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Protos Security CFO on the Convergence of Finance and Operations

Anthony Escamilla, CFO of Protos Security, says the modern CFO has morphed from a budget keeper into a strategic leader who oversees finance, data analytics, technology, risk and even operational functions. He highlights the accelerating pace of decision‑making, with stakeholders demanding real‑time, insight‑driven recommendations. Escamilla notes a growing convergence between CFO and COO roles, especially in private‑equity‑backed firms, where finance and operations are inseparable. He also outlines Protos' disciplined M&A approach—focusing on customer value, cultural fit, and long‑term resilience—while stressing an ownership mindset when working with PE sponsors and managing compliance risks in the security sector.