Toptal Finance Blog

The Toptal Finance Blog is a hub for in-depth studies and analysis on all facets of finance, ranging from innovative strategies on raising capital to detailed coverage of new finance trends and technologies.

authors are vetted experts in their fields and write on topics in which they have demonstrated experience. All of our content is peer reviewed and validated by Toptal experts in the same field.

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authors are vetted experts in their fields and write on topics in which they have demonstrated experience. All of our content is peer reviewed and validated by Toptal experts in the same field.

How Forensic Accounting Can Supercharge Your Financial Risk Analysis

In an increasingly volatile business environment, companies need to step up their risk management game. Forensic accounting can help spot oncoming problems before it’s too late.

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Christopher Holloway

Christopher is a Senior Writer at Toptal with 13 years of experience researching and writing about how technology transforms sectors like banking, business, manufacturing, and healthcare. He was previously the business and technology editor at AméricaEconomíca and has developed content for Sony Pictures, Johnson & Johnson, Mini, and LATAM Airlines.

Strategic Financial Leadership: 6 Skills CFOs Need Now

Succeeding as a modern CFO is more demanding than ever before. Here are the skills you need to become a strategic partner who leverages technology and insights to drive growth and plan for the future.

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Puneet Sapra

Puneet is a finance expert who has worked for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Pfizer, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has held CFO positions at public companies, middle-market private-equity-backed companies, and startups.

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Tough Times Don’t Have to Mean Tough Terms: Leveraging Financial and Cap Table Modeling in VC Negotiations

When capital is scarce, VCs may tighten their terms to reduce their risk. Here’s how to think through three of the most common preferred terms to ensure you don’t give away too much of your company.

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Erik Stettler

Erik is co-founder of a global venture capital fund that has invested in 50 startups—which have raised more than $500 million—and has realized six exits. He serves as Toptal’s Chief Economist.

The Metrics Investors Want: Quantitative Forecasting for Early-stage Startups

It’s a catch-22 for young startups: How do you attract investors with compelling financial projections if you don’t have historical data? Here’s a three-part strategy for making the most of what you’ve got to seal the deal.

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Sean Heberling

Sean is a General Partner at Addvia Ventures, which invests in early-stage high-growth companies addressing large end markets. He’s also founder and CEO at Marion Street Capital, a firm that helps companies refine forecasts and grow revenue. Previously, he worked at Morgan Stanley and BNY Mellon, and during his career he has facilitated investment transactions exceeding $1 billion.

5 Key Tips for Smarter Sales and Operations Planning Implementation

S&OP can help a company create a long-term business plan to address supply chain disruptions. Make the most of this useful process with these updated best practices.

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Juan Franco

Juan is a management consultant and expert in strategy, business planning, and process improvement who has helped implement S&OP at companies in multiple industries in Latin America. He has 20 years of experience as a senior and advisory manager for corporations including Mondelez International, Yanbal International, and PwC.

Better Digital Banking Through Data Analytics

Banks haven’t seen the savings expected from the transition to digital products and services. A leading consultant for some of the largest US banks shares his step-by-step plan for using smarter customer data analytics to slash costs and improve customer satisfaction.

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Mohamed Zarrugh

Mohamed is a finance expert who has held executive internal consulting roles at JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, transforming operations and saving the companies as much as $180 million yearly. He specializes in strategic planning, performance management, and process improvement initiatives.

3 Trends Shaping the Future of Tech Venture Capital in Asia

Asia is one of the hottest venture markets in the world right now. Find out what savvy investors must understand about this culturally and economically diverse region in order to succeed.

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Alec Tseung

Alec is a financial analyst who has executed more than $5 billion in corporate, private equity, and venture capital transactions for Swiss Re and Tencent, China’s leading internet company. He’s also a co-founder of a Hong Kong financial advisory firm with client companies across Asia.

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Neil Portus | CFA, CMA

Neil is a CFO for growth companies and a former equity analyst at Goldman Sachs in NY where he helped lead numerous transactions including Zipcar's $1.1 billion IPO. He was also an equity analyst at Barclays Capital & Lehman Brothers and began his career at a boutique investment bank (M&A, restructuring, debt financings). He's built his operational skills both as a startup founder and as the CFO of an East Africa-focused impact investment firm.

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