Demystifying the Role of the CFO in Growth Stage Companies: Rick Smith

In this episode of FP&A Today, host Glenn Hopper interviews Rick Smith, a five-time CFO and author, about his experiences in helping companies transition from startup chaos to structured growth. Rick shares his unconventional path from FP&A to becoming a CFO, emphasizing the importance of understanding both accounting and finance. He discusses his preference for working with smaller to mid-sized companies where he can provide clarity and implement systems for future growth. The conversation covers common financial problems in early-stage companies, the role of fractional CFOs, and strategies for preparing for capital raises and sales, including the importance of clean accounting and a compelling revenue story. Rick also touches on his experiences with venture-backed versus growth equity-backed companies, his love for writing, and his favorite Excel functions.