The Evolving Role of Finance Leaders - Navigating with Technology and Foresight

Matt has spent most of his 25+ year career helping clients identify opportunities apply technology to address strategic challenges and opportunities. Specifically, he focuses on enabling clients to capitalize on technology to expand margins, reduce risk and drive growth. Currently, he is responsible for leading the BDO Digital strategy for the East Region. For the previous 10+ years he focused on the Manufacturing and Distribution industry by leading those efforts for the Mid Market while at EY. Additionally, he managed several Fortune 100 M&D clients across all services including Advisory, Digital, Risk, Tax and M&A. Through this holistic lens he is able to identify key client challenges and develop the most cost-effective solutions which may include components of many services rather than being the proverbial hammer looking for a nail

Prior to EY, Matt 15+ years in the technology industry (IBM, Oracle/Hyperion) with a focus on Data Management, Analytics, Reporting and AI. His clients valued his ability to connect the dots between Finance and Technology by demystifying complexities and having a laser focus on the business objective. This ability is based on not only the technical depth but his strong foundation of Corporate Finance at Citi as well as M&A at IBM Software Group.

Kristen Liester is the Regional Vice President of Managed Business Solutions for Robert Half, the world’s first and largest talent solutions firm. In her role, she serves as a liaison between Robert Half Talent Solutions and Protiviti Consulting, bridging expertise to deliver comprehensive support and custom solutions for clients. With nearly a decade of dedicated service, she has held various leadership roles, including Client Solutions Director, Contract Finance and Accounting Division Director, and Downtown and Midtown Branch Director, significantly contributing to the success of the NYC team.

Andrea is a Managing Director in Protiviti’s Business Performance Improvement Solution. Andrea leads Protiviti’s Business Planning & Analysis practice, providing clients with the tools necessary to navigate complex scenarios, adapt to business changes, and achieve significant outcomes. Prior to joining Protiviti, Andrea spent more than 20 years in various finance and accounting leadership roles across corporate finance, divisional strategic finance, FP&A, SEC reporting and technical accounting. At Protiviti, Andrea serves clients in various industries, guiding them through their finance transformation and public company readiness journeys, as well as enhancing business performance through financial planning and advanced analytics, operational effectiveness, strategic cost optimization, and innovation.

Chris Wright, from Protiviti’s New York office, is the firm-wide Managing Director of our Business Performance Improvement solution, which includes our Public Company Transformation and Financial Reporting Remediation and Compliance groups, as well as our ESG Steering Committee. He has over thirty years of experience serving clients as an external auditor, including 6 years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG), and as an internal auditor and financial reporting risk consultant.  

At Protiviti, Chris has provided internal audit out-sourcing and co-sourcing, Sarbanes-Oxley readiness and compliance services, and significant assistance to companies experiencing restatements, regulatory inquiries, stock compensation and other financial investigations and difficulties in implementing new accounting pronouncements, including revenue recognition and lease accounting. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from Franciscan University, a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.

Chris serves on the boards of several charitable, civic, educational and business organizations. His work in Financial Reporting Remediation and Compliance has also involved a significant commitment to public speaking and the development and delivery of internal and external training.