08:30 - 09:10
Arrival, registration and breakfast networking
The event will begin with an informal networking session over breakfast. This gives the attendees the opportunity to begin expanding their networks, break into small groups and begin to discuss their biggest challenges as well as to exchange ideas.
09:10 - 09:25
Introduction from the Network Group and Chairperson
A brief introduction to the event software, SNS—this software, unique to the industry, empowers our attendees to make the most effective use of their time at the event by maximizing networking opportunities. The software designs a personalized agenda and enables attendees to arrange one-to-one meetings with each other. This will be followed by a welcome from the chairperson.
Amy West, EVP & CFO, AHRC NYC
09:25 - 10:05
Risk Management Strategies in an Uncertain World: How the CFO can Contribute to the Overall Resilience & Sustainability of the Organization
- Adapting risk management strategies to navigate geopolitical uncertainties in 2024
- Integrating cybersecurity and data privacy into risk management practices and planning
- Innovations in financial risk assessment and mitigation – What’s on the horizon for 2024
Luis Briz, Vice President, Finance & Senior Business Controller, Nestlé
10:05 - 10:45
Incorporating Financial Controls & Oversight into Financial Management Strategies to Tackle Fraud
- Embedding risk management-based approaches to financial oversight to identify potential fraudulent activity
- Guidance on integrating new financial controls into working systems to improve operational efficiency
- Developing joined-up responses for staff to appropriately report and address fraud
Tonya Johnson-Simmons, Deputy CFO, U.S. Department of the Interior
10:45-11:00
Coffee break and networking
11:00 - 11:25
Open Forum Think Tank
Financial Budgeting
Vaibhav Kukreja, Director, FP&A, ELM Home & Building Solutions
11:25-11:50
Networking
11:50 - 12:15
Open Forum Think Tank
Leadership in Finance
Vaibhav Kukreja, Director, FP&A, ELM Home & Building Solutions
12:15-12:40
Networking
12:40 - 13:05
Open Forum Think Tank
Using Financial Analysis to Inform Business Strategies
Vaibhav Kukreja, Director, FP&A, ELM Home & Building Solutions
11:00-13:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Risk management
- Business reporting
- Cyber security
- Performance management
- Big data & analytics
- ERP
- BPO/BPM
- HCM
- Management information systems
- Supply-chain optimisation
- Invoicing financing & e-invoicing
- Process automation
13:05-14:00
Networking lunch
Stream 1 - Financial Management
14:00 - 14:35
Find & Fix the Gaps in your Profitability
- Developing robust financial reporting processes to identify & tackle surplus costs
- Evaluating working processes to improve operational efficiency & increase profitability
- Engaging with partner organizations to manage costs from supply chains
Moshe Kravitz, Director, Finance, IDT
Stream 2 - Business Transformation
14:00 - 14:35
Embedding a Successful Organization-Wide Business Transformation Program
- Engaging with boards to secure resources for business transformation programs
- Developing timelines to ensure all staff understand their role in delivering transformation strategies
- Regular reviews of program implementation to address potential issues with new systems & processes
Kunal Singhal, Head of Finance Operations & Business Transformation, Gainwell Technologies
Stream 1 - Financial Management
14:35 - 15:10
The CFO as a Strategic Partner: Driving Business Growth by Helping to Shape & Execute the Overall Strategic Vision of an Organization
- Shifting from a traditional finance role to a strategic business partner
- Collaborating with other C-suite executives to drive innovation and growth
- Balancing short-term financial goals with long-term strategic objectives
Nataki Williams, Senior VP, Finance & Operations, The Guardian
Stream 2 - Business Transformation
14:35 - 15:10
Embedding Sustainable Financial Approaches to Merger & Acquisition Strategies
- Key tips on aligning ESG goals with M&A strategies
- Integrating finance records from acquired companies to maintain sustainable financial processes
- Establishing reporting and disclosure frameworks for sustainable and responsible finance
Kellam Tougias, Senior VP, Digital & Podcast Finance, Audacy
15:10 - 15:25
Coffee break and networking
15:25 - 15:50
Open Forum Think Tank
Embracing Generative AI
Frank Sansone, Treasurer & SVP Head of Treasury, China Construction Bank
15:50-16:15
Networking
16:15 - 16:40
Open Forum Think Tank
How CFOs can Support Growth
Frank Sansone, Treasurer & SVP Head of Treasury, China Construction Bank
16:40-17:05
Networking
15:25 – 17:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Risk management
- Business reporting
- Cyber security
- Performance management
- Big data & analytics
- ERP
- BPO/BPM
- HCM
- Management information systems
- Supply-chain optimisation
- Invoicing financing & e-invoicing
- Process automation
17:05 - 17:50
Panel Discussion: The Future of Finance: A Look at Digital Transformation Trends in 2024
- Exploring the impact of emerging technologies on finance functions
- Implementing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation in financial processes
- Strategies for successful digital transformation in finance
Maria Schnirman, Senior VP, Merrill
Tonya Johnson-Simmons, Deputy CFO, U.S. Department of the Interior
19:00
Networking dinner & drinks reception
08:30 - 09:00
Morning registration & breakfast
Informal networking over breakfast.
