CFO Day | INVITE

Overview

This event delves into the evolving role of CFOs as digital finance leaders. With advancements in automation, AI, and real-time data analytics, CFOs are tasked with driving strategic growth while navigating regulatory complexities and sustainability initiatives. Join us to explore how technology is reshaping financial operations, risk management, and capital allocation.

Agenda

• 8:30 am Registration and Welcome Coffee(CFO Day)
• 8:50 am Welcome Address & Introduction(CFO Day)
• 9:00 am Strategic Leadership in 2025: Insights by Factor(CFO Day) As organisations navigate 2025, CFOs are redefining strategic leadership to focus on opportunities for growth, innovation, and resilience. Rather than being limited by external uncertainties, CFOs are leveraging emerging technologies, enhancing data analytics, and expanding their leadership roles. Recent insights reveal that CFOs are prioritising technological adoption, sustainable growth strategies, and enterprise agility to thrive in the evolving global economy. This session will showcase forward-looking approaches that are transforming the CFO function into a catalyst for organisational success. Discussion Points: Harnessing data analytics to unlock strategic growth opportunities and drive agile decision-making. Expanding the CFO's role to influence enterprise-wide strategy, integrating financial insights with operational goals. Leveraging technological innovation, including AI and automation, to achieve efficient growth and maintain competitive advantage.
• 9:20 am Australia’s Place in the New World Order: What It Means for Business, Tech, and Leadership(CFO Day) As global alliances shift and tensions rise between major powers, Australia finds itself at the crossroads of economic opportunity, political influence, and technological advancement. In this exclusive keynote, former Foreign Minister and NSW Premier Bob Carr explores how the evolving geopolitical landscape—marked by U.S.–China rivalry, regional security concerns, and emerging trade blocs—will reshape the future of Australian business and innovation. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s most respected voices on foreign policy and leadership, as he outlines what executives in finance and technology need to understand about risk, resilience, and strategic positioning in a volatile world. Discussion points: How Australia Should Navigate the U.S.–China Rivalry: Break down the geopolitical tension shaping everything from trade to technology. Tech Sovereignty and the Future of Innovation in Australia: Exploring the push for national control over digital infrastructure, AI, and data. Leadership in an Era of Global Volatility: Lessons from political leadership that translate to corporate crisis management.
• 9:40 am Network Resilience and Cost Optimisation in the Digital Economy(CFO Day) As enterprises scale their digital operations, CFOs are increasingly involved in decisions around network infrastructure due to its direct impact on cost, efficiency, and business continuity. Balancing investment in high-performance connectivity with financial prudence is a growing challenge, particularly as cloud adoption, hybrid work, and data-driven operations expand. This session will explore how organisations can optimise network resilience while maintaining cost control, ensuring that technology investments align with financial and operational goals. Discussion Points: Managing the total cost of ownership for enterprise connectivity without compromising performance. The financial impact of network downtime and how to build resilience into digital infrastructure. Strategic approaches to balancing OpEx vs. CapEx in network modernisation initiatives.
• 10:00 am The Collective Enterprise, Global Megatrends and the Power of C-Suite Fusion(CFO Day) Join an expert, cross-function C-Suite panel as they explore how partnerships among top executives are essential for addressing today’s global megatrends. Moving beyond the buzzwords of fusion teams, this discussion will focus on the importance of collaborative leadership in navigating shifts in technology, governance, and market dynamics, showcasing how integrated strategies across business functions can bolster organisational resilience and agility. Discussion Points: Leveraging diverse executive perspectives to tackle complex global challenges. Developing adaptable frameworks to meet governance, technological, and economic shifts. Fostering cross-functional alignment to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge.
