The key learnings from Future Finance 2020 online

Thank you to everyone who attended AAT Future Finance Online 2020. Free for all AAT members, it covered the insights, trends, top skills and practical advice needed to succeed in the finance industry right now.

14 of the webinars from some of the sector’s most influential thought leaders are now available for you to view online, on-demand for you to watch back or catch any that you might’ve missed. 

What you will learn from the AAT Future Finance 2020 on-demand webinars.

1. Embracing change in uncertain times

Business psychologist, Peter Milligan provides inspiration and training for responding more effectively to the challenges in the face of unprecedented change. 

During this session you’ll learn: 

• Developing the mindset essential to confidently face and embrace change
• Why certainty is a short-term friend but your long-term enemy
• How to take advantage of the powerful interplay between order and chaos
• Why the desire to feel in control and look good can inhibit valuable growth
• Recognising and navigating the four stages of the ongoing ‘Cycle of Change’

2. Survive and thrive: Improve and protect your financial position

Rick Gomez from iCount Training discusses the importance of budgeting and financial controls.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• The importance of the budgeting and financial controls process in the current climate
• Potential ways to help re-establish control over your financial plan
• Scenario planning and forecasting techniques that are available to risk manage
• How you can apply techniques to the current situation and improve them going forward

3. The Finance Team’s role in the recovery

Andi Lonnen, Founder and CEO of Finance Training Academy talks about the pivotal role the Finance Team will play as we start to emerge from the global shock of a worldwide pandemic.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• How the Finance Team can help in ensuring the success and sustainability of their organisations
• How to give yourselves the best chance of longer-term success
• Finance fundamentals – key areas of focus for financial stability to steady the ship
• Forecasting for future growth – steering the ship through choppy waters
• Updating your reports and KPIs to reflect the current situation
• Financial support and funding
• How to consistently communicate to your team

4. Panel debate: Emerging Stronger – The new finance function

This recorded panel debate sees industry experts give their take on what implications the current coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis has had on the industry and how finance teams will have to evolve post-Covid-19.

Industry experts: 

• Chris Argent, Founder of GENCFO Advisory and GenerationCFO.com
• Sam Ellis, Head of Finance for Interworks Europe
• Janine Edgar, Director of Finance and Operations at AAT
• Steven Drew, Head of Markets and Products at AAT

5. Let’s deal with the tax issues from Covid-19

Michael Steed, Head of Tax for BPP will take you through the tax implications arising from the current coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• How you can successfully navigate tax changes
• How to ensure you, your clients and your business emerge successfully from the crisis

6. Navigating the crisis: Licenced member A&E

AAT Licenced member, Henry Cooper who is Founder of BirchCooper Accounting Services gives advice and insight into running your own business. 

During this session you’ll learn: 

• Best practice for running your own accounting firm
• Insight into operating and coping during this time
  

7. The impact of coronavirus on financial statements

Steve Collings, Technical Director at Leavitt Walmsley Associates covers how coronavirus is impacting financial reporting.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• The impact Covid-19 is having on financial reporting
• The issues that accountants and finance professionals are likely to have to consider
  

8. Your role as a Finance Business Partner

Andi Lonnen, Founder and CEO of Finance Training Academy talks about what being a Finance Business Partner (FBP) really means and how this differs from the traditional accounting role.  

During this session you’ll learn: 

• What a Finance Business Partner is
• How this is different from the traditional accounting role and why this matters
• How to use the unique FBP Formula™ to strengthen key areas of the FBP skillset
• How to be a strong business partner during this global pandemic
• What sort of skills do you need to be a fabulous FBP to your clients and colleagues
• The mindset of a successful FBP
• Tips, tools, and techniques that can be implemented in the workplace immediately

9. Accelerating digital finance in the new era

Chris Argent, Founder of GENCFO Advisory and GenerationCFO.com covers the adoption of digital and automation technology.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• An overview of how digital technologies including analytics and automation can transform your Finance Team
• The opportunities out there for accountants to provide strategic value and direction

10. Now’s the time to take charge of your finance career

Duncan Brodie is a CIMA Fellow and Professional Coach who will take you through some key insights that the recent situation has brought to the fore when it comes to your career. 

During this session you’ll learn: 

• Why coronavirus means that taking control of the direction of your finance career is now so important
• Key insights that Covid-19 has brought to the fore when it comes to your career
• Why now might be a great opportunity for your career
• Practical tips on how to take charge and stand out

11. Panel debate: Emerging Stronger – Future proof your practice

Industry experts discuss the impact of Covid-19 on accounting practices and analyse the opportunities available for accounting firms and client relationships for the future.     

Industry experts: 

• Henry Cooper, Founder of BirchCooper Accounting Services
• Lucy Cohen, Co-Founder of Mazuma Money
• Samantha Mitcham from SJCM Accountancy
• Paul Donno, Director of 1Accounts and AAT Council Member

12. How to create a business continuity plan for accountants

Murray Willson, Director of Business Development for SmartVault will take you through what a business continuity plan can protect you against, how to be agile, and how to structure planning to deal with unexpected disasters like fire, flood, crime, or a global pandemic.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• What the most successful business continuity plans contain
• How to create your own risk assessment and what you should be looking out for when planning
• How to structure your business continuity planning and write it in order to be most effective

13. Digital tools to shape your practice for the future

Paul Donno, Director of 1Accounts and AAT Council Member walks us through some of the best digital tools and techniques to future-proof your business.

During this session you’ll learn: 

• Understanding the digital tools that are available to accountants
• How analytics and automation are changing and how they can provide you with more opportunities for success
• Practical insight in how to apply them
  

14. Growing your practice post-Covid-19: Marketing for the upturn

Consultant Amanda C. Watts focuses on opportunities available and how you can seize them for business growth and rise to meet the current challenges. 

During this session you’ll learn: 

• Revising your business model
• Finding out how your business strategy can shift to meet the demands of a new financial landscape
• The positive impact of early adoption and engagement with digital tools
• Rethinking what services and support you offer to your clients

Each webinar lasts 45-minutes to an hour and they are on-demand so you can do them in your own time. 

Sophie Cross is the Editor of Freelancer Magazine and a freelance writer and marketer at Thoughtfully.