The Modern Finance Leader: How to Balance Data, Strategy, and Influence

Finance is no longer just about numbers—it's a key driver of business strategy. Today’s finance leaders must balance data, strategy, and influence to steer organizations through uncertainty. This webinar will explore how finance teams can stay agile, drive growth, and build cross-functional influence while managing economic uncertainty and leveraging data-driven storytelling.

Why should you attend? 

Finance teams are evolving by the day to do more than just manage numbers—they must shape business strategy and proactively contribute to growth. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The expanding role of finance – How finance leaders are balancing strategic influence with operational efficiency.
• Navigating economic uncertainty – Key strategies finance teams use to balance agility, risk, and long-term planning.
• Building influence across teams – Storytelling with data to drive collaboration and decision-making.
• Leveraging technology – Tools and frameworks for optimizing business performance without overcomplicating operations.

Who should attend? 

If you’re a CFO, controller, FP&A leader, or finance professional looking to expand your role beyond traditional finance functions, this session will provide valuable insights and strategies.

Speaker:

• Alexander J. Freeman – CFO at Wursta, with a career spanning Citigroup, Dell, HID Global, and Amex. A strategic finance leader with deep expertise in risk management, profitability, commercial operations, and finance-driven business growth.

Host:

• Priyam Sodhiya – Finance and strategy leader and entrepreneur with experience in high-growth environments, working closely with seasoned CFOs and finance leaders implementing game-changing billing and revenue recognition solutions.
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Webinar Summary

Q. What is the topic of today's webinar?

The webinar discusses "The Modern Finance Leader: How to Balance Data, Strategy, and Influence." Alexander and Prium will explore the evolving role of CFOs and how they balance traditional finance functions with the strategic needs of the business.

Q. Why is the role of finance leaders changing in the modern business environment?

Finance leaders are expected to go beyond just managing numbers. They now play a critical role in shaping business strategy, driving digital adoption, and managing company-wide growth. The growing strategic importance of finance in shaping business outcomes is becoming more apparent, especially as CFOs drive digital adoption in their companies.

Q. What is meant by the term "finance-led organization"?

A finance-led organization means that finance is at the core of driving business decisions and operations. It’s not just about the numbers; finance leaders must engage in all aspects of the business, making decisions based on financial insights and strategies that drive growth.

Q. How does the role of finance differ from traditional number-crunching?

In the past, finance was primarily about reporting, forecasting, and budgeting. Today, it involves being actively involved in business strategy, influencing decision-making processes, and providing insights that guide business growth, often in real-time.

Q. What is the role of finance in both offense and defense for a business?

Finance leaders are responsible for managing both offensive and defensive strategies. On the offensive side, they might be involved in evaluating new contracts, expanding into new markets, and identifying growth opportunities. On the defensive side, finance is focused on profitability, managing expenses, and ensuring financial stability and risk management.

Q. What does it mean for a company to be finance-led?

A finance-led organization is one where finance doesn't just react to business needs but actively leads by shaping business strategy. This includes engaging in discussions about future investments, understanding the business’s strategic direction, and making data-driven decisions that influence business operations.

Q. How can finance leaders help shape the direction of a company?

Finance leaders must stay engaged with other departments and executives, asking questions and offering insights on potential financial returns for different projects. By understanding what drives other leaders and departments, finance can provide actionable financial guidance and help align resources to achieve the business's strategic goals.

Q. How do CFOs balance between financial strategy and daily operations?

CFOs must be hands-on and engage with other leadership teams regularly. They need to understand the financial implications of decisions made by other departments and support business leaders with data-driven insights. Communication, understanding, and integration of financial data into daily operations are essential for effective leadership.

Q. What are the key challenges CFOs face in today's macroeconomic environment?

CFOs are facing challenges like inflation, tighter cash flows, and economic uncertainty. They must adapt quickly to changing market conditions, balancing financial stability with growth. Preparing for these challenges involves strategic budgeting, maintaining a “war chest” of cash for tough times, and keeping a lean and agile approach to finances.

Q. What strategies should companies adopt to manage costs in uncertain times?

CFOs should adopt zero-based budgeting to ensure every dollar is accounted for and reassess all spending. Being lean and not afraid to say "no" to non-essential projects is crucial. It’s also important to have flexibility and adjust the budget as new opportunities or risks arise.

Q. How do finance leaders evaluate the ROI of new tools and technologies?

The ROI of financial tools should not just be measured in terms of the price tag but also in terms of internal costs like engineering bandwidth and time spent on implementing the solution. Finance leaders need to balance the benefits of automation against the costs of bringing new tools into the system.

