Ep 167: The Finance Function Evolution: bookkeeper → controller → virtual CFO

Ep 167: The Finance Function Evolution: bookkeeper → controller → virtual CFO

From The Holistic Accountant by Stuart Wemyss & Mena Abraham

February 17, 2026 · 10 min · Season 5 · Episode 55

About this episode

Stuart and Mena discuss the evolution of the finance function in businesses and the importance of each role from bookkeeper to virtual CFO.

Send us Fan Mail Many business owners feel stuck in the uncomfortable middle: too big for basic bookkeeping, but not ready or willing to pay for a full-time CFO. The result? Numbers that exist, but don’t drive decisions. In this episode, Stuart and Mena break down the three distinct layers of the finance function and why skipping or compressing them causes so many businesses to stall. They explain what bookkeeping is meant to do (and where it stops), why the controller role is the most misund...

People in this episode

Hosts: Stuart Wemyss, Mena Abraham

Topics covered

  • finance function
  • bookkeeping
  • controller role
  • virtual CFO
  • business growth
  • decision making

Keywords

  • finance function
  • bookkeeper
  • controller
  • virtual CFO
  • business owners
  • decision making
  • financial management

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