Paul brings over 25 years of experience leading finance, strategy, business transformation, and digital innovation across major institutions such as Citizens Bank, TD Bank, CIT, and Siemens Financial Services. Beyond his role, Paul serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, shaping the next generation of financial leaders.
Together, Wassia and Paul explore how today’s CFO must balance strategic leadership, technology adoption, and human connection. From aligning strategic planning with budgeting to building enterprise transformation offices and developing future-ready finance talent, this episode is a blueprint for modern finance leadership.
Whether you’re a CFO, aspiring leader, or finance professional navigating digital disruption, you’ll gain practical lessons on transformation, AI, and authentic leadership.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Strategic CFO Leadership: Paul reveals how Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its annual budgeting cycle, ensuring alignment, accountability, and agility in execution.
2. Transformation in Action: He shares how creating a Business Transformation Office and an Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) helped Liberty Bank execute strategic initiatives with excellence and discipline.
3. Intelligent Automation & AI: Paul discusses the practical use of AI, from robotic process automation (RPA) to generative AI, and how “intelligent automation” can drive productivity while preserving the irreplaceable human touch.
4. Talent & Apprenticeships: Through the Registered Finance Business Partner Apprenticeship and CFO Rotational Program, Paul is cultivating a new generation of finance professionals, empowering talent from diverse, nontraditional backgrounds.
5. Authentic Leadership & Work-Life Balance: Paul’s leadership philosophy centers on gratitude, authenticity, and family. His best career advice? “Enjoy the journey.”
🗣️ Noteworthy Quotes
“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
“The strategic plan is useless if it sits on a shelf. You have to execute with excellence.” – Paul S. Young
“Enjoy the journey. Be your authentic self and lead with gratitude.” – Paul Young
⏱️ Key Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Paul Young and his career at Liberty Bank
02:00 – Paul’s journey from Prudential Insurance to CFO leadership
07:11 – Transitioning from deputy CFO to corporate CFO
12:15 – How strategic planning drives Liberty Bank’s budgeting process
18:40 – Creating the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)
24:00 – Building the Business Transformation Office for intelligent automation
31:00 – How AI and human judgment coexist in modern finance
37:20 – Liberty Bank’s Registered Finance Business Partner Apprenticeship
46:00 – Leadership lessons: authenticity, balance, and gratitude
47:45 – Family, boating, and life as a proud “PopPop”
👉 If becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here: http://thecfo.scoreapp.com
📬 Get Involved
Have a question or topic suggestion?
Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.com
🔗 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/
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