2024 event highlights

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ICAEW Annual Conference 2024

2024's annual conference explored the themes of sustainability, leadership and technology in the industry, looking at the ways we can shape tomorrow's economy.

Headline sponsor

MHA

MHA is a network ranked the 12th largest accountancy group in the UK. It comprises 19 offices nationwide with a strong reputation for specialist industry knowledge, that collaborate and share best practice to provide outstanding client service.

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Conference Chair

Katie Prescott

Katie is one of the UK’s best-known technology and business journalists, reporting on the dynamic changes across the tech, media and telecoms sectors and their impact on business and our everyday lives.

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Keynote speaker

Leanne Spencer

Voted Speaker of the Year 2022, Leanne has over 11 years’ experience in wellbeing and 13 qualifications in exercise and nutrition. Leanne began her career in sales and spent over 15 years working in the City of London before leaving in 2012 to set up a wellbeing company.

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In conversation

Eugene Amo-Dadzie

Eugene is a 100m sprinter for Great Britain, and one of the fastest men in the world today. He started running in 2018 aged 26, as his corporate career was in full flow as a practising ACA chartered accountant.

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Keynote speaker

Huw Pill

Huw is the Chief Economist and Executive Director for Monetary Analysis and Research at the Bank of England.

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Keynote speaker

Piers Linney

Piers is an entrepreneur, investor, and former BBC Dragon’s Den Dragon. With a background in venture capital law and M&A investment banking at Credit Suisse, Piers has established himself as a leading figure in the UK business world.

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ICAEW’s offset projects and strategy

Carbon offsetting

We are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development. Which is why we have committed to offset your journey by financing our chosen certified climate projects.

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2024 programme

Experience a full day of curated sessions, connections over lunch and stay ahead with inspiring talks about economic transformation, practical guidance on ESG skills and AI as a partner for productivity.

Please note the programme is subject to change.

Registration: 07:30 - 08:40

Breakfast session: From regulation to opportunity: maximising the impact of sustainability disclosures | Rathbones Speaker: Kate Elliot. The ISSB, initially focused on climate, has announced new research areas in biodiversity and human capital to develop common disclosure standards. In this breakfast session, we will cover essential information for accountants, including the timeline of current and upcoming sustainability-related disclosures, compliance issues from the TCFD and TNFD, how investors engage with companies on sustainability issues and the benefits of such engagement, and the longer-term opportunities beyond compliance.: 08:00

Breakfast session: Future-proofing your accounting firm: the six strategic priorities for success | Workday Speakers: Alex Craft, Rob Douglas, Dean Harrigan. In today’s rapidly evolving technological and market landscape, accounting firms face both challenges and opportunities. This session will cover six key strategies essential for accounting firms to remain competitive and succeed, featuring insights from Kyle Wilkinson, a Strategic Industry Advisor at Workday. Topics include attracting and retaining top talent, leveraging skills as valuable assets, driving profitable growth, boosting operational efficiency, adopting modern scalable technology, and investing in innovative services. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning will be discussed for their potential to transform decision-making and future-proof firms. Join this session to explore actionable solutions and real-world examples for converting uncertainty into opportunities and driving sustainable growth for your accounting firm.: 08:00

Breakfast session: Redefining Accounting Automation | UniFi Speaker: Glyn Coy. The term ‘new’ is often overused in tech, but the industry is developing new features at speed which will have a significant impact on the finance function. Don't miss this unique talk where you'll discover what ‘accounting automation’ means in the real world and what it means for the future office of the CFO. Join us to learn how to future-proof your role and department with confidence.: 08:00

Chair’s opening remarks | Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times As the Conference Chair, Katie Prescott brings a unique blend of journalistic insight and technological curiosity. As the Technology Business Editor at The Times, she’s no stranger to the intersection of finance, innovation, and global trends. A familiar voice to millions, after a decade of presenting the business news on the Today programme, Katie will set the stage for a day of exploration. Expect engaging anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, and perhaps a dash of tech trivia. She’ll touch upon key themes like economic transformation, ESG skills, and the role of AI in productivity.: 08:40

Welcome address | Alan Vallance, CEO, ICAEW: 08:45

What’s next for the UK economy? | Huw Pill, Chief Economist, The Bank of England: 08:55

Charting a new course for economic transformation Panellists: Professor Joe Nellis CBE, Economic Advisor to MHA, Professor Dame Diane Coyle, Mike Brewer, Resolution Foundation. The UK faces a toxic combination of low growth, high inequality and weak productivity as our economy struggles to recover from several once-in-a-generation shocks. Set against the backdrop of the 2024 General Election, this stimulating panel discussion on the global and UK economic outlook will explore how to build a better, more resilient economic future, including examining the role of new technologies and the transition to net zero in unlocking the UK’s growth potential and raising living standards.: 09:25

