CFO Day | Sydney
Financial Leadership in a Digital Era: Navigating Automation, ESG, and Strategic Growth
ILUMINA, Sydney, Australia
Hosted by Factor
- 2 attendees
- 8 hours
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.
What we will cover
- Cost Management Exploring methods CFOs can use to strategically manage costs, driving resilience and growth in an uncertain economic environment.
- Economic Volatility Examining strategies to navigate economic fluctuations, from inflation to supply chain disruptions, ensuring business continuity.
- ESG Reporting Addressing the rising importance of transparent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, and its integration into financial decision-making.
- Supply Chain Risk Discussing how CFOs are mitigating risks associated with supply chain instability, focusing on reshoring and improving supplier relationships.
- Revenue Strategy Exploring ways CFOs can drive top-line growth by leveraging financial data and aligning strategies with broader business goals.
- Finance Transformation Focusing on how CFOs can modernise the finance function with digital tools, improving efficiency, decision-making, and risk management.
- Security & Governance Examining the increasing responsibility CFOs hold in protecting financial data from cyber threats, emphasising governance frameworks.
- Talent Retention Exploring strategies for attracting and retaining top finance talent, especially in areas related to digital transformation.
- Operational Efficiency Investigating how automation and process optimisation can streamline operations, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.
- CFO Strategy Discussing the growing mandate for CFOs to act as strategic business partners, influencing decisions beyond financial reporting.
- Finance Automation Focusing on how CFOs are adopting AI to improve financial processes, enhance forecasting, and automate routine tasks.
- Data Analytics Exploring the use of advanced data analytics platforms to provide actionable insights, supporting better decision-making.
Agenda
- Registration and Welcome Coffee(CFO Day)
- Welcome Address & Introduction(CFO Day)
- 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.
- 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.
- Connection: The Key to Unlocking Your Business’ Full Potential in an Era of Fragmentation(CFO Day) In 2025, businesses are navigating a rapidly changing environment shaped by heightened regulations, technological advancements, and accelerated operational pace. Companies must focus on agility, informed decision-making, and operational excellence to remain competitive. Key challenges include the surge in regulatory audits and tariff changes, overwhelming tax compliance demands, and the need for improved supply chain visibility. Leveraging technology, particularly Generative AI, and trade programs like FTZs and FTAs can help companies protect their bottom line and enhance competitiveness. While optimism about AI is growing among Australian professionals, a significant portion still lacks AI plans, highlighting opportunities for further adoption. Discussion Points: Regulatory Challenges and Compliance: How can businesses better prepare for and adapt to the increasing complexity and frequency of regulatory changes, such as audits and tariff updates? Technology's Role in Operational Excellence: What strategies can companies employ to enhance supply chain visibility and data analysis using advanced technologies like AI? Adoption of Generative AI: With the growing optimism and usage of AI, what steps can organisations take to integrate AI into their operations effectively, and what barriers might they need to overcome?
- 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.
- How Future-Ready Financial Operations Are Elevating the Office of the CFO(CFO Day) According to a recent Gartner survey, 72% of CFOs have identified metrics, analytics, and reporting as a critical priority for 2025. As finance leaders navigate increasing complexity, the need for accurate, efficient, and intelligent financial operations has never been greater. Join BlackLine leader, Mike Goldsworthy, to discover how leading organisations are prioritising financial transformation to elevate the Office of the CFO, generate faster insights, and deliver against strategic priorities.
- Networking Break & Morning Tea(CFO Day)
- Optimising Liquidity Strategies(Cash Management) Modern tools and techniques to ensure optimal cash flow for business stability
- Streamlining Financial Workflows(Process Automation) How automation is transforming finance processes for enhanced accuracy and speed.
- Preparing for Uncertainty(Budget Forecasting) The role of forecasting tools in navigating market volatility and ensuring readiness.
- Protecting Financial Health(Risk Mitigation) Balancing risk and opportunity with advanced strategies in risk management.
- Enabling finance-led S&OP and supply chain forecasting(Financial Planning) Exploring innovative approaches to supply chain planning for adaptive business growth.