Q. When is the right time for finance teams to invest in new technology?

The decision to invest in technology should not be rushed. CFOs must first evaluate if the current processes are effective and if new tools will provide enough return on investment. Any new technology should be aligned with the company’s long-term strategic goals and financial needs.

Q. What role does data-driven decision-making play in finance?

Data-driven decision-making enables finance teams to offer real-time insights into business operations, leading to more informed decisions. It’s essential for CFOs to not just present data but to translate it into a compelling narrative that supports strategic business decisions across departments.

Q. How can finance professionals collaborate with other departments to achieve company-wide goals?

Finance leaders must build strong relationships with departments like sales and marketing to align goals and ensure that financial insights are integrated into strategic planning. By collaborating early and often, finance can help guide the direction of various initiatives, ensuring financial stability and alignment with business objectives.

Q. What is the importance of setting clear business goals in financial planning?

Setting clear business goals is critical for any financial plan. CFOs should align the company’s financial objectives with broader business goals, working with other departments to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Goal-setting drives growth and helps finance professionals prioritize spending and investments effectively.

Q. What makes a finance-driven decision impactful for business strategy?

Finance-driven decisions are impactful because they are based on data and insights that reflect the company’s financial health and future potential. By making decisions grounded in financial reality, CFOs ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, projects are funded based on their potential return, and the business grows sustainably.

Q. How do finance leaders build leadership and influence within an organization?

To build leadership and influence, finance leaders must demonstrate strategic thinking, actively engage with other departments, and provide valuable financial insights. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders and demonstrating how financial decisions impact business outcomes are critical to establishing leadership in the company.

Q. How can finance leaders remain agile in fast-changing business environments?

Finance leaders need to stay adaptable and constantly evaluate the business environment. This includes regularly reviewing financial data, staying informed about market conditions, and being open to adjusting strategies as necessary. Agility in decision-making ensures that finance remains relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Q. Why is it important for CFOs to be proactive in decision-making?

Proactivity allows CFOs to anticipate challenges and opportunities, guiding the company through uncertain times. By staying ahead of trends, understanding data in real time, and offering timely insights, CFOs can help the company make informed decisions before issues escalate or opportunities are missed.

Q. What mindset should finance leaders adopt to lead financial transformation?

CFOs must embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. They need to be proactive in implementing new technologies, exploring new financial strategies, and staying engaged with other departments to ensure alignment. Leading financial transformation requires openness to change and the ability to guide the company through evolving financial landscapes.

Q. How can finance leaders ensure the success of new technology implementations?

Finance leaders should start by thoroughly understanding the business’s needs and selecting technology that directly addresses those needs. It’s important to engage with vendors transparently, align with business goals, and ensure that the team is well-prepared for any changes that new technology brings. Effective implementation involves continuous evaluation and adjustments to make sure the technology truly supports business growth.

Q. What advice do finance professionals have for younger colleagues looking to grow in their careers?

Finance professionals should focus on continuous learning, networking, and taking calculated risks. They should look for opportunities to develop their skills in both technical and strategic areas, ask the right questions, and take on new challenges that broaden their perspectives. Seeking mentorship and always striving to understand the bigger picture can accelerate career growth.

Q. How do finance professionals handle personal growth and career planning?

Career planning involves understanding one’s strengths and continuously aligning them with professional goals. Finance professionals should be self-aware, regularly ask themselves why they want to pursue specific career paths, and embrace new opportunities for growth. It’s essential to maintain flexibility and be willing to take calculated risks when navigating one's career journey.

Q. What strategies help CFOs drive influence in their organizations?

CFOs can drive influence by maintaining clear communication with other departments, aligning financial strategies with business goals, and demonstrating how financial decisions impact long-term success. Building trust and credibility through consistent, data-driven insights will strengthen their role in guiding company-wide decisions.

Q. How can finance leaders deal with risk when making financial decisions?

To deal with risk, finance leaders must assess the potential return on investment and weigh it against possible downsides. They should also be prepared to pivot if things don’t go according to plan, keeping options open and continuously adjusting strategies as the business environment evolves. Risk management is key to long-term financial success.

Q. What lessons can finance leaders learn from successful companies?

Successful finance leaders from companies like Dell, Amazon, and others emphasize the importance of data, strategic decision-making, and collaboration across departments. By prioritizing financial health, staying agile, and making data-backed decisions, CFOs can lead their organizations through growth and change while maintaining financial stability.

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