09:00 - 10:10
Roundtable discussions
Join group discussions with your peers on some of the most challenging & significant information security topics – please confirm attendance prior to the session. Each host will facilitate the discussion & give a short presentation of key findings in the wrap up session.
Roundtable 1: Expense Reduction
Bryan Senker, Director of Finance, Precision For Medicine
Roundtable 2: Business Transformation
Kai Lo, CFO, Mini-Circuits
Roundtable 3: AI in Finance
Sangeetha Sivasubramani, Global VP, Corporate Finance & Enterprise Transformation, BD
Roundtable 4: Diversity & Inclusion in Finance
Jyoti Varma, VP Commercial Finance, Integra LifeSciences
Roundtable 5: Cash Management
James Whalen, CFO, HB Global
Roundtable 6: Operational Efficiency
Elizabeth Leahy, District Controller, Coach USA
10:10 - 10:45
Wrap-up Session
Each host gives a short overview of key findings from their discussion & creates an ideas board to be distributed post event with the presentations.
10:45 - 11:00
Coffee break & networking
11:00 - 11:25
Open Forum Think Tank
Utilizing Data & Analytics to Support Financial Management Strategies
Mihir Desai, Head of FP&A, Orbia
11:25-11:50
Networking
11:50-12:15
Open Forum Think Tank
Shaping Company Strategy
Mihir Desai, Head of FP&A, Orbia
12:15-12:40
Networking
12:40-13:05
Open Forum Think Tank
Embracing Generative AI
Mihir Desai, Head of FP&A, Orbia
11:00-13:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Risk management
- Business reporting
- Cyber security
- Performance management
- Big data & analytics
- ERP
- BPO/BPM
- HCM
- Management information systems
- Supply-chain optimisation
- Invoicing financing & e-invoicing
- Process automation
13:05-14:00
Networking lunch
Stream 1 - Finance & Data
14:00 - 14:35
Financing Supply Chains to Improve Operational Efficiency
- Discussing strategies for optimizing costs while maintaining operational efficiency
- Establishing a robust system for identifying and classifying suppliers
- Implementing cost control measures to manage and reduce unnecessary expenses
Jonathan Heuser, Head of Trade & Supply Chain Finance, Citizens Financial Group
Stream 2 - Finance Operations
14:00 - 14:35
A Look at the Evolving Role of the CFO in Mergers & Acquisitions
- Analyzing best practices in due diligence and integration planning
- Assessing the financial impact of M&A on the overall business, what are the key steps that need to be followed?
- Strategies for successful mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures
Sangeetha Sivasubramani, Global VP, Corporate Finance & Enterprise Transformation, BD
14:35 - 15:10
Evaluating the Latest Innovations in Financial Reporting & Data Analytics
- Leveraging data analytics for strategic financial insights
- A look at the latest trends in financial reporting standards and best practices
- Enhancing transparency and communication through advanced financial reporting
Eric Mason, CFO, City of Quincy
15:10 - 15:55
Panel Discussion: Why & How the CFO can Contribute to an Effective Talent Acquisition & Retention Strategy
- Ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated effectively to support talent acquisition & retention initiatives
- Allocating budgetary resources for competitive benefits, and professional development programs
- Supporting initiatives that promote work-life balance, mental health, and a positive workplace culture
Kyle Bukhari, Director of Academic Administration & Finance, Columbia University
Monique Easterling, Deputy Director for Finance, Department of Planning & Development, City of Philadelphia
Kris Ballerini, Treasurer, Bucks County
Manas Taneja, VP, FP&A, Mastercard
15:55 -16:00
Closing remarks from the chairperson