Financial Management (FM) magazine

'Own your results': Building accountability as a CFO 01.07.2026 19min

Eric R. Alexander, CPA, president of advisory service company Six Arrows Consulting, discusses the lessons he's learned throughout his career in finance and what being a finance leader means for him, and other insights from his upcoming book, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO. He shares key strategies for developing as a stewardship leader, including how he holds himself accountable, how he views his role as a trusted adviser for organisations, and the steps he has taken to improve in the relational and people aspects of the finance function. "I've been most effective in my work when I've functioned as a steward, meaning I understood things had been entrusted to me to be responsible for," he said. "I was accountable to people, and fundamentally, it was not all about me." What you'll learn from this episode: Why Alexander says the CFO role is not about you as a finance leader. Key elements of stewardship leadership. How to hold yourself accountable as a finance professional. Why getting into the finer details can complicate decision-making. What it means to own your results. Tips for enhancing people and soft skills.

June FM: AI presentations, anti-fraud culture, Rise2040 17.06.2026 8min

In this podcast episode, FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises the content in the June edition of the magazine. Rowe details an article on using artificial intelligence tools to bolster presentations and introduces a new, recurring column on global advocacy. He also highlights several other articles in the edition. FM's June edition is now available (member login required). Also, access the library of past editions. What you'll learn from this episode: Highlights of an article about what AI tools can do to improve business presentations. Details of a new, recurring column on global advocacy, which for this edition includes a focus on advocacy's role in building and sustaining public trust. The key points of an article about the AICPA and CIMA's Rise2040 initiative. Rowe's summary of an article offering advice — for women in particular — on being a strong self-advocate and one on building an anti-fraud culture.

People power keeps productivity growing with AI 10.06.2026 20min

Irena Teneva, an associate technical director at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, joins the FM podcast to share insights gathered from a new AICPA and CIMA report, Future Ready Finance: Productivity at the Human-Technology Crossroads. Teneva illustrates the types of tasks experiencing clear efficiency gains from artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, where finance leaders are more cautious about implementation, and steps those leaders are taking to expand how tools can be used. Teneva also highlights why productivity still hinges on finance talent, priority areas for skills development, and how finance leaders are collaborating across business functions. What you'll learn from this episode: Process and people priorities for finance leaders in 2026. Where AI implementation is leading to time savings for companies. Some steps leaders are taking to optimise and expand AI use. Why productivity is still a "people game". How finance leaders are approaching cross-business collaboration. Three key steps to improving efficiency, according to leaders.

Pitch perfect: Team sport helps finance students stand out 27.05.2026 15min

Claire DuRose, lead manager–UK Student Recruitment for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and Vince Mayne, CEO of England Touch rugby, joined the FM podcast to explain the benefits of participating in team sport for students, specifically how team sport can grow skills and increase employability for finance graduates. They discuss the ways team sport can prepare management accounting students for challenging environments at work, build deeper professional relationships, and help them through the interview process. DuRose and Mayne also highlight what participating in team sport can give young professionals that academic and other extracurricular frameworks can't. What you'll learn from this episode: The project goals for CIMA's collaboration with England Touch rugby. The soft skills that touch rugby can help finance students build. "Super skills" that can help students prepare for interviews and work. The value of team sport in building deeper bonds in the workplace. How participation in team sport can grow leaders' perspectives.

Future of finance: An evolving, people-driven transformation 13.05.2026 11min

The latest Future of Finance research from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants reveals several key focus areas for finance and business leaders. Rebecca McCaffry, FCMA, CGMA, the Association's associate technical director, joined the FM podcast to discuss survey results, highlighting leaders' top transformation strategies, barriers facing organisations looking to upskill talent, and notable areas of progress in finance teams since a previous survey on the topic six years earlier. McCaffry also explains the interplay between people and process and one key preference that signals a "significant shift away" from organisations' workforce strategies in 2019. What you'll learn from this episode: Finance and business leaders' top priorities for transformation. Consistencies and shifts in focus from 2019 to 2025. The interplay between process and people priorities. Skills gap challenges and what risks they pose for organisations. Two points of progress since 2019. One key strategic area gaining traction and investment.

