{"id":12499,"date":"2025-03-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=12499"},"modified":"2025-03-20T07:28:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T11:28:27","slug":"real-world-advice-from-a-financial-services-cfo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/real-world-advice-from-a-financial-services-cfo\/","title":{"rendered":"The first 90 days: real-world advice from a financial services CFO"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/trends-insights\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Trends &amp; Insights<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe first 90 days: real-world advice from a financial services CFO\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-03-20T09:00:00-04:00\">March 20, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"The first 90 days: real-world advice from a financial services CFO\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/real-world-advice-from-a-financial-services-cfo\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For new CFOs in financial services, the first 90 days set the foundation for long-term success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what does that foundation really look like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.haversinefunding.com\/team\/jeffrey-whaley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jeff Whaley, CFO at Haversine Funding<\/a><\/strong>, shares candid insights from his journey transitioning into his first CFO role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-with-the-fundamentals-even-if-it-feels-basic\"><strong>Start with the fundamentals\u2014even if it feels basic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coming from nine years at Goldman Sachs in private credit and private equity, Jeff had deep industry expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet his approach focused on mastering the basics before tackling advanced initiatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn financial services, the widgets are dollars,\u201d says Jeff. \u201cA lot of people who come into CFO positions think basic accounting is beneath them. But especially in small to medium-sized organizations, you don\u2019t have that luxury. There are no unimportant tasks because organizations run lean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-with-the-fundamentals-even-if-it-feels-basic-0\"><strong>Start with the fundamentals\u2014even if it feels basic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coming from nine years at Goldman Sachs in private credit and private equity, Jeff had deep industry expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet his approach focused on mastering the basics before tackling advanced initiatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn financial services, the widgets are dollars,\u201d says Jeff. \u201cA lot of people who come into CFO positions think basic accounting is beneath them. But especially in small to medium-sized organizations, you don\u2019t have that luxury. There are no unimportant tasks because organizations run lean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-credibility-through-action\"><strong>Build credibility through action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first 90 days are all about establishing trust and demonstrating competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jeff\u2019s approach focused on three key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understanding core processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building rapport with team members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivering consistently on basic financial functions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou listen a lot more than you talk,\u201d Jeff explains. \u201cYou need to understand what\u2019s important to all stakeholders and what your service level agreements are with other groups. Then focus on getting really, really good at those core functions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-create-a-tech-foundation-for-growth\"><strong>Create a tech foundation for growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Jeff arrived, Haversine\u2019s financial infrastructure needed modernization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His team focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Streamlining the general ledger and chart of accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementing dimensional reporting capabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating efficient data structures for future scaling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automating manual processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEverything was done with an eye toward scalability,\u201d notes Jeff. \u201cWe asked ourselves: We\u2019re doing okay with 30 loans, but what would we need to do with the same headcount to handle 300? How do we handle 10 times more investors?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-balance-innovation-and-risk\"><strong>Balance innovation and risk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While embracing automation, Jeff takes a measured approach to emerging technologies like AI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s AI and there\u2019s automation\u2014I view those as two different capabilities. Automation is incredibly important to us. With AI, you must be very clear about what you want it to do. Right now, its most valuable application is extracting data from unstructured documents\u2014but even then, accuracy is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-advice-for-new-cfos\"><strong>Practical advice for new CFOs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those stepping into their first financial services CFO role, Jeff offers these insights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-master-the-basics-first\"><strong>Master the basics first<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou can\u2019t speak authoritatively about higher-level analytics if you don\u2019t understand the mechanics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-think-long-term\"><strong>Think long-term<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not easy to dedicate resources to efficiency projects that won\u2019t pay off for 6-9 months, but you have to incorporate it into your day-to-day work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-strong-leadership-relationships\"><strong>Build strong leadership relationships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m fortunate to work with executives who see finance as a value-added function, not just a requirement. That mindset enables strategic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-value-creation\"><strong>Focus on value creation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOnce you get past the basics of accounting, focus on making finance not just a have-to-have, but an area that creates real value.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stay-humble\"><strong>Stay humble<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn those first 90 days, you can\u2019t take anything for granted. Everything\u2019s important when you\u2019re starting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-larger-picture\"><strong>The larger picture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial services CFOs face unique challenges\u2014from complex entity structures to investor reporting requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success requires balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn financial services, the CFO and COO roles often blur,\u201d Jeff notes. \u201cThere\u2019s more overlap than in a typical manufacturing company, for example. You need to understand both the financial and operational aspects deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more insights from Jeff, you can tune into Haversine\u2019s regular podcast <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@InFocuswithHaversine\/videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>In Focus with Haversine<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want to learn how modern financial management solutions can help you scale efficiently while maintaining accuracy and control?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/industry\/financial-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a product tour of Sage Intacct to see how the right technology foundation can support your growth journey.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cta-content__title\">Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-8949a954-88b2-43bb-8b8a-77c53eb34350\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jeff Whaley, CFO at Haversine Funding, shares candid insights from his journey transitioning into his first CFO role.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":9540,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,29],"tags":[167,274,263],"business_type":[99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[127],"persona":[78,75],"imagine_tag":[],"coauthors":[307],"class_list":["post-12499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-trends-insights","tag-business-intelligence","tag-cfo","tag-midsized-business","business_type-medium-business","industry-financial-services"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Yassir 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