- Achieving Seamless Operations(Operational Efficiency) Maximising resources and minimising waste to enhance financial department efficiency.
- Revolutionising Financial Management(Cloud Accounting) Harnessing cloud platforms to streamline accounting operations and improve accuracy.
- Maximising ROI on Costs(Expense Optimisation) Exploring ways to cut unnecessary expenses while improving organisational value.
- Maintaining Financial Discipline(Spend Control) Strategies to monitor, manage, and optimise corporate spending effectively.
- Driving Decisions with Data(Data Analytics) Leveraging analytics for actionable insights and strategic financial leadership.
- 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.
- 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.
- Driving Sustainable Transformation from Within(CFO Day - Plenary) 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.
- Lunch Break - Executive Roundtables(CFO Day - Plenary) Redefining Finance: Intelligent Governance, Real-Time Decisions, and Scalable Compliance. As finance leaders navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, the mandate has never been clearer: build a future-ready finance function that is transparent, resilient, and intelligent by design. This roundtable will explore how CFOs can integrate ethical governance, real-time data, and strategic automation to strengthen trust with stakeholders and regulators, while simultaneously enhancing agility, accuracy, and strategic value. Join your peers to unpack how integrated systems, automated processes, and embedded intelligence across tax, accounting, and reporting are transforming the finance function from a compliance centre to a strategic powerhouse. Key Discussion Points: From Compliance to Confidence: How can ethical, transparent reporting practices enhance stakeholder trust and meet growing regulatory expectations? Real-Time Intelligence, Real-World Impact: What does a connected, data-led finance ecosystem look like — and how does it enable faster, smarter decision-making? Automate to Accelerate: Where should CFOs prioritise automation across tax, accounting, and reporting to unlock capacity and reduce risk? Governance as Growth Strategy: How can intelligent, integrated governance frameworks drive both compliance and competitive advantage?
- Enhancing Bottom Lines(Profitability Analysis) Key metrics and tools to assess and boost profitability in competitive markets.
- Enhancing Financial Transactions(Payment Processing) Modernising payment systems for faster, more secure, and cost-efficient processes.
- Tracking Financial Health(Performance Metrics) Defining and using key metrics to benchmark and achieve financial goals.
- Innovating with Technology(Digital Transformation) Integrating digital tools to reimagine financial operations and drive change.
- Mapping Financial Futures(Strategic Planning) Integrating strategy with financial goals for long-term organisational success.
- Cutting Costs Strategically(Cost Reduction) Proven methods for sustainable cost reduction without compromising quality.
- Ensuring Financial Integrity(Compliance Management) Best practices to stay ahead in regulatory compliance and risk management.
- Mastering Fund Allocation(Treasury Optimisation) Approaches to optimise liquidity and improve overall financial flexibility.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- End of Day & Closing Remarks + Networking Drinks(CFO Day - Plenary)
Speakers
The Hon. Bob Carr · Former Minister, Foreign Affairs of Australia In his 10 years as Premier he set new records for State Government spending on infrastructure, hosted the world’s best Olympics, achieved the nation’s best school literacy levels and bold environmental reforms such as wilderness protection, 350 new national parks and the world’s first carbon trading scheme. After leaving federal politics he devoted himself to two of the greatest challenges of the age: for five years he headed a think tank based at UTS on Australia-China relations grappling with China’s rise and the consequences; then for three years he worked as a Professor of Business and Climate at UTS forging solutions to the climate challenge. He has had a lifelong interest in the United States and its politics. He served as Scholar of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue and has spoken and written extensively about America, analysing the trends that shape it and determine its future. Forbes magazine called Bob Carr a ‘dragon slayer’ for his landmark tort law reforms. Bob Carr is uniquely qualified to talk about how international developments can shape your business.
