Fresh Insights from Ilona Abram - Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group

From Dreams of Acting to Leading Finance - The Journey of Ilona Abram 

In this episode of Books in the Boardroom podcast, Ilona Abram shares her unconventional journey from aspiring actress to Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group. Hosted by Sumith, Ilona delves into her diverse career path, including her roles in HR, IT, and risk procurement beyond traditional finance. 

The discussion covers her experiences with significant business growth, mergers, and acquisitions, as well as her strategic approach to continuous improvement in finance. Ilona also shares insights on the evolving role of CFOs, the importance of cross-functional relationships, and the potential impact of AI in finance. 

This episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge for aspiring finance professionals, emphasising the value of continuous learning and adaptability.

00:00 Introduction to Ilona Abram's Role
00:28 Welcome to the Podcast
01:01 Ilona's Career Journey
03:49 Current Role at Aquatic Achievers Group
05:20 Challenges and Growth in the Role
06:59 Evolving Role of the CFO
09:42 Continuous Improvement in Finance
14:45 Impact of AI in Finance
19:42 Returning to Brisbane: A New Challenge
24:10 Diverse Industry Experience
27:24 Advice for Young Finance Professionals
28:10 Conclusion and Farewell

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