When looking at the Finance function and what we see for the future, we first have to look at our current activity and ensure we are as efficient as we can be. Ultimately the word on the tip of everyone’s tongue is AUTOMATION, but understanding how to streamline our current activity into what can be automated, what should be outsourced, and what should be retained will allow for the long-term success of automation initiatives. Whilst technology can enhance our capabilities, people are still at the forefront, so our panellists are going to be looking at the challenges of finding that balance by answering the following questions:

• How do we manage the expectations of our Finance teams so that they feel empowered rather than threatened by automation?
• How can we identify what should and shouldn’t be automated or outsourced and how can process mining help us to make those decisions?
• How can we evaluate the options, whilst taking into consideration the global business impact?
• What can we do to ensure that our automation technology stack is always working in our favour?

Finance functions have taken on the role of ESG reporting, but there is still much debate as to whether this is an inconvenience or an opportunity. As it is certainly a responsibility we nonetheless must take on, this panel aims to challenge this scepticism by viewing this responsibility as a tool for proving the further value Finance brings to the business. With ESG regulation changing in the EU in 2024, large businesses are going to have to put more time into ensuring they are compliant – and so the time is now to start preparations to ensure this. This session will aim to answer the following questions:

• How can we view ESG reporting and sustainability goals as an opportunity for Finance to add value?
• How do we start to think about social KPIs that don’t fall under our usual finance competencies?
• What steps need to be taken to ensure we are prepared for upcoming changes in regulation and the increasing importance of ESG reporting?
• How can we go beyond the regulation requirements and ensure sustainable practice for the future of Finance as a function?