Advertise on podcast: Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast

In this episode of The EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Riya Grover, CEO and co-founder of Sequence, about how CFOs and finance leaders can navigate revenue complexity and enhance collaboration.  Riya shares her entrepreneurial journey and discusses the important role of finance in shaping revenue strategy. She highlights how identifying disconnects between pricing, revenue data and accountability can improve decision-making and business performance.  The conversation explores how CFOs can leverage technology for better visibility into pricing strategies, track revenue trends and maintain pricing hygiene as organizations scale. She also discusses the impact of emerging pricing models, such as usage-based and outcome-based pricing.   The discussion highlights the evolving role of finance in driving growth and the importance of collaboration between finance sales teams to effectively manage revenue and growth. Follow The EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast for more conversations with global CFOs and finance leaders. Find out more on ey.com/betterfinance.  Key takeaways:  Understand the strategic importance of pricing for CFOs and its impact on revenue management.  Recognize how early involvement in pricing decisions can transform the role of finance leaders.  Explore the role of data integrity and collaboration in informed financial decision-making.  Learn how CFOs can leverage technology for visibility into pricing strategies and revenue trends.  Identify challenges and opportunities with emerging pricing models, including usage-based pricing.  © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

Cash flow forecasting and liquidity confidence have become defining priorities for CFOs and finance leaders, yet both remain persistent challenges across organizations.  Two studies, APQC's Cash Flow and Liquidity Management Practices Report and the 2025 EY Global DNA of the Treasurer Survey, found that even with automation, AI and analytics, many finance teams may struggle to trust their source data and forecast with accuracy.  In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Kelley Pruetz, Principal Research Leader at APQC, and Francois Holzman, EY Global Treasury and Commodities Leader, about how CFOs and treasurers can improve cash visibility and strengthen liquidity management.  They discuss why forecasting remains difficult in an era of technology-enabled finance and how leading organizations can improve collaboration, data transparency and agility to make more confident decisions.   Follow the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast for more conversations with global CFOs and finance leaders. Find out more on ey.com/betterfinance.   Key takeaways:  Discover why cash flow forecasting remains a persistent challenge for treasurers and CFOs despite advances in automation and analytics.  Explore how cross-functional collaboration can help finance and treasury teams break down silos to improve forecasting accuracy and liquidity resilience.  Recognize how "transformative treasurers" can redefine value creation through mentorship, collaboration and strategic leadership.  © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited    

In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Simon Brown, EY Global Learning and Development Leader and co-author of The Curious Advantage. Drawing on years of research into learning, leadership and behavioral science, Simon explains how embedding curiosity into everyday practices can help finance teams evolve beyond traditional ways of working.  The conversation explores how a mindset of curiosity can help CFOs lead through uncertainty and respond to emerging challenges. Through real-world examples, Simon illustrates how asking better questions, creating space for exploration and staying open to different perspectives can uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.  The conversation reframes curiosity as a leadership behavior that fosters stronger connections across the business and supports a culture of continuous learning. Key takeaways:  Explore how curiosity can help CFOs strengthen decision-making, build collaboration and foster trust. Understand how asking better questions can guide teams through complexity with greater clarity and confidence.  Learn how psychological safety and a culture of experimentation can strengthen resilience and spark innovation in finance.   Discover ways to embed curiosity into everyday leadership behaviors and continuous learning practices.  © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited ________________________________________________ Tap the FOLLOW button now to ensure you never miss the latest episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast! For more conversations with global CFOs and finance leaders: ey.com/betterfinance.   

