“Stories and lessons from an unexpected journey in finance.”

I love being a CFO, but I never planned to be one. In fact, I never even imagined it. My career started in consulting — Booz Allen, Deloitte, Logica — where I learned to solve problems for clients across industries, build models, and present solutions to executives. I enjoyed it, thrived in it, and assumed I’d keep going down that path.

Then, about 20 years ago, I took a role at Accenture that changed everything. One day, I found myself unexpectedly stepping into the CFO seat. Suddenly, the focus shifted from advising companies to running the financial operations of one of Accenture’s largest, most complex deals. From that moment, I discovered that being a CFO isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people, strategy, and often, learning lessons the hard way.

That’s the premise of this blog: The Accidental CFO. Twice a week (hopefully), starting tomorrow, I’ll share stories, reflections, and lessons from my journey — the wins, the missteps, and the unexpected twists that shaped who I am as a finance leader today. Some posts will be professional insights: how to navigate mergers, fundraise, or transform a business. Others will be personal, tying life experiences to leadership lessons or moments of clarity — or just moments that made me laugh at myself.

I want this space to feel like a conversation. Whether you’re a fellow finance professional, a leader in another function, or simply curious about what life looks like behind the spreadsheets, I hope these posts give you something to take away — a perspective, a lesson, or even just a chuckle.

Early in my career, I thought a CFO’s job was all about perfect forecasts and flawless models. I quickly learned that those things matter, yes, but only as tools. The real work happens in the human side of the business: aligning teams, communicating clearly, making decisions under uncertainty, and sometimes stepping into the unknown. Those lessons — often learned the hard way — are the ones I want to share here.

So why now? Over the years, I’ve accumulated experiences across multiple industries, companies, and geographies — leading transformations, raising capital, integrating acquisitions, and even guiding startups. Along the way, I’ve realized that the stories behind the numbers are often the most powerful lessons, not just for me but for anyone trying to grow, lead, or navigate change.

I’m looking forward to starting this dialogue, sharing insights, and hopefully sparking some reflection, conversation, and maybe even a little inspiration.

Welcome to The Accidental CFO — a place where lessons, stories, and a human perspective meet finance. I’m excited to share this journey with you.

Tom

💬 Question for you: Have you ever found yourself in a role you never expected? How did it change your perspective?

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