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

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The Hallmarks of a Modern, Mature Finance Team