Main Day Three, Thursday, 18 September, 2025


8:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast and Networking

9:00 am - 9:10 am Chairperson's Opening Remarks


9:10 am - 9:40 am The New Metrics: Measure Strategic Value in Shared Services

The modern Shared Services Organization isn't just a cost-cutting machine; it's a strategic powerhouse. So, how do you prove it? Evolving KPIs and metrics are the keys to unlocking the SSO's true value. Forget outdated, transactional benchmarks. We'll dive into crafting holistic measurement frameworks that capture the real story—customer satisfaction, service excellence, and the SSO's direct impact on the bottom line. Discover how to gather stakeholder feedback that actually matters and solidify your SSO's position as an indispensable engine of organizational success. By mastering the art of modern measurement, you'll not only showcase your value, but drive continuous improvement that resonates across the entire enterprise. 

9:40 am - 10:10 am Panel: The Modern Shared Services Leader: Influence, Innovation, Impact

The modern shared services leader? They're no longer just administrators; they're catalysts for change. Discover the essential traits for thriving in today's dynamic environment. Explore strategies that foster adaptability, drive innovation, and empower teams to excel. Learn how to cultivate a leadership style that inspires, motivates, and delivers exceptional results. 

10:10 am - 10:40 am Keynote Innovator

More details to come.

10:40 am - 11:20 am Networking Break and Demo Drive Results

Procure to Pay

11:20 am - 11:50 am P2P Data: Your Secret Weapon for Strategic Advantage

The world of Procure-to-Pay is evolving, and data analytics is at the forefront. Learn how to build dashboards, track KPIs, and identify trends that can help you improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance supplier relationships.  Get ready to turn your P2P data into actionable insights.  

Order to Cash

11:20 am - 11:50 am Global O2C: A Universal Language for International Success

Managing Order-to-Cash across borders, ERPs, and currencies can feel like navigating a maze while blindfolded.  This session offers a clear path to global O2C standardization, transforming complexity into a streamlined, strategic advantage.  We'll explore how to build a robust yet adaptable global O2C framework, balancing centralized control with the nuances of regional markets. 

Record to Report

11:20 am - 11:50 am From Subjective to Strategic: Build a Metrics-Driven R2R Process

The inherent subjectivity of the Record to Report process often hinders its ability to demonstrate clear, measurable value. This session addresses the critical need to establish robust metrics and evaluation criteria, transforming R2R from a perceived art into a data-driven science. We will explore a structured approach to defining and implementing key performance indicators that objectively measure accuracy, timeliness, efficiency, and compliance throughout the financial close and reporting cycle. 

Master Data Management

11:20 am - 11:50 am MDM: From Data Maintenance to Strategic Driver

The perception of master data management (MDM) is shifting dramatically, moving beyond basic data maintenance to a strategic imperative within shared services. This session will illuminate how MDM is becoming a vital source of subject matter expertise, enabling shared services to proactively contribute to organizational strategy. We'll explore the transformation of MDM from a reactive, transactional function to a proactive, insight-driven one, focusing on how robust data governance, including data quality management and stewardship, empowers strategic decision-making. 

11:50 am - 12:50 pm Lunch

Procure to Pay

12:50 pm - 1:20 pm Empower Suppliers, Streamline Invoices: The Self-Service Solution

Imagine: no more manual data entry, lightning-fast processing, and happier suppliers. This session unveils how self-service invoice portals are transforming P2P and empowering suppliers to become your invoice processing allies. Beyond efficiency, they boost transparency, creating stronger supplier relationships through real-time updates and fewer "where's my payment?" Calls. Learn how these portals free up your team for strategic work, improve compliance, and contribute to a healthier bottom line.

