CGMA Africa Conference 2019 to explore the changing shape of the finance function

Leading financial sector minds are set to descend to Cape Town for Africa's premier gathering to discuss financial transformation in the digital age and propose solutions to key challenges faced by the sector, particularly on the African continent.

The two-day conference, held by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the largest professional body of management accountants in the world, will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 11-12 September. Over 30 prominent speakers and panelists from leading global and national companies will participate in tackling themes like artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and the financial and leadership skills needed to take on these opportunities and challenges.

"The CGMA Africa Conference will explore the changes that are impacting the finance function, what it will look like and how finance professionals can gain the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world," CIMA Africa Regional VP Tim Simba said. He added, "Our goal is to lead, inspire and equip the profession with the right skills to take on a constantly evolving finance function."

The conference will explore the skills and competencies that delegates will need to lead their organisations and ensure they remain relevant.

"Finance professionals need to adopt an agile mindset that allows them to learn, unlearn and relearn the skills they need to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution," explained CIMA President Amal Ratnayake, FCMA, CGMA. "I am pleased to be a part of the second CGMA Africa Conference, where accountants in Africa will learn how to thrive in an increasingly digital finance world."

Through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global accounting organisation formed by CIMA and the AICPA to advance the accounting profession worldwide, CIMA is uniquely positioned to work with global stakeholders to investigate, analyse and document how the finance sector is changing. CIMA's research into the Future of Finance revealed expanding mandates for finance, digital technologies and new sources of data, which are combining to change the shape of the finance function.

"Finance people will still need to be able to perform day-to-day accounting tasks," says Dr Noel Tagoe, leading academic and finance consultant on the Future of Finance, moderator and keynote speaker. "They will still require a core technical skillset and must be able to use it efficiently in a business context. But they will also be required to sharpen their people skills and leadership skills. And perhaps most importantly, they will need to master what we call 'digital skills' because we now live in a rapidly evolving digital world."

The CGMA Africa Conference will be chaired by Founding Director and CEO of property, asset management and infrastructure advisory firm Innate Investment Solutions, Ms Lynette Ntuli. Ms Ntuli is renowned for her abilities as an MC, CEO, female leader and entrepreneur and is considered an expert on topics such as entrepreneurship, business development, retail and consumer dynamics, emerging market economic and demographic trends. She has earned a reputation as a proficient and professional speaker and moderator in South Africa.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the CGMA Africa Conference: Finance transformation in the digital world official website.