Victoria Hickey · CFO Business Banking, Commonwealth Bank Victoria is the Chief Financial Officer of CBA’s Business Banking Division. She is a strong advocate for equality of opportunity and believes that workplace flexibility is essential for retaining and empowering employees. Her purpose is to foster a generosity of spirit within her team, the organisation, and the broader community. Before joining CBA, she was the CFO at AMP Bank and previously spent nearly a decade as a Partner at KPMG. Outside of her professional career, she is a mother of two boys, Tyson and Jack, and is passionate about: Promoting work-life balance and flexibility – Having worked flexibly for over 12 years, she has experienced its personal benefits firsthand and strives to create the same opportunities for others. Investing in teams and colleagues – She is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Enhancing CBA’s workplace and customer experience – She collaborates closely with leadership to make CBA a great place to work and a valued partner for customers. Giving back to the community – She actively mentors not-for-profit organisations and raises awareness and support for meaningful causes.
Jonathan Cook · Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Westpac Jonathan Cook, Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the Westpac Institutional bank, is passionate about enabling data driven decision-making and has spent his career helping organisations navigate complex data & technology transformation agendas. A change advocate, promoting simplification of data ecosystems, uplifting people & capabilities, and championing modern data practices to nurture enduring data culture.
Yogita Nath · CFO South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Sanofi Yogita Nath’s career spans more than 25 years with varied experience in financial management, mergers and acquisitions, finance transformation and business strategy. As Chief Financial Officer at Sanofi responsible for Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, Yogita is responsible for financial functions including Planning and Analysis, Commercial Decision Support, Accounting (lodgement of multiple financials with ASIC), Internal Controls, Tax and Treasury in South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Brindha Pillay · CFO, DHL Brindha Pillay is an accomplished Finance transformation executive with a proven track record of optimising business processes within global organisations. Brindha has in-depth knowledge and experience of all facets of Shared Services including strategy, design, transition, implementation, transformation and management. She collaborates effectively across functions and with all levels of the organisation and has a particular strength in building consensus to achieve desired outcomes.
Francoise Merit · CFO, Endeavour Energy (NSW) A driven and outcome-oriented finance professional with strong leadership skills and a proven ability to deliver superior financial insight to assist in key business decisions. Francoise has excellent communication, interpersonal & mentoring skills, and has a strong interest in Diversity and Inclusion. She also possesses strong financial control and reporting skills, superior business acumen and commercial analytical skills to provide guidance for strategic and operational decisions.
Ali Mehfooz · Group Financial Controller, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Visionary, commercial, innovative, determined, personable, customer-focused, and performance-driven — these words define Ali's mindset, leadership skills and competence. Ali is an experienced financial services executive with a consistent track record of success, transformation, optimisation and achievement across finance, product management and operations. Ali's focus within finance includes: - Fund and Product operations, - Financial control, statutory reporting and business partnering - Remediation, rectification and oversight - Change management - Project management - Business and processes transformation - Robotic process automation - Assurance and advisory
Stephen Watson · CFO, HOYTS Group A motivated and driven executive with broad management experience acquired through executive roles running finance, corporate, creative, technical and operational teams in start-up, turn-around and growth focused organisations. Strong leadership skills coupled with astute business acumen and a determination to succeed has contributed to a solid record of achievement.
Jon Blackburn · CFO, Sydney Opera House Jon joined in the role of Chief Financial Officer in November 2017 and was appointed Executive Director Corporate Services in September 2018. He is responsible for the finance, technology, legal, and enterprise risk and program management teams delivering corporate services across the Opera House. Jon has over 30 years global experience in the financial, property and professional services sectors. After starting his career at Price Waterhouse he moved into financial services with senior roles a
Craig Baty · VP Research & Advisory, Factor With over 30 years of C-level experience in ICT, HR, marketing, sales, operations, research, leadership, and international business, Craig is a notable tech industry leader.
Madeline Palmer · Head of Content, Research & Editorial, Factor Madeline Palmer is a seasoned media and communications professional with extensive experience across journalism, broadcasting, and content creation. Before joining Factor, Madeline worked as a broadcast journalist in a number of major newsrooms across the country. During this time, Madeline covered breaking national and international news, including the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Medibank and Optus data breaches, several State and Federal Elections, the historical AUKUS Agreement, and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, among other stories.
