What’s next in tech for finance? Investing in the cloud

Technology continues to reshape our world and has been accelerated by the pandemic. As you rethink processes for the new environment, you may be asking how technology can help improve efficiency and effectiveness. This podcast is the next episode in the second season of our What’s next? podcast series for CFOs, controllers — anyone in finance. This season we’re focusing on what’s next in tech for the finance professional — discussing the benefits of technology through the lens of the finance function. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Paul Gaynor, leader of PwC’s Technology Consulting and Alliances businesses, and Scott Behrens, a PwC partner and information technology leader, to better understand the ways cloud-based business solutions are modernizing the workday. Topics include:1:00 - How businesses are using cloud technology. Whether it’s better analytics and the presentation of data, or having the ability to quickly develop new applications, we begin with an overview of how the cloud is transforming the way businesses run.4:25 - Solving today’s problems. Every functional area within the business can leverage cloud capabilities to drive transformation and growth. We discuss how cloud technologies have evolved from being just a cost-saving play.       11:49 - Adopting a new way of working. As businesses move into the cloud, it’s important to manage this new investment. We discuss the  behaviors and procedures organizations should have in place.   28:55 - The future of cloud technology. Cloud technology has given organizations the opportunity to rethink how to run their business—and that’s exciting. We close with a look at how the cloud will drive new products, business models, and a digitally-enabled workforce.Paul Gaynor is the Global Technology and Alliance Consulting Leader with responsibility for setting PwC’s network Technology and Alliance Consulting vision and strategy. Previously, Paul led the US Technology Sector and Management Consulting capabilities for Technology, Information Communication and Entertainment, and Consumer, Industrial Products sectors. In addition, Paul served as the Global Relationship Partner for several Technology clients, and was team member in building PwC’s working capital and revenue assurance businesses.Scott Behrens is a PwC partner with Strategy& and its Information Technology leader. With proven credentials in technology strategy and the alignment of IT strategies with associated business goals, Scott has extensive experience improving business performance through the design of new strategies and the creation of new capabilities and assets that support sustained value. Scott has significant experience in the analysis of process and technology architectures and in the quantification and direct capture of business benefits for the continued success of an organization.Heather Horn is PwC’s National office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 25 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].