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Accounting & Finance Conference, get your CPD points, trusted CPD partner

One Stop - Update for the Accountant in Business

CU005 - 56th Onestop logo

12 - 13 May 2025 | Christchurch

21 - 22 May 2025 | Auckland & Virtual

Updates | Strategy | Leadership | CPD Hours

One Stop has two stops - Auckland & Christchurch

+ virtual tickets available for the Auckland event

Get the essential update tailored to Accountants in Business at this biannual event & earn up to 15 CPD hours.

Hear from diverse speakers that you all know and love, sharing their extensive experience, lessons learned, and practical knowledge to keep you up-to-date with the latest changes in finance and accounting.

This esteemed conference covers economic updates, employment law, tax changes, finance risk, wellbeing, Power BI, soft skills, IFRS, ESG, ethics, AI, financial reporting, cyber security, leadership, and more.

Why join One Stop?

  • Virtual and in-person learning opportunities
  • All-in-one opportunity to hear the latest updates  for the accounting profession
  • Connect with like-minded accountants, keen to be at the top of their game
  • Learn about recent developments in Power BI, IFRS, AI, Ethics, Tax, Legistations and more
  • Gain up to 15 CPD points in one stop! 
Asset 3CPD stamp yellow

CPD Hours

The CPD conference trusted by accountants and finance professionals for over 27 years.

Earn a majority of your annual verifiable CPD including ethics in our punchy, informative conference.

Venue - Christchurch

Address:

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City,

Christchurch 8011

Venue - Auckland

Address:

Grand Millennium Auckland

71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street,

Auckland 1010

Virtual Ticket Option

Attend One Stop online from the comfort of your office or at home.

On-demand content

Watch when your schedule allows: Every ticket includes on-demand access to presentations

Conference content will be available on-demand for 60 days.

Check out our other upcoming events

Agenda

8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Brian TrottChief Financial Officer, University of Otago

9:10

One Stop Update on the global macro-economic outlook and trade policies

  • Exploring the global economic outlook and its impact on New Zealand’s economic performance

  • Geopolitics and international relations – Trump, trade and tariffs: What will these mean for us

  • Discussing global inflation trends and their impact on New Zealand’s monetary policy

  • Global trade policy developments and New Zealand’s trade relationships

  • Examining global trends and challenges including sustainability, digital, supply chain resilience and logistics on New Zealand competitiveness 

Stephen Jacobi, Managing Director, Jacobi Consulting

9:50

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update with Tony Alexander

Our One Stop Update economic expert gives his regular snappy and insightful view  

on the economic conditions your business will experience over the short and medium  

term

  • Discussing the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  •  Predicting what we might see in 2025 – is there light at the end of the tunnel yet?

  • Analysing the latest figures and forecasts for New Zealand’s economic growth

  • Discussing sectoral performance (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services) and challenges

  • Exploring the performance of the housing market

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic recovery and those facing challenges

  •  Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economics Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Employment Law Update

The employment law expert will provide the latest must-know – to keep up to date with the latest changes 

  • Changes to employment law in New Zealand

  • Best practise for creating and maintaining compliant employment agreements in line with current legislation

  • Legal considerations in avoiding unjustified dismissal claims

  • The accountant’s role in relation to redundancy payments, termination pay, and settlements

Jonny Sanders, Senior Associate, Duncan Cotterill

11:50

The Deloitte One Stop Tax Update

Inland Revenue has significantly increased its tax compliance activities. Are you prepared? The Deloitte tax team offers their practical insights into recent tax developments and Inland Revenue actions, highlighting key issues in income tax, employment, and GST for the corporate sector

  • Discussing key tax law and policy changes in New Zealand

  • Updates on the corporate tax and any proposed changes

  • The impact of international tax reforms: The OECD’s Global Minimum Tax and how it impacts multinational companies

  • Updates on rules for multinational corporations operating in New Zealand and any changes in compliance obligations

  • Updates on Goods and Services Tax

Caitlin Gray, Associate Director, Deloitte

Sam Francis, Manager, Deloitte

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Ethics Update for Accountants

  • Recent update of the Code of Ethics and outlook of future regulatory changes

  • Overview of the Code of Ethics as it applies to accountants in New Zealand

  • Understanding the fundamental principles of ethics and how accountants can apply these principles to day-to-day decisions

  • Exploring how New Zealand accountants are expected to follow international best practices and adopt ethical guidelines consistent with global standards

  • Highlighting emerging ethical challenges in the accounting profession

  • Case studies and real-world ethical dilemmas

Stephen Walker, Executive Director, Audit New Zealand

14:30

AI in accounting & Finance

  •  Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to the accounting and finance sectors

  • Exploring how AI can automate repetitive tasks in accounting and finance, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added activities

  • Explore how AI is revolutionizing financial reporting and analysis by providing deeper insights and enhancing decision-making processes

  •  Examining how AI can streamline tax preparation, compliance reporting, and ensure adherence to complex regulatory frameworks

  •  Practical guidance on how accounting professionals can implement AI solutions in their practices, and navigate common challenges associated with adoption

Kayur Patel, Director, PwC New Zealand

15:10

Afternoon break

15:40

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • The importance of effective communication in helping accountants translate complex financial data into understandable insights that drive business decisions

  • Exploring the challenges accountants face in communication and how to overcome them

  • Exploring how to leverage Smart Data, Reporting, Partnerships, and Communication to Maximize Business Value

