In this season of the Accounting for the Future podcast, we feature three timely, previously aired episodes with additional insights and background information, in addition to three brand-new episodes.

In today's episode, host Anne-Marie Henson, Partner, Eastern Canada & SMB Leader at BDO, is joined by Mary Matthews, Partner in BDO's Accounting Advisory Group. Together, they reflect on the impact of the great resignation on the finance function as well as some of the best and worst things to come out of hybrid work. Listeners can revisit the still-relevant insights from BDO Alumni and current Chair of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB), Armand Capisciolto and Barbara Palmegiani, Partner, and CFO Services Leader to listen to their discussion on the future of the finance function.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[:10] An overview of what to expect from Season 5.

[2:40] The best – and worst – things that have resulted from hybrid work.

[9:51] Armand Capisciolto introduces Barb Palmegian.

[11:25] The state of the finance function prior to the great resignation.

[13:14] The skills of a "future fit plan".

[15:31] Finance function in the past and key differentiators from the present day.

[20:48] Altering the CPA reaction to mid-career change.

[23:35] The impact of remote work on connectedness and relationship building.

[27:10] Developing a CFO community and network that is supportive.

[30:14] Addressing the risk associated with a record number of CFOs that are resigning from the finance profession.

[34:06] Recommendations for managing resignation risks on a timely basis.

[36:03] Best next steps for CFOs in this decade of disruption.

Mentioned

Anne-Marie Henson

Barbara Palmegiani

BDO

Mary Matthews

The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career, by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis

Quotes:

"Embracing all this new technology has been a great advantage but a little bit of a challenge as well."

"This decade is the decade of disruption. It's just a matter of time before we're saying, 'here we go again'."

"We've got to find ways of increasing the connectedness, and at the same time working remotely, and those two things don't have to actually be mutually exclusive."

"Transformation is not just about influencing more and more technology; it's about reimagining the entire business model."