How can CFOs use AI and automation to optimize financial processes and cut costs? In this episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast, host Daniel Villani welcomes Marlin Kroenke, CFO of Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service, to discuss how technology is transforming financial management. From AI-driven reconciliations to automated receipt processing, Marlin shares how businesses can streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and improve overall efficiency.With years of expertise in finance and auditing, Marlin provides insights into cost-saving strategies, the importance of system integration, and how businesses can leverage AI without overcomplicating their operations. He also touches on the growing need for CFOs to understand IT infrastructure and how to select the right tools to drive measurable financial impact.Want to stay ahead of the curve in finance and technology? Don't miss this insightful conversation! Watch the full episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast now: Watch here https://youtu.be/pvU7kvde-RQ#FinanceAutomation #AIinFinance #CFOInsights #BusinessEfficiency #FinancialTechnology

00:00 Introduction to Financial Innovations Podcast02:13 Leveraging Technology for Cost Savings06:13 Evaluating Technology Investments10:05 The Role of AI in Financial Processes14:00 Understanding Data Integrity and Accuracy18:02 The Importance of Documentation and Disaster Recovery21:48 Navigating Change Management in Technology Implementation26:03 Choosing the Right Systems for Your Business30:10 Integrating Systems for Efficiency34:03 Staying Updated on Technology TrendsVilliani Analytics Website: https://villytics.com/Villiani Analytics Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villani-analytics/Daniel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvillani/Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFinancialInnovationsPodcast/More about the Podcast: Are you a Finance professional who spends too much time on report creation and other operational activities instead of doing what you love? If so, you're in the right place! Whether you are looking to reduce operational costs through automation or expand your current business capabilities, we are here to provide valuable insight on today's cutting-edge innovation that will help you drive business value instead of spending too many nights and weekends creating yet another financial report. We will bring leaders in the space to show you what tools will help you and which ones are a waste of time!More about Daniel: Daniel has supported and implemented Financial Systems for over 15 years. He builds and implements cutting-edge technology to reduce time and cost associated with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) activities. He was awarded two US Patents for his custom software with additional patents pending. His client base ranges from mid market companies to Fortune 500 global enterprises. More About Villani Analytics: Villani Analytics is a leading consulting and advisory firm, specializing in the implementation of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) applications. Additional services include the implementation of Master Data Management (MDM), Data Integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions. Villani Analytics has clients ranging from nonprofit organizations to Global Fortune 500 enterprises

The Financial Innovations Podcast with host Daniel Villani is back with an insightful conversation featuring Allen Kopelman, CEO and Co-Founder of Nationwide Payment Systems.In this episode, Allen shares how businesses can leverage cutting-edge payment technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. From the importance of modernizing payment systems to understanding chargebacks and optimizing ACH payments, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for CFOs and financial leaders.Allen also discusses the future of payment technologies and how businesses can stay compliant while adapting to new customer preferences like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and digital wallets.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and learn how smart payment strategies can save your business time and money! Full episode here: https://youtu.be/zrR5goR5O44#FinancialInnovationsPodcast #PaymentsTechnology #BusinessFinance #CostSavings #PodcastEpisode