Break, refreshments and exhibition viewing: 10:00

Lessons from leadership | MHA Rachel Nutt, a senior partner at MHA who advises some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, talks about the lessons she’s learnt over the last two decades and how they have helped her as part of the team that has lead MHA through a period of unparalleled growth. If your firm is doubling in size every four years as MHA is, how do you keep the glue that binds teams together with a common set of values and a shared vision? Is it possible to be an open leader, encourage transparent feedback, yet make sure everyone is on the same journey? In a period of geopolitical uncertainty, technological upheaval, new ways of working and a sector facing new paradigms and challenges, what are the leadership lessons from business for the future accountancy profession?: 10:35

Revitalising audits: strategies for success in a tech-driven world | Thomson Reuters Confirmation Kyle Gibbons, Thomson Reuters Confirmation; Rhodri Whitlock, Quality and Governance Consultant and Kathryn Cearns, OBE will explore the ever-evolving landscape of audit. Discover how to invigorate the profession through this insightful discussion. Learn how to stay ahead of ever-evolving audit regulations. Explore how technology and process enhancements can unlock demonstrable value in your audit workflows. Uncover strategies to retain profitable clients while efficiently managing less lucrative ones. Tried and tested tactics for alleviating the burden on audit leaders, juggling a myriad of responsibilities alongside core audit duties: 10:35

The AI skills gap: how to upskill your accounting team for the future | Xero Speaker: Stuart Miller, Xero. AI is transforming the skills landscape for accountants. This session will identify the most in-demand AI competencies, discuss strategies for upskilling and reskilling your team, and explore how to integrate AI education into your firm's professional development programs. Future-proof your workforce and stay ahead of the curve.: 10:35

Extracting value from Sustainability - addressing the Data Challenge | Oracle Speakers: Elena Avesani, Oracle, Nick Jackson, Oracle. Sustainability is now at the top of the agenda for many organisations. They are looking for solutions that provide transparent disclosures and enable them to derive actionable insights. The greatest challenge in understanding sustainability performance and making progress toward sustainability goals is data – consolidating, verifying, and analysing the data to bring insight and support informed decision-making. Join this session to learn how you can capture and manage the data required to plan and report against your organization’s environmental, social, and governance activities, together with understanding how cloud technology can accelerate meaningful change.: 11:10

Next-Gen FP&A: driving strategic value and leadership in a dynamic business environment | Workday Speakers: Alex Craft, Rob Douglas, Dean Harrigan. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, the Financial Planning and Analysis function is more critical than ever. No longer confined to traditional tasks of budgeting and forecasting, FP&A professionals are now at the forefront of strategic decision-making, providing insights that drive business growth and innovation and moving from scorekeeper to value creator for overall business leadership. This session will delve into how FP&A teams are transforming their roles to become strategic partners within their organisations. We will discuss the latest trends and best practices in FP&A, including the integration of advanced analytics, the shift towards real-time data analysis, the impact of AI and ML and the growing emphasis on strategic advisory.: 11:10

Driving growth and competitive advantage through audit innovation | Datasnipper Speaker: Mujtaba Rai. Audit as an industry has faced several challenges in the past, from higher attrition rates to higher regulatory reporting standards, and now the advent of AI. In this talk we will explore how the financial industry has coped with the past challenges and how future challenges bring opportunities with it, looking especially at how AI will pave the way for a new way of auditing. We’ll dive into the evolution of auditing, exploring its historical challenges with innovation, the current wave of advancements, the transformative impact of AI, and the future landscape of auditing. We’ll explore tackling complex areas like ESG audits and how new innovative features as introduced by DataSnipper will change the way we approach audit.: 11:10

Achieving a nature-positive economy: pathways and possibilities Panellists: Maelle Pelisson, Business for Nature, Karen Ellis, WWF-UK, Toby Roxburgh, ICAEW. Join us for an engaging session where we explore the concept of a nature-positive economy and its role in achieving a socially just net zero transition. Our expert panel will delve into the challenges and opportunities for businesses and finance institutions of transitioning to a nature-positive economy. Join the session to understand what a nature-positive economy entails and how it supports the transition to net-zero, the role of businesses in addressing climate change and nature loss, as well as the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies and decision-making processes. Gain insights on the challenges and opportunities businesses face in transitioning to a nature-positive and climate-resilient economy.: 11:45