• 10:20 am Rethinking Credit Risk and Financial Confidence in the Age of Real-Time Data(CFO Day) In today’s fast-moving economy, CFOs are expected to go beyond stewardship and control—they’re becoming architects of strategy, trust, and innovation. This session explores how data intelligence is transforming the finance function, enabling sharper risk management, deeper customer insights, and smarter forecasting. We’ll dive into how financial leaders can leverage both traditional and alternative data to identify growth opportunities, reinforce compliance, and drive strategic advantage. From navigating credit and market volatility to leading enterprise data governance, this talk will equip CFOs with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence in an increasingly data-driven world. Discussion Points: The CFO’s evolving role in a data-first economy Turning data into strategic advantage: from insight to action Managing risk and volatility with predictive analytics
• 10:40 am Networking Break & Morning Tea(CFO Day)
• 11:40 am Protecting Financial Health(Risk Mitigation) Balancing risk and opportunity with advanced strategies in risk management.
• 11:40 am Maintaining Financial Discipline(Spend Control) Strategies to monitor, manage, and optimise corporate spending effectively.
• 11:40 am Optimising Liquidity Strategies(Cash Management) Modern tools and techniques to ensure optimal cash flow for business stability
• 11:40 am Driving Decisions with Data(Data Analytics) Leveraging analytics for actionable insights and strategic financial leadership.
• 11:40 am Maximising ROI on Costs(Expense Optimisation) Exploring ways to cut unnecessary expenses while improving organisational value.
• 11:40 am Streamlining Financial Workflows(Process Automation) How automation is transforming finance processes for enhanced accuracy and speed.
• 11:40 am Achieving Seamless Operations(Operational Efficiency) Maximising resources and minimising waste to enhance financial department efficiency.
• 11:40 am Revolutionising Financial Management(Cloud Accounting) Harnessing cloud platforms to streamline accounting operations and improve accuracy.
• 11:40 am Preparing for Uncertainty(Budget Forecasting) The role of forecasting tools in navigating market volatility and ensuring readiness.
• 11:40 am Enabling finance-led S&OP and supply chain forecasting(Financial Planning) Exploring innovative approaches to supply chain planning for adaptive business growth.
• 0:05 pm Cybersecurity in Finance: Protecting Financial Data Against Emerging Threats and Ensuring Organisational Resilience(CFO Day - Plenary) As cyber threats become more sophisticated, protecting financial data is paramount. CFOs are increasingly responsible for ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place to safeguard sensitive information. Reports highlight cybersecurity as a significant challenge for CFOs in 2024. This session will cover best practices for data protection, collaboration with IT departments, budgeting for security initiatives, and responding effectively to data breaches. Discussion Points: Best practices for safeguarding financial data and mitigating risks. Budgeting effectively for cybersecurity initiatives within financial operations. Strengthening collaboration between finance and IT teams to address cyber threats.
• 0:25 pm Empowering Finance Teams Through Flexible and Tailored Working Environments(CFO Day - Plenary) [Fireside Chat]: Join this chat with Victoria Hickey as we explore how CFOs and senior finance leaders can create flexible and tailored working environments that not only empower their teams but also drive organisational success. With more than 20 years of experience leading high-performance teams, Victoria will share practical strategies for fostering a culture of inclusion and flexibility that can meet the unique needs of each team member while maintaining high standards of performance and collaboration. Discussion Points: Tailoring Flexibility to Individual Needs: How to design work environments that adapt to the diverse needs of finance professionals without compromising performance. Flexibility as a Key Enabler of Success: Strategies for creating inclusive teams where diverse perspectives drive better decision-making and innovation. The Role of Leadership in Flexible Environments: Leading teams through change and creating a culture of trust, autonomy, and accountability.
• 0:45 pm Achieving Long-Term Impact Without External Dependence(CFO Day - Plenary) Achieving Long-Term Impact Without External Dependence Organisations can drive lasting transformation by integrating continuous improvement into their core operations rather than relying on large-scale external interventions. This keynote will explore practical strategies for optimising processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and achieving sustainable change while maintaining financial discipline. Discover how businesses can implement transformation initiatives that are cost-effective, adaptable, and aligned with long-term strategic goals. Discussion Points: Optimising Cost and Efficiency in Transformation: Strategies for reducing reliance on external consultants while maintaining effective change management. Navigating Challenges in Business Evolution: Identifying and overcoming common barriers to sustainable transformation. Embedding Continuous Improvement into Operations: Practical approaches to making change an ongoing, seamless part of business functions.