In this episode of the Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, about what it takes to lead finance transformation in today's data-rich, technology-enabled landscape. Drawing on findings from the 2025 Global Autonomous Finance Benchmark, they explore how finance teams are making progress through scalable initiatives, cross-functional collaboration and a focus on real-time insights. Alex stresses that successful transformation starts at the leadership level. She discusses how CFOs, CTOs and CIOs are aligning on priorities, breaking down silos and rethinking how technology, talent and data can come together to support strategic outcomes. She also shares how leading organizations are modernizing finance by automating manual processes, building business cases for AI adoption and shifting from a compliance mindset toward strategic partnership. As new skill sets emerge, including data science and business analytics, finance is being redefined from the ground up. Key takeaways: Learn how CFOs, CTOs and CIOs are aligning to lead transformation with shared priorities and accountability. Explore why high-performing finance teams start small, prove value early and then scale successful initiatives. Understand how clean, real-time data can help finance leaders shift from control to strategic partnership. Discover emerging skill sets that are shaping the future of finance, from data science to cross-functional collaboration. Recognize the importance of leadership alignment in driving successful finance transformation.  © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Stacey Ryan-Cornelius, who served as the CFO of Ogilvy at the time of recording and now holds the role of Global CFO at Burson. In this episode, Stacey shares how the role of CFO is evolving from financial stewardship to a more human-centered leadership approach, where influence, empathy and communication are just as important as technical expertise. She discusses how finance leaders are navigating complexity by fostering psychological safety, strengthening relationships across the business and turning data into compelling stories that drive alignment and action. Stacey also explores how technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is helping enhance decision-making and enabling more innovative ways of working. Stacey highlights the importance of cultivating presence and leading with purpose, encouraging finance professionals to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the numbers. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode, Brian Tomlinson, Managing Director, ESG, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP, speaks with Aniket Shah, Managing Director and Global Head of the Sustainability and Transition Strategy team at Jefferies. They discuss how finance leaders can navigate the growing complexity of environmental, social and governance (ESG) as it becomes increasingly integrated into strategic decision-making. Aniket explains how ESG has evolved beyond just disclosure to encompass investor expectations, business resilience and regulatory pressures. He highlights the importance of materiality, urging CFOs to focus on ESG factors that align closely with their sector, strategy and value drivers. The conversation delves into how public policy developments are influencing ESG implementation in real time, requiring finance leaders to balance long-term vision with short-term catalysts. They also explore the role of CFOs in integrating ESG into capital allocation, regulatory alignment and strategic planning, as well as how evolving stakeholder expectations are influencing decision-making. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Isaac Heller, CEO of Trullion, an AI-powered accounting software company. They explore the transformative role of CFOs amidst rapid technological advancements. As organizations grapple with the complexities introduced by AI in finance, Isaac shares insightful strategies for CFOs to navigate these challenges and create value. Isaac emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in refining financial processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities. He elaborates on how CFOs can leverage data and AI to develop insights that facilitate informed decision-making and optimize operations, while also highlighting the need for high-quality data. Throughout the discussion, Isaac draws from his extensive experience in finance and accounting, offering actionable advice for both aspiring and current CFOs. He highlights the necessity for CFOs to act as the CEO's closest business partner, trusted to assist in making critical organizational decisions. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson interviews Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of the advertising agency Ogilvy UK. Drawing on his extensive experience in behavioral economics, Rory encourages finance professionals to develop a mindset that balances certainty and opportunity. Rory explores the finance sector's demand for absolute certainty, which can often hinder innovation and impact decision-making. He advocates for a probabilistic approach to finance, where understanding potential outcomes and embracing uncertainty can lead to greater innovation and value creation. The conversation also touches on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming finance, highlighting the need for finance leaders to adapt and leverage AI to free up time for strategic thinking.   © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the EY Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson interviews Wassia Kamon, CFO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). Wassia discusses how finance leaders in mission-driven organizations can create value for entrepreneurs through open communication and strategic financial planning. Wassia emphasizes that value creation for entrepreneurs should be measured not just in financial terms but also in creating long-term sustainable growth. She also elaborates on the importance of finance leaders helping entrepreneurs carry out their vision while aligning on the balance sheet. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson interviews Michael Coombs, Executive in Residence, EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd., based in Japan, to explore the evolving role of CFOs and the importance of a data-first approach in driving value creation. Leveraging his extensive global professional background, Michael emphasizes the necessity for CFOs to focus on maintaining global competitiveness and supporting sustainable business models within their organizations. Michael shares that in his view, the most effective CFOs are those who are discontented and seek to innovate, seeing their roles as opportunities to elevate the organization and embrace transformation. However, to truly drive change, CFOs should also possess strong communication skills and an ability to simplify complex data-driven insights into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the EY Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson speaks with Julia Gudish Krieger, Managing Partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shares her innovative approach to empowering early-stage companies through a dynamic network of founders and investors. Drawing on her extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, Julia emphasizes the importance of community in driving success. She discusses how Pari Passu operates on a deal-by-deal basis, allowing smaller investments from a curated group of accredited investors, fostering collaboration and value beyond just capital. Julia highlights the role of technology in facilitating these interactions, including a mobile app designed to streamline communication within the community. She also shares insights into current investment themes, such as B2B SaaS, consumer tech, and wellness technology, while addressing the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of The Better Finance podcast, host Myles Corson welcomes Aaron Levine, CFO of Prophix, to discuss the evolving role of CFOs in today's rapidly changing business landscape. As organizations face ongoing digital disruption, driven by new technologies and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance, Aaron shares strategies to help CFOs navigate these challenges and deliver value. Aaron emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology and innovation to enhance financial processes and decision-making. He explains how CFOs can harness data and AI to create a single source of truth that delivers better insights, informing improved decision-making and streamlined operations. Additionally, Aaron also highlights the need for effective communication and building trust across the C-suite, as transparency and collaboration are vital for building a positive organizational culture. Throughout the conversation, Aaron draws on his extensive experience in finance and accounting, providing practical advice for aspiring and current CFOs. He explores the significance of continuous learning and professional development in attracting and retaining the best talent in finance. Listen to the episode and discover actionable insights that can shape your approach to finance leadership. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of The EY Better Finance Podcast, host Myles Corson explores cash management with Peter Kingma, EY-Parthenon Americas Working Capital Consulting Services Leader. Myles Corson interviews Peter Kingma, the EY-Parthenon Americas Working Capital Consulting Leader, to discuss the critical yet often overlooked aspect of cash management in business. Peter, drawing on his 15 years of experience at the EY organization and his recent book Cash is King, calls out the need for businesses to focus on cash flow, along with revenue and profitability. He argues that companies should prioritize all three metrics. During the conversation, Peter introduces the concept of a "cash leadership office" — an idea that instills a culture of placing cash management on an equal footing with other financial metrics. He believes that this concept is essential for finance leaders to unlock the potential for value creation and can help overcome a lack of visibility for informed decision-making. He also cites the findings of a proprietary EY resiliency index — How to drive operational resilience — highlighting the connection between adept cash management and the capacity of an enterprise to be resilient to market and economic instability. Peter recommends businesses to start improving liquidity by focusing on procurement processes, enhancing billing and collections, as well as optimizing supply chain management. He also stresses the importance of leveraging existing technology before jumping too quickly onto the artificial intelligence (AI) bandwagon — advocating a back-to-basics approach that maximizes current investments. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited    

