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 Directors overcome the challenges of conflicting demands?

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

The course in detail

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

09:35 – 10:20 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

10:20 – 11:05 Overview - The Challenges facing the SME Sector

• The current economic climate
• The Impact on SMEs .Government measures to help SMEs
• Living with less debt .The future Clive Lewis, ICAEW , Head of SME Issues

11:05 – 11:20 Refreshments

11:20 – 11:55 Mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances – is now the best time to invest in distressed businesses

Ken and Colin will conduct a lively debate as to the pros and cons of investing in distressed businesses at this time.

Ken and Colin work closely together in EY's Transaction Advisory Services business and so can share experiences across a wealth current projects, comment on key trends as well as all considering the angles from a whole range of stakeholder positions - key in the current market.

11:55 – 12:40 Outsourcing – Reaping the rewards, avoiding the pitfalls during the recession

With more companies under pressure to cut costs during the recession, many are opting to outsource business processes in a bid to minimise their overheads and concentrate on their core business. Outsourcing can offer access to outside knowledge and resources, but it has to be managed carefully. This session will explore the risks associated with outsourcing as well as the rewards.

Bharat Vagadia, SME Director, National Outsourcing Association

12:40 – 13:40 Lunch

13:40 – 14:10 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

14:10 – 14:50 Commercial funding options open to businesses

A timely look at a range of financial solutions which are available to suit the needs of businesses both large and small.

• Factoring
• Invoice Discounting
• Asset finance
• Property Finance

Martin Cooper Director and Head of Large & Major Corporates at Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance

14:50 – 15:05 Refreshments

15:05 – 15:50 The FD as a Risk Manager

• Measuring and assessing risk
• What can Finance Directors do to help themselves?
• How can credit reference agencies help with assessment?
• What services do Experian offer to help you manage risk

15:50 – 16:25 Positioning the finance function for the economic upturn and beyond

Could finance functions have been better prepared for the economic crisis? Rodger will provide insight into how finance functions can develop greater influence with business leaders and better prepare themselves for whatever lies ahead.

Rodger Hill Head of Financial Management Advisory, KPMG UK

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

What are the benefits of attending?

• To have the opportunity to explore your unique role with other financial controllers/finance directors
• To obtain a clearer insight into the FC’s & FD’s responsibilities and how to fulfil them effectively .For an examination of corporate financial strategies in the current economic climate and how these support broader corporate aims
• For personal development in a leadership role at strategic level
• This course offers you an opportunity to explore your unique role with other finance directors

Who should attend?

• Financial directors or those with equivalent responsibilities.

List of events

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