  • Highlighting Key communication skills for accountants

  • Practical tips for building communication and influence skills

Jay Patel, Head of Finance, Fidelity Life Assurance 

16:20

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Highlighting the shifting role of CFOs and C-suite executives as integral business partners who contribute to strategy, decision-making, and organizational success beyond their traditional operational duties

  • Exploring how the CFO and C-suite leadership team can support overall business goals

  • Understanding the importance of collaboration and alignment between finance and other business functions

  • Discussing how CFOs can move beyond financial reporting and become trusted advisors to other C-suite members, offering insights that drive key business decisions

  • Discussing effective communication strategies for engaging with non-financial stakeholders

Joe Bebbington, Chief Financial Officer, ANZCO Foods

Julia Fink, Chief Financial Officer, Climate Change Commission

17:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

Brian TrottChief Financial Officer, University of Otago

8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Brian TrottChief Financial Officer, University of Otago

9:10

One Stop IFRS Update - Recent Changes in international financial reporting standards

  • Discussing the key recent changes in IFRS

  • Key Considerations for transitioning to new IFRS Standards

  •  A review of the challenges businesses face when transitioning to new IFRS standards, such as system updates, staff training, and financial statement adjustments.

  • Common pitfalls in the implementation process and tips for ensuring smooth transitions

  •  Discussing the impact of IFRS in practice on New Zealand Businesses

Dr Alan Teixeira, Global Director of IFRS Research, Deloitte

9:50

Climate change and carbon reporting

  • Exploring how accountants have a key role to play in tracking emissions, calculating carbon footprints, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations

  • Understanding key carbon reporting standards and frameworks

  • Analysing the first year of climate-related financial disclosure regulations in New Zealand

  • Practical steps for accountants in measuring and calculating a company's carbon footprint using internationally recognized methodologies

Barbara Nebel, Chief Executive Officer, thinkstep-anz

10:30

Morning break

11:00

Commercial acumen in practice: Turning financial data into strategic action

  • Discussing key financial metrics and indicators that drive strategic decisions

  • How to identify patterns and trends from financial statements that impact business choices

  • Understanding how to turn insight into action and drive business decisions

  • Using data to recommend strategic actions that enhance business performance

  •  Frameworks and methodologies for assessing financial health and making informed decisions

  • Exploring tools for improving collaboration between finance and other departments

Tessa Sprosen, Area Manager Corporate Banking- Lower south Island, Westpac New Zealand

11:30

Leveraging technology for smarter accounting: Tools and trends shaping the future of finance

  •  Overview of how technology is transforming the accounting profession, from automation to advanced data analytics

  • Discussing Key drivers of change in the accounting industry (automation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics)

  • Understanding automation in accounting and how to streamline processes and reduce errors

  •  Understanding how data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming financial analysis and decision-making

  • Overview of Emerging technologies and how these technologies will impact accounting tasks such as tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning

Joshua McLauchlan, Partner, PwC New Zealand

12:00

Masterclass: Advanced financial analysis and decision making

  • Explore the foundational concepts of Copilot in Excel, showcasing how this powerful tool can transform your data management and analysis

  • Dive into the latest features that make Copilot a game-changer, and we'll also highlight the intelligent capabilities that Excel already offers, even without Copilot

  • Whether you're a seasoned data wizard or just starting your journey in the digital workplace, this session is designed to captivate and inform.

  • We'll blend technical insights with practical applications, ensuring that everyone leaves with valuable knowledge.

Ingeborg Hawighorst, Digital Productivity Consultant, Spark Digital

12:50

Lunch

13:50

The One Stop Risk Update

  •  Discussing frauds, cyber threats, technology outages, poor customer outcomes, or AI

  • Discussing the role of accountants in risk management 

  •  Explaining key concepts such as Risk Appetite, tolerances, or control effectiveness

  • Finding the balance between risk-taking and risk mitigation

  • Where does risk management fit into the world of financial planning, budgeting, monthly accounts and annual reports

  • Discussing concepts such as the lines of defence and role of governance

Malcolm Bruce, Partner, KPMG

14:20

Finance Team Success: Strategies for Effective Group Decision-Making

  •  The importance of effective decision-making in finance teams

  • Common challenges teams face in group decisions

  •  Foundations of effective team decision-making

  • Practical strategies and tools

  •  Overcoming barriers to effective decisions

Bill Butler, Director, Academy of Training

15:00

Afternoon break

15:20

Building resilience for you and your finance team

  • Discussing the importance resilience in the modern finance environment

  • Discussing the benefits of building resilience: Enhanced performance, reduced burnout, improved mental well-being, and better team dynamics and the role of accountants in fostering organisational resilience

  • Exploring how to create a resilient finance team that can collaborate effectively, overcome setbacks, and remain productive during challenging times

  • Understanding the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in resilience, and providing practical tools to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation in finance teams

  • Discussing actionable strategies for finance leaders to cultivate resilience in their teams, fostering an environment of adaptability and support

 Rhys Beddow, Principal Consultant, ESG, HSE Global

15:50

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • Discussing the evolving role of accountants from technical experts to strategic leaders

  • Explore critical leadership skills that accountants need to develop in order to effectively communicate, influence stakeholders, and make strategic decisions

  • Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment to enhance team collaboration, creativity, and decision-making

  • Examine the critical role of ethical leadership in accounting and how accountants can maintain integrity and ethical standards while leading teams and making strategic decisions

  • Discussing strategies for building personal and team resilience, share best practices for managing stress and change effectively

