SoCalBio CFO Roundtable

The CFO roundtable series is designed to connect CFOs and provide a forum to discuss fundraising to tax credits and everything in between.

Welcome to the SoCalBio CFO Roundtable!

Date: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026

Time: 07:30 AM PDT

The SoCalBio CFO Roundtable provides an opportunity for finance executives to connect with key finance leaders and operations executives from leading companies to enable more informed and quicker decision-making for their respective organizations. These events are by invitation only. For more information, please email scbc@socalbio.org.

The May roundtable will focus on how AI reshapes finance from faster close cycles and sharper forecasts to stronger controls and smarter capital allocation. The discussion will focus on value creation, risk management, and execution.

Our keynote speaker, Rob McGillen, VP, AI Practice Leader will discuss the following topics:

• Value Creation in Finance: Where AI accelerates close, forecasting, and working capital.
• Risk, Controls, and Assurance: Data protection, auditability, and model governance.
• Execution Playbook: Funding, vendor selection, and operating model updates for scale.

We’ll explore three real-world scenarios:

• Quarter-End Close: When an AI recommendation conflicts with your controller’s judgment two days before filing; how do you decide, document, and defend?
• Vendor Choice: ERP add-on vs. best-of-breed AI for AP/O2C; how do you weigh ROI, data use, and auditability before you sign?
• Board Mandate: Achieving a 5% G&A reduction with AI in 12 months; what’s the roadmap, safeguards, and change plan?

This specialty roundtable, sponsored jointly by CBIZ and McDermott + Bull, creates a forum for SoCalBio members to learn together and discuss new developments in the product liability arena. In addition, roundtable participants will be able to network during the program and at the opening reception.

The agenda is as follows:

7:30 AM to 8:15 AM - Networking/Breakfast

8:15 AM to 8:30 AM - Introductions

8:30 AM to 9:15 AM - Rob McGillen's presentation

9:15 AM to 9:45 AM - Interactive Breakouts

9:45 AM to 10:00 AM - event concludes

Speaker Bio: Rob McGillen

Rob McGillen is an accomplished digital executive with nearly three decades of leadership at the forefront of digital transformation, technology modernization, and business innovation. His experience spans 8 diverse industries and engagements in over 80 countries, giving him a uniquely global perspective. Rob has deep expertise in artificial intelligence, with hands-on experience ranging from pioneering research platforms like Google DeepMind and IBM Watson to leading-edge Generative AI technologies, including OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Microsoft Azure AI.

Rob has held senior leadership roles at firms such as Grant Thornton LLP and Rightpoint LLC and was the founder of a digital transformation startup specializing in data-driven modernization and A.I.-powered solutions. As the digital transformation services leader for Fortune 500 clients at Rightpoint, he guided global organizations through complex digital journeys. During his tenure at Grant Thornton LLP, Rob was instrumental in managing the global business relationship with Lenovo, supporting 14,000+ Lenovo-enabled employees across five continents, including relationships in Beijing and the United States.

In his current role as Vice President of Business Innovation at CBIZ Financial Services, Rob oversees the strategic integration of artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, automation, and digital solutions for more than 10,000 employees. He is dedicated to establishing robust AI governance and controls, ensuring ethical and secure adoption of advanced technologies while empowering professionals to deliver exceptional value to growth-focused clients.