The CFO’s new mandate

People talking while standing and looking at a laptop
  • Insight
  • 2 minute read
  • August 11, 2026
Ruth McNamee

Ruth McNamee

Partner, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

As AI accelerates decision-making, the CFO’s role is expanding. Finance leaders are no longer responsible only for reporting performance, allocating capital and maintaining control. They are increasingly expected to build trust in the data, governance, and insights that shape enterprise decisions. In an uncertain environment, speed matters. But speed only creates value when leaders have confidence in the information they use to act.

For CFOs, data is no longer simply a reporting asset; it’s a strategic asset. As AI becomes embedded in finance operations and decision-making, organisations that can rely on the accuracy of their data, govern it effectively, and hold clear ownership over it will move faster, manage risk better, and outperform their competitors.

Ruth McNamee, Partner

This creates a practical mandate: strengthen the data foundation, embed assurance into AI-enabled processes, and prepare finance teams for a more human-led, technology-powered future. To discover how, read the complete insight.

Explore the CFO’s new mandate

See how finance can build trust in data and AI.

Contact us

Ruth McNamee

Ruth McNamee

Partner, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 87 601 0605

Jens Gladikowski

Jens Gladikowski

Director, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 87 765 9746

Follow PwC Ireland