This week, our next ERP Survivor is me, David Tuck. I'll share how my early frustrations with complex ERP systems led to the lightbulb moment that culminated in founding Mayday and CFO Techstack.

This week, our ERP Survivor #2: Khalid Ahmed, shares his perspective as someone who’s seen both sides, with experience being weighed down by rigid ERP systems to now running a multi-entity finance function powered by Xero + apps.

This week, we hear from our first ERP Survivor: Mark Ashley. Mark experienced a two-year NetSuite migration that ran over budget and time, before returnng to Xero.

We are launching a brand new series: ERP Survivors. We'll share the stories of finance leaders who went to war with ERPs and made it back. They survived implementation hell and runaway budgets, and now, scarred but wiser, they’ve rebuilt their Xero tech stacks stronger than ever.

Over the past five weeks, we’ve been revisiting standout insights from our recent webinar series on how far businesses can push Xero. In the last edition of the series, we turn to one of the hardest challenges for scaling finance teams: global payments.

In the second-to-last edition of our Scaling with Xero series, we’re diving into consolidated reporting, where automation, accuracy, and the right stack can turn one of finance’s biggest bottlenecks into a real advantage.

This week, we turn to one of the hardest tests for finance teams, managing multi-entity groups and closing month end. Our panel shared how Xero, paired with the right stack, can handle the pressure without forcing a jump to ERP.

In this edition of our Scaling with Xero series, we turn to a challenge every product-based business knows all too well: inventory. We unpack the pitfalls to avoid and share how to build a scalable tech stack.

Introducing a brand-new series: Scaling with Xero. Over the next five weeks, we’ll recap the biggest insights from our recent webinar series covering multi-entity, inventory, reporting, payments, and more.

In Part 2, we go inside the finance function Emma has built, covering intercompany, consolidation, controls, and credit, and see how the right tools and processes are helping Cloud Capital scale without roadblocks.

This week, we kick off a new two-part series: Stacking for Scale. In Part 1, we meet Emma Knight, who joined Cloud Capital as Head of Finance and Operations. Her story shows why they made finance a first hire and how that decision set the tone for scale from day one.

After six weeks & countless insights, we’ve reached the end of our AI in Action series. We’ve seen how finance leaders use AI to solve problems, reclaim time and deliver more value than ever. In this final installment, we tie it all together, pulling out common threads, the real wins, and the lessons worth taking.

In this edition, we follow Mark as he applies AI finance’s more technical terrain, areas that typically demand weeks of effort or hefty consulting fees. The result? Faster workflows, smarter teams, and a finance function that punches well above its weight.

This week, we head to the front lines, literally. At Disaster Relief Australia, CFO Mark Welton is turning AI into an operational advantage, from custom GPTs that deliver policy answers in seconds, to leadership programs that require you to build your own AI tools.

This week, we step back to reflect on the series so far. From reconciliations at JENKI to custom SQL at Open Box, the first half has shown how AI can remove roadblocks, accelerate learning, and give lean teams an edge

This week, we meet Phil Walker, co-founder of Mettryx, whose practical approach to AI is helping SME clients punch above their weight. From generating Power BI dashboards with ChatGPT-assisted DAX to using AI as a real-time help desk, Phil’s story is less about hype and more about removing technical barriers.

In this week’s AI in Action feature, we spoke to Luke Simpson, Finance Director at JENKI, about how he’s using AI and code to reclaim hours from his finance team’s week, tackle reconciliation headaches, and explore the opportunities of machine learning in hospitality forecasting.

This week, we’re getting practical. In the first edition of our new AI in Action series, we spotlight Martin Goodwin from Open Box Software. With no prior experience in Power BI or SQL, Martin taught himself to automate reporting using ChatGPT, DataSights, and domain knowledge, turning days of manual work into on-demand dashboards.

Here’s how the best finance teams are scaling their use of AI without losing control, creating chaos, or making it someone else’s mess to clean up.

We’re switching gears and diving into AI. With new tools launching every week, it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz. But before you start plugging AI into every corner of your finance function, it’s worth asking: Where would it actually help?

In this edition of the CFO Techstack Newsletter we're wrapping up the Beyond the Numbers series with one final nudge to stop overthinking and start sharing. Whether you’re already posting, just getting started, or still lurking in the comments, this article is your reminder that finance deserves a voice and that voice might as well be yours.

Corinne Thompson shares how she made visibility part of her strategy, why consistency beats perfection, and what happens when you stop hiding behind a logo and start showing up as yourself.

This week, Ryan Pearcy, founder of Digital Transformers, shares how to build a personal brand by showing up consistently, balancing business with personality and staying authentic. Whether you’re posting regularly or still on the sidelines, Ryan’s insights will help you build a brand people trust.

What happens when you stop just scrolling and start sharing? In this edition, David opens up about his own transition from a silent observer to an active voice on LinkedIn — the doubts he had, the roadblocks he faced, and the small shifts that helped him build confidence.

