Pre-Conference Workshops and Main Day One, Tuesday, 16, September, 2025


8:30 am - 9:00 am Workshop Registration

Workshop A

9:00 am - 10:30 am Close the Gaps in R2R Automation: Insights from New Research

Join us at Redwood’s exclusive workshop at SSOW Houston as we reveal new findings from SSON Research & Analytics on what’s still holding R2R automation back. We’ll go beyond the data to show the art of the possible—how leading organizations are achieving a Touchless Close with 90%+ automation, seamless SAP integration, and greater control. Discover what’s working, what’s next, and how to apply it in your own financial close. 



Workshop B

9:00 am - 10:30 am Essential Strategies for a Shared Services Organization to Thrive in Any Market Condition

Dive into the essentials of shared services, unlocking its full potential to strengthen the end-to-end customer journey. From aligning with organizational objectives to mastering change management, learn how to navigate uncertainties with confidence and ensure a seamless transition for an elevated experience.  

  

  • Align shared services with organizational objectives, clearly defining scope, goals, and expected outcomes to drive success  
  • Justify shared services with a comprehensive business case, emphasizing benefits and cost savings to secure buy-in and support  
  • Strategically plan and execute transitions, defining roles and creating detailed roadmaps for smooth implementation and minimal disruption 




9:00 am - 10:30 am GBS Evolution: Navigating Digital Transformation in Invoice-to-Cash

Explore the role of Global Business Services (GBS) in Invoice-to-Cash (I2C) digital transformation. Uncover trends, strategies, and practical insights to navigate the complexities of this evolution. Industry experts will share best practices, case studies, and actionable techniques, providing participants with the tools to optimize finance processes for sustained success. 



10:30 am - 11:00 am Mid-Morning Break and Networking

Workshop D

11:00 am - 12:30 pm Working With Your Outsourcing Provider: How to Get the Most Value from Vendor Relationships

Due to the macroeconomic slowdown and multiple disruptions over the years, including new-age talent requirements, mounting economic pressures, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, organizations are required to ensure they are ahead of the curve. This interactive workshop would help you navigate unpredictable issues, actionable advice, digital-first strategies and maintain successful client-partner relationships. 

  

What questions will the workshop address: 

  • In what ways are vendor can bring maximum outcomes for organizations, particularly in their shared services journey? 
  • Which Best-in-class strategies and transformation capabilities do providers help enterprises to navigate their challenges? 
  • How do outsourcing partnerships help enterprises, including setting up shared services, GenAI implementation, scaling with intelligent automation, and AI/ML? 

Workshop E

11:00 am - 12:30 pm Untangle Your Processes: 90 Minutes to Shared Services Optimization

Is your shared services process a tangled web of inefficiencies? In this 90-minute workshop, roll up your sleeves and learn how to transform chaotic processes into streamlined, cost-saving engines. We'll dive into practical methodologies for process mapping, bottleneck identification, and root cause analysis. Discover how to eliminate waste, automate manual tasks, and implement sustainable process improvements. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you'll gain the skills to diagnose, redesign, and optimize your shared services processes for maximum impact. Leave with actionable strategies and a framework to implement immediately. 

Workshop F

11:00 am - 12:30 pm Simplify HR Transformation and Enhance the Employee Journey

Embark on a journey to streamline HR processes, redefine roles and handoffs, and turn challenges into opportunities for an improved end-to-end experience. 

  

  • Discover how overcoming common HR transformation hurdles leads to a better experience for employees and stakeholders. 
  • Hear lessons learned from HR leaders charged with moving mountains with employee experience as the ultimate measure of success. 
  • Learn actionable strategies for adapting to changes and driving success in evolving landscapes. 

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm End of Workshops and Luncheon for Workshop Attendees

SSOW OPENING

1:30 pm - 1:45 pm SSOW/Chairperson’s Opening - Main Event

1:45 pm - 2:15 pm Reclaim Your Resources: Strategic Process Optimization for High-Value Work

Is your organization struggling with process inefficiencies that hinder growth and profitability?  Learn how one global leader systematically identified, streamlined, and transformed organizational processes, leading to a significant reduction in administrative workload, substantial automation of repetitive tasks, and the elimination of unnecessary processes.  Discover how to automate non-value-added work, fundamentally shift the perception of support functions to value creators, and create significant capacity within the business to focus on strategic initiatives. Attendees will leave with a proven framework and actionable strategies to drive significant cost savings, boost employee empowerment, ensure seamless alignment of shared services (spanning facilities, procurement, HR, supply chain, and corporate strategic projects) with overarching business goals, and ultimately generate greater value for the entire organization.

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm People, Not Just Platforms: Digital Transformation Done Right

Beyond the whir of new technology, digital transformation lives or dies by its human impact. Explore the critical balance between tech implementation and people empowerment. Strategies for effective change communication, targeted upskilling, and seamless transitions will be revealed. Discover how to build a workforce that not just accepts, but champions, the digital age. 

2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Networking Break

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm The Perception Audit: How Your Business Sees Your SSO

Perception is reality. How is your shared services organization truly viewed by the business? This session delves into the critical analysis of perceived value, exploring how SSOs can bridge the gap between perception and reality. We'll examine strategies for understanding stakeholder perspectives, identifying areas for improvement, and reinforcing the tangible value delivered. Learn how to actively shape the narrative and empower your business partners to see the full potential of your SSO. 

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm The SSO & GBS Hot Take Hustle

Participate in a unique and interactive session designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing shared services organizations today. This dynamic activity will get you out of your seat and actively engaged in real-time problem-solving and benchmarking!  

 

We'll present a series of provocative statements related to shared services best practices, emerging trends, and industry hurdles. Based on your stance, you'll move to a designated area in the room. Once positioned, you'll engage in collaborative discussions with your group. Share your solutions, challenge conventional thinking, and gain valuable insights from your shared services colleagues. 

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Close of Day One and Welcome Reception