Podcasts · CFO Weekly

The Evolving CFO-CEO Partnership with Todd McElhatton, COO and CFO at Zuora

· 25 min · Episode 278

Episode The Evolving CFO-CEO Partnership with Todd McElhatton, COO and CFO at Zuora

0:00 24:35

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Todd McElhatton, COO and CFO at Zuora, joins Megan Weis to explore how the CFO-CEO relationship has evolved from reporting what happened to engineering what will happen. Todd brings a rare dual-lens perspective shaped by more than three decades leading global finance and operating organizations at companies like SAP, Oracle, VMware, and Hewlett Packard.

With deep experience spanning public companies, private equity transitions, and M&A, Todd shares how modern CFOs must move beyond spreadsheets to become true business partners who understand operational levers, drive cross-functional outcomes, and help architect company strategy. Currently serving as Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer at Zuora, where he oversees finance, operations, M&A, IT, legal, HR, and strategic partnerships, Todd played a key role in guiding the company through its $1.7 billion acquisition by Silver Lake and GIC, navigating the transition to private ownership while maintaining strategic clarity and execution speed.

What You'll Learn:

• How the CFO role has shifted from reporting history to engineering outcomes • Why understanding operational levers matters more than spreadsheet mastery • The importance of end-to-end visibility in building CEO-CFO partnership • How CFOs can develop business acumen beyond traditional finance skills • Why radical transparency accelerates decision-making and builds trust • What CEOs should expect from finance leaders who aspire to be true partners

Learn more about Todd:

• Todd McElhatton on LinkedIn • Zuora Website

Episode resources:

• Personiv's Website • Personiv on LinkedIn • Personiv on Facebook • Personiv on Twitter

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Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie

Check out some of our most recent episodes:

• Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott • Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley • Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles • NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva • What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet • Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington

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