A conversation with Brian Mulvihill, Deputy Group CFO of Ascentium
How do you manage financial operations across multiple countries and markets?
A: The first thing to get right is the people. We enable our teams globally to satisfy all local financial and regulatory reporting requirements while also supporting the broader commercial needs of the business.
We set global standards, but we apply them locally, ensuring consistency while still respecting the specific requirements of each jurisdiction.
How is the role of a CFO changing in global companies today?
A: At Ascentium, finance is involved in every key strategic decision.
That includes M&A, tech investments, and commercial analytics. Our role is to help the business stay on track with its financial plan, identify when corrective action is needed, and ensure we’re aligned with long-term strategic priorities.
Finance isn’t just a reporting function anymore; it’s a partner to the business.
What are the biggest financial challenges when operating across multiple jurisdictions?
When you operate across so many jurisdictions, you’re dealing with multiple tax regimes, currencies, and reporting requirements.
The challenge is ensuring we meet all local obligations while still supporting our global strategy. It’s a balancing act: maintaining compliance everywhere, without losing sight of the bigger picture.
What should finance leaders focus on when scaling across multiple markets?
A: Start with the people. Having the right talent in local markets is critical.
Then make sure they’re equipped with the tools, including systems that can scale with the business.
Finally, have a clear plan and check in regularly with your teams to make sure requirements are being met and challenges are surfaced early.
It’s about alignment, communication, and building systems that grow with you.
Conclusion
As businesses expand across borders, the finance function becomes more complex, but also more important.
Global finance today is not just about numbers. It is about people, systems, and the ability to support business decisions with clarity and confidence.
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