Leveraging audit data analytics for strategic insight
Accounting for the Future
How can audit teams turn data into a strategic asset? This episode of Accounting for the Future explores the real-world impact of data analytics on the audit profession. Host Anne-Marie Henson welcomes Dominic Chow, Head of Operations, Technology Risk Assurance at BDO Canada, for a candid discussion on how analytics is reshaping audits. They explore how technology is enabling auditors to move beyond traditional compliance, using data to proactively identify risks, uncover opportunities, and deliver more value to organizations. They also discuss the importance of robust data governance, the...
info_outline
Cybersecurity risk management as a strategic business priority
Accounting for the Future
In this milestone 50th episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson and Rob Philpotts, a Partner in BDO’s Cybersecurity practice, explore how cyber threats have evolved into a strategic business priority for organizations of all sizes and offer actionable advice for CFOs and finance leaders. They also cover the impact of geopolitical activities on cybersecurity, real-world examples illustrating how cyber incidents can disrupt operations, and why even small and medium businesses must be vigilant. This episode highlights why integrating cybersecurity into business...
info_outline
Protecting business value: Strategies for sustainability and resilience
Accounting for the Future
As climate volatility and new regulatory pressures escalate, business leaders are increasingly framing complex strategic decisions through the lens of sustainability and resilience. In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson, Partner, National Industry Leader, sits down with Simon Hutton, National Sustainability Leader, to discuss how organizations are integrating sustainability into proactive risk management, navigating growing pressures, and using data to stay transparent. With grounded insights and practical examples, this episode offers CFOs, audit...
info_outline
Rethinking the ROI of organizational learning
Accounting for the Future
Learning and development (L&D)—is it just a cost centre, or is it a performance lever, retention strategy, and competitive advantage for your organization? Join host Anne-Marie Henson on Accounting for the Future as of L&D with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Development Officer at BDO Canada. If people are your greatest asset, this episode is your blueprint for turning learning into a strategic engine for growth. What you’ll hear in this episode: [01:38] Keith’s journey: What sparked a passion for learning [05:34] Reframing L&D: From cost centre to...
info_outline
Breaking barriers: What CFOs need to know about Canada’s interprovincial trade landscape
Accounting for the Future
What do interprovincial trade barriers mean for Canadian businesses and what’s changing? In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson sits down with Jonathan (Jono) Kalles, Vice President of McMillan Vantage and former advisor to the Prime Minister, to unpack the implications of Bill C-5 and how the interprovincial trade landscape is evolving in Canada. From the removal of federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to the complexities of provincial cooperation, they explore the economic, regulatory, and strategic shifts underway. Hear practical...
info_outline
Working with your board
Accounting for the Future
How can you communicate effectively with your board and turn them into one of your most valuable strategic assets? In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Anthony Marinelli, Board Chair and Partner, Assurance-East Leader at BDO Canada, and Janet Boyle, Independent Board Member at BDO Canada and Senior Vice President at RBC. Together, they unpack how CEOs and senior leaders can foster trust, transparency, and strategic alignment with their boards. Tune in to hear practical advice on the role and value of independent board members, leveraging your...
info_outline
Going private: Why companies are exiting capital markets and who’s buying them
Accounting for the Future
In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by , to unpack what's fueling the rise in companies going private. They discuss how current market conditions, including interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and undervalued assets, are influencing M&A activity in 2025. The conversation also covers why private equity is eyeing public markets, what makes a company an attractive target, and the ongoing valuation gap between buyers and sellers. What you’ll hear in this episode: [1:38] Market comparisons between 2022 and 2025, and what they mean for...
info_outline
Unlocking value in the finance function
Accounting for the Future
In today’s evolving market, finance leaders are moving beyond traditional back-office functions to become strategic leaders and value creators. Anne-Marie sits down with Jesus Ballesteros and Charlotte Zhen of BDO’s value creation team, to explore how the modern CFO is transforming into a chief value creation officer—aligning finance, operations, and strategy while leading digital transformation to boost efficiency and long-term growth. What you’ll hear in this episode [4:07] The role of historical and current market fluctuations when analyzing and creating effective margin...
info_outline
Scaling AI in the manufacturing industry
Accounting for the Future
Host Anne-Marie Henson sits down with Paul Dostaler, BDO’s Partner and National Manufacturing and Distribution Leader, to unpack how manufacturers can move beyond pilots and start scaling AI effectively. They explore the current pace of AI adoption in Canada, the roadblocks many businesses face, and what’s needed to realize long-term ROI. The episode features data from Momentum: BDO's Manufacturing and Distribution Leadership Report. . What you’ll hear in this episode: [1:33] AI overview: Rate of adoption and key trends. [5:08] Challenges in AI adoption. [9:30] Considerations...
info_outline
The evolving impact of women in leadership roles
Accounting for the Future
Host Anne-Marie Henson welcomes two of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada: Shilpa Mishra, Managing Director and National Leader of Capital Advisory at BDO, and Alyssa Barry, co-founder of irlabs and President at Alliance Advisors. They discuss navigating male-dominated industries, the power of authenticity and allyship, and how economic uncertainty impacts their roles. The conversation explores strategies for success, the future of women in leadership, and the importance of mentorship in driving gender equality. What you’ll hear in this episode: [1:54] Career paths of...
info_outlineIn today’s evolving market, finance leaders are moving beyond traditional back-office functions to become strategic leaders and value creators. Anne-Marie sits down with Jesus Ballesteros and Charlotte Zhen of BDO’s value creation team, to explore how the modern CFO is transforming into a chief value creation officer—aligning finance, operations, and strategy while leading digital transformation to boost efficiency and long-term growth.
What you’ll hear in this episode
[4:07] The role of historical and current market fluctuations when analyzing and creating effective margin strategies.
[9:08] How today’s CFOs are shifting from back-office operators to strategic value creators.
[11:53] Why CFOs must adopt a strategic mindset to create value beyond finance and operations—regardless of company size.
[13:46] How finance leaders at smaller firms can take the lead in digital transformation to improve efficiency.
[16:36] Common inefficiencies companies face when launching value creation initiatives—and how to avoid them.
[22:00] The importance of strong performance metrics in enabling smarter, data-driven business decisions.
[26:04] Key financial and operational metrics that CFOs should track to continue to drive value.
[30:03] The vital role finance plays in shaping corporate strategy and guiding decision-making through accurate, actionable data.
[36:29] Actionable advice for CFOs looking to expand their impact and drive greater value across their organization.
Mentioned:
“If there's one skill that CFOs need to learn nowadays—it’s how to implement strategy effectively. This is because they’re at the centre of all activity within the firm and are uniquely positioned to execute those plans.”
“Finance is at the core of being able to bring different functions together towards a common goal. It’s important that they are seen as partners towards driving success.”
“Finance teams can really add value by providing ongoing visibility into what is going on in the business. From a numbers perspective, they act as an advisor to ensure that all the operational efforts translate into positive financial results.”
“The voice of finance at the table is very important when doing digital transformation. It’s important that CFOs understand how digital transformation impacts operations and how it can make the finance function itself much more efficient.”