Month: June 2025

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Chris Price

Finance professionals at SaaS and tech companies are navigating a period of rapid transformation, driven in large part by the accelerating impact of AI.

As technology reshapes everything from forecasting to financial operations, staying ahead requires more than technical fluency; it demands strategic agility and cross-functional insight. At recent SaaS industry events, including Baker Tilly’s Technology Finance Symposium, speakers explored the evolving role of finance leaders in this dynamic environment.

From AI integration to valuation shifts, here are 10 key takeaways this Spring that every finance leader in tech should know.

1. Finance must master both hindsight and foresight to lead effectively

Today’s finance leaders need to deliver more than clean books – they must provide a clear view of what’s ahead. Robust historical reporting (audited financials, flux analysis, quote-to-cash reviews) builds trust, while forward-looking forecasts (by product, pipeline, scenario) guide strategic decisions. Weekly internal metrics and cross-functional insights help detect issues early and align teams. The most effective CFOs blend operational detail with strategic vision, using data not just to explain the past, but to shape the future.

2. AI in finance: Start with the problem, not the hype

Despite the buzz, AI adoption in finance remains uneven – especially for generative tools. Success hinges on solving real business problems, not chasing flashy technology. You can’t simply “throw everything” at AI and let the technology do the rest. The most effective initiatives start with clear goals, strong leadership and a willingness to rethink workflows. Failures often stem from poor alignment, lack of user input and overconfidence in data and tools. Finance leaders should focus on measurable impact and cross-functional collaboration to make AI reach its true potential.

3. Alignment requires more than agreement – it demands shared ownership

In SaaS companies, true alignment between finance and go-to-market teams goes beyond agreeing on targets – it requires a shared understanding of how those targets are built and whether they’re realistically achievable. “Faux alignment,” where teams passively accept top-down goals without buy-in, can derail execution. Real alignment is forged through collaborative planning across finance, sales, marketing and customer success, where goals, metrics and resource needs are co-created. This shared ownership fosters accountability, improves forecasting accuracy, and ensures that strategic plans are grounded in operational reality.

4. Graduating from founder-led sales: Hire for the next phase, not just the now

Founders shouldn’t rush to hand off sales – but when they do, the right hire is critical. Bringing in a sales leader with management experience who can “ride shotgun” with the founder allows for a smooth transition without losing the customer feedback loop essential to product-market fit. This person should be capable of building a team over time, but willing to stay close to the product early on. Staying close to users and iterating quickly is what unlocks scalable growth.

5. The modern CFO: From steward to strategic architect

Today’s CFOs are no longer just financial stewards – they’re strategic partners embedded in the business. While core responsibilities like reporting and controls remain, modern finance leaders are expected to drive cross-functional collaboration, scenario planning and data-informed decision-making. AI-powered tools are accelerating this shift, freeing CFOs from legacy systems and enabling them to lead on governance, risk and business process innovation. The most effective finance teams are now deeply aligned with product, marketing and operations – helping shape strategy, not just measure it.

6. Valuations have reset, but strategic buyers still pay for focus and efficiency

While growth remains a key driver, today’s valuations reflect a more grounded market. The gap between founders and buyers has narrowed since 2023, with 2021 now viewed as an anomaly. Strategic acquirers and PE firms are leaning on creative deal structures to close remaining gaps. These firms are also pursuing smaller, strategic acquisitions to build platform companies – especially in vertical SaaS sectors like healthcare, financial services and retail. Vertically focused SaaS companies continue to command premiums for their defensibility and domain-specific data – especially in an AI-first world. Investors still want growth, but now expect a clear path to sustainable margins, efficient burn and credible long-term models.

