The Modern CFO: Building the Digital Core

In this episode of the Professional Services Podcast Modern CFO Series, the discussion focuses on how modern chief financial officers (CFOs) are building a connected digital core. Partner and Professional Services Leader Kristin Bettorf, Assurance Services Partner Scott Duda (Retired) and CFO Advisory Director Alex Wiley explain what a digital core means and how it connects people, processes, technology and data to support stronger finance performance.

The conversation highlights common technology challenges for professional services firms, including disconnected systems and fragmented data, and explains why integrated, reliable data is essential for AI adoption. It also outlines practical approaches for improving performance, such as prioritizing high-impact processes like order-to-cash and using AI to support automation, analytics and decision-making.

Tune in to learn about:

  • What the digital core means for professional services firms and its importance
  • How people, processes and technology support finance transformation
  • Why disconnected systems create visibility gaps and impact margins
  • Key requirements for AI adoption, including integrated systems and reliable data
  • Where CFOs can begin applying AI across finance processes
  • How standardizing workflows and connected systems can improve efficiency and insight

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Alex Wiley Headshot

Alex Wiley

CFO Advisory

Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Kristin Bettorf headshot

Kristin Bettorf

Professional Services Industry Leader

Tax Services
Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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