• 1:05 pm Lunch Break - Peer Connect & Executive Roundtables(CFO Day - Plenary)
• 2:05 pm Enhancing Bottom Lines(Profitability Analysis) Key metrics and tools to assess and boost profitability in competitive markets.
• 2:05 pm Mastering Fund Allocation(Treasury Optimisation) Approaches to optimise liquidity and improve overall financial flexibility.
• 2:05 pm Enhancing Financial Transactions(Payment Processing) Modernising payment systems for faster, more secure, and cost-efficient processes.
• 2:05 pm Rethinking Credit Risk and Financial Confidence in the Age of Real-Time Data(Enterprise Insights) Using financial insights to uncover hidden opportunities and drive enterprise value.
• 2:05 pm Cutting Costs Strategically(Cost Reduction) Proven methods for sustainable cost reduction without compromising quality.
• 2:05 pm Mapping Financial Futures(Strategic Planning) Integrating strategy with financial goals for long-term organisational success.
• 2:05 pm Innovating with Technology(Digital Transformation) Integrating digital tools to reimagine financial operations and drive change.
• 2:05 pm Tracking Financial Health(Performance Metrics) Defining and using key metrics to benchmark and achieve financial goals.
• 2:05 pm Ensuring Financial Integrity(Compliance Management) Best practices to stay ahead in regulatory compliance and risk management.
• 2:30 pm Beyond the Numbers: Transforming Financial Data into a Strategic Asset(CFO Day - Plenary) In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, organizations face the challenge of turning raw financial data into strategic insights that drive business outcomes. This session will explore how automation, process improvements, and smarter resource management can transform financial operations, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions that balance efficiency with profitability. Discussion Points: Overcoming challenges in finance transformation through automation and improving data accuracy. Optimising resource allocation to enhance enterprise-wide efficiency and financial performance. Leveraging advanced analytics to drive smarter financial decision-making and long-term business success.
• 2:50 pm Driving Growth Through Balancing Profit, Compliance, and Customer-Centric Transformation(CFO Day - Plenary) In an era of increasing complexity and transformation, CFOs are uniquely positioned to lead organisations through the convergence of financial performance, regulatory challenges, and evolving customer expectations. CFOs play a critical role in ensuring that financial strategies drive not only growth but also operational efficiencies. According to a report, 72% of CFOs agree that their role has shifted from being primarily focused on financial stewardship to actively driving strategy and value creation across the entire business. Discussion Points: Navigating Regulatory Compliance Enhancing Shareholder and Customer Value Balancing Profit with Purpose
• 3:10 pm From Talent Management to Inflationary Pressures: The Future of Work Within Finance(CFO Day - Plenary) The future of work is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements, shifting customer expectations. CFOs and business leaders must not only navigate these challenges but also leverage them as opportunities to build more resilient, agile, and profitable businesses. This session will explore how technology and customer behaviour analytics are reshaping the workplace and business operations, how organisations can attract and retain the right talent in an increasingly competitive market, and how to manage the inflationary pressures that continue to impact businesses globally. Discussion Points: Customer Behaviour Analytics: Understanding Changing Consumer Expectations. Technology Adoption: Enabling Efficiency and Innovation. Talent Management in a Changing Landscape. Inflation and Cost Management: Navigating Financial Pressure.
• 3:35 pm End of Day & Closing Remarks + Networking Drinks(CFO Day - Plenary)

More events from this host

• CFO Day | Sydney May 2026, Barangaroo
• CFO Day | Melbourne October 2026, Southbank
• CFO Day | Sydney March 2027, Sydney
• CFO Day | Melbourne November 2027, Southbank
• Canva Melbourne Roundtable August 2026, Melbourne
• AI Systems Scale August 2026
• Agentic Brand Control August 2026, The Rocks
• Modern Govt Day September 2026, Canberra