From Curiosity to Global CFO Leadership: How Vanessa Kanu, FCPA, FCA Is Leading the Future of AI and Accounting

In today’s business environment, the professionals who thrive are the ones who learn quickly, think independently and build value across every part of the organization. For Vanessa Kanu, FCPA, FCA and CFO of Aptar, the CPA designation is the right tool to build that value in an AI-driven economy advancing at extraordinary speed.

“The versatility that you get with being a CPA is second to none.”

Early Spark: Curiosity and a Clear View of Business

Curiosity has defined Vanessa’s career journey from the very beginning. Encouraged by her father, a longtime CEO, she developed an early interest in how businesses work, how leaders make decisions and how strategy relies on exceptional execution. That curiosity led her to the CPA designation, and when she joined PwC, the breadth and possibility of the profession became immediately clear.

“You get exposure to so many industries and senior leaders early on. Sitting with the CFO, controller, treasurer, you start to see the variety of career paths a CPA can open. That bird’s-eye view is invaluable.”

Those early insights shaped a philosophy that continues to guide her: stay curious, keep learning and step boldly into places where you can add value.

“Your CPA designation will take you to places you’d never imagine.”

CPA Skillset is Built for AI and for Whatever Comes Next

Long before artificial intelligence in accounting became mainstream, Vanessa could see that technology was going to reshape the finance function. The CPA gave her the mindset to navigate that transformation – a way of thinking built on analysis, clarity and disciplined problem-solving.

“As a CPA, you break things down to solve complex problems. That teaches you how to think about financial and operational issues, understand key drivers and translate them into insights that leadership can actually use.”

For Vanessa, these skills are exactly what the AI-era demands: versatility, trust and the ability to turn complexity into actionable insight.

“The CPA is trusted. The skills are industry agnostic, and you learn how to be versatile.”

Vanessa has experienced the profession’s transformation firsthand – from physically counting inventory early in her career to using advanced analytics and AI-powered tools to do the same work. It’s one of many examples of how technology and artificial intelligence enable CPAs to focus on the higher-order, strategic thinking.

Leadership in a VUCA World: Judgment, Ethics and Critical Thinking

Vanessa believes today’s leaders operate in what many describe as a VUCA world – one defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. In that environment, technical acumen alone isn’t enough. You also need judgment, independent thinking and a strong ethical foundation. CPAs have that combination of skills that are so essential to business today.

“At the leadership table, you need people who think independently, analyze deeply and bring sound judgment. That’s exactly what CPAs deliver.”

As AI becomes more deeply woven into business processes, that grounding becomes even more essential. Ethical decision making is no longer a compliance exercise – it’s a strategic necessity.

“As organizations embrace AI, ethics becomes a strategic imperative. CPAs are trained to lead those conversations. Our foundation in integrity prepares us to guide responsible innovation.”

“There wasn’t a module for AI when I trained to become a CPA, but I learned how to think, and how to apply that thinking across any challenge.”

Finance at the Center: Value Creation Across the Enterprise

Vanessa sees finance as the connective tissue of the modern enterprise – a function that touches strategy, operations and digital transformation in equal measure.

That reach is why CPAs are so well positioned to influence complex business decisions.

“In a world full of opportunities, leaders can’t invest in everything. They should choose what truly moves the business forward. That’s where CPAs provide critical strategic judgment.”

And the CFO role continues to expand, carrying with it a responsibility to drive technology, transformation and enterprise-wide value creation.

“Today, the CFO’s mandate includes technology, digital transformation and shared services. The role of finance has expanded, and CPAs add value far beyond technical accounting.”

Careers Without a Map: Learning as a Strategy

Vanessa didn’t chart her career through rigid two-, five- or eight-year plans. Instead, she followed her curiosity and focused relentlessly on where she could contribute more.

“I never said, by year two I need to be here. I’m ambitious, but I’ve always asked: how do I add more value?”

It’s a philosophy she encourages in her teams as well.

“Learning doesn’t stop and that’s the beauty of it. The CPA designation gives you the mindset and confidence to keep evolving as the world around you changes.”

And when she looks at the future, particularly the future shaped by AI, her outlook is unmistakably optimistic and energizing.

“There’s huge opportunity ahead. In an AI-driven world, CPAs are more essential than ever. The demand for great finance talent isn’t going anywhere.”

Vanessa’s Message to Future CPAs

For Vanessa, the CPA designation is exactly what today’s world demands: a trusted brand, a versatile toolkit and a lifelong learning tool that prepares leaders to think boldly, adapt quickly and create value everywhere.

“With a CPA, your career paths are wide ranging. Critical thinking and complex problem-solving define the CPA mindset. Do your CPA. 100% do it.”

Ready to Lead Like Vanessa Kanu?

Discover how the CPA equips you to lead at the intersection of business, strategy and the future of artificial intelligence in accounting.