Fast-growing companies mean fast-moving demands, and no one feels that more than the finance team. At our recent CFO Breakfast for Growth, we brought together a panel of three seasoned CFOs to share their strategies for handling the financial and operational pressures that come with scaling. 

Meet the experts

• Catherine Birkett, CFO, GoCardless: With over 20 years’ experience in fintech and telecoms, Catherine has seen it all. She kicked off the panel by sharing  a story about managing cash flow under intense pressure early in her career– reminding us that solid financial fundamentals matter, especially when things heat up.

• Marita Cavalcanti, CFO, Bound: Marita’s background in investment banking and startup finance taught her the importance of staying hands-on. During the SVB crisis, she applied hard-learned lessons from the 2008 financial crash to safeguard assets, illustrating the value of a proactive, vigilant approach.

• Alysha Randall, Fractional CFO and CEO, Fast Growth Consulting Limited: Known for guiding startups like LoveFilm and Funding Circle, Alysha thrives in the chaos of high-growth environments. Her experience with Amazon’s due diligence during LoveFilm’s acquisition was a reminder that a clean balance sheet can be the difference-maker in big deals.

From keeping cash flow under control to navigating tricky board dynamics, here’s what these experts had to say about building teams that thrive under pressure:

1. Build a team that complements you

The CFO role is evolving, and no one can do it alone. Our panellists emphasised hiring team members who excel where you don’t, especially in technical and analytical areas. This approach allows CFOs to focus on strategy, knowing that the day-to-day is in good hands.

Pro tip: Identify where you add the most value and hire for the gaps. A balanced team is  essential for navigating high-growth challenges with confidence.

2. Keep cash flow management tight and transparent

Cash flow was a hot topic...no surprises in a room full of CFOs! All panellists agreed: daily visibility into cash flow is non-negotiable, along with strong collection processes and clean balance sheets. With investors scrutinising financial transparency at every stage – often earlier than you’d expect– robust, clear records are essential.

Pro tip: Take a proactive approach to cash flow. Maintain investor-ready records and anticipate their questions – this will only strengthen your negotiating position.

3. Aim for fewer, larger fundraising rounds

If you’re in a high-growth company, the panellists recommended minimising the frequency of fundraising rounds to reduce distractions. Larger rounds mean a longer runway, giving you room to focus on growth rather than constantly seeking investment.

Pro tip: Where possible, opt for bigger rounds that support sustainable growth and keep the cap table lean. It’s a more efficient, powerful approach that reduces the operational impact of fundraising.

4. Stick to financial tools that flex with you

Despite a range of new tech options, the panel agreed: nothing beats Excel  (or Google Sheets) for its flexibility. Adaptable,  powerful, and easily shareable, Excel remains a go-to for financial modelling in fast-changing environments. But  AI tools are showing promise too, with banks using them for enhanced due diligence.

Pro tip:Pick  tools that provide adaptability for long-term planning, and explore AI options that could streamline reporting and data analysis.

5. Mastering board dynamics and cap table simplicity

Strong board relationships were another hot topic. The panel’s advice? Consistent, clear communication about KPIs and performance to align different investor interests. They also noted that a simplified cap table can help keep everyone on the same page.

Pro tip: Prioritise transparency with your board, and maintain a cap table structure that promotes alignment rather than division among shareholders.

Always be prepared

For CFOs leading high-growth companies, resilience is all about building a capable team, mastering cash flow, and aligning board dynamics. The insights from our panel offer a practical guide to managing these challenges with confidence and agility. Whether it’s integrating flexible financial tools, simplifying your cap table, or keeping cash flow processes rock-solid, these strategies will help you build a finance team that’s ready for anything.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into how top finance leaders are driving the future of high-growth companies! Subscribe to our newsletter below for exclusive insights and updates.