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

On this insightful episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast, host Daniel Villani welcomes Yaser Ali, to discuss the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation. With decades of experience in scaling funds and streamlining complex processes, Yaser shares how he transformed a $20M fund into $860M using automation and efficiency-driven strategies. From automating workflows to reducing a 27-step invoicing process to just four steps, Yasser highlights the importance of innovation in driving financial success. This episode is a masterclass in financial leadership. Yaser delves into the pivotal role of AI and technology in modern finance, breaking down myths about software adoption and offering practical tips for CFOs navigating the rapidly evolving landscape. Whether it's optimizing supply chains, leveraging AI tools for smarter decision-making, or fostering collaboration across departments, this conversation offers actionable takeaways for finance professionals and business leaders alike. Don’t miss this episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast! Tune in now to hear Daniel Villani and Yaser Ali discuss the future of finance: https://youtu.be/Z1vFn6NEcvs #FinancialInnovation #CFOLeadership #BusinessStrategy #AIinFinance #ProcessAutomation #TechnologyInBusiness #EfficiencyMatters #FinanceTransformation #PodcastingForGrowth #FutureOfFinance

00:00 The Challenge of Efficiency in Finance 02:07 Innovating Financial Processes 06:03 Identifying Opportunities for Automation 12:06 The Evolving Role of CFOs 17:56 Navigating the Software Landscape 24:03 AI Adoption in Finance 30:12 Evaluating Software Solutions 36:10 The Importance of Continuous Learning 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

In this episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast, host Daniel Villani sits down with Pam Jordan, CEO of Pivot Business Group, for a deep dive into the financial strategies that every entrepreneur and small business owner needs to thrive. Pam breaks down key insights on: The role of bookkeepers, accountants, and fractional CFOs—and why they’re not interchangeable; How to avoid the trap of overspending to "save on taxes"; The importance of cash flow forecasting and actionable metrics; and Knowing when it’s time to outsource financial functions to focus on business growth. She also shares real-world client stories where rethinking financial processes led to six-figure savings and empowered business owners to reach their goals faster. If you’re looking to level up your financial strategy and avoid common mistakes that could sink your business, this conversation is a must-listen! Tune in now to get expert tips and insights: https://youtu.be/LngfjJOjq10 #FinancialStrategy #SmallBusiness #CFO #CashFlow #Entrepreneurship

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:25 – Introduction of Guest Pam Jordan 1:04 – The Value of Fractional CFOs for Small Businesses 3:28 – When to Outsource Bookkeeping and CFO Services 8:26 – Aligning Financial Goals with Business Strategy 10:56 – The Importance of Having Goals 15:21 – The Importance of Financial Clarity and Metrics 19:21 – Identifying and Addressing Cost Issues 24:02 – Common Mistakes Business Owners Make 27:57 – The Importance of Forward-Looking Financials 30:10 – The Impact of Pricing on Profitability 36:55 – The Role of Tax Professionals in Business Growth 41:53 – Key Financial Metrics for Business Success 43:50 – Building a Strong Financial Foundation 47:09 – Resources for Further Learning 48:56 – Guest Contact Details and Closing 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

Join host Daniel Villani on The Financial Innovations Podcast as he welcomes Kirk Kappelhoff, Director of Strategic Finance at DriveTrain.ai, for a deep dive into the evolving world of finance and technology. In this episode, Kirk unpacks the transformation of the CFO role, the art and science of financial modeling, and the rise of third-generation FP&A tools designed to optimize costs and empower decision-making. He shares insights on navigating the "triangle of death" in technology implementations, balancing creativity with accuracy, and leveraging data-driven strategies for modern finance leadership. Don't miss this compelling conversation that redefines what it means to be a strategic financial leader in today’s tech-driven era. Catch the full episode here.https://youtu.be/VBRxXSxBG5E #FinancialModeling #TechnologyFinance #CFOLeadership #TheFinancialInnovationsPodcast

