Finance Forward: Transforming Strategy, Empowering
People, Driving Value
Australia’s No. 1 Event for Finance Leaders! Celebrating 14 years!
Conference Day Two: Wednesday, 17th September 2025
9:00 am - 9:05 am
Chair’s Opening Remarks |
Brett Walker-Davies -
Finance Director,
Brisbane Grammar School
9:05 am - 9:35 am
Keynote Case Study | Driving Growth with Digital Transformation
Safwan Arshad -
Group Chief Financial Officer,
Alpha Lifecare
9:35 am - 10:05 am
Partner Case Study | The Power of Predictive Analytics: Streamlining Financial Forecasting
This case study will highlight how a strategic partnership leveraged predictive analytics to enhance financial forecasting, enabling more accurate projections, improved decision-making, and streamlined financial operations.
10:05 am - 10:35 am
Speed Networking Refresh |
10:35 am - 11:15 am
Panel Discussion | Data, AI, and Automation: The Holy Trinity for Financial Transformation
Santosh Payal -
Head of Data Strategy,
News Corp
Addie Saxena - Chief Financial Officer, Cimet
Data, AI, and automation are revolutionising financial operations, driving efficiency and enabling smarter decision-making. This panel will uncover how organisations can harness this powerful trio to transform finance functions, enhance agility, and create future-ready strategies.
11:15 am - 11:45 am
Morning Break
Enjoy a coffee and morning snack with a side of lively Future of Finance conversation with your peers!
11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Case Study | Fostering a Culture of Innovation: Developing Future-Ready Finance Professionals
Annette Dal Pra -
Head of Finance - Cement,
Boral
This session explores strategies for fostering a culture of innovation within finance teams, focusing on developing future-ready professionals who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and equipped to drive transformation in an evolving financial landscape.
12:15 pm - 12:55 pm
Panel Discussion | Empowering Your Workforce: The Role of Leadership in Talent Development
Annette Dal Pra -
Head of Finance - Cement,
Boral
Dermot Nolan - Deputy Director, Finance, Beiersdorf
Simon Wallace - Chief Financial Officer, Canberra Labor Club
Nicola Patterson - Head of PP&A ANZ and Deputy CFO, Entain Group Pty Ltd
Bill Schafer - Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, Auswide Bank
Strong leadership is critical in fostering talent and preparing teams for the evolving demands of the finance industry. This panel will explore how leaders can inspire, upskill, and retain top talent while building a culture of innovation and continuous development.
12:55 pm - 1:35 pm
Panel Discussion | Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Strategies for Talent Development in Finance
Shervina Tjawir -
Associate Director of Finance for Infrastructure, Medicine & Health,
University of Sydney
Maree Cross - Senior Director of Finance Operations and Transformation, LinkedIn
J-B Naudet - Chief Financial Officer, Australian Red Cross
Laila Green - Chief Financial Officer / Vice President, FLSmidth Australia
Rob Seidel - Chief Financial Officer, Wollondilly Shire Council
As the finance landscape evolves, equipping teams with future-ready skills has never been more critical. This panel will discuss innovative strategies for talent development, including upskilling, cross-skilling, and fostering a culture of adaptability to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce
Shervina Tjawir
Associate Director of Finance for Infrastructure, Medicine & HealthUniversity of Sydney
1:35 pm - 2:35 pm
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch with a side of lively Finance Transformation conversation with your peers
2:35 pm - 3:30 pm
Workshop A | Mastering Workforce Transformation: Upskilling and Reskilling
This workshop will provide practical strategies for upskilling and reskilling your finance workforce, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
2:35 pm - 3:30 pm
Workshop B | Streamlining Finance with Automation: Tools, Trends & Techniques
This workshop will explore the latest tools, trends, and techniques in automation, empowering finance teams to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and boost efficiency.