7. AI and usage-based models are redefining SaaS valuation and planning

The shift toward AI-driven operations and usage-based pricing is challenging traditional SaaS metrics like ARR. As revenue becomes more variable, the traditional concept of ARR loses relevance, shaking the foundation of a litany of other SaaS metrics predicated on it. This has made way for more discrete concepts like vARR (Variable ARR) and xARR (Mixed ARR – sometimes referred to as “messy ARR”) to emerge that better reflect the nature and composition of stated recurring revenue. Investors increasingly apply “sum-of-the-parts” valuations to account for this complexity. These models demand more dynamic forecasting and segmented, forward-looking metrics – making traditional benchmarks less predictive and elevating the role of finance in strategic planning.

8. AI in finance: Empowering insight, requiring judgment

Technology and AI are transforming finance, with CFOs leveraging tools like ChatGPT and AI-powered analytics to stay agile. Yet, they stress that data quality, integration and governance are critical. AI is only as good as the data it’s fed! These tools free teams from routine tasks, enabling deeper strategic focus. Still, every AI conversation is ultimately a human one. Technology enhances capabilities, but responsibility for decisions, validation and outcomes remains firmly with the human. AI is a partner—not a substitute—for sound judgment.

9. Why purpose-built AI is the future of finance

Generic AI models like ChatGPT often fall short in finance, where accuracy and context are critical. Off-the-shelf tools can misinterpret accounting-specific queries, eroding trust. In contrast, Sage is developing purpose-built and customer-centric AI trained on accounting principles, industry standards and customer-specific data. Delivered through a custom AI factory, these models continuously learn and adapt to each customer while ensuring explainability, reliability and safe automation. In finance, trust is everything. Domain-specific AI is how professionals gain confidence in what AI produces – and how they move from experimentation to real impact.

Tech finance: Where insight meets action

The insights shared at our Technology Finance Symposium and gleaned from SaaS industry events this spring are just one part of Baker Tilly’s ongoing commitment to supporting finance professionals in the tech sector. We regularly host, attend and sponsor events focused on the trends shaping the future of finance – from AI and automation to strategic planning and valuation. Staying informed is essential in a fast-moving industry.

Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist to learn how you can stay ahead of the curve.

In Formula One, every second counts – and so does every shipment. Long before engines roar to life on race day, a complex global logistics network ensures that equipment arrives safely, swiftly, and sustainably.

DP World, a trusted logistics partner of the McLaren F1 Team, plays a critical role in making that happen. From Bahrain to Brazil, their global network and local expertise help keep racing operations on track, moving high-performance gear with precision and care.

But their impact goes far beyond motorsports. DP World is reimagining supply chains for a lower-carbon, more resilient future – delivering over 100 million packages annually while streamlining customs, optimizing routes, and reducing emissions across industries.

By integrating innovation and sustainability into every shipment, DP World is helping to shape a more connected and climate-conscious global economy.

Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

A special announcement from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth signals the power of cross-border partnerships. It features H.E. Salman Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Shamina Singh, president and founder of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

Speakers

• H.E. Salman Al Khalifa, Minister of finance and national economy, Kingdom of Bahrain
• Shamina Singh, Founder & president, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

To view all the 2025 Summit sessions, visit the page here.

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages Mastercard’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs and empower a community of thinkers, leaders and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn and subscribe to its newsletter.

Follow along the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth’s journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world

The Skin Cancer Foundation cites that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Taking charge of our skincare is a vital step to protecting the skin; from daily sunscreen use on face and body to reapplication for those long days outside.

Our very own Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Brand and Scientific Officer recently spoke to Happi about the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round, and using high quality sunscreen products like the recently launched Mary Kay Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for Face and Body or Mary Kay Mineral Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

We sat with Dr. Lucy to learn how to get ready this summer to prevent sun damage and maintain a healthy-glowing skin.

What are Mary Kay’s plans for Summer 2025? 

• The launch of Mary Kay® Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 was strategic in so many ways. First, in preparation for summertime activities, we also know how important everyday use of sunscreen is—no matter the season. The Skin Cancer Foundation cites that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and this new offering not only helps prevent sunburn but also helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. We are thrilled to add this product, backed by the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, to our product portfolio to empower our customers in making suncare a habit regardless of the weather.

What makes these existing products superior to formulas already out there?

