The CFO transformation: From Financial Controller to Growth Architect

As Accountex 2026 draws to a close, join us for the definitive grand finale on the future of finance leadership. While the traditional CFO role was defined by the rear-view mirror, today’s leaders are defined by mapping the road ahead.

Drawing on decades of collective leadership, this panel brings together veteran in-house CFOs Catherine Birkett (GoCardless) and Tom Caulton (DNA Payments) alongside Jim Leeves (Co-founder, Shapes) to provide a 360-degree view of the role’s evolution.

We’ll move beyond the buzzwords to tackle the ‘Final Day’ truth: how to cut through the AI noise to find real ROI, the three non-negotiables for a modern finance toolkit, and how finance leaders can better leverage their accountants to accelerate this transition. Whether you’re leading an in-house team or supporting a portfolio of clients, this session is your Monday-morning blueprint for driving growth in 2026 and beyond.