The changing finance technology landscape: continuous processing, modular ecosystems, automated controls, and real-time visibility (and the risks these shifts introduce)
Technology trends and “AI” definitions: automation vs. machine learning vs. generative AI vs. agentic AI—what each means for governance and auditability
Five common challenges in finance tech projects and how to address them:
Cutting through vendor claims and AI hype
Integration complexity and hidden costs
Change management and proving ROI
Data quality readiness for AI and automation
Risk, security, and governance
Vendor Evaluation Scorecard: 20 criteria across five categories, including control “deal-breakers” (audit trails, segregation of duties, logging, SOC reporting, error handling)
Five-Year Total Cost Framework: software, implementation, data migration/cleanup, integration build & maintenance, internal costs, training, and ongoing operations (plus common underestimates)
Industry-specific considerations (manufacturing, distribution/wholesale, SaaS/tech, professional services)
Four-phase implementation roadmap with checkpoints and red flags: Assessment & Planning; Selection & Negotiation; Implementation & Testing; Optimization & Ongoing Governance
Working with external advisers (CPA/auditor involvement, implementation partner expectations, and common deficiencies to avoid)