Note:

This episode is a pod swap from The Diary of a CFO. We’re sharing it here to help you discover another excellent show in the finance leadership space. All content belongs to the original podcast and host Wassia Kamon.

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with Paul S. Young, EVP and CFO at Liberty Bank, to uncover what modern finance leadership looks like in an era of rapid transformation. With decades of experience across institutions like TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and Siemens, Paul shares how CFOs can lead with purpose by aligning strategy, driving innovation, and cultivating future-ready talent. From intelligent automation to authentic leadership, this episode offers a comprehensive framework for CFOs navigating complexity at scale.

Paul S. Young is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. With over 25 years of experience spanning finance, digital transformation, and strategy, Paul is a respected leader in shaping the future of finance. He serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, helping steer the next generation of financial professionals.

Expect to Learn

• How Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its budgeting cycle for real impact
• Why creating a Business Transformation Office and EPMO was a game-changer
• Where AI and intelligent automation fit in the finance function, without losing the human touch
• How finance apprenticeship and rotational programs are developing future leaders
• Paul’s leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and work-life balance

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You prepare for this all your life. Have the courage of your convictions and don’t be afraid to fail.” – Paul S. Young
• “AI won’t replace people, but it will replace the people who don’t embrace AI.” – Paul Young

Connect with Guest Paul S. Young

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pyoungcpa/

Liberty Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct/

Liberty Bank (Website): https://www.liberty-bank.com/

AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group: https://www.aicpa-cima.com

Connect with Host Wassia Kamon on

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/

Connect with The Diary of a CFO Podcast on

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featured

Website: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com

X (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo?

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@csuitestories?

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction to Paul Young and His Role at Liberty Bank

[00:02:00] – From Prudential Insurance to CFO: Paul's Career Journey

[00:07:11] – Lessons from the Transition to Corporate CFO

[00:12:15] – Aligning Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Agility

[00:18:40] – Launching the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)

[00:24:00] – How the Business Transformation Office Enables Intelligent Automation

[00:31:00] – AI in Finance: Balancing Tech and Human Judgment

[00:37:20] – Cultivating Talent Through Apprenticeships and Rotational Programs

[00:46:00] – Paul’s Leadership Principles: Authenticity, Gratitude, and Balance

[00:47:45] – Personal Reflections: Family, Boating, and Life as “PopPop”