How do you actually use what you consume? David shares the practical ways he turned social media insights into smarter decisions, stronger arguments for change, and a more strategic finance function. From challenging internal assumptions to building a reflection habit, this article is all about moving from passive consumption to active leadership.

We shift focus to the consumption side of social media — how to use platforms like LinkedIn not to post, but to listen, learn, and stay ahead. Drawing on insights from David's in-house finance journey, we explore how curating who you follow, tuning into the right conversations, and building small, sustainable habits can help you break isolation and strengthen your leadership as an in-house finance professional.

Kicking off a brand new series: Beyond the Numbers—a practical guide to using social media as a finance professional. Whether you're freelancing, fractional, or full-time, social media has become a powerful lever to expand your influence, build your skills, attract opportunities, and connect with your community.

We're wrapping up The Fractional CFO Playbook with a look at the bigger picture. Over the past few weeks, we’ve spoken to finance professionals redefining what it means to go fractional—from solo operators to full-stack teams, niche specialists to ecosystem builders. In this final piece, we’re distilling the most powerful lessons they’ve shared, plus a few next steps if you’re thinking about taking the leap yourself.

We're diving deeper with Ben Adams, who's going beyond the traditional CFO-for-hire model to build fully integrated fractional finance functions. Ben shares practical insights, candid lessons from his journey, and essential advice for those looking to thrive in this rapidly evolving space.

While the early conversation around fractional roles focused on finance, we're now seeing professionals like Kat Wellum-Kent redefine what’s possible. Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue exploring this shift toward multi-disciplinary fractional teams—and what it means for the future.

Corinne Thompson shares the mindset, challenges, and practical advice behind her success. If you're thinking about carving out your own niche, her story is a must-read.

We’re looking at a different approach—specialisation. Rather than offering broad financial leadership, some fractional CFOs focus on a specific niche, providing deep expertise that businesses increasingly rely on.

We’re flipping the script—diving into the solo path. What are the biggest challenges of going independent? How do you land your first clients and build a sustainable pipeline? We break it all down with real-world advice from those who’ve successfully made the leap.

Should you go solo and build your own client base, or join a network for structure and support? In this week’s feature, we focus on the network path, with insights from finance leaders who’ve taken this route. We’ll explore how structured support, client acquisition strategies, and a built-in network can make the transition smoother.

We’re diving deeper into what it really takes to make the leap from a full-time CFO role to a fractional career. While the flexibility and variety are appealing, the transition comes with its own set of challenges—from shifting your mindset to securing your first clients.

We turn our focus to a dynamic shift in financial leadership—the rise of the Fractional CFO.

We’re wrapping up our New Year, New You series with key takeaways and actionable insights to help you transform your month-end process for good. Our community shared their biggest challenges—from misclassified transactions to slow close times—and, more importantly, the solutions that are making a real difference.

Vikki Aldworth, Management Accountant at LUSH Digital, shares how being part of a finance community has transformed her approach, from discovering game-changing tools to refining workflows with real-world insights. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tech options, this article is for you.

We’re talking to Kat-Wellum Kent, a fractional CFO and FLAC (Finance Leader Advisory Council - CFO Techstack's representative body for in-house finance teams) member, about marginal gains in finance. We explore how incremental improvements, from automating routine tasks to streamlining month-end, can drive compounding success.

This week, Tyler takes it a step further by diving into your top resolutions for transforming month-end in 2025. He highlights the key triggers that signal it’s time to automate your processes—whether it’s speeding up month-end or boosting team engagement.

In this issue, we highlight actionable strategies to help you overcome common pitfalls and streamline your process. Tyler Caskey shares his expert tips to help your team navigate month-end with greater efficiency and accuracy.

As we step into this exciting year, our focus is on helping you stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovation, refining your tech stack, and aligning finance with your organisation’s strategic goals. ​

It’s the last CFO Techstack newsletter of 2024! As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to look ahead and ensure your finance function is ready for a successful 2025.

We’re revisiting Stacked to bring fresh, new insights to your follow-up questions.

We’re spotlighting the recent Finance and Business Synergy Report from Pleo, a leading spend management solution. This report highlights how finance teams and other departments work together—and why that collaboration is so crucial for success.

Cathy Collins, Finance Director at Pure Escapes, offers another perspective on the topic. When Cathy joined Pure Escapes, the company was transitioning to NetSuite. Promises of automation and productivity fell short during implementation, revealing limitations that hadn’t been disclosed.

This week, we spotlight Harriet Hope, VP of Finance at Arbolus. She shares her journey from starting her career with a strong focus on ERP systems to using Xero for the first time. Now, she's a pro at leveraging the Xero ecosystem to scale a rapidly growing business.

