In this episode, Remo Gerber (SkyCell) and Fabienne Doerig (CFO expert and consultant) discuss the challenges and strategies involved in building and scaling finance functions in fast-growing companies. The two share their experiences from different growth phases, from startups to billion-dollar organizations, and provide insights into the role of the CFO, process automation, successful fundraising tactics, and the importance of team building and system implementations. They also shed light on how CFOs can master the balancing act between being a strategic business partner and an operational gatekeeper.
What you'll take away from this episode:
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The changing role of the CFO: From operational gatekeeper to strategic business partner who not only delivers numbers but also drives growth.
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Automation and systems: Why it's crucial to analyze the IT landscape carefully and implement the right systems—and how to avoid mistakes in the process.
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Forecasting and KPI alignment: The art of combining operational and financial figures to make better decisions.
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Fundraising strategies: How to manage the process, keep multiple options open, and ensure that the money actually ends up in the account.
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Team building: When to rely on generalists and when specialists are necessary—and how important a motivated and resilient team is for success.
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More about Fabienne & Remo:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/remo-gerber-1153a66/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabienne-doerig-ch8/
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Chapter:
(00:00:00) Introduction: Two Swiss guys in Zug – Why we're talking about scaling finance
(00:02:14) How the role of the CFO is changing in fast-growing companies
(00:06:32) From startups to scale-ups: The biggest challenges in growth
(00:12:20) Systems and automation: Why the right tools are crucial
(00:16:33) ERP systems: Build vs. buy – How to make the right decision
(00:20:24) Data quality and KPI alignment: Bringing financial and operational figures together
(00:24:12) Forecasting: Top-down vs. bottom-up – How to make realistic forecasts
(00:30:06) Fundraising: Tips for the process, negotiation tactics, and capital structures
(00:36:44) Capital allocation: How to prioritize investments and involve the team
(00:42:15) Team building in the finance function: Generalists vs. specialists
(00:47:37) Personal resilience: How CFOs deal with change and pressure
(00:53:37) External consulting and outsourcing: When and how to leverage networks
(01:00:42) The big picture: Data, context, and the question “Are we moving the needle?”