From core values to collective impact: building inclusive workplaces Panellists: Sheryl Miller, ACA, Satvir Bungar, BDO, Sarah Petherbridge, Disability Awareness Trainer. In today's fast-paced and competitive world, innovation is the key to success. But how can you foster a culture of innovation in your organisation? It starts with creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. In this session, you will learn how to walk the talk of inclusion, from the core values and practices of your leadership team, to the everyday interactions and collaborations of your employees. You will also discover how to leverage the diversity of your workforce as a source of creativity and innovation, and how to overcome the common challenges and barriers that hinder inclusive cultures.: 11:45

Copilots: AI as a partner for productivity Speaker: Shamus Rae, Engine B. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the accounting profession, enabling accountants to work smarter, faster and better. But how can accountants leverage the power of AI without losing their human touch and professional judgement? The answer could be Copilots. Copilots use generative AI to provide insights, answers and evidence to accountants, based on a wealth of standardised data and external sources, such as methodology and standards. Learn how copilots can help you to save time and improve quality. Enhance your skills and knowledge, deliver value and innovation to your clients and be ethical and responsible by using copilots to check compliance, identify risks and ensure transparency and accountability.: 11:45

Lunch, networking and exhibition viewing: 12:20

Lunch session: Navigating the risk of another bank collapse: is your practice mitigating threats to clients' cash? | Insignis Cash Join expert speaker Giles Hutson, CEO at Insignis Cash, as he explores the risks facing the UK banking market and provides strategies to mitigate potential threats to your clients' cash effectively. Discover the strengths of the UK banking market, protective measures like ring-fencing and FSCS, and the advantages of modern cash management platforms.: 12:20

Lunch session: How to propel your practice forward with cloud solutions | Caseware Speaker: Jack Holloway, Caseware. Over the last few years, the accounting profession has faced multiple challenges, such as adapting their way of working to embrace remote staff, attracting and retaining talent and keeping up with changing regulations. However, this is a chance to embrace innovation, harness the power of technology and propel your practice forward. We have seen a big demand for tech providers to offer cloud solutions, yet cloud adoption is still slow in many firms. This session will offer a deeper dive into how using cloud technology, such as Audit and Financial Reporting, can promote effective team-client collaboration, remote working, team retention and make keeping up to date with changing regulations a problem of the past.: 12:20

What risks are you not accounting for? The danger of overlooking ESG Panellists: Myfanwy Neville, BKL, Steve Kenzie, UN Global Compact Network, Richard Andrews, KPMG. In this session, you will learn how to build sustainability into your risk assessment processes and avoid the danger of overlooking ESG factors. You will discover how ESG factors can affect your organisation’s financial performance, reputation, and resilience, as well as the expectations and demands of your stakeholders, such as investors, regulators, customers, and employees. The session will cover topics including the key ESG issues and trends that pose risks and opportunities for your organization, how you can integrate ESG risk assessment into your existing risk management processes and systems, and how you can monitor and report on your ESG risk performance and progress.: 13:45

Cadence: the key to high performance Speaker: Leanne Spencer. Professionals are expected to keep up with technological advancements, talent recruitment issues, client demands and so much more. The ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances is a vital skill, and one which we can learn from some of the most resilient people in society – athletes. Even at the most elite level, an athlete will not expect to be operating at peak performance all year round. They will look ahead to the schedule, get ready, perform to the best of their ability and then rest. Leanne will show you how to prioritise your own personal sustainability in a high-paced environment through the power of storytelling in this interactive, fun keynote.: 13:45

Navigating ethical challenges in AI implementation Panellists: Maria Axente, PwC, Esther Mallowah, ICAEW, Malcolm Bacchus, ICAEW, Professor Chris Cowton, University of Huddersfield. Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword. It’s a game-changer for accounting and finance, opening up new doors for innovation, efficiency and value. But AI also comes with ethical challenges that can’t be ignored. How can you use AI in a way that is ethical, responsible and professional? This session will feature a dynamic panel of experts, each armed with their unique perspectives. They’ll present a compelling ethical dilemma—one that challenges conventional thinking and sparks lively discussion. The audience will have the chance to interact with the dilemma via our voting software, Slido, as we explore questions of bias, transparency, accountability, and trust in the context of AI. Consider it an invitation to engage, reflect, and contribute.: 13:45

Break, refreshments and exhibition viewing: 14:20

From grit to growth: Piers Linney's journey from Lancashire roots to Dragons' Den icon | Piers Linney, Entrepreneur, Investor and former BBC Dragon: 15:00

ESG skills and competencies for accountants: a practical guide Speakers: Jayne Saywell, Black Skies Blue and Natalie Nicholles, Capital Coalition. Join this session to explore the ESG landscape: What are the key ESG issues and trends that affect the accounting profession and the business world? How do ESG factors impact the financial performance and value creation of organizations? Our speakers will guide you through the important considerations including: global and local ESG initiatives and regulations; how can accountants choose and apply the most appropriate and relevant ESG standards and frameworks for their organizations and stakeholders; the ESG best practices that accountants can learn from and adopt; resources and tools that accountants can use to enhance their ESG skills and competencies.: 15:40

