In line with its vision for a resilient and renewed economy, the programme for ICAEW’s flagship annual event is dedicated to preparing chartered accountants for their role in creating a sustainable future.

Themed ‘Shape Tomorrow’s Economy’, ICAEW’s Annual Conference on 4 October will centre around three core issues: sustainability, technology and leadership. Sessions will offer real-world insights into using artificial intelligence (AI), practical support in dealing with sustainability challenges, and expert advice on becoming an inclusive leader.

“Join industry leaders to discuss how to build a better, more resilient economic future for us all,” says Suren Thiru, ICAEW’s Economies Director. “This year’s conference offers unique insights and networking opportunities that will help you to assess growth challenges, drive stronger business performance and create sustainable value for stakeholders.”

Untapping technology’s potential 

Find out how you could be using Copilots – generative AI tools – to work faster, smarter and better. In the day’s first technology session, Engine B’s Shamus Rae will be outlining how accountants can use AI to improve productivity, without losing the human touch or impeding professional judgement.

Rae’s session will be followed by a deep dive into the ethics of using AI. Delegates will hear PwC’s Head of AI Public Policy and Ethics, Maria Luciana Axente, talk about the challenges posed by implementing AI with a panel of peers, including ICAEW’s Head of Technology Policy, Esther Mallowah. In this interactive session, delegates will be able to share their thoughts on the potential ethical dilemmas being discussed.

Artificial intelligence is not the only technology impacting the finance profession, with blockchain, cloud computing and data analytics each offering their own opportunities. To succeed accountants must avoid falling into a technology skills gap. Fay Bordbar, Global Digital Skills Lead at Mazars, and Jenny Blewitt, Head of Finance at Costello Medical, will be sharing their practical take on how to prepare for the key skills needed in future.

Succeeding in sustainability

Alongside the developments in technology, accountants also need the competencies and knowledge to deal with fast-paced changes in sustainability, particularly non-financial reporting. 

Understanding new standards, regulations and frameworks on ESG (environmental, social and governance) and being able to identify and apply the most relevant will become vital for finance professionals. Those attending the conference will benefit from a practical guide to ESG skills from Jayne Saywell, Business Adviser at Black Skies Blue, and Natalie Nicholles, Executive Director of Capitals Coalition.

Meanwhile, Myfanwy Neville, Head of Property at BKL, Steve Kenzie, Executive Director at UN Global Compact Network, and Richard Andrews, Head of UK ESG at KPMG, will be discussing how to ensure your organisation is not overlooking ESG issues. The panel will outline how to build sustainability into risk assessments and cover how ESG can impact stakeholder engagement, reputation, and financial performance.

Taking the bigger picture view, speakers including Torsten Bell, Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, and Maelle Pelisson, Advocacy Director at Business for Nature, will be looking at the need to transition entire economies. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities of becoming net-zero, nature-positive, climate-resilient economies.

Leading change

The third thread of the conference is focused on how accountants can use their leadership abilities to shape the future. Learn how to create a truly inclusive working environment that will enable teams to collaborate and innovate, with insights from Sheryl Miller, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, and Satvir Bungar, Managing Director at BDO.

For those facing the daunting challenge of leading during times of uncertainty, Professor Eddie Obeng will be sharing his insights and drawing on real-world examples to offer support and advice. Meanwhile, wellbeing expert Leanne Spencer will be explaining how to become a high performer through adaptation and resilience.

Resilience is also key to the story of Eugene Amo-Dadzie, the world’s fastest accountant, who will be discussing his inspiring achievements at the conference. Amo-Dadzie is a Senior Management Accountant at Berkeley Group, who took up running competitively at the age of 26 in 2018. Last summer, he ran a time of 9.93 at a 100m race in Austria, becoming the joint fourth fastest Briton in history.

Secure your place

Tickets for ICAEW’s Annual Conference are now on sale, with members benefiting from a preferential rate. The event will be held in central London on 4 October, starting with a breakfast session at 08:00 and closing with a drinks reception at 17:15. 

• See the full programme