CFOs shift to strategic oversight in M&A and tech investment

The role of the Chief Financial Officer has evolved from historical financial oversight to a central position in strategic decision-making. Prashant Mahagaonkar, Group CFO at fintech firm Perfios, notes that modern finance leaders are increasingly responsible for evaluating acquisition risks, managing complex integrations, and ensuring long-term value creation.

Drawing on his experience scaling CitiusTech and managing international M&A, Mahagaonkar highlights the tension between founder-led ambition and financial discipline. He suggests that the key to success is establishing clear operational frameworks that allow for business flexibility without compromising compliance or financial health.

Integration remains a core challenge. Beyond merging financial systems and ensuring regulatory compliance, Mahagaonkar argues that integrating personnel and corporate culture is a critical financial responsibility, as unchecked redundancy can undermine the success of any transaction.

Technology investments are also under tighter scrutiny. As product lifecycles accelerate, finance departments are tasked with evaluating AI and software spend with greater precision. Mahagaonkar emphasizes that CFOs must ensure these investments provide measurable returns within shorter timeframes to maintain a competitive edge.