00:00 Introduction to Payment Solutions for CFOs03:10 The Evolution of Payment Technologies06:03 Strategies for Reducing Payment Processing Costs09:01 Compliance and Regulatory Challenges in Payments11:51 Managing Chargebacks Effectively15:12 Leveraging Technology for Payment Efficiency17:53 Understanding Customer Payment Preferences21:13 The Impact of Cybersecurity on Payment Systems24:54 Fraud Prevention Strategies in E-commerce29:04 Navigating Payment Methods and Fees35:41 The Impact of Cryptocurrency on Transactions41:16 Understanding Buy Now Pay Later Services47:35 Conclusion and Resources for BusinessesVilliani Analytics Website: https://villytics.com/Villiani Analytics Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villani-analytics/Daniel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvillani/Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFinancialInnovationsPodcast/More about the Podcast: Are you a Finance professional who spends too much time on report creation and other operational activities instead of doing what you love? If so, you're in the right place! Whether you are looking to reduce operational costs through automation or expand your current business capabilities, we are here to provide valuable insight on today's cutting-edge innovation that will help you drive business value instead of spending too many nights and weekends creating yet another financial report. We will bring leaders in the space to show you what tools will help you and which ones are a waste of time!More about Daniel: Daniel has supported and implemented Financial Systems for over 15 years. He builds and implements cutting-edge technology to reduce time and cost associated with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) activities. He was awarded two US Patents for his custom software with additional patents pending. His client base ranges from mid market companies to Fortune 500 global enterprises. More About Villani Analytics: Villani Analytics is a leading consulting and advisory firm, specializing in the implementation of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) applications. Additional services include the implementation of Master Data Management (MDM), Data Integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions. Villani Analytics has clients ranging from nonprofit organizations to Global Fortune 500 enterprises

“The worst thing anyone can do right now in finance with AI is to do nothing.” – Gabriel Denny, Chief Financial Officer of Entech US. On this episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast, host Daniel Villani welcomes Gabriel Denny, a finance leader with an extraordinary background—starting from his time in the United States Air Force to his transition into corporate finance and analytics. Finance has evolved from being a cost center to a value driver, integrating data science, AI, and automation into decision-making. AI is reshaping FP&A by enabling real-time forecasting, business process automation, and more efficient financial operations. Waiting to embrace AI is no longer an option—finance teams must adapt to stay competitive by leveraging automation, predictive analytics, and operational efficiencies. Gabriel shares insights on bridging the AI knowledge gap, helping financial professionals develop expertise, mitigate risk, and implement machine learning effectively. With his experience managing multi-billion-dollar defense budgets, working on classified space programs, and transitioning to private-sector leadership, Gabriel highlights how technology and innovation are key to optimizing finance functions and driving business value. Finance leaders can no longer afford to ignore AI. This episode provides practical insights and real-world examples to help professionals harness technology, automation, and big data for more strategic decision-making. Listen now to discover how AI is revolutionizing the finance function! Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/k6TbZdS5E5g #FinanceLeadership #AIinFinance #FinancialInnovation #BusinessStrategy #Automation #CFOinsights #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

00:00 The Importance of AI in Finance 06:03 Evolution of Finance Roles 12:05 Finance as a Core Function 17:50 The Role of Automation and Real-Time Data 24:04 AI: Current State and Future Potential 30:38 The Importance of Training and Documentation 36:48 Navigating Data Security and Privacy Concerns 41:12 Embracing AI: Overcoming Hesitations and Learning 45:56 Choosing the Right AI Tools for Your Needs Villiani Analytics Website: https://villytics.com/ Villiani Analytics Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villani-analytics/ Daniel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvillani/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFinancialInnovationsPodcast/ More about the Podcast: Are you a Finance professional who spends too much time on report creation and other operational activities instead of doing what you love? If so, you're in the right place! Whether you are looking to reduce operational costs through automation or expand your current business capabilities, we are here to provide valuable insight on today's cutting-edge innovation that will help you drive business value instead of spending too many nights and weekends creating yet another financial report. We will bring leaders in the space to show you what tools will help you and which ones are a waste of time! More about Daniel: Daniel has supported and implemented Financial Systems for over 15 years. He builds and implements cutting-edge technology to reduce time and cost associated with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) activities. He was awarded two US Patents for his custom software with additional patents pending. His client base ranges from mid market companies to Fortune 500 global enterprises. More About Villani Analytics: Villani Analytics is a leading consulting and advisory firm, specializing in the implementation of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) applications. Additional services include the implementation of Master Data Management (MDM), Data Integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions. Villani Analytics has clients ranging from nonprofit organizations to Global Fortune 500 enterprises