January 1, 1970 · Season 1 : Conversations With a CFO · Episode 2
37 Min, 2 Sec · By Martin Peirce
In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Zahara Podcast, we sit down with Chris Racher, Finance Manager at Peterborough United Football Club, to explore the fascinating world of football finance. From the day-to-day operations to the complexities of player transfers, Chris shares insights into managing costs and driving efficiency in one of the world’s most passionate industries.
Behind the Numbers at Peterborough United: A Conversation with Chris Racher
Table of Contents
In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Zahara Podcast, we sit down with Chris Racher, Finance Manager at Peterborough United Football Club, to explore the fascinating world of football finance. From the day-to-day operations to the complexities of player transfers, Chris shares insights into managing costs and driving efficiency in one of the world’s most passionate industries.
Key Highlights from the Episode:
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Chris’s Journey into Finance: Chris shares his unconventional path to becoming a finance professional. Skipping university, he began his career in manufacturing, fueled by a passion for numbers and business. This led him to earn his AAT qualification, and eventually, his role at Peterborough United.
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The Unique Challenges of Football Finance: Chris delves into the intricacies of managing a League One football club’s finances, including the unique revenue streams like gate receipts, food and beverage sales, and player transfer fees. He highlights the club’s sustainable model, which focuses on developing academy players who go on to compete at higher levels.
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Cost Management with Zahara: A significant part of the discussion focuses on how Zahara’s automation tools have helped streamline cost management at Peterborough United. Chris explains how live budgeting, approval workflows, and detailed departmental reporting have transformed their financial oversight.
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Balancing Passion and Business: Chris emphasizes the importance of balancing the club’s financial sustainability with its competitive aspirations. From maintaining affordability for fans to navigating increasing operational costs, his role is crucial in ensuring the club thrives both on and off the pitch.
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Exciting Moments and Aspirations: The episode wraps up with Chris sharing memorable experiences, such as encounters with football legends and the thrill of hosting Premier League teams in the FA Cup. He also discusses his career aspirations and the camaraderie within the club, likening the environment to the heartwarming world of Ted Lasso.
This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the financial engine that powers a football club, showcasing how Zahara supports organizations in achieving both operational efficiency and long-term success. Whether you’re a football fan, a finance professional, or simply curious about the business side of sports, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in now to explore the numbers behind the game and the stories that bring them to life! 🎧
