FINANCE LEADERS FORUM (at the Money Summit)

FINANCE LEADERS : SESSION 1

8:30-9:00

Registration & Coffees served

9:00

KEYNOTE: AI & I

Technology has increasingly made us question our place in the world. This keynote by renowned strategist, Pierre du Plessis, will lay the foundation for this tech & finance session by exploring how we stay centred, creative, and courageous in an automated world.

• Pierre du Plessis, Business Strategist, Be Brave

9:25

KEYNOTE PANEL: The Future Finance Leader

Today's finance leaders are no longer defined solely by financial stewardship. CEOs and Boards expect CFOs to shape growth and strategy through digital finance, M&A integration, and enterprise transformation - amongst many other business areas. This panel will explore how capital allocation, technology investment and African expansion are redefining the future of finance in South Africa and the leadership skills needed to create long-term business value.

• Lionel Moyal, Founder, Growthguru.ai
• Joy Malete CA(SA), Regional Finance Director AMEA, Sage
• Alistair Maxwell, Finance Strategy Leader Africa, Deloitte (Facilitator)

10:00-10:30

Coffee & Teas served

10:30-12:00

TECHNOLOGY BREAKOUT ROOMS (30min each):

ROOM 1: Becoming AI-Ready: Building the Finance Function for What’s Next

Explore how finance teams can prepare their systems, data and processes for AI, with practical examples of how AI is already improving financial decision-making and business performance.

• Bernard Ford, Regional Head, Acumatica Africa

ROOM 2: AI Without Assurance: Managing Risk in Automated Finance

Discover how finance leaders can use testing and quality assurance to ensure AI-driven processes are accurate, reliable and controlled before automation operates at scale.

• Leela Putten, Senior Solutions Consultant, Inspired Testing

ROOM 3: Smarter Audit and Expense Management for Finance Teams

See how technology can streamline audit and expense processes, reduce manual administration and give finance professionals greater visibility, control and efficiency.

• Silindile Mbaza and Thando Makhathini, Caseware Africa

FINANCE LEADERS : SESSION 2

10:30-11:00

Registration & Coffees served

11:00

KEYNOTE: Chaos is a Gift

Chaotic times and liminal spaces unlock growth, creativity, and transformation. This talk shows how finance persons and businesses can embrace them.

• Pierre du Plessis, Business Strategist, Be Brave Consultancy

11:25

KEYNOTE PANEL: Approaching Complex Deals in Africa

Finance is at the heart of every successful deal, providing the strategic insight, capital allocation, valuation discipline and integration leadership needed to turn acquisitions into sustainable long-term value.

• David Aggett CA(SA), Head: Mergers & Acquisitions, SanlamAllianz
• Esther Kasambara, Divisional Director: Legal, RSM South Africa (facilitator)

12:00-12:30

Coffee & Teas served

12:30-14:00

TECHNOLOGY BREAKOUT ROOMS (30min each):

ROOM 1: Becoming AI-Ready: Building the Finance Function for What’s Next

Explore how finance teams can prepare their systems, data and processes for AI, with practical examples of how AI is already improving financial decision-making and business performance.

• Bernard Ford, Regional Head, Acumatica Africa

ROOM 2: AI Without Assurance: Managing Risk in Automated Finance

Discover how finance leaders can use testing and quality assurance to ensure AI-driven processes are accurate, reliable and controlled before automation operates at scale.

• Leela Putten, Senior Solutions Consultant, Inspired Testing

ROOM 3: Smarter Audit and Expense Management for Finance Teams

See how technology can streamline audit and expense processes, reduce manual administration and give finance professionals greater visibility, control and efficiency.

• Silindile Mbaza and Thando Makhathini, Caseware Africa

FINANCE LEADERS : SESSION 3

12:30-13:00

Registration & Coffees served

13:00

KEYNOTE: Money is just a Story

What if your financial strategy is shaped by hidden stories? This talk explores how the narratives we believe about money influence our decisions.

• Pierre du Plessis, Business Strategist, Be Brave Consultancy

13:25

KEYNOTE BUSINESS PANEL: How Entrepreneurial Finance Leaders Build High-Growth Businesses.

A dynamic conversation with entrepreneur Andile Khumalo and Chartered Accountant turned Storyteller Michael Charton, that explores their different journeys, and the challenges and opportunities that come from building, leading and growing.

• Andile Khumalo CA(SA), CEO, KhumaloCo, and Author, Things I Wish I Knew
• Michael Charton, Storyteller, Inherit South Africa
• Pat Mokgatle CA(SA), Partner:Head of Entrepreneurial Business, BDO South Africa (Facilitator)

14:00-14:30

Coffee & Teas served

14:30-16:00

TECHNOLOGY BREAKOUT ROOMS (30min each):

ROOM 1: Becoming AI-Ready: Building the Finance Function for What’s Next

Explore how finance teams can prepare their systems, data and processes for AI, with practical examples of how AI is already improving financial decision-making and business performance.

• Bernard Ford, Regional Head, Acumatica Africa

ROOM 2: AI Without Assurance: Managing Risk in Automated Finance

Discover how finance leaders can use testing and quality assurance to ensure AI-driven processes are accurate, reliable and controlled before automation operates at scale.

• Leela Putten, Senior Solutions Consultant, Inspired Testing

ROOM 3: Smarter Audit and Expense Management for Finance Teams

See how technology can streamline audit and expense processes, reduce manual administration and give finance professionals greater visibility, control and efficiency.

• Silindile Mbaza and Thando Makhathini, Caseware Africa