• We set out to create a sunscreen that delivers on three essential pillars: Feel, Protection, and Performance. The lightweight, non-sticky texture makes it effortless to wear daily—whether on the face or body, even under makeup. With broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and 80-minute water resistance, it’s built to keep up with every moment, from everyday errands to outdoor adventures. And with the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal, it meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Every aspect of this formula is backed by extensive research, global regulatory compliance, and rigorous testing to ensure superior protection without compromise.

What is the biggest obstacle to getting consumers to wear more sunscreen? 

• One of the biggest challenges in increasing daily sunscreen use is shifting consumer perception—from seeing it as a “beach day essential” to recognizing it as a crucial part of everyday skincare. Many people don’t realize that incidental UV exposure, whether from walking the dog or driving with windows down – accumulates over time and contributes to premature aging and damage year-round.
• Another key factor is personal preference. Some consumers prefer mineral sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide for gentle, broad-spectrum protection, while others opt for chemical sunscreens, which offer a lightweight, invisible finish. By providing both options, brands can ensure everyone finds a formula that suits their skin type and lifestyle.
• Education remains key. Misconceptions persist, such as the belief that darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen. As experts, we focus on clear, science-backed messaging to help consumers understand that sunscreen is a key and effective step they can take to protect their skin—every day, all year long.

Meet Your Suncare Essentials: 

Mary Kay® Mineral Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30: 

• Use the gentle defense of this physical sunscreen to guard your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
• This mineral SPF is a must-have whether you’re on the go or staying indoors, since damaging rays can penetrate home and car windows, and electronic devices expose skin daily to damaging blue light.
• People of all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, can use this non-chemical sunscreen for daily protection.

Mary Kay® Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50:

• Mary Kay® Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50* provides high-performance sun protection for even the most active lifestyles.
• The weightless lotion is water-resistant for 80 minutes, making the feel-good formula an ideal sunscreen during your next outdoor workout or swim in the pool. The natural, non-sticky finish leaves no white cast so you can wear it under your worry-free makeup.

To purchase Mary Kay suncare products contact your local Independent Beauty Consultant or visit our website: www.marykay.com.

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About Mary Kay
One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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Patrick O’Connell, CFA| Director—Responsible Investing Portfolio Solutions and Research

John Huang, CFA| Director of Responsible Investments, Data and Technology—Responsibility

Kathleen Dumes, CFA| Research Analyst—Responsible Investing Portfolio Solutions and Research

New research connects intensifying natural perils to their future implications for asset classes.

When it comes to measuring our vulnerability to nature’s extremes, investors often lean on past data and simply assume that risks will rise. But new groundbreaking research has removed considerable guesswork, particularly among four key natural hazards facing the world this century.

Global Experts Unite to Predict Natural Hazard Threat Levels

New projections from Columbia Climate School build on its pioneering Natural Hazards Index (NHI), launched in 2016 to assess risk-level exposure from floods, drought and a dozen other extreme events nationwide. In 2023, we partnered with the university on a version 2.0 release, which includes an interactive map of natural hazard exposures for thousands of individual US communities.

2025’s upgrade broadens Columbia’s and AB’s collaboration among leading academic and public institutions, including NASA. Applying the latest weather science, climate research and sophisticated modeling, NHI 3.0 can now project the relative location, trajectory and magnitude of the four natural hazards it tracks at midcentury and end-of-century.

The NHI 3.0 not only tells us the ways a particular hazard has evolved, but also how it’s likely to evolve in the future. Wildfires, for example, have increased in frequency and intensity. New data not only predicts fires to worsen where they’re already commonplace, such as Southern California and Washington State, but also in areas where incidences are currently rare, like Minnesota and South Dakota (See display above).

Newly forecasted tornado patterns are alarming too, with more outbursts likely stretching beyond the Midwest “alley” and much further east.

The NHI also anticipates where hazards will intersect. Sometimes, a disaster ebbs because of an equally disruptive event. The index shows that Louisiana, for instance, will likely suffer fewer wildfires but ties that to expected more frequent hurricanes, which lead to more flooding.

