Strategic Finance in the Age of AI & Automation

As organizations accelerate their shift to digital-first operating models, finance is being called to evolve beyond traditional reporting and control functions. Intelligent Finance represents the next stage of this evolution — where systems, data, people, and culture work together to deliver real-time insight, agility, and strategic impact. Yet many finance transformations stall not because of technology limitations, but because operating models and behaviors fail to evolve alongside digital investments.

This presentation explores how finance leaders are building intelligent finance organizations by intentionally designing modern systems and data ecosystems, empowering high-performing, digitally fluent teams, and fostering adaptive, innovation-driven cultures.

Join this insightful keynote presentation to learn:

• Practical frameworks for redesigning finance workflows, improving forecasting accuracy and visibility, and embedding finance as a strategic partner across the enterprise
• Real-world examples and actionable guidance, providing a clear blueprint for leaders seeking to unlock the full value of digital transformation
• How to position finance as a driver of growth, alignment, confidence, and long-term stewardship in digital-first organizations

Caitlin Marcelino

Finance Executive & Educator

The adoption of AI and automation is fundamentally changing finance roles, skills, and organizational design. Routine activities are increasingly automated, while demand grows for analytical, strategic, and cross-functional capabilities. Finance teams are tasked with redefining roles, investing in upskilling, and redesigning career paths to attract and retain talent. In order to build a successful future-ready finance team, finance leaders must address expectations and evaluate how finance teams are evolving to partner more closely with the business.

This panel discussion will uncover:

• Which skills and capabilities are becoming essential in modern finance teams
• Approaches to upskilling, talent retention, and organizational redesign
• How finance leaders are redefining roles and career progression in an AI-driven environment

Moderator:

Philip Peck

Vice President, Advisory Services and Finance Transformation Practice

Peloton Consulting Group

Panelists:

Dhiraj Cherian

Global Finance Executive

Shu Han Journay

Chief Financial Officer

Matt McFadden

Director, Business Finance

Congruex

AI is only as strong as the data behind it. In the enterprise, transactional data stands apart as provable, auditable, and verifiable evidence of real economic activity. This session explores how SaaS platforms transform trusted systems of record into scalable AI advantage, enabling intelligent automation grounded in data leaders can defend with confidence.

Anders Knox

Director, Strategic Partnerships at Avalara

Convenor, Software and Operations Working Group - University of Oxford, Kellogg College

Join SAP for an executive overview and meaningful discussion harnessing new technologies like AI to automate, improve insights, and have better compliance to make Finance 2030 a reality. Together, we’ll the five most important priorities to steer their companies toward success.

Key takeaways:

• Automating with touchless finance
• Anticipating with real-time decisions
• Elevating the role of Finance
• Readiness for the future of Cloud ERP
• Discover how AI is empowering finance

Mitch Myers

Finance Center of Excellence - Domain Expert

SAP

In an environment defined by macroeconomic pressure and shifting demand, organizations are re-evaluating how to strengthen financial performance while improving operational efficiency. A strategic reset that is grounded in disciplined execution across cash flow, inventory, and cost structures, can play a critical role in restoring stability and positioning the business for long-term growth.

Leading organizations are taking a more integrated approach to financial and operational decision-making, aligning planning processes, optimizing asset utilization, and improving visibility across the enterprise. These efforts are enabling more agile responses to external pressures while reinforcing balance sheet strength and profitability.

Join this exciting session which will address a real-world use case to learn:

• How to strengthen cash flow, liquidity, and balance sheet resilience in uncertain conditions
• Approaches to inventory optimization, cost discipline, and margin improvement
• Strategies for aligning finance and operations to support sustainable, profitable growth

Heena Agrawal

Chief Financial Officer

Duluth Trading Company