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The modern CFO: Not just the what but the how

Apr 23, 2025 · Authored by Bruno Carlucci Pontes, Lauren Nadler, CFO, One Pay, Armita Rostamian, CFO, Vagaro

From the 2025 Technology Finance Symposium - West

Baker Tilly managing director Bruno Carlucci Pontes was joined by two accomplished finance leaders for a discussion on the evolving role of the modern CFO. Guests included Silicon Valley CFOs: Laura Nadler, CFO of fintech company One Pay, and Armita Rostamian, CFO of Vagaro, a business management software company specializing in the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries.

Nadler brought a wealth of experience from both public companies and startups, having previously served as North America CFO of Afterpay. At OnePay, she oversees a rapidly expanding suite of financial products. Nadler emphasized that while the core purpose of the CFO remains unchanged, the methods have evolved significantly. “At its heart, in my mind, a good CFO and a good finance organization, the role is to help the business make better decisions,” she said. Nadler highlighted the importance of unit economics in guiding sustainable growth and described how her team uses tools like Cube for flexible financial planning, while also exploring emerging AI tools like Concourse.

Rostamian, with a background in venture capital and private companies, shared her transition to a more EBITDA-focused environment. She underscored the increasing complexity of the CFO role, particularly in balancing innovation with internal controls. “You don’t want to be the road blocker that stops innovation … because you want to encourage that culture of fail fast and move forward. That’s how the companies grow,” she explained. Rostamian described how her team integrates finance into early-stage product discussions and uses streamlined approval workflows to embed risk awareness without stifling creativity.

Both guests agreed that technology is reshaping the CFO role. CFOs are now expected to be conversant in tools like ChatGPT, not just for automation but for strategic insight. Nadler recounted using AI to analyze Klarna’s S-1 filing, saying, “I uploaded it to ChatGPT… and had an hour and a half long conversation with ChatGPT, asking it questions about things in the filing.”

The session also explored new skill sets required in finance teams. Collaboration, strategic thinking and data interpretation are now as critical as technical proficiency. Rostamian noted, “It’s no longer about just putting the data in and reporting on the number.”

In conclusion, the modern CFO is no longer just a financial steward but a strategic partner, technologist and change leader – someone who drives business decisions, fosters innovation and navigates complexity in a fast-evolving landscape.