FinFactor: Expert Insights for the CFO

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch talks with Rafael Pinho of TD Pine Advisors about the modern M&A landscape and what different types of buyers—private equity, strategic, family offices, and search funds—are really looking for in today’s deals. They dive into the psychology, timelines, and goals that drive acquisitions, explaining how sellers can tailor their exit strategies to match the right buyer and maximize valu...

When is the right time to replace your ERP—and when is the smarter move to optimize what you already have? In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch (CEO of Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting Software) sits down with Azat Ospanov, founder of Oscorp, to explore the hidden costs, risks, and realities behind ERP implementation. 

They discuss why many finance teams outgrow their systems for the wrong reasons, how to evaluate technology dec...

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with finance leader Ken Lacroix to explore why the 13-week cashflow forecast is one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in business finance. They discuss the challenges companies face when setting up accurate forecasts, the shift in mindset required to move from profit and loss to true cash management, and the importance of focusing on major inflows and outflows to g...

Blaine Bertsch welcomes Jarome McKenzie, fractional CFO and founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, to break down how clean, investor-ready financials can make or break a sell-side M&A deal. Jarome shares real stories—including a seller who improved EBITDA from $500K to $911K and exited for $5.7M, and another who discovered $750K in taxes paid on phantom profit and later secured refunds (including $42K in sales tax) after fixing s...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Matt Middendorp to break down the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). They explore how ESOPs impact company valuation, employee engagement, and long-term business legacy, while highlighting both the benefits and challenges of implementation. 

From feasibility studies and valuation modeling to avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation uncovers the key factors ...

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to dive into the rapidly expanding role of the CFO. Once defined by financial analysis, cash flow management, and forecasting, today’s CFO is now a strategic operator, taking on responsibilities that stretch far beyond traditional finance. From overseeing operations and liquidity planning to managing risk, asset allocation, and corporate strategy, the C...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Bob Light to uncover the biggest mistakes companies make when selecting and implementing an ERP system. ERP software decisions can make or break a business—yet too often, leaders rush into adoption without fully understanding their internal processes, pain points, and long-term needs. Bob explains why mapping workflows and involving stakeholders early is critical to ensure...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing finance leaders today—multi-entity accounting. As businesses scale and expand across multiple subsidiaries, divisions, or global operations, outdated accounting systems and manual spreadsheets can’t keep up. The result? Errors in consolidated reporting, inefficiencies in intercompany transaction...

Navigating Data Challenges in Finance with Scott Hollrah | ERP Integration, Automation & Data Governance

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Hollrah, CEO of Venn Technology, to tackle one of the toughest issues facing finance leaders today: fragmented financial data. As organizations juggle multiple systems—ERP software, CRMs, data warehouses, and cloud accounting platforms—manual processes and disc...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Greg McDonough, Managing Partner at Blackburn Capital and seasoned financial coach, to discuss why clean, consistent financial data is the cornerstone of smarter business decisions and long-term resilience. Greg highlights how too many entrepreneurs still lean on gut instinct instead of reliable insights, creating weak cash flow management, missed opportunities, and persistent c...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Greg Kautz, a recognized expert in lease accounting, to break down the complexities of modern lease management and evolving regulatory compliance. With accounting standards like ASC 842 and IFRS 16 reshaping how organizations manage leases, CFOs and finance leaders face new challenges when relying on spreadsheets or outdated accounting systems. Greg explains why accurate l...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Adam Katz for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing world of foreign exchange (FX), B2B payments, and the fintech revolution. CFOs today face mounting challenges in payment processing, including hidden FX fees, transaction inefficiencies, complex compliance demands, and the pressure to adopt modern financial technology that keeps pace with global business needs. Ad...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Mike Shum dive into the evolving world of private credit and debt financing, shedding light on the challenges businesses face in securing debt and managing financial data. They explore the critical role of transparency, the increasing complexity of debt structures, and how technology—specifically Cascade—enhances data accuracy and reporting. 

The discussion highlights asset-based lend...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine sits down with Morgan Hines to explore the significant impact of travel expenses on small and medium-sized businesses. They dive into the hidden costs of corporate travel management, from human error in booking to missed savings due to lack of access to corporate travel tools. 

Morgan highlights how Navan is leveling the playing field for small businesses by offering streamlined travel management...

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Sam Gupta dive deep into the intricacies of ERP implementation, a transformative journey that requires meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment. They discuss the pivotal role of CFOs in ensuring ERP projects address both financial and operational needs, emphasizing phase zero planning, change management, and the careful balancing of internal and external r...

Join Blaine Bertsch and Usman Mahmood as they dive into the essential groundwork for harnessing AI in business. This episode of FinFactor uncovers why a solid data structure and organizational data maturity are critical before adopting AI technologies. 

Usman and Blaine break down data maturity stages, highlight AI's transformative role in enhancing efficiency, and outline actionable steps for organizations to embark ...

In this engaging episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jonathon Angell to unpack the world of innovative strategies for fundraising and financing in business. They explore diverse financing options, the impact of partnerships, and the importance of networking and relationships in securing funding. 

They dive into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, the power of storytelling in business, and the nuanced expecta...

In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch and Keith Daser discuss the complexities and challenges that mid-market businesses face when integrating technology solutions. They explore the importance of engaging IT consulting professionals at the right time, the significance of communication during technology purchases, and the lessons learned from past mistakes. 

The discussion also highlights the evolving role of specialists and generalis...

In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch interviews Apoorv Dwivedi of fixer.com about marketing strategies for CPA firms. Apoorv specializes in marketing for small and mid-sized accounting firms and helps them improve their lead-generation efforts. They discuss the importance of focusing on a specific target audience and service offering, building reputation and authority, and implementing a consistent marketing plan. 

They also highlig...