Reframing retirement: A 4-part formula for relevance after work 21.04.2026 18min

Anthony Boateng, FCMA, CGMA, Npontu Technologies' chair, explores why retirement planning is about much more than saving money and illustrates the nonfinancial ways that professionals can invest in themselves to prepare for and maintain a sustainable and fulfilling retirement. Boateng introduces his model for retirement planning, including four main areas he considers essential for growth and relevance into retirement years. He also suggests several strategies for optimising networking and building deeper relationships, and he explains why a sharp mind matters the closer we get to retirement. "At 50 and beyond ... you are no longer just working for today," Boateng said. "You are building the intellectual foundation for the next 20, 30, or 40 years." What you'll learn from this episode: Why preparing for retirement is about more than saving money. One critical question for reframing our approach to retirement planning. Four pillars that can help steer a fulfilling, purposeful retirement. The interplay between relationships and wellbeing. Three approaches for authentic, meaningful networking. Why intellectual growth matters more as we age.

April FM: Assessing your worth, board recruitment, and AI governance 01.04.2026 9min

FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe details the content in the April digital edition of FM. He begins with an article on setting up an AI governance policy and another on the mistakes companies make related to AI policies. This episode also summarises articles on how to use salary benchmarking sites and other resources to determine what you're worth and on ensuring a board's capability meets the organisation's business needs. The conversation closes with an explanation of how members can access the April digital edition as well as the issue library. What you'll learn from this episode: Details on two articles related to AI policies. A preview of a CIMA member's article on taking a strategic look at a board's makeup to suit business needs. Other highlighted topics from the April digital edition. How CGMA professionals can access digital editions of FM.

5 types of imposter syndrome and strategies to manage self-doubt 18.03.2026 17min

Leadership coach and diversity, equity, and inclusion professional Sophie Turner returns to the FM podcast to explain the intricacies of imposter syndrome, ways it can manifest itself at work, and the internal and external systems that can help professionals manage self-doubt. Turner shares individual and cultural strategies that professionals and leaders can adopt to combat negative self-talk, broaden perspectives, and lean into a people-centric approach that emphasises learning and development. "As managers, it's really important we embrace the learning curve and support our colleagues to do that because actually what can happen is, when we make a mistake, that feeds into our imposter syndrome," Turner said. What you'll learn from this episode: One tip for reframing how we see ourselves. Five types of imposter syndrome. Societal and familial factors rooted in imposter syndrome. Techniques for improving the feedback process. How leaders can help shift the focus from mistakes to learning opportunities. Daily rituals for improving our mindset and self-concept.

Go your own way: Transforming beliefs into breakthroughs 04.03.2026 10min

Leena Dattani, FCMA, CGMA, discusses how limiting beliefs affected her professional growth, the small steps she takes to overcome them, and the realisation that changed her idea of what it means to be a leader. "I had a vision that in order to be a great leader, you have to be loud," Dattani said. "I think because I felt that that needed to be the case, I was almost imitating what I thought a leader should be rather than being myself." Dattani also discusses how one organisation achieved the buy-in to improve gender equity, some ways women can start to back themselves professionally, and what International Women's Day means to her. What you'll learn from this episode: Small steps for overcoming poor self-confidence. The importance of building a supportive network. One realisation that helped Dattani become her own leader. How one organisation created a business case for gender equity. One trick for challenging limiting beliefs. What International Women's Day means for Dattani.

Don't hit send: Ethical considerations in social media use 25.02.2026 17min

This episode of the FM podcast is the continuation of an occasional series on the show called Beyond the Code. That means taking a detailed look at part of the CIMA Code of Ethics. Xose Lumor, manager–Advocacy and Professional Ethics, discusses legal challenges finance and accounting professionals can face when using social media with Jenny Higgins, a legal director for London firm Kingsley Napley. Related resources for this conversation include: The CIMA Code of Ethics home page Kingsley Napley's regulatory-focused Linkedin page What you'll learn from this episode: Why it can be beneficial but not foolproof to keep separate personal and professional social media accounts. How supposedly "private" online activity can have an effect on a finance professional's reputation and the profession. What regulators consider when deciding whether online comments bring a profession into disrepute. Why social media posts can carry serious consequences — including disciplinary action — for professionals. Why Higgins said a discussion about social media and its potential is not all "doom and gloom".

