The ICAEW Annual Financial Controllers Conference 2009

1 day (6 CPD Hours)

Introduction

The course in detail

09:30 – 09:35 Welcome by chair Chris Nelson

09:35 – 10:20 Winning - In challenging markets and beyond

• Strengthening the balance sheet
• Optimising performance
• Building confidence amongst stakeholders
• Positioning for the future Richard Punt, Deloitte

10:20 – 11:05 The quest for cash: Perspectives on improved management of working capital during the credit crunch

Cash flow management is a major concern for businesses. Unpaid debts, bad payment terms or delays in payment can be the difference between success and failure of a small business. At best, bad cash flow management will slow down business growth and affect your ability to pay for your own purchases and expenses. This session will assist you with managing this crucial task. Alison Curran, IBM Global Business Services

11:05 – 1120 Refreshments

11:20 – 12:05 You Can’t Save Your Way to Sales The current environment is a time for fresh approaches and new ways of doing business. Doing what you have always done, or what your sector has always done, or what worked last year, is no longer enough.

Recessions offer tremendous opportunities for alert and creative entrepreneurs. Become a challenger brand, increase your market share and at the same time learn how to become super-efficient and profitable – and then watch that growth rocket exponentially post-recession

Pam Vick MD Caspia Consultancy

12:05 – 12:50 Commercial Finance 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

Keith Nowland Regional Sales Director - Asset Finance, London Barclays Asset and Sales Finance

12:50 – 13:50 Lunch

13:50 – 14:20 Executive Search 2009: How the economic climate has impacted strategic hiring. As businesses have re-trenched, how has the tense economic climate affected the senior hiring policies of the UK's blue-chip organisations? How will this change over the coming months and what advice is available for talented professionals looking to take the next steps in their careers.

Chris Nelson Managing Director, Pure Search Waheed Akbar Head of Practice, Senior Finance & Treasury, Pure Search

14:20 – 15:00 Insolvency Indicators

As Financial Controller you are at the forefront of picking up on the warning signs when your business starts to head into trouble. The way you deal with the early signs could steer your business from some of the serious problems looming. It is time to go back to basics with proper financial controls in place and a full consideration of the risks to your business. David will look at current insolvency indicators that you should be aware of.

David Kerr Chief Executive, Insolvency Practitioners Association

15:00 – 15:15 Refreshments

15:15 – 15:50 Where on the Financial Controller's Agenda is the issue of bribery & corruption?

The threat posed by national and international corruption on business activities is growing. This session provides an update on UK & US corruption regulation and enforcement activity, and explains what it means for both global companies and SMEs.

Sterl Greenhalgh Head of Corporate Fraud Investigations, Grant Thornton

15:50 – 16:25 Managing redundancies professionally

The challenges associated with re-structuring that results in redundancy are not to be underestimated.

This session focuses on how managing redundancies professionally can help your organisation to maintain reputation, reassure employees and minimise the risk of disruption to the business. Delegates will be provided with a Best Practice framework supported by practical hints, tips and experience from CMC, the leading career management consultancy. CMC have over 20 years experience of working with employers, large and small. They help to maintain business performance through periods of change by providing a range of bespoke career transition and outplacement services.

Steve Thompson-Martyn Business Development Director, CMC Career Management

16:25 Round up and close

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 controllers / managers or those with equivalent responsibilities

List of events

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