Order to Cash

12:50 pm - 1:20 pm From Processors to Partners: Elevate O2C for Strategic Impact

As robots take over the routine tasks, your O2C pros are primed for a career upgrade! This session is your playbook for transforming them from transaction processors into revenue rockstars. We'll explore the essential skills they'll need to shine, from uncovering hidden insights in your O2C data to building rock-solid relationships that drive repeat business. We'll show you how to create a training program that's less "snooze-fest" and more "aha! moment," turning your team into strategic thinkers and problem solvers.

Record to Report

12:50 pm - 1:20 pm Beyond Spreadsheets: Technology Solutions for R2R Metrics

The Record to Report process often encounters a significant gap in readily available, purpose-built technology solutions for metrics and dashboard creation. This session addresses this challenge by providing a comprehensive exploration of diverse and effective technologies that can be strategically adapted and integrated to enhance R2R visibility and control. Furthermore, we will explore the potential of custom dashboard development techniques and API integrations, enabling organizations to tailor solutions to their specific needs and bridge the gap between their environment and modern analytics capabilities. 

Master Data Management

12:50 pm - 1:20 pm Data Cleansing and Enrichment: AI/ML Solutions

Data quality is the cornerstone of effective decision-making, but manual data cleansing and enrichment are time-consuming and error-prone. This session explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning can revolutionize data quality management. We'll delve into practical applications of AI/ML algorithms for automated data cleansing, deduplication, and enrichment. Learn how to leverage these technologies to improve data accuracy, reduce manual effort, and accelerate data-driven insights. 

1:20 pm - 1:25 pm Transition Break

Procure to Pay

1:25 pm - 1:55 pm Level Up Your P2P Team: Skills for the Future

The robots are coming...and that's a good thing! Automation is reshaping the P2P function, creating a demand for more analytical and strategic skills. We'll explore targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and development initiatives that focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. Learn how to identify talent, assess skill gaps, and create a roadmap for developing a high-performing, strategically focused P2P team. 

Order to Cash

1:25 pm - 1:55 pm From Data to Dollars: O2C Analytics

Unlocking the full potential of your Order-to-Cash (O2C) process requires more than just efficient transactions; it demands data-driven insights. This session explores how leveraging data analytics can revolutionize your O2C operations, transforming raw data into actionable intelligence that drives significant improvements in billing cycles, collections effectiveness, and cash flow management. We'll delve into specific applications of data analytics, from identifying patterns in customer payment behavior to segmenting customers for targeted collections strategies.

Record to Report

1:25 pm - 1:55 pm Global R2R Standardization: Achieve Consistency and Efficiency

Standardizing Record to Report processes across global organizations is a critical endeavor to ensure consistency, improve performance, and mitigate risks in today's interconnected business environment. This session will delve into the multifaceted challenges and strategic approaches involved in establishing a unified R2R framework. We will explore the development of globally applicable process maps, standardized templates, and consistent data definitions, enabling organizations to achieve a harmonized approach to financial reporting across diverse geographic regions.

Master Data Management

1:25 pm - 1:55 pm Conquer MDM Implementation Hurdles: Talent and Industry Solutions

Implementing comprehensive master data management systems, especially in industry-specific functions, is fraught with obstacles. This session will provide actionable strategies to conquer these challenges. We'll explore solutions for data integration complexities, legacy system limitations, and the nuanced demands of specialized industries. Crucially, we'll focus on overcoming the talent acquisition hurdle by outlining effective methods for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled MDM professionals at scale. Leave with a toolkit for successful MDM implementation. 

1:55 pm - 2:00 pm Transition

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Build the Ecosystem of Collaboration: Breakdown Internal and External Silos for Competitive Advantage

The era of isolated departments and fragmented supply chains is over. Competitive advantage is now forged through dynamic, interconnected ecosystems. Strategies for dismantling internal and external silos, fostering a culture of seamless collaboration across the value chain, will be explored. Cultivate cross-functional partnerships, leverage technology for real-time data sharing and transparent communication, and build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers, customers, and strategic partners. 

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Closing Recap and Final Thoughts


2:45 pm - 2:45 pm Close of Conference – See You Next Year!