February FM: AI use cases, fractional CFOs, maximising LinkedIn 03.02.2026 8min

In this podcast episode, FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises the content in the February digital edition of FM. He begins with an article on use cases for finance teams using AI and automation to improve efficiency, from predicting late customer payments to accelerating complex data transformation projects. This episode also previews articles on practical guidance for strengthening your LinkedIn presence, responding to a rival organisation's recruiting pitch, and understanding more about the fractional CFO model. The conversation closes with an explanation of how members can access the February digital edition as well as the issue library. What you'll learn from this episode: Details on the article about how finance teams can apply AI and automation. A short sound clip from Mohit Sharma, ACMA, CGMA, one of the experts quoted in the article on AI and automation use cases. A preview of the article on strengthening your LinkedIn presence. Other highlighted topics from the February digital edition. How CGMA professionals can access digital editions of FM.

Why the 'best strategy in the world' will fail without strong culture 28.01.2026 15min

Workplace culture and human resources consultant Natalie Lewis explains why an organisation's culture can make or break the long-term business strategy. "[You] can have the best strategy in the world. You could have a solid five-year plan, and everything looks bulletproof on paper. The numbers all add up, and everything is solid." Lewis said. "But if the culture of your team doesn't support that strategy, then it'll never get delivered." Lewis explains how to ensure that employees are a good culture fit and offers strategies to better communicate company expectations to employees. Lewis also sets out some of the expectations that can make middle manager's roles more challenging, what it means to be a self-aware leader, and simple steps for improving feedback processes. What you'll learn from this episode: Traits that separate high-performing teams from poor-performing ones. A fast-track route for culture-fit hiring. Why leaders need to build an intentional culture early. Some ways that psychological safety can be destroyed at work. Expectations that can make managers' roles more challenging. Tips for becoming a better communicator.

Practical psychology: Tips for effective, influential leadership 14.01.2026 24min

Steve Roberts, a psychotherapist, counsellor, and life coach, spoke last year at UK & Ireland ENGAGE. In this podcast conversation, he highlights key techniques for engaging workforces, how to resolve conflicts more effectively, and the impact increased digital communication has had on the way we interpret information. Roberts also shares one fundamental practice that can help professionals prepare for future challenges without losing their principles. What you'll learn from this episode: Three factors that can influence the way we engage with peers. Some pressures that can lead to burnout for workforces. Why win-win models are the only sustainable position for leaders. The story of the Zen master and how it can inform a better approach to learning. An acronym for developing a more understanding approach to conflict resolution. How managers can become "practical psychologists". One essential habit for creating a value-centred approach to personal development. §

Expert advice for navigating challenges, changes, self-doubt 17.12.2025 13min

This 2025 compilation episode looks back on key takeaways from CGMA credential holders and other experts featured on the FM podcast in the past year. The discussions focus on AI, skills gaps, leadership, and other topics. What you'll learn from this episode: The potential of AI tools and the value of learning them early. Technology's impact on communication skills. One solution for creating more cohesive teams. Advice for navigating uncertainty and difficult colleagues. The link between leadership and imposter syndrome.

December FM: 2040 outlook, AI visualisation tools, IFRS 18 03.12.2025 8min

The latest episode of the podcast provides an overview of content in the December digital edition of FM. Editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises articles that detail the Rise2040 project and other future-focused topics. The episode closes with an explanation of how members can access the December digital edition as well as the issue library. What you'll learn from this episode: The December digital edition's focus on the future. Why IFRS 18 is "more than an incremental update". Details of the article on AI visualisation tools by Liam Bastick, FCMA, CGMA. Advice for finance professionals who have an eye on the C-suite.