Leading through change: a novel approach to success in a dynamic world Speaker: Professor Eddie Obeng. In an era of rapid transformation, where the familiar gives way to the unknown, leadership takes on a new dimension. As we navigate the uncharted waters of a fast-changing, challenging, and chaotic global landscape, leaders must rise to the occasion with courage and adaptability. Join us for an interactive and thought-provoking breakout session led by Professor Eddie Obeng, a renowned authority on leadership in complex environments. In this engaging discourse, Professor Obeng will delve into the intricacies of leadership amidst uncertainty, drawing from real-world examples to illuminate key insights.: 15:40

Addressing the technology skills gap: how to prepare for the future of accounting Speakers: Daniel Clark, ICAEW, Fay Bordbar, Forvis Mazars and Jenny Blewett, Costello Medical. Technology is transforming the accounting profession at a rapid pace. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and data analytics are creating new opportunities and challenges. To remain relevant, accountants must adopt these technologies and develop the necessary digital and human skills for their changing roles.In this thought-provoking panel session, experts will discuss: the technology skills gap facing accountants and how to address it; how to think about skills requirements for yourself and your organisation; key skills and competencies of the future, using technology effectively while also doubling down on unique human skills.: 15:40

In conversation with Eugene Amo-Dadzie - the world's fastest accountant Don't miss Eugene Amo-Dadzie's session, a chartered accountant and a world-class sprinter. His remarkable journey combines professional excellence with athletic prowess. Eugene’s achievements include running the 100-meter sprint in just 9.93 seconds, securing the fourth quickest time ever by a Briton. An Olympic hopeful, his story inspires others to overcome obstacles, develop talent, and embrace the multifaceted nature of the accounting profession. Be sure to come along to his session—a unique blend of speed, precision, and inspiration!: 16:20

Closing remarks | Malcolm Bacchus, ICAEW President: 17:00

Networking drinks reception sponsored by Suralink: 17:15

Our Speakers

Rachel Nutt Tax and Renewable & Sustainable Energy Sector Partner, MHA

Rachel is a Chartered Tax Adviser, a specialist in providing tax planning advice to entrepreneurs' businesses. Rachel is a firm believer that to provide advice that is effective she has to really understand her client's business, personal goals and aspirations. As well as heading up the firm's Renewable and Sustainable Energy Sector, Rachel has extensive experience in Motor, Agriculture and Manufacturing & Engineering sectors.

Huw Pill Chief Economist and Executive Director for Monetary Analysis and Research, Bank of England

Previously, Huw was Chief European Economist at Goldman Sachs. Before that, he worked at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. He served as its Deputy Director of Research and Head of its Monetary Policy Stance Division and worked in its Strategic Policy Issues Unit. Huw was also a member of the faculty at Harvard Business School.

Alan Vallance CEO, ICAEW

Alan was previously CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute, leading the premier professional body for insurance and financial planning. A chartered accountant with Ernst & Whinney, Alan is a Fellow of ICAEW, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Honorary Fellow of the Korean Institute of Architects.

The event of the year - always a great agenda, speakers, topics, and other delegates. Highly recommended for any accountant's calendar.

ICAEW Annual Conference 2024 delegate

The event was broad ranging without being overly technical, fast paced and multi-dimensional with adequate breaks to absorb the lessons from each session. All the main speakers were excellent.

ICAEW Annual Conference 2024 delegate

The go-to annual event for all chartered accountants.

ICAEW Annual Conference 2024 delegate

The conference was extremely thought provoking. Made me feel proud to belong to such a wonderful, diverse community. A very well organised and executed event.

ICAEW Annual Conference 2024 delegate

In partnership with

ICAEW works with global companies that support the finance profession to bring you the best events possible.

Headline Partner: MHA

Session Partners: Caseware, Datasnipper, Insignis Cash, Oracle, Rathbones, Thomson Reuters Confirmation, UniFi, Workday, Xero

Exhibition Partners: AccountsIQ, Advancetrack, Argentex, Auditi, BGL Corporate Solutions, Capital and Trust, Capium, Circit, Frontline Accounting, Inflo, Intuit Quickbooks, Legl, Marsh Commercial, Mercer, Mitigo, PaySpace, Pinnacle Global Group, Suralink, Yooz

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by external guest speakers in interviews or other publications included on this website are, by their nature, those of the speaker. They are not necessarily fully endorsed by ICAEW or purport to reflect the official policies and views of ICAEW or its members.

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