When most finance leaders think about scaling their function, they focus on increasing headcount and implementing new systems. However, Amy Ward, CFO of Blue River PetCare, took a different approach. After leaving KPMG for a smaller entrepreneurial opportunity, she discovered that building a high-performing finance function isn't about having the most people or the fanciest technology; it's about getting the fundamentals right. Her journey of scaling from 17 to 200+ locations offers valuable lessons for any finance leader facing growth challenges.

Master the Fundamentals First

When Amy joined the company, the finance department was five months behind on month-end close, with mounting bank reconciliations and unprocessed credit card statements. Rather than immediately implementing sophisticated solutions, she focused on the foundational processes that keep a business running day-to-day.

By analyzing how her team spent their time, Amy identified the operational bottlenecks hindering the business. She realized that only by addressing these foundational issues—from basic bill payments to clinic communications—could the finance team create the bandwidth needed for more strategic initiatives. This laser focus on fundamentals ultimately enabled Blue River to scale while maintaining quality and team engagement.

Choose Function Over Flash

When it comes to technology investments, Amy challenges conventional wisdom. While many vendors push to abandon Excel completely, her team takes a more practical approach:

• Focus on core needs first (like financial consolidation)

• Keep Excel where it works efficiently

• Invest in systems that move the needle

• Skip the "nice to have" until you're ready

This measured approach to technology investment has helped Blue River scale effectively while maintaining operational efficiency.

Rethink Talent Strategy

This approach has revolutionized how Blue River builds its finance team. Instead of focusing solely on technical skills or certifications, they seek individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and customer service orientation. This strategy reduces recruitment costs, improves retention, and cultivates a culture where team members develop a deep understanding of the business from the ground up. The result is a finance function that operates as a true business partner.

Create Space for Innovation

Most finance leaders have a backlog of strategic projects that could transform their operations—if only they could find the time. However, these initiatives often remain perpetually on hold due to the constant demands of month-end closes, reporting cycles, and daily operations.

Blue River PetCare cracked this challenge by recognizing that the perfect time for projects never arrives.

Understanding the different seasonal rhythms of various teams has been crucial to their success. The busy periods for FP&A differ from those of the Controller's office, which in turn differ from those of Payroll. By mapping these cycles, they can effectively plan cross-functional projects and maintain momentum on strategic initiatives.

Build Your Modern Finance Function

Here are three strategies from Amy Ward's playbook:

Make process improvement systematic: Begin by documenting how your team allocates its time. Establish a regular schedule for reviewing and optimizing these processes, even if progress initially seems slow.

Invest in people, not just systems: When building your team, look beyond traditional credentials. Create clear development pathways and explain the "why" behind tasks to foster deeper engagement.

Balance innovation with operations: Set up quarterly check-ins for major initiatives, form small cross-functional teams, and remember that imperfect progress is preferable to perfect planning.

Want to learn more about building a modern, scalable finance function? Amy shares practical insights on The CFO Show, available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

Take FP&A Beyond Boundaries at Excelerate Finance 2025

Join finance innovators and industry pioneers at Excelerate Finance 2025, where strategic finance meets AI advancement. Over three immersive days, you'll discover how emerging technologies are revolutionizing FP&A, engage with thought leaders and get hands-on experience with the tools defining finance's future. Network with experts from Microsoft, Vena, and leading global organizations while building the skills needed to drive finance transformation. Secure your spot today for this career-defining event.

In case you missed it…

What do Microsoft Americas' CFO, Florida Panthers' CFO, and other finance leaders read to stay at the top of their game? In a special episode of The CFO Show, host Melissa Howatson shares books that impacted her and some of her recent guests. From scaling organizations and leading through change to building conscious businesses and understanding behavioral economics, these carefully curated reads offer fresh perspectives to elevate your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

What’s next…

Healthcare costs are now CFOs' most unpredictable expense, with 72% ranking them above all other operational costs. In next week's episode of The CFO Show, Anisha Sood, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at First Choice Health, will reveal the hidden drivers behind skyrocketing healthcare expenses and share actionable strategies for managing this critical business cost. With over 20 years of healthcare industry experience spanning venture capital, investment banking and operations, Anisha brings unique insights on balancing employee well-being with cost control.