The CIO Perspective: Driving Innovation

In many US accounting firms, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and managing transformation. In contrast, UK firms often rely on client-serving partners or IT leads to guide technology strategy, raising an important question: what difference does a dedicated CIO really make?

Hosted by Mark Edmondson, Inflo CEO, this panel brings together seasoned experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore how the CIO role is reshaping the audit profession. From the realities of implementing change to overcoming resistance and tracking the ROI of tech investments, this engaging session offers real-world insights and actionable advice for firms of all sizes.

Watch the recording

Key Takeaways:

How the CIO role influences innovation and digital transformation in audit firms
Key differences between US and UK approaches to technology leadership and what each can learn from the other
Proven strategies for overcoming internal resistance and managing firm-wide change
Insights into the future of audit technology and what firms should be preparing for now

Meet the panelists:

Steve Perkins

Founder and Senior Advisor, Invicta Advisors LLC

Steve is a former CIO at HoganTaylor and founder of Invicta Advisors, helping firms with InfoSec, compliance, and secure platforms. He’s known for delivering client-focused, innovative solutions with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity.

Barry Brown

Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer, MST

Barry leads technology and operations at MST, driving innovations like paperless workflows and a global phone system. An experienced auditor, he specializes in applying tech to audit processes. He also chairs the Technology Committee for Moore North America.

Bob Fink

Chief Information Officer, Honkamp P.C.

Bob oversees Honkamp’s IT infrastructure and business systems. Since joining in 2005, he’s advanced through several roles, becoming CIO and shareholder. He aligns technology strategy with firm goals, focusing on stability and innovation.

Don Logan

Chief Information Officer, Grassi

Don leads Grassi’s digital strategy, infrastructure, and IT projects. With 20+ years in professional services IT, he’s a former CIO at a Top 100 firm and founder of the AAG IT group. He’s also a published writer and tech coach.

Jeremy Schroder

Principal - Chief Technology Officer, Pinion Global

Jeremy leads technology at Pinion Global and has held senior roles at Withum, CohnReznick, and Redpath. Active in Boomer Consulting’s Tech Circles, he focuses on scalable systems and tech-driven firm growth.

Steven Cook

Chief Information Officer, HCVT

Steven Cook, based in Los Angeles, CA, US, is currently a Chief Information Officer at Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP. Steven Cook brings experience from previous roles at WTAS and Arthur Andersen LLP.