Fresh Insights from Ilona Abram - Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group

From Dreams of Acting to Leading Finance - The Journey of Ilona Abram In this episode of Books in the Boardroom podcast, Ilona Abram shares her unconventional journey from aspiring actress to Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group. Hosted by Sumith, Ilona delves into her diverse career path, including her roles in HR, IT, and risk procurement beyond traditional finance. The discussion covers her experiences with significant business growth, mergers, and acquisitions, as well as her strategic approach to continuous improvement in finance. Ilona also shares insights on the evolving role of CFOs, the importance of cross-functional relationships, and the potential impact of AI in finance. This episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge for aspiring finance professionals, emphasising the value of continuous learning and adaptability.00:00 Introduction to Ilona Abram's Role00:28 Welcome to the Podcast01:01 Ilona's Career Journey03:49 Current Role at Aquatic Achievers Group05:20 Challenges and Growth in the Role06:59 Evolving Role of the CFO09:42 Continuous Improvement in Finance14:45 Impact of AI in Finance19:42 Returning to Brisbane: A New Challenge24:10 Diverse Industry Experience27:24 Advice for Young Finance Professionals28:10 Conclusion and FarewellThanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at [email protected] to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!