Welcome to part two of our tech stack overhaul series with Hilary Dyson, Founder at Bridge Financials. Last week, we focused on planning and getting clear on what your business needs. Now, it’s time to bring that vision to life.

We’re kicking off a two-part series from Hilary Dyson, founder at Bridge Financials, all about overhauling your tech stack.

We’re excited to introduce The Stack Exchange, a new forum for in-house finance pros to connect and share insights.

It's issue 50 of our newsletter! We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you, our incredible community of tech-savvy finance leaders.

We feature an article by Fractional CFO, Manisha Chana, on a topic that’s becoming more important for finance teams: being effective business partners.

A common mistake we see is the assumption that growing businesses have to switch to an ERP system. But that’s not always true. In many cases, using Xero and its ecosystem of specialised apps is a more efficient and affordable option.

How tech can help you break free from those routine tasks and start climbing up the hierarchy—but we’ll also make a point of where tech has limits.

Launching a new series about how tech is central to your success as a finance leader.

Have a look at some of the highlights from our very first Stacked conference!

We hosted 'Xero for Groups: The App Advantage' for our APAC audience, where we shared tips on how groups can get the most out of Xero and use apps to boost efficiency across multiple entities.

In this week's newsletter, we spotlight Corinne Thompson, CEO at Ecap Financial, who shares her inspiring journey to becoming a tech-savvy finance expert.

We feature Tim Hamer, Co-Founder of Attelas, who shares his thoughts on how AI is making a big impact in the finance world.

We feature Catherine Marks, finance leader turned mentor, for insights on breaking free from traditional roles, building a diverse skill set, and leveraging continuous learning. ​

This week we are exploring the cost of inaction and how you can make sure your team has the tools and expertise to do their jobs efficiently.

We feature Tyler Caskey, Partner at TheBeanCounters, with his expert guide on building a compelling case for adopting the right tech stack to enhance efficiency in your finance team.

We feature Matt Flanagan, Managing Director at BlueHub, with his top tips on how to get the most out of your tech stack.

We spotlight Sophie Conaghan, Finance Lead at CharlieHR and Owner of Finance for Founders, with insights on how to integrate finance across your entire organisation.

Launching the CFO Techstack Advisor Directory.

Our community has asked for a way to navigate the vast ecosystem of apps, so we've mapped the terrain.

Ready to learn how you can leverage this tool to handle your different entities on Xero?

The essential traits and strategies for finance leaders to successfully advance to CFO roles.

Discover what sets leading Xero apps apart, get the lowdown on upcoming features, and gain expert insights on the latest industry trends.

Why tech skills are becoming just as important as financial expertise for modern CFOs.

How to maximise your time at Xerocon as an in-house finance team.

We're here to demystify these limits, share real-life stories from users who have surpassed them, and arm you with strategies to keep your Xero experience smooth sailing.

Steps for successfully implementing AP automation.

Maximise Xero's tracking category limits with out-of-the-box thinking.

The expert insights from our 'Building an Enteprise-Level System with Xero (APAC)' webinar series.

The FLAC discussed what's great about Xero, what improvements would help larger organisations scale with Xero more effectively, and how Xero can better demonstrate to larger businesses that it is the right choice. ​

Xerocon for in-house finance leaders.

Harness the power of the Xero ecosystem to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.

A seasoned finance leader's perspective on the state of the CFO today.

How your tech stack can elevate your position as a business partner.

The expert insights from our 'Xero for Groups: The App Advantage' webinar series.

We explore seven top consolidation apps that integrate with Xero, delving into their functionalities to help you identify the best fit for your business needs.

We delve into the transformative journey of one finance leader's tech stack overhaul and deep dive into spend management solutions.

We explore how AI is transforming the finance industry by creating new opportunities for enhanced efficiency, particularly within the Xero ecosystem.

The rise of virtual finance teams and how you can improve remote collaboration in your finance team.

How to steer clear of common mistakes and fine-tune your Xero setup.

The FLAC is the new representative body for Xero using in-house finance teams.

Nifty tools to sync your Xero data to your spreadsheets and build customised reports.

How manufacturing finance teams can use apps to sync with production and streamline processes.

Sharing the key findings from our 2023 Tech Stack Spend Survey.

How CFOs can leverage Xero apps with mobile capabilities.

How predictive analytics can enable you to proactively adapt your KPI approach and stay on top of goals.

How to plan for implementing new tech stack solutions.

Free tools for budget-conscious CFOs.

We hosted our first in-person event, which brought together tech-savvy finance leaders to share their insights on the finance tech stack.

Using apps to streamline consolidation for real-time reporting.

The tech that enables forward-thinking insights for businesses opening new branches, introducing fresh products or services, ramping up marketing efforts, bringing on additional staff, or expanding globally.

The trends and tools that help businesses get savvy with their spending, and processes that maximise spending efficiencies.

How you can use tech to automate and streamline your financial operations.

We explore data-driven decision-making with Xero at the heart.