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:22 – Introduction of Guest Kirk Kappelhoff 0:56 – The Evolving Role of CFOs 3:28 – Financial Modeling: The Art and Science 6:15 – Implementation Challenges in Finance 9:04 – Board Dynamics and Budget Approvals 13:38 – The Importance of Accurate Forecasting 15:21 – The Future of FP&A Tools 16:34 – Balancing Excel and Modern Tools 22:14 – Transitioning to Cloud-Based Systems 27:07 – Empowering Self-Service with AI 29:41 – The Triangle of Death in Implementations 35:40 – Flexibility vs. Standardization in SaaS Metrics 39:07 – The Importance of Financial Modeling 45:06 – The Value of Excel Skills in Finance 49:58 – Conclusion and Guest Contact Details 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

In this episode of The Financial Innovations Podcast, host Daniel Villani welcomes CFO expert Andy Ferguson for a deep dive into financial leadership and innovation. Andy shares practical strategies on breaking down costs, managing labor and supply expenses, and using a balanced scorecard to drive smarter decisions. With insights from both healthcare and other industries, he reveals how to achieve operational efficiency without compromising quality. Andy discusses the importance of collaboration across the C-suite, fostering a culture of cost optimization, and questioning traditional practices to find new opportunities. He also highlights how leveraging analytics and frontline insights can lead to more effective decision-making. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with actionable advice for financial leaders! https://youtu.be/CKMyc5EVJX4 #FinancialLeadership #CFOInsights #CostOptimization #HealthcareFinance #TheFinancialInnovationsPodcast

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:29 – Introduction of Guest Andy Ferguson 1:40 – Industry Experience and Innovation in Healthcare 2:32 – Understanding Cost Structures in Healthcare 7:46 – Key Metrics for Financial Analysis 9:55 – The Importance of Meaningful Metrics 13:10 – Balancing Cost and Quality in Healthcare 15:58 – Setting KPIs and Accountability 21:27 – Collaboration Across the C-Suite 24:01 – The Misconception of Non-Profit Organizations 24:58 – Navigating Regulatory Challenges 28:18 – Advice for Aspiring CFOs in Healthcare 30:21 – Creating a Culture of Cost Optimization 33:29 – Identifying Low-Impact Cost Savings 36:11 – The Importance of Process Improvement 38:48 – Continuous Improvement 42:32 – Final Thoughts 46:20 – Guest Contact Details and Closing 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

Join Daniel Villani, host of The Financial Innovations Podcast, as he sits down with Manasa Savanur, finance professional and tech enthusiast, to explore essential skills for a thriving finance career. In this episode, Manasa shares her journey from mastering Excel basics to leveraging advanced tools like SQL, Power BI, and Python, proving that the evolution of finance lies at the intersection of data and technology. This conversation isn't just about tools—it's about strategy! Manasa also dives into actionable tips for upskilling, focusing on the why behind learning before diving into the how. Whether you're just starting or aiming to enhance your expertise, this episode is packed with insights to level up your financial journey. Watch the full episode now on YouTube and hear how finance is evolving in real time! https://youtu.be/ODbYXj53mBc Don’t forget to subscribe and leave your thoughts in the comments! #FinanceCareers #TechInFinance #DataDrivenDecisions #FinancialInnovation #PodcastEpisode

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:48 – Introduction of Guest Manasa Savanur 1:37 – Introduction to Financial Skills and Career Paths 3:07 – The Importance of Excel in Finance 7:32 – Useful tools in Finance 10:25 – The Shift Towards Technical Skills in Finance 15:59 – Understanding Data Accuracy and Process 18:19 – Evaluating Value in Financial Processes 22:06 – Building Things in the Cloud 25:57 – Criteria for Cloud Solutions 27:36 – Personal Finance and Investment Insights 31:28 – Knowledge on Investing 33:52 – Balancing Knowledge and Practical Skills 37:50 – Learning your Job Functions 39:46 – The Importance of Communication Skills 41:33 – Resources Recommendation 43:01 – Conclusion 43:50 – Guest Contact Details and Closing 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