Disrupting Finance: Delivering next level strategic, digital and operational transformation
Australia’s No. 1 Event for Finance Leaders! Celebrating 13 years!

16 - 18 September, 2024 | Sydney, Australia

Conference Day Two: Wednesday, 15th November 2023

9:00 am - 9:10 am Welcome to Future of Finance Summit Day Two

9:10 am - 9:40 am PANEL DISCUSSION: Process transformation: Evaluating the new opportunities to further simplify, accelerate and re-design current processes for high impact-results

Mitchell Koureas - Chief Financial Officer, Barbeques Galore

In what ways are finance leaders streamlining processes to drive improvements in performance? And what are the real-world impacts these improvements are having on the efficiency of the finance function?

 

We’ll look how finance executives are reducing the drag of manual, transactional processes whilst also leveraging technology to streamline their operations and make the function more agile. With what capacity can these new capabilities accelerate the transition of Finance into a true business partner?

Core focus areas to include:

·      Process visibility

·      Process improvement

·      Adaption through continuous learning

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Mitchell Koureas

Chief Financial Officer
Barbeques Galore

9:40 am - 10:00 am Future of Finance Top Tips Exchange

In this interactive session, participants will engage in a quick knowledge-sharing exercise by sharing the most significant thing they've learned over the past day and why it's important for their team. This fast-paced activity involves sharing insights in three minutes or less with a partner, allowing participants to gather valuable tactics and insights to enhance their finance department's performance.

10:00 am - 10:30 am The BIG Debate @FOF 2023: Embracing change and growth: What aptitudes, skills and mindset are required for value creation in an age of digital transformation?

As possibilities expand, expectations evolve. But is technology evolving faster than our capacity to leverage it? How do we move from a reactive position to proactively transforming the mindset and skills of the finance function to meet the challenges of tomorrow?

 

The Big Debate at Future of Finance will take look at the skillsets required of the future finance professional. What do we need to have in place now to ensure that their skills rise in correlation to technology? And with the expansion of that technology, what new roles and responsibilities will the finance professional have to meet?

Debate areas include:

·      How do you take your people with you?

·      How do you implement a growth mindset?

·      How can finance partners drive value in an era of digital transformation?

·      New opportunities for business partnering

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break

Enjoy a coffee and morning snack with a side of lively Future of Finance conversation with your peers!

11:00 am - 11:30 am CASE STUDY: Art and Science of Conceptualisation

Using conceptual knowledge of finance and accounting integrated with multi disciplinary skills, this session aims to equip participants with the art of envisioning innovative projects and the science of implementing them using their conceptual knowledge of finance and accounting. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, attendees will learn effective techniques to translate abstract financial concepts into actionable plans, leading to successful project execution. Whether you're a finance professional, an accountant, or a project manager, this session offers valuable strategies to leverage your conceptual expertise and drive impactful initiatives that contribute to organisational growth and success.

11:30 am - 12:00 pm CASE STUDY: The blueprint for the future of finance – developing a hybrid of accountants, analysts, and machines

In this session, we will delve into the synergies created by leveraging the unique strengths of each component, including the expertise of accountants in financial management and compliance, the analytical prowess of analysts in data interpretation and decision-making, and the power of machines in automation and advanced technologies. Discover how this collaborative framework has the potential to revolutionize the financial industry, optimizing operations, enhancing risk management, and fostering innovation.

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm CASE STUDY: A memo from the CFO: communication and financial story-telling

In this session, explore the vital intersection of effective communication and financial storytelling. Led by Michelle Joosse, Director of Corporate Services at knowmore Legal Services, this session offers invaluable insights into the art of conveying complex financial information in a compelling and relatable manner. As an experienced financial leader, Michelle will share her expertise in crafting impactful financial narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders, from board members to clients. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, attendees will learn how to translate financial data into engaging stories that inspire better decision-making, foster trust, and drive organisational growth.

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch with a side of lively Finance Transformation conversation with your peers

1:30 pm - 1:55 pm PANEL DISCUSSION: Must-have leadership skills for developing successful cross-functional finance team

In today's dynamic business landscape, finance leaders are tasked with more than just number crunching; they play a pivotal role in driving strategic decisions across various departments. This session brings together accomplished leaders and experts from diverse industries to shed light on the essential attributes and competencies required to foster collaboration and cohesion within cross-functional finance teams. Gain invaluable insights into effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and the art of navigating complexities while aligning financial goals with broader organisational objectives.

1:55 pm - 2:20 pm CASE STUDY SESSION: How can Finance do more with less?

Finance leaders understand budget constraints and ROI more than anyone. It is imperative for finance leaders to leverage emerging tools to achieve more in their transformation. This session will explore:

·      Beyond automation: what are the other emerging tools you can leverage to boost your finance transformation?

·      Utilizing big data effectively to focus on delivering maximum impact

·      Value-add activities…moving away from the transactional and towards knowledge-based activities

Delivering world-class processes and services focusing on value creation

2:20 pm - 2:50 pm PANEL DISCUSSION: Evolving the mindset and skillset of your finance teams to confront the demands and challenges of the future

In this session, industry experts and thought leaders will share valuable insights and experiences on how finance teams can adapt to the evolving landscape and overcome future challenges. Discover strategies to foster a growth mindset and embrace continuous learning within your finance teams. Explore the emerging skills and competencies required in the digital age, such as data analytics, strategic thinking, and agility. Gain practical advice on nurturing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to navigate the dynamic demands of the future.

2:50 pm - 3:20 pm Afternoon Break

Enjoy a coffee and afternoon snack with a side of lively Future of Finance conversation with your peers!

3:20 pm - 5:00 pm Future of Finance – Solution Clinics

Got a technology, strategy, or operational question? Need a Finance Function health check in? These quick-fire solution clinics are your chance to fire your questions at like-minded peers and get their diagnosis on what needs to change and how. Take your pick from a series of clinics on the day and let the leading Future of Finance minds help you find a solution!

5:00 pm - 5:10 pm Final Takeaways Future of Finance – Thank you for being part of the community!