The ICAEW Annual Finance Directors Conference 2009

1 day (6 CPD Hours)

Introduction

“When being good with numbers is no longer good enough”

Meeting the expectations of the board and audit committee in the current economic climate has significantly stretched the role of the Finance Director. Faced with a long lasting recession how can Finance Director’s overcome the challenges of conflicting demands?

It is no longer enough to be a number cruncher, Finance Director’s need to be accomplished in business development strategy and sustainability, lead on M & A activity and provide indicators to the board for forecasting business performance in addition to their historic duties. In essence the finance function is now a business partner within the organisation.

This one day, interactive conference will bring delegates up to date on the latest trends, technical information and thinking in the field. Delegates will hear from their peers, chief executives and managing directors on the current and future challenges facing the finance function and what personal skills they will need to drive and deliver high performance strategies in the future.

The course in detail

09:30 – 09:35 Welcome by chair Teresa Thorrington-Allen, National Director, Hays Finance

09:35 – 10:20 The challenges facing the FD in 2009 Tony Grace, Group Finance Director, Virgin Media

10:20 – 11:05 “Money’s too tight to mention”

This session will look at credit, liquidity and debt collection issues during a recession Paul Venables Group Finance Director, Hays

11:05 – 11:20 Refreshments

11:20 – 12:05 The FD as a Risk Manager – spotting the red light! Joe Myers, Head of Commercial Credit, Experian

12:05 – 12:50 Outsourcing – Reaping the rewards, avoiding the pitfalls during the recession Martyn Hart, Chairman, National Outsourcing Association

12:50 – 13:50 - Lunch

13:50 – 14:20 Directors' conflicts of interest - the practical impact of the Companies Act 2006.

In October 2007 the new statutory regime governing directors' conflicts of interest came into force. The new rules appear to go further than the old law, in particular in relation to potential future conflicts, and directors must be ever more alert to avoid breaching their duty. On the other hand, it is now possible for the board (rather than shareholders) to sanction conflict situations in certain circumstances. This session will explore the issues directors are now facing and how companies are adapting their procedures to reflect the new regime.

Danielle Harris, Professional Support Lawyer, MacLay, Murray & Spens LLP

14:20 – 15:00 Commercial funding options open to businesses Lloyds TSB, Commercial Finance

15:00 – 15:15 Refreshments

15:15 – 15:50 Mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances – is now the best time to invest in distressed businesses Ken Williamson, Head of M & A, Ernst & Young

15:50 – 16:25 Positioning the finance function for the economic upturn and beyond Rodger Hill, Head of Financial Management - Corporates Europe KPMG LLP

16:25 Round up and close Teresa Thorrington-Allen, National Director, Hays Finance

What are the benefits of attending?

• An opportunity to explore their unique role with other finance directors
• A clearer insight into the FD’s boardroom responsibilities and how to fulfil them effectively
• An examination of corporate financial strategies in the current economic climate and how these support broader corporate aims
• Personal development in a leadership role at strategic level

Who should attend?

• Financial directors or those with equivalent responsibilities.

List of events

Date	Time	Location	Code	Options
14 Oct 2009	9:30 -17:00	London - venue to be confirmed	9CF020	book	details