Jessica Chen · GM Financial Performance, QBE Insurance Jess is the General Manager of Financial Performance at QBE. Jess is also passionate about building and leading high-performing, diverse teams that deliver exceptional results. Before joining QBE, Jess served as the CFO across multiple business lines at Westpac, including Cash and Transactional Banking, Insurance, Pacific Banking, and Auto Finance, where she demonstrated a strong track record of financial stewardship and business leadership.
Miki Luong · Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, A/NZ, IBM Miki Luong is an accomplished marketing and communication strategist, currently holding the position of Chief Marketing and Communication Officer at IBM Australia and New Zealand. With a deep-rooted passion for technology, Miki seamlessly blends her quantitative background with her creative flair to drive impactful campaigns and foster brand growth. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her innovative approach to storytelling and her relentless pursuit of staying ahead of industry trends. Miki is dedicated to leveraging technology to connect with audiences, driving digital transformation, and empowering businesses to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. Under her leadership, IBM continues to push boundaries, redefine the future of marketing, and communication in the tech industry.
Mike Goldsworthy · Principal Value Architect, BlackLine Mike Goldsworthy is a Principal Value Architect at BlackLine. With over two decades of experience in IT and finance, Mike has a deep understanding of both professional services and end-user perspectives. His expertise lies in large ERP process architecture and best-of-breed application solution architecture, with a particular focus on seamless integration and optimising financial processes. Mike has a proven track record in successfully executing global, multi-jurisdiction deployments, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Prior to his career in technology consulting, he commenced his career in CA with five years in Audit.
Vishal Bali · Regional MD - Asia and Emerging Markets, Thomson Reuters Vishal Bali is the Managing Director of Asia and Emerging Markets at Thomson Reuters, steering content-driven technology investments, AI-powered innovations, and leading the growth strategy and business operations execution in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a career spanning multiple markets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and MENA, he possesses a deep understanding of the region’s unique opportunities and challenges, making him well-equipped to deliver impactful solutions and drive growth. Vishal’s passion lies in enabling businesses to realise their full potential with the power of data, technology, and leadership. His experience spans across driving global digital transformation, scaling new products and building new partnerships/ alliances. An avid technology lover, he is also actively involved in working with industry bodies to mentor/ train small businesses and scale ups. Vishal is a trusted voice in artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital enablement, and eCommerce. Vishal holds a Master’s in Management Studies and a Bachelor of Science from India.
Partners
Thomson Reuters · Diamond Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading provider of news and information-based tools to professionals. Our worldwide network of journalists and specialist editors keep customers up to speed on global developments, with a particular focus on legal, regulatory and tax changes. Our customers operate in complex arenas that move society forward — tax, law, compliance, government, media. In a disruptive digital age, we help professionals reinvent themselves.- BlackLine · Platinum
Enable · Bronze Enable is a cloud-based rebate management platform that simplifies and automates the rebate process. Rebate management is rapidly becoming a driving force of many of today’s top supply chains, however, the majority of organisations using rebates are managing this function using spreadsheets or inadequate ERP systems. This approach is not only a burden on accounting staff, but can also lead to missed deal earnings, poor cash flow, strained partner relationships, and financial compliance violations. Often overlooked, B2B rebates on their own could separate a profitable quarter from an unprofitable one. Enable helps you create value from rebates and transform potential risks into opportunities. With Enable, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers and buying groups can collaborate seamlessly, streamlining the rebate process and enhancing transparency, while building long-term trusted trading relationships.- FloQast · Bronze
- Worldpay · Bronze
Unit4 · Bronze Unit4’s next-generation enterprise software transform work to be more meaningful and inspiring through software that’s self-driving, adaptive and intuitive, intelligently automating administrative tasks and providing easy access to the answers people need. Our intelligent Financial Planning & Analytics software solutions free your teams to spend more time delivering insights and creating value for the business. We help you understand the numbers more deeply and then turn that insight into action, for better business results. You will gain access to automated, AI-infused financial planning and analysis, budget management, and financial forecasting tools with highly interactive dashboards and powerful, pre-configured models.- Factor Leading market research in APAC.
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