Tying Natural Hazard Vulnerabilities to Investable Assets

Columbia Climate School’s new data provide essential inputs for planning disaster responses and anticipating hazards’ long-range effects on people, the environment and economies. We believe it also can help investors see better around corners—which is particularly useful as climate change grows more unpredictable and hyperphysical.

With this in mind, we are incorporating key components of NHI 3.0 into our proprietary Physical Hazard Investment Risk (PHIR) tool, which overlays a financial element for each NHI hazard across more than 3,100 US counties. The expanded research now helps PHIR factor future local risk exposures to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and rising sea levels in the US—considered the top four natural threats through 2050.

As an investment tool, the PHIR can assess hazard-risk exposure across municipal bonds and residential mortgage-backed securities. After all, homes, schools, hospitals, power plants and airports are all location specific, which means issuers and lenders are exposed to distinctly local trends in climate change.

Active equity investing can also benefit from the PHIR’s expanded data. Companies of all stripes can be just as exposed to local hazards—if not now, then in the coming decades. A company’s degree of risk could be exponential, since many operate in multiple locations that face elevated risk.

Wildfire projections offer a prime example of how a single company can reveal several risk profiles. A large utility with facilities in Minnesota and South Dakota may be situated in low-risk areas currently. But the wildfire outlook changes dramatically by midcentury. This region shows an increase in wildfire exposure of 88% (See display above), a material factor that we believe the company—and those in similar situations—should address. In this case, we engaged the company’s leadership about applying lessons learned from its properties in wildfire-prone Colorado to their Midwest operations.

The Local Threats Are Clear, but Not Always Observed 

Not all risk scenarios will be as easily navigated. Add the rising threat of higher sea levels, tornadoes and hurricanes, and the future strain on businesses and industries is dire yet actionable. Investors don’t always take notice, however. Our expanded PHIR data set helps identify potentially mispriced investment opportunities where hazard exposure isn’t yet fully factored into market valuations.

Tomorrow’s hazards won’t look like yesterday’s, but they can inform today’s decisions. Locally mapping future natural hazard intensity and addressing its implications will be important steps to dealing with disasters as the century plays out. We think the new predictive analysis will likely save lives and livelihoods. But this forward-looking lens can also help investors understand what natural hazard exposure means for physical assets, while motivating companies and bond issuers to offset such risks on their bottom lines.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams. Views are subject to revision over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Gilead has been a leader in HIV innovation for decades. Now, we’re proud to share that one of our researchers, Moupali Das, has been awarded the AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Breakthrough of the Year Award for her work in prevention. This award recognizes the pivotal role she played as part of the Gilead team in designing and advancing the most comprehensive and diverse HIV prevention trial program ever conducted. Congratulations, Moupali!

Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

The need for skilled trades workers has never been greater. In fact, The Center for Energy Workforce Development forecasts that, with the rapid growth of the U.S. energy sector, 32 million new hires will be needed over the next 10 years – translating into immense opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades.

PSEG extends 7 on-the-spot job offers at Passaic County Technical Institute PSEG Day Event

We know the strength of tomorrow’s energy infrastructure depends on the workforce we build today. On April 30, more than 75 students from the Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) gathered for PSEG Day, an immersive, career-focused event designed to introduce high schoolers to the real-world possibilities of careers in the energy industry – no four-year degree required.

The event featured hands-on demonstrations, career panels with our employees and live simulations of utility fieldwork. Students explored real-world career paths in electric and gas operations, experiencing firsthand the types of jobs that help power homes, businesses and communities across New Jersey.

More than an information session, PSEG Day was also a springboard into a full-time career for many. We conducted on-site interviews throughout the day and by the end of the event, seven students received on-the-spot job offers – clear evidence of their readiness and the value of providing early exposure to meaningful career pathways in skilled trades.

