AI, Data Strain and the New CFO Software Reality

As finance functions embrace digital transformation, CFOs are under growing pressure to modernize systems that can no longer keep pace with today’s data volumes and reporting demands. The rise of AI, automation, and real-time analytics has created a new software reality—one where traditional, siloed accounting tools fall short in supporting strategic finance.

In this session, Alex Oppe (Account Executive, AccountsIQ) and Kevin Appleby (COO & Podcast Host, GrowCFO) explored how forward-thinking finance teams are adapting to this new environment. They discussed the strain caused by disconnected systems and manual processes, and how integrated, cloud-based solutions enable CFOs to harness data more intelligently, increase efficiency, and unlock actionable insights.

Together, they unpacked how finance leaders can move beyond transactional reporting to drive business performance through automation, consolidated data, and scalable technology that aligns with the pace of modern growth.

Highlights:

  • The shifting CFO software landscape in an AI-driven world.
  • How data strain limits financial agility and decision-making.
  • Strategies to unify accounting, reporting, and analytics under one platform.
  • Practical examples of how automation reduces error and increases efficiency.
  • Why cloud-native, scalable finance systems are essential for growth.
  • How AI-ready solutions empower CFOs to shift focus from compliance to strategy.

AI Masterclass: Practical uses of Claude for finance leaders

Finance leaders don’t need more AI theory – they need results. In this practical masterclass, Pac O’Shea and Kevin Appleby show how to use Claude as a hands-on finance assistant for P&L insights, sharper board packs, and fast scenario models. Walk away with prompts, templates, and repeatable workflows you can apply in your finance team immediately.

Read More »

What It Takes to Scale Through Acquisition

Scaling through acquisition can double the size of your business—but only if your finance systems, controls and culture keep up. In this session, Tim O’Reilly, Ed Mortimer and Kevin Appleby share how Guild Garage Group used Sage Intacct, a unified tech stack and disciplined capital allocation to grow from 0 to 28 partners and $300m in revenue, while staying in control of cash, risk and performance.

Read More »

The Cash Blindspots CFOs Miss in M&A Integration

CFOs pour huge effort into M&A modelling but often miss the cash blindspots that appear once integration begins. In this session, experts from MeasuredValue, Agicap, and GrowCFO reveal how to spot hidden liquidity risks, improve cash visibility across entities, and keep your deal creating value long after it closes.

Read More »

The 5 Finance Tasks CFOs Automate First (And Why)

Learn which 5 finance tasks CFOs automate first—and why. This session with AccountsIQ and GrowCFO explores AP, approvals, banking, intercompany, dimensions, and how to align people, process and tech to get fast wins from finance automation.

Read More »

AI Promises Speed. FP&A Is Still Stuck. Why?

AI should make FP&A faster, but most teams remain stuck in slow, manual processes. In this session, leaders from NoseDat, Acterys and GrowCFO show how data, governance and focused use cases turn AI from hype into real planning speed.

Read More »

The AI Adoption Gap in Finance and How to Close It

CFO Pauline Babel of Spendesk joins Kevin Appleby to unpack the AI adoption gap in finance. They explore where to start, how to automate repetitive tasks safely, and the roadmap, tools, and metrics finance leaders need to scale AI while protecting data and elevating their teams’ impact

Read More »