CFO Corner: Angela Nam, FTI Consulting

Angela Nam took on the role of CFO at FTI Consulting, a Washington, DC-based firm, in May, having previously served as CFO of FTAI Aviation since 2022. Before that, she enjoyed a successful career in private equity at Fortress Investment Group and as a senior manager auditor at KPMG. During a recent interview with Global Finance magazine, Nam discussed the essential aspects of her career, the role of AI in finance, and advice for aspiring CFOs.

Nam highlighted her career's focus on driving sustainable growth and value creation through transformation and market change. She valued leading finance functions at various stages, including private equity-backed businesses, IPOs, and multinational public companies, which gave her a comprehensive perspective on growth, capital allocation, and value creation.

Moreover, she emphasized creating finance functions that provide strategic insights rather than merely reporting results. Developing talented teams and future leaders was also a crucial part of her leadership journey.

The CFO's primary responsibilities involve partnering with business leaders to align financial strategy with the firm's growth priorities. In the context of FTI Consulting's expert-led approach, finance plays a pivotal role in supporting client navigation of complex challenges and opportunities. This implies evaluating investments, allocating resources, and assessing opportunities that enhance the organization's ability to serve clients and generate long-term value.

For Nam, a successful team is built on technical expertise, accountability, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. She believes that a great team challenges assumptions, shares new ideas, and learns from one another. Throughout her career, Nam found herself in such environments, which led her to firmly believe that empowering people to grow and contribute benefits the entire organization.

When it comes to AI's impact on the finance function, Nam sees it as a powerful enabler that can automate routine processes, accelerate data analysis, enhance forecasting, and provide timely insights. However, she emphasizes the importance of high-quality data, strong governance, and human judgment in maximizing AI's potential.

When advising aspiring CFOs, Nam stresses the importance of understanding the broader business context behind financial decisions. Strong communication and leadership skills are also crucial for influencing decisions, building alignment, and helping organizations navigate change. To be successful, leaders must be adaptable, embrace continuous learning, and invest in building strong teams.

Ultimately, Nam's focus remains on ensuring FTI Consulting remains resilient, adaptable, and well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities while continuously creating long-term value for its people, clients, and shareholders.