Finance Transformation for Sustainable Growth

Finance transformation and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are increasingly interconnected as businesses strive to meet stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

During this event we will discuss how finance transformation is driving ESG initiatives.

The session will include:

· Strategic Integration: Finance departments are becoming strategic partners in ESG transformation. They help integrate financial and sustainability goals, ensuring that ESG considerations are embedded in business strategies

· Data Management: Finance professionals are crucial in managing data quality and implementing disciplined processes and controls. This ensures accurate ESG reporting and helps companies meet regulatory standards.

· Governance and Accountability: Finance teams play a vital role in updating governance structures to reflect ESG responsibilities. They help establish new committees and ensure that ESG roles are incorporated into the formal governance of the organization

· Procurement and supply chain management: Finance plays a crucial role in supply chain management and decision-making, especially in today's dynamic and complex business environment

· Investor and Stakeholder Communication: Investors and rating agencies are increasingly demanding ESG reports. Finance departments are well-positioned to provide these reports efficiently and integrate ESG into overall business operations

· Sustainability Reporting: Finance functions are evolving to support sustainability reporting, helping companies address historical sustainability requirements and set clearer strategies for the future

By transforming the finance functions, companies can better navigate the complexities of ESG and drive sustainable value.

Speakers:

Neil Cutting, Transformation Director, Oracle Corporation Incorporated

Neil is a Transformation Director with Oracle Corporation Incorporated, one of the largest tech firms. Qualifying with PWC, he then moved into global finance leadership roles with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mars and Jacobs Solutions Incorporated. Neil spent 17 years at Jacobs (a Fortune 250 company), where he was Vice President of Finance. His experience included Divisional CFO, International Accounting Director and Transformation Director. In addition to his international career, Neil has been an active volunteer for ICAEW, including being a member and President of the West of England Board, Chair of the Aerospace & Defence CFO Forum, a member of the Business Committee and in 2023, was elected to ICAEW Council.

Jo Muncaster, Finance Lead, digiLab

Jo trained as an auditor and in 2016, moved 8,000 miles to be Financial Controller for the National Development Agency and Tourist Board in the Falkland Islands, supporting growth of the local economy. Back in the UK, she has focused on supporting companies with building and improving their company processes with a focus on decarbonisation decision-making and data analytics. Jo is currently the Finance Lead for digiLab, a tech start-up building digital twin software and supporting the integration of AI into all sectors. She is Chair of the ICAEW Southern, Wales and South West Sustainability Committee, supporting regional members with practical advice on sustainability matters.