Mastering Data Governance and Analytics for Finance Leaders with Nathan Bell

In this episode of Future Finance, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Nathan Bell, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience navigating complex intersections of finance, data analytics, and digital transformation. From his roots in coding at TransUnion to becoming a chief credit officer and later a CFO, Nathan shares his compelling journey and invaluable insights into leveraging data for decision-making and efficiency.

Nathan Bell is a transformative leader in finance and technology, specializing in data-driven decision-making and digital transformation. With expertise spanning data governance, advanced analytics, and financial operations, Nathan has worked at the forefront of technology adoption in organizations ranging from startups to established enterprises. A former Gartner analyst, he now leads VI Consulting, helping finance teams unlock the potential of data and AI.

Expect to Learn:

• The interplay between finance, data, and technology in decision-making.
• The critical first steps to establishing effective data governance and management.
• Real-world stories of overcoming challenges with data literacy and BI implementation.
• How to prepare finance teams for scaling and adopt advanced analytics.
• The importance of a sufficient "truth" in reporting and avoiding pitfalls in self-service BI.

From building foundational data governance structures to navigating advanced analytics, Nathan emphasized that success lies in aligning teams, leveraging the right tools, and cultivating a culture of data literacy. His unique journey underscores the importance of embracing change and preparing for a future where finance professionals who adapt to AI and data-driven decision-making will lead the way.

Follow Nathan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bell-1038662/

Website: https://www.vai-consulting.com/

Company: https://meetvirginia.io/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[01:59] From Coding to Finance Leadership

[04:22] Building Stories with Data

[09:35] Transition to Data Analytics Leadership

[12:49] Tackling Data Governance Challenges

[17:17] Owning the Data Narrative

[19:57] Typical Clients and Scaling Finance Teams

[25:23] Bridging the Finance Skills Gap

[30:02] Fun and Random: Nathan’s Travel Tales

[32:52] Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up