What's next in tech for finance? Getting ROI from your tech

Published: Dec. 17, 2020, 8 p.m.

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 last 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 Thomas Puthiyamadam, PwC’s Consumer Markets & Digital Products Leader, to look at who the winners are when investing in digital.

Topics include:

  • 1:04 -  Overview. The pandemic has caused companies to be more digitally aggressive. We begin by looking at how product and service innovation is the key to rebuilding business and enhancing revenue.  
  • 5:18 - Drive results. What distinguishes the companies who are seeing ROI on their digital investments? Tom outlines what it takes to be a transcender in four key points 
    • 8:36 - Make people the most important asset
    • 9:19 - Mandate change
    • 9:55 - Commit to your investments
    • 10:30 - Evolve your culture
  • 14:54 - Find your hidden superpower. Tom helps companies tap into their hidden superpower to get ahead of disruption.
  • 25:34 - Be resilient. To be resilient, you need to be flexible. Tom talks about the importance of having options for growth.
  • 29:44 - Be brave. Now is the time to take big swings. We close by looking at how to maximize technology to gain momentum around innovation and new offerings.      

Thomas Puthiyamadam is PwC’s Consumer Markets & PwC's Digital Products Leader. In this role, he is responsible for leading the growth and reinvention of PwC’s travel, hospitality, consumer goods, and retail practice.

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 nearly 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.