speed, and why more CFOs now lead with consolidation at the center of their data strategy.   Discussed in This Episode:   Critical features of modern financial close and consolidation software Building a unified finance tech stack AI in performance management: What CFOs need to know The future of close and consolidation For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Finance doesn’t need to chase a mythical “best-in-class” model; success comes from mastering the fundamentals.  In this episode of The CFO Show, Charlie X.W. Liu, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of MCC, joins Melissa Howatson to unpack the FP&A Trifecta: finance, data and systems and how getting these right transforms finance teams from spreadsheet operators into strategic partners.   Charlie shares lessons from 15+ years advising startups and Fortune 500s on optimizing EPM systems, improving data quality and building finance functions that scale with the business. He also explores how AI is changing finance roles, helping professionals shift from cost controllers to storytellers who drive business growth.  Discussed in This Episode:   The three pillars of modern FP&A: finance, data and systems Why clean data isn’t the goal, useful data is How to avoid common EPM implementation pitfalls Why finance leaders must become “story sellers,” not just storytellers How AI is reshaping skills and structure in the finance team For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Career growth isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes the biggest leaps come from taking a step sideways.     Troy Anderson, Chief Financial Officer at Kelly, shares the defining moments, pivotal decisions, and leadership lessons from his 35-year career spanning industries from telecom to education to talent solutions.     He reflects on leading major turnarounds and public company transformations, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and building finance teams that act as trusted business partners. Troy also discusses how to communicate through change, the importance of listening before leading, and how AI is reshaping the role of today’s CFO.     Discussed in This Episode:   The career pivots that shaped Troy’s path to CFO  How to lead transformation with conviction and clear communication  The power of listening and empathy in leadership  Balancing strategy with detail in a modern finance role  Preparing finance teams for AI and the next era of transformation For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

AI promises efficiency, automation, and smarter decision-making, but for large enterprises, the journey is far more complex than simply adopting the latest tool.  In this episode of The CFO Show, Rajat Bahri, CFO of Icertis, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore how enterprise finance teams can harness AI to drive transformation.  With experience leading finance at global organizations, Rajat shares insights on how CFOs can balance innovation with governance, turn AI into actionable insights and lead change across complex data and system landscapes.  He also delves into how trust, data accuracy and integration are shaping the next chapter of enterprise finance, and why CFOs must lead from the top to unlock AI’s full potential.  Discussed in This Episode:  How enterprise finance can leverage AI for smarter, faster decision-making The difference between AI adoption in startups and large organizations Overcoming legacy systems and data fragmentation challenges Building trust, accuracy and responsible AI practices How CFOs can upskill teams and set the tone from the top For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Procurement is no longer just about cutting costs. It’s about creating value, building partnerships and helping finance teams make smarter, faster decisions.  On this episode of The CFO Show, Aaqil Kassamali, Procurement Director at Vena Solutions, joins Melissa Howatson to discuss how procurement has evolved into a strategic function that drives innovation and alignment across the business.  Aaqil shares lessons from building procurement teams from the ground up, using technology to gain visibility and insight, and balancing short-term savings with long-term value. He also explains why trust, business acumen and collaboration are now the true measures of success in modern procurement.  Discussed in This Episode:  Shifting procurement from tactical to strategic The impact of visibility and data on smarter decision-making Building trust and partnership across business functions Balancing short-term wins with long-term value creation Exploring the future of procurement in an AI-driven world For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

In this episode, Brookfield Residential  CIO Brandon Sharp joins host Melissa Howatson to share his unique career journey and to reveal why tighter alignment between finance and IT drives true transformation.  Brandon reflects on lessons learned while leading major initiatives in homebuilding and real estate, from navigating shadow IT to building cross-functional trust. He offers practical insights on transparency, influence, and project management—and explains why finance leaders who are “data curious” often become the critical bridge to IT.  This discussion highlights practical strategies to strengthen IT–finance partnerships, accelerate transformation, and foster alignment that delivers business-wide impact.  Discussed in This Episode:  How to transform IT–finance collaboration into a growth engine The “Tell Them” Triad for influence Balancing time, cost and quality in transformation projects Identifying and empowering data-curious champions within finance  For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

How do you scale finance operations to keep pace with a business that’s doubling in size every few months? In this episode of The CFO Show, Carta CFO Charly Kevers shares how he has navigated constant change while helping the company grow from Series C to Series G and reach a $7.4B valuation.  Charly opens up about the tactical lessons he has learned leading finance in a high-growth environment, from building a team of engineers dedicated to finance systems, to embedding innovation into everyday workflows, to experimenting with AI use cases that free teams from repetitive tasks. He also reflects on the cultural side of scaling, explaining why curiosity, adaptability and surfacing issues early are non-negotiable traits for his team.  The audience will walk away with practical ideas for leveraging technology, strengthening cross-functional partnerships, and making space for innovation, even when the pace feels overwhelming.  In This Episode:  Why adaptability and curiosity are essential traits for modern finance talent How Carta scaled operations without continuously increasing headcount The value of a dedicated finance engineering team Partnering with IT, HR and go-to-market teams to drive systems alignment How to embed innovation into day-to-day finance work and create space for it Using hackathons and AI pilots to unlock new efficiencies  For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

ERP migration can make or break your finance function. From outdated systems to cloud-based solutions, the stakes are high, and the risks are real.  In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson, CFO of Vena, sits down with Scott Jorgens, Sr. Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Solutions. With more than 25 years of experience across finance, consulting, and technology, Scott shares how to plan and execute ERP migrations that deliver ROI.  They discuss the common pitfalls that derail projects, why change management is just as critical as technology, and how to ensure your data is ready to unlock automation, analytics and AI. Whether you’re just starting to evaluate systems or deep in implementation, this conversation is your guide to building ERP success.  Discussed in This Episode:  The biggest triggers that Indicate it’s time for a new ERP. Data readiness: how to ensure clean, consistent, automation-ready data. The underestimated cost of change management, and how to get it right. Why “minimal viable product” ERP rollouts often fail. How to align finance, IT, and operations around a shared ERP vision.  For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

What does it take to lead a high-growth company through economic uncertainty, while still innovating for the future?  Larry Roseman, Chief Financial Officer of Thumbtack, joins us to explore the modern finance leader's role in balancing resilience, agility, and long-term value creation. With a career spanning investment banking, accounting, and tech, Larry shares how he's redefined capital allocation, empowered decision-making across teams, and built a finance organization that thrives on trust and flexibility.  Learn how to lead with clarity, empower innovation (without waste), and turn volatility into opportunity.  Discussed in This Episode:  Why CFOs must shift from fixed annual planning to rolling investment cycles The power of decentralized decision-making in fast-moving companies How to empower teams with "envelope budgeting" and shared accountability Why flexibility and financial discipline must go hand-in-hand How to balance profitability and growth through portfolio-style capital planning Tactics for encouraging innovation without a near-term ROI For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.