Digital finance in action

Digital Finance Foundations: Understanding the Core Technologies
19 March 2026 13.00 - 14.00 GMT

Understanding the digital technologies that underpin modern finance is essential for today’s finance professionals, even if you are not a technologist. This online session provides a clear, accessible introduction to the core digital concepts that support finance systems and operations.

Led by a senior finance leader, the session explains key technologies such as cloud systems, automation, data tools, APIs, and ERP systems in plain, beginner-friendly terms. Rather than focusing on technical detail or hands-on instruction, the session prioritises understanding and context, helping participants see how these technologies work together within finance environments.

Using relatable finance examples, simple analogies, and practical insights, the session will help attendees build digital literacy and confidence. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how digital foundations contribute to efficiency, accuracy, security, and better decision-making across finance functions.

Speaker

• Funto Agbeniga FCCA, Head of Commercial Finance and Planning, GB Railfreight

Your First Digital Tools: Simple Automation and Integration You Can Try Today
24 March 2026 10.00 - 11.00 GMT

Automation and system integration don’t have to be complex, technical, or risky. This practical online session is designed for finance professionals who are new to digital tools and want simple, achievable ways to improve everyday processes.

Led by an experienced finance and technology leader, the session focuses on clear, real-world demonstrations of low-code and no-code tools that can be used without any coding or technical background. Attendees will see how common finance and administrative tasks such as approvals, reminders, and data movement between systems can be automated quickly using widely available tools and pre-built templates.

The emphasis is on practical “quick wins” rather than theory or large-scale transformation. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what is possible, where to start, and how to experiment safely and responsibly. By the end of the session, attendees should feel confident taking their first steps with simple digital tools that can save time, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy in day-to-day finance work.

Speaker

• Andrew Tenn FCCA, CEO, Tenn Solutions Ltd

Build, Test, Apply: A Beginner’s Digital Finance Lab
24 March 2026 13.00 - 14.00 GMT

Applying digital tools in a practical finance context is an important step in building digital confidence, particularly for those at the beginning of their digital journey. This online session provides a supportive, beginner-friendly environment where participants can consolidate learning through guided, hands-on activity rather than technical theory.

Led by experienced finance professionals, this session focuses on the practical application of digital tools in everyday finance work through a series of practical demonstrations.

The session will include a recorded demonstration showing how tools such as Power Query and Power Pivot can be used to automate common finance tasks, including building a maintenance-free variance analysis template and streamlining processes such as order-to-cash reconciliation.

Alongside this, a live demonstration will explore how AI can support finance teams by analysing financial data to generate insights and management commentary, and by rapidly creating simple internal tools such as forecasting or scenario-modelling calculators using no-code AI platforms.

Using clear explanations and real-world examples, the session prioritises confidence, context and practical relevance, helping participants move from understanding digital concepts to applying them in their own finance environments.

Speakers

• Adam Niazi FCCA MBA, COO/Business Manager, Investment Banking Industry
• (recorded) Lynne Titley FCCA, Interim Senior Reporting Analyst, Babcock International

Cybersecurity and Data Protection for Finance Professionals
26 March 2026 10.00 - 11.00 GMT

Cybersecurity and data protection are no longer just IT concerns, they are critical for finance professionals. Even without a technical background, finance leaders must understand the risks that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and impact financial performance. This online session equips finance leaders with the knowledge and tools to identify and manage cyber risks that can directly impact financial operations.

Led by finance and cybersecurity experts, including Michael Mills FCCA from Jaguar Land Rover and a senior specialist from the National Cyber Security Centre, the session combines practical insights, real-world examples, and lessons from major incidents such as the 2025 Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack. Participants will learn how to safeguard financial data, support regulatory compliance, and enhance organisational resilience.

By the end of the session, attendees will have actionable guidance to address cyber threats confidently within their finance functions, understand the implications of security breaches on operations and financial performance, and contribute meaningfully to organisational risk management.

Speakers

• Michael Mills FCCA, Director of Finance Operations, Jaguar Land Rover
• Senior specialist, National Cyber Security Centre

**Please note that this session will not be available on demand immediately after the event, as the recording will be briefly reviewed and edited before being made available. To experience the session in full, please join us live.**

What’s Coming Next: Tech to Watch in the Next 5 Years
26 March 2026 13.00 - 14.00 GMT

As digital change continues to reshape the finance function, staying informed about what’s coming next is essential, but it can be difficult to separate meaningful trends from hype. This forward-looking online fireside chat explores the key technologies and innovations expected to influence finance over the next five years.

Bringing together senior leaders from ACCA, fintech, and the data ecosystem, the session will examine emerging tools, platforms, and regulatory developments that are shaping how finance teams operate. The discussion will focus on real-world implications, including the move towards greater system integration, real-time reporting, and data-driven decision-making.

Rather than predicting a single future, the session provides practical perspectives on how finance professionals can stay informed, assess new developments, and prepare for ongoing change. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of the trends to watch, the questions to ask, and the steps they can take now to remain adaptable and relevant as finance continues to evolve.

Speakers

• Alistair Brisbourne, Head of Technology Research, ACCA
• Louise Burke FCCA, CEO, Open Data Institute
• Thin Chambers FCCA, CFO, Innovate Finance

This event is ideal for ACCA members working in business and industry, including:

• Finance managers, heads of finance, and CFOs
• FP&A, commercial finance, and reporting professionals
• Finance transformation and change leads
• Teams looking to implement automation, AI, and integrated digital workflows

No advanced technical knowledge is required - sessions focus on practical application, decision-making, and actionable outcomes.

• This series of webinars will be available on-demand after the live session dates.