“The demand for employees in the energy industry creates a competition for talent, making this kind of direct engagement more important than ever,” said Steven Fleischer, executive director HR – DEI, Talent Acquisition & PSEG LI. “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the next decade, more than half a million skilled trades workers are expected to retire, leaving a substantial skills gap to be filled. This reality coupled with the fact that many students are seeking alternatives to traditional college pathways, make programs like PSEG Day critical in helping to connect the dots between classroom learning and career opportunities.”

Attendees learned how apprentices in gas and electric operations can start strong with union jobs – and advance in the union or into a supervisory role. These jobs don’t just offer economic opportunity – they offer purpose, allowing individuals to build lasting careers while serving the communities they call home.

PSEG’s workforce development commitment

Our investment in local workforce development extends beyond PCTI. Through events like PSEG Day, apprenticeship opportunities and union partnerships, we’re helping create well-paying jobs that strengthen communities and foster economic growth – ensuring that New Jersey’s energy infrastructure remains strong, resilient and ready for the future.

View original content here.

The innovation was designed in collaboration with the United Spinal Association as part of the brand’s larger commitment to human-centered and inclusive design for the kitchen

One in four U.S. households include at least one family member with a disability*. With the launch of the Whirlpool^® Spin&Load Rack, Whirlpool brand brings human innovation and inclusive design to the everyday kitchen with an easy-to-use, 360º spinning lower-level dishwasher rack. Designed in collaboration with United Spinal Association, Spin&Load Rack is a replacement lower rack for a traditional dishwasher and represents a significant advancement in kitchen inclusivity.

“The Spin&Load Rack is a great example of Whirlpool brand’s commitment to human-centered innovation and inclusive design that empowers families to accomplish the chores on their to-do list.”

“The Spin&Load Rack is a great example of Whirlpool brand’s commitment to human-centered innovation and inclusive design that empowers families to accomplish the chores on their to-do list,” said April Taylor, associate brand manager at Whirlpool brand. “It’s important to us that we invest in creating inclusive and diverse products that empower all of our consumers and make a positive difference in their lives.”

As the most inclusive lower-level dishwasher rack design on the market, Spin&Load Rack features an easy-to-use, 360º spinning design to allow easy access to all areas of the lower rack of the dishwasher, reducing the need for individuals to reach or reposition themselves while loading and unloading their dishes. Spin&Load Rack is easy to install and designed to fit all 24″ Whirlpool Corporation dishwashers manufactured after 2018, including Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid and Maytag brands**. The accessory also features simplified and inclusive packaging, ensuring users can easily open and unbox with one hand with an accessible pull-tab design.

Whirlpool Corporation’s employee resource group known as AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities) was involved in the initial development process for Spin&Load Rack, with the initial idea for the innovation stemming from an AVID-hosted challenge asking interns to design a more inclusive product. From there, Whirlpool Corporation engineers developed prototypes, which were brought to a consumer research study leveraging members of the United Spinal Association to interact with the prototypes and share feedback, informing how the final design eventually came to life. The company’s design team also conducted a full usability study on Spin&Load Rack with individuals from Corewell Health to share feedback on the final design.

“In order to produce innovative and inclusive designs, it was important for Whirlpool brand to include voices from the disability community at every stage of the development process, from design and manufacturing to marketing assets and influencer involvement, including Whirlpool Corporation’s AVID employee resource group and groups like the United Spinal Association and Corewell Health,” said Katie Frayer, engineering analyst at Whirlpool Corporation. “As a member of AVID and one of the hosts of the AVID innovation challenge, I am thrilled to see Spin&Load Rack come to life in support of the brand’s mission to create more inclusive products for those of us with mobility disabilities and make a meaningful impact on our consumers.”

Spin&Load Rack will be available in June 2025 at Whirlpool.com/kitchen. For more information, visit https://www.whirlpool.com/inclusive-design.html.

*Based on 2019 U.S. Census Data
**Compatibility with Whirlpool brand dishwashers and dishwashers manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation after 2018, including Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, and Maytag brands. The full list of compatible models can be found on Whirlpool.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

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