Balancing projects and daily work: 3 time-saving strategies 19.11.2025 19min

Change consultant and executive coach Nicola Hopes shares several tips and tricks for crafting intentional business projects that can facilitate meaningful changes for organisations. Hopes explains the fundamental questions that help ensure projects achieve intended outcomes, the importance of knowing what good looks like throughout the process, and how leaders can better balance project demands alongside their day-to-day responsibilities. "I've seen lots of organisations passionate about doing a great project," Hopes said. "And, at the end of it, what's delivered doesn't quite solve the problem they were trying to solve, or it doesn't quite realise the opportunity, because they just weren't clear enough about what good looks like. Unless you've painted that picture really clearly, you don't know how to navigate the problems as you go through." Resource: Nicola Hopes' UK & Ireland ENGAGE slides. What you'll learn from this episode: Crucial areas to understand before taking on a business project. How to improve your approach when pitching initiatives to stakeholders. Digital tools that can help organise key information. Strategies for improving interpersonal skills. How leaders can help stakeholders find common ground during disagreements. Three ways leaders can save time and resources on projects.

Learn fast, learn often: Lessons from two finance leaders 05.11.2025 15min

In celebration of CGMA Week, the FM podcast welcomed two CGMA designation holders who recently spoke at UK & Ireland ENGAGE to discuss the lessons they've learned throughout their careers, how their mindset has shifted over the years, and the advice they would give to finance professionals navigating opportunities in a challenging era defined by potential and uncertainty. Simon Ritchie, ACMA, CGMA, founder and CEO of Blox Software, and Olcay Yilmaz, FCMA, CGMA, finance director–Rail Infrastructure at Siemens, explain the importance of continuous learning in a time when knowledge has a faster expiration date for finance professionals. Ritchie and Yilmaz highlight the ways finance professionals can position emerging technologies as innovation drivers in the finance function and how to fully embrace those tools in their roles. CGMA Week is a global celebration designed to showcase the value, pride, and achievements associated with the CGMA designation. What you'll learn from this episode: How an early start in technology can prevent finance professionals from working "backwards". The importance of learning to love learning — and why it pays off. Key areas Yilmaz and Ritchie expect AI to optimise within the finance function. Strategies for harnessing structure and embracing change through uncertainty. Their advice for professionals preoccupied with career ladders and titles. Tips for professionals struggling to map their learning and growth journeys.

3 common types of difficult people — and how to work better with them 22.10.2025 18min

Executive coach and author Nick Robinson illuminates the challenging traits of work colleagues and shares strategies from his book — The 9 Types of Difficult People: How to Spot Them and Quickly Improve Working Relationships — that professionals can employ to improve relationships on the job. Robinson, a speaker at UK & Ireland ENGAGE earlier this month, explores the interplay between organisational pressures, psychological stressors, power dynamics, and how those factors can influence the development of traits and behaviours that make people difficult to work with. He also shares strategies managers and professionals can explore to help get to the crux of performance issues, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of peers. "When you ask a difficult person why they're doing what they do, they don't think they're difficult," Robinson said. "They're trying to do something that they think is right." What you'll learn from this episode: Four pressures that can negatively affect our ability to work with others. Three common types of difficult people in the workplace. Advice for managers and employees to navigate challenging relationships and dynamics. Steps for surviving a difficult boss. Tips for "unlearning" bad habits that make you appear more difficult to work with.

AI, tech, cybersecurity — October FM in summary 01.10.2025 9min

The latest episode of the podcast provides an overview of content in the October digital edition of FM. Editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises articles on topics that include AI and cybersecurity, including one with advice on writing AI prompts. The episode closes with an explanation of how members can access the October digital edition as well as the issue library. What you'll learn from this episode: Focus areas of the October digital edition. The topic connection in the edition's leadership columns. More about the advice to managers to "keep their antenna up". The topic of the Excel article by Liam Bastick, FCMA, CGMA.

Adaptability, curiosity, shaping the future — Q&A with CIMA's president 24.09.2025 27min

John Graham, FCMA, CGMA, CIMA president and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants co-chair, joined the FM podcast to discuss the pace of change and how finance professionals can lead their organisations through unpredictable conditions. Graham explains the skills needed to move into a finance business partner role, how to effectively challenge outdated practices, the role of critical thinking skills in gaining trust, and why curiosity is essential for continuous learning and skills development. What you'll learn from this episode: One vital ability for finance professionals in this fast-paced era. Key attributes for transitioning into a finance business partner role. The impact of critical thinking on career development and reputation. Risk management advice and the importance of leading with purpose. How the Association plans to prepare members for future trends. The convergence of curiosity and success.