The CFO’s New Mandate: Navigating the AI Transformation

The finance function is at a pivotal moment. With the accounting field facing an estimated 160,000 CPA labor deficit by 2025 and 75% of current CPAs set to retire in the next decade, the way we work needs to evolve. At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and strategic impact. For today's finance leaders, the question isn't whether to adopt AI, but how to lead through this transformation to build a future-ready team and organization. 

FloQast’s upcoming event, TakeControl 2025, is designed to help finance and accounting professionals do just that. This year's conference, themed "Leading the Future of Accounting," offers a comprehensive look at how to take charge in an AI-powered era. The agenda is packed with sessions focused on the practical application of AI, digital finance transformation, and the evolving role of leadership in a changing workforce landscape. 

We've highlighted a few sessions that are particularly relevant to the FEI community, but we encourage you to check out the full agenda for more sessions that will help you redefine efficiency and lead the charge in automation. Don't wait to register and secure your spot to hear from special guest, legendary skateboarder and businessman, Tony Hawk. 

Leading the AI Transformation with the Office of the CFO 

Session Date | Time: September 17 | 9 am PT 

As AI reshapes the finance function, CFOs are facing both new pressures and unprecedented opportunities. This panel brings together a group of distinguished finance executives, including Andres Garzon of CFGI, Razzak Jallow of FloQast, Charly Kevers of Carta, and Sarah Spoja of Tipalti. The conversation will focus on what it truly takes to lead through this transformation. The target attendee for this session is CFOs, CAOs, VPs of Finance, and other senior finance leaders responsible for driving strategic transformation within their organizations. 

The discussion will explore a number of critical topics, including: 

• Laying the Groundwork: Panelists will explore how to lay the groundwork—data, governance, and processes—for successful AI adoption. You will learn to identify foundational requirements for successful AI implementation in finance. 

• Leading Through Change: The panel will discuss what it means to lead teams through change and address skepticism around AI. You will also learn strategies for overcoming resistance to AI adoption and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within finance teams. 

• Shifting to Strategic Advisory: Panelists will explore how finance can shift from task execution to strategic advisory, with AI as an enabler. This session will help you recognize the evolving role of finance leaders in driving organizational transformation through AI and managing the shift from manual processes to intelligent automation. 

Whether you are early in your AI journey or already deploying AI agents in your workflows, this session will offer practical insight into what it means to lead in the age of AI. 

Boardroom Buy-in: Selling Your AI Strategy to Your Stakeholders 

Session Date | Time: September 18 | 11 am PT 

Are tough questions like “How will you leverage AI?” or “How can you drive efficiency without adding headcount?” keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. Hosted by Rob Meinhardt, an entrepreneur, investor, board member, and advisor at FloQast, as well as FloQast CAO Dan Callaghan, this session will feature insights designed for finance professionals who need to develop a clear, actionable plan to get stakeholders on board with their AI strategy. The target audience for this session includes Controllers, Accounting Managers, Senior Accountants, and Finance Systems Analysts/Managers. 

This session introduces a practical, actionable blueprint for creating an 

"AI Playbook" that will serve as the foundation for deploying AI Agents in your accounting processes. You will learn how to: 

• Identify High-Impact Opportunities: Learn how to identify high-impact opportunities for AI and align them with your strategic goals. You will also develop a practical plan to identify and implement AI opportunities aligned with strategic goals. 

• Streamline Workflows: Through real-world examples, we’ll demonstrate how AI Agents can reduce close cycle times, improve accuracy, and streamline workflows. 

• Free Up Your Team: Learn how to harness the power of AI Agents to drive efficiency and free up your team to focus on strategic initiatives. This session will show you how AI addresses workforce challenges and drives efficiency in accounting. 

More than just ideas, you’ll walk away with a practical AI Playbook template to get started on transforming your accounting operations today. If you're ready to lead the charge in automation and redefine efficiency in your organization, this session is your essential first step. 

Redefining the Future of Finance 

The TakeControl 2025 conference is more than just a series of sessions—it's a chance to engage with other finance leaders and gain the knowledge you need to thrive in an AI-powered world. From practical implementation strategies to leading through change, the event offers a comprehensive roadmap for the future of finance. 

If you're ready to learn how to lead your team through this transformation, you won’t want to miss this. 

For an immediate look at the technology driving change in the finance function, download FloQast’s latest report on CFO Tech Trends. This guide provides a strategic overview of the tools and solutions that are enabling finance leaders to drive efficiency and redefine their role in the modern enterprise. 

Ready to take control of your organization’s future? 

Learn more and register for the event here. 

For a personalized look at how FloQast can support your finance and accounting goals, we also invite you to request a demo.