How PwC’s CFO Thinks About AI, Talent, and the Future of Finance

In this episode, Tom is joined by Colin Wittmer, CFO of PwC. Colin's 31-year journey at PwC has seen him transition from the audit practice to a leadership role in finance, with a significant focus on deals and transaction services. Unlike the typical technology-centric CFO, Colin emphasizes the importance of human skills in AI-driven transformations. He offers insights into the evolving role of finance leaders, the impact of AI, and how to cultivate leadership within the organization. Guest Quote:“As a CFO, you see the whole picture… where a good CFO really excels is being able to connect the dots so everyone understands how something happening in one part of the business affects the rest.”“If you start managing the business like you have a lot of cash, you can easily go sideways when things get tough. It’s maintaining that discipline in good times and in bad times.”“Make the tough decisions early and stay the course. The companies that don’t come out of restructuring are the ones that defer making the hard decisions.”Timestamps:01:07 Colin Wittmer's Career Journey02:27 Insights on M&A and Finance Leadership07:34 The Role of AI in Modern Finance08:49 AI Implementation at PwC12:58 Balancing Human Skills and Technology14:44 Continuous Learning and Adaptation25:43 Advice for Aspiring CFOs26:50 Balancing Client and Firm Management27:54 The Importance of Leadership28:26 Evaluating Career Decisions29:54 Market Trends in M&A31:52 Red Flags in Finance Functions34:58 Future of the CFO Role41:30 Personal Insights and Hobbies44:41 Recommended Reads and Conclusion Links & Resources:Connect with Tom GavaghanConnect with Colin WittmerLearn more about KyribaLearn more about PwC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.