In this episode of The EY Better Finance podcast, Cory Hrncirik discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing finance at Microsoft. Join host Myles Corson as he welcomes Cory Hrncirik, Modern Finance Lead at Microsoft, to discuss the transformation of Microsoft's finance function through the strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI). This episode of The EY Better Finance podcast delves into how AI is modernizing finance processes, enhancing forecasting accuracy and streamlining risk management. The conversation highlights Microsoft's journey toward innovation within its finance department, marked by the rapid adoption of Microsoft Copilot. Cory Hrncirik outlines the critical role of high-quality, structured and pre-indexed data as the cornerstone for successful AI implementation and the continuous evolution of data management practices at Microsoft. Moreover, the episode sheds light on the importance of a collaborative culture and systems thinking in achieving corporate objectives. It details Microsoft's strategic efforts to empower finance professionals as citizen developers, enabling them to leverage low code, no code tools, or partner with IT and engineering to  catalyze the finance function's transformation. Insightful and forward-looking, this episode provides a glimpse into how Microsoft's strategic approach to integrating finance and technology is securing its position in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. © 2024 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of The EY Better Finance Podcast, Wayne Andrews, CFO at The University of Sydney, discusses how integrating GenAI and robotics can drive transformation and enhance finance's value. Wayne Andrews, the Chief Financial Officer at The University of Sydney, shares his journey with host Myles Corson of revolutionizing the university's finance function. He navigates through the challenges of modernizing outdated systems and transforming the finance function from a purely transactional role into a key strategic partner. Wayne highlights the pivotal role of embracing innovative technologies, spotlighting the establishment of a robotics and generative AI (GenAI) center of excellence. This initiative has significantly improved service delivery and achieved remarkable cost savings. By cultivating a culture of innovation and openness to unconventional solutions, Wayne and his team have not only boosted operational efficiency but also fundamentally changed how the finance function is perceived within the academic community. This transformation has been important in elevating the finance function's strategic impact on the university's overall success. © 2024 Ernst & Young Global Limited