Finance transformation in the age of AI

Jun 12, 2025

Adam Kennedy, PwC's consumer markets finance leader, and Edward Ponagai, a partner specializing in back-office transformations, delve into the future of finance. They discuss the concept of 'terminal value,' exploring how top finance functions might be reaching the limits of cost-cutting. The duo emphasizes the transformative power of agentic AI in finance workflows, reshaping strategies and enhancing operational efficiencies. They also highlight the need for finance professionals to adapt through upskilling in this data-driven world, blending human insights with technology.

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INSIGHT

Finance Cost Cutting Terminal Value

Top quartile finance functions have reduced costs significantly but are now approaching a limit.
The focus is shifting from cost cutting to generating insights and delivering value to the business.

INSIGHT

Data and Talent in Finance Models

AI and data are now foundational elements in modern finance operating models.
Finance leaders must decide whether to build capabilities in-house or rent expertise from external sources.

INSIGHT

CFO’s Role in Data Strategy

CFOs must engage strategically with data sourcing alongside CIOs.
Finance teams need tighter collaboration with IT or to develop in-house data skills.

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In this special episode, we explore whether top-performing finance functions have reached a “terminal value” in their cost-cutting journey – and what comes next. As technologies like AI and advanced analytics evolve, finance leaders are shifting focus from efficiency to insight – rethinking operating models, talent strategies, and what it means to create value in a digital era.

In this episode, we discuss:

1:18 – What “terminal value” means in finance and why top-performing functions may be approaching the limits of traditional cost-cutting
4:57 – How evolving finance operating models are incorporating new approaches to data, talent, and technology
9:07 – The rise of agentic AI and how autonomous agents are beginning to impact finance workflows
18:51 – Key leadership priorities for finance organizations navigating AI adoption and long-term transformation

For more insights, read our publication Have top performing finance functions reached terminal value in the age of AI?

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About our guests

Adam Kennedy is a PwC consumer markets finance leader focusing on business process improvement and finance effectiveness for Fortune 500 companies with an emphasis in retail, hospitality, and gaming. Adam provides consulting services on technology-driven finance transformation, end-to-end revenue stream management, merger integration support, financial analysis and reporting, risk management, and process improvement.

Edward Ponagai is a PwC partner who leads large-scale back office transformations and merger integrations. He helps CFOs think through their organization’s big picture vision and purpose and drill down to address organizational challenges, operational processes, and technological innovations.

About our guest host

Guest host Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA’s Professional Practices Group.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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