Mac Weaver, SVP and GM APAC, BlackLine, 0
The world is swiftly transforming to become more digitally oriented, particularly within the finance sector. Traditional financial institutions are experiencing significant digital changes to cater to the demands of both new and existing clients who desire a more customized and personalized financial experience via digital platforms. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Asia, Mac Weaver, SVP and GM APAC, BlackLine, shares his insights on how latest technologies are reshaping the finance sector and key elements to consider while building future-ready finance teams.
How are artificial intelligence and machine learning reshaping financial decision-making and risk assessment?
AI and machine learning are giving CFOs something they have always wanted but never quite had: real-time insight. Finance has traditionally been about looking in the rear-view mirror and analyzing what has already happened. But today, with the help of predictive analytics, finance leaders can finally take a forward-facing approach.
That means spotting risks before they snowball, catching fraud or compliance issues the moment they pop up, and modelling what could happen next with far more confidence. And in fast-paced industries like fintech, retail, or manufacturing, that kind of agility makes a world of difference.
We are seeing this shift take off in India too. The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) expects AI adoption in finance to grow at 32percent annually, especially in areas like risk modelling, cash flow forecasting, and credit scoring. So, it’s no surprise that finance is evolving from a back-office reporting function into a proactive, strategic powerhouse for decision-making.
What key skills, technologies, and mindsets are essential to building future-ready finance teams?
It is no longer enough to just be good with numbers. Today’s finance teams need to pair technical chops with strategic thinking. The future-ready finance professional understands cloud solutions, robotic process automation (RPA), and data analytics, but they must also know how to translate all that into insights that matter.
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What really sets people apart now is their ability to tell a story with the data, work effectively with colleagues across different functions, and see the bigger picture. That is what turns finance into a real business partner, not just a support role.
According to McKinsey, 83percent of global finance leaders expect automation to significantly reshape their teams’ skillsets by 2026.
In India, we are seeing companies proactively reskilling their finance teams, not just to stay relevant, but to lead the way. The spreadsheet whizz of yesterday is becoming tomorrow’s strategic advisor.
What is the strategic role of IT in enabling the digital transformation of finance?
IT is very much the engine behind meaningful finance transformation. Many businesses are still juggling legacy ERP systems that do not talk to each other properly, resulting in fragmented processes and messy data. That is where IT steps in. It connects systems, streamlines data, and helps everything work in sync.
At BlackLine, we have seen how game-changing it is when IT gives finance the right tools like cloud-native, AI-powered solutions. It means essential but time-heavy tasks like reconciliations can be automated. Compliance controls and audit trails are built in. Finance teams gain clarity, speed, and control, all at once.
And speed really does matter. Quicker close cycles, more accurate reporting, and better data integrity all depend on strong, scalable systems. When finance and IT work closely together, the impact is felt across the entire business.
How can CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs align on digital finance strategies and foster collaboration?
Digital transformation is not something any one team can tackle on their own. It only really works when CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs come together, each bringing their own expertise to the table.
The CFO has the pulse on the numbers, compliance, and financial strategy. The CIO makes sure the infrastructure is secure, reliable, and future-ready. And the CTO introduces the latest innovations, things like AI and automation, to help push the boundaries of what’s possible.
What unites them is a shared goal. Better data, quicker decisions, and more value from finance. Solutions like what BlackLine offers act as a bridge between these roles, automating the boring bits, ensuring data quality, and providing full visibility. When that happens, finance becomes less of a support function and more of a strategic partner to the entire business.
How is automation redefining roles within finance, and what opportunities does it bring?
Automation is doing more than streamlining processes. It’s transforming the finance profession. By automating time-consuming tasks like journal entries and reconciliations, finance professionals are free to focus on what truly matters such as forecasting and strategic risk management.
Also Read: Digital Onboarding Trends Every Fintech Leader Should Embrace
We are also seeing CFOs increasingly treat finance and accounting as the launchpad for wider digital transformation. It’s where automation can deliver quick wins, prove ROI early, and set a new standard for efficiency across the business.
In India, this momentum is picking up. Deloitte reports that 78percent of CFOs plan to boost their automation investments in 2025, and 69 percent are prioritizing upskilling to keep pace. That dual focus is key because while automation lifts the burden, it also demands new capabilities.If we’re serious about transformation, investing in talent is just as important as investing in technology.
What is the strategic role of IT in enabling the digital transformation of finance?
IT is very much the engine behind meaningful finance transformation. Many businesses are still juggling legacy ERP systems that do not talk to each other properly, resulting in fragmented processes and messy data. That is where IT steps in. It connects systems, streamlines data, and helps everything work in sync.
At BlackLine, we have seen how game-changing it is when IT gives finance the right tools like cloud-native, AI-powered solutions. It means essential but time-heavy tasks like reconciliations can be automated. Compliance controls and audit trails are built in. Finance teams gain clarity, speed, and control, all at once.
And speed really does matter. Quicker close cycles, more accurate reporting, and better data integrity all depend on strong, scalable systems. When finance and IT work closely together, the impact is felt across the entire business.
How can CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs align on digital finance strategies and foster collaboration?
Digital transformation is not something any one team can tackle on their own. It only really works when CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs come together, each bringing their own expertise to the table.
The CFO has the pulse on the numbers, compliance, and financial strategy. The CIO makes sure the infrastructure is secure, reliable, and future-ready. And the CTO introduces the latest innovations, things like AI and automation, to help push the boundaries of what’s possible.
What unites them is a shared goal. Better data, quicker decisions, and more value from finance. Solutions like what BlackLine offers act as a bridge between these roles, automating the boring bits, ensuring data quality, and providing full visibility. When that happens, finance becomes less of a support function and more of a strategic partner to the entire business.
If we’re serious about transformation, investing in talent is just as important as investing in technology
How is automation redefining roles within finance, and what opportunities does it bring?
Automation is doing more than streamlining processes. It’s transforming the finance profession. By automating time-consuming tasks like journal entries and reconciliations, finance professionals are free to focus on what truly matters such as forecasting and strategic risk management.
Also Read: Digital Onboarding Trends Every Fintech Leader Should Embrace
We are also seeing CFOs increasingly treat finance and accounting as the launchpad for wider digital transformation. It’s where automation can deliver quick wins, prove ROI early, and set a new standard for efficiency across the business.
In India, this momentum is picking up. Deloitte reports that 78percent of CFOs plan to boost their automation investments in 2025, and 69 percent are prioritizing upskilling to keep pace. That dual focus is key because while automation lifts the burden, it also demands new capabilities.If we’re serious about transformation, investing in talent is just as important as investing in technology.