How FP&A Professionals Can Bridge the Gap Between Finance and Operations with Kathy Svetina
Manage episode 450135694 series 3565221
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, also known as The FP&A Guy, dives deep into the world of financial planning and analysis with Kathy Svetina. As a fractional CFO for businesses, Kathy shares her expertise in transforming small to mid-sized companies’ financial health and operational efficiency. She discusses her five-part framework for building a solid financial foundation and shares insights on how smaller businesses can leverage FP&A to drive sustainable growth and avoid common financial pitfalls.
Kathy Svetina is the founder of Newcastle Finance, specializing in fractional CFO services for businesses with $10 million+ in annual revenue. With over 14 years in senior-level FP&A roles in Fortune 500 companies, Kathy brings top-level financial acumen to smaller enterprises, helping them scale while improving financial stability and operational efficiency. Passionate about strategic finance, Kathy provides invaluable advice on how FP&A functions can help build resilient and thriving companies.
Expect to Learn
- Kathy’s five-part framework that structures financial health
- Practical approaches to FP&A for smaller businesses
- The critical role of financial systems and processes
- The importance of internal controls and risk management
- Tips for effective financial storytelling and influence
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
- “I created Newcastle Finance to bring big-league financial savvy to smaller businesses that want to scale sustainably.” - Kathy Svetina
- “For small businesses, strong internal controls are essential to protect against risk and ensure financial security.” - Kathy Svetina
- “Good accounting and FP&A systems help the business see trends and understand what’s generating revenue against expenses.” - Kathy Svetina
Kathy shows how establishing solid foundations—like effective bookkeeping, robust internal controls, and meaningful financial analysis—can drive growth and stability. Emphasizing the value of communication and active listening, Kathy encourages FP&A professionals to think beyond reporting and embrace their role as strategic partners within the organization.
Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion:
Scale and automate your financial planning beyond spreadsheets with Kepion—trusted by top industries to automate, customize, and optimize complex planning. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp
Follow FP&A Tomorrow:
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624
Follow Kathy:
Website - https://www.newcastlefinance.us/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksvetina/
Follow Paul:
Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle:
Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[01:57] – Kathy Svetina's Background
[03:58] – Defining Great FP&A
[07:07] – Why Kathy Left Corporate Finance
[09:57] – A Success Story in Financial Transformation
[19:26] – The Five-Part Financial Framework
[32:10] – FP&A's Role in Bridging Business Silos
[43:06] – Key Skills for FP&A Professionals
[49:34] – Personal Insights and Interests
[54:06] – Parting Advice on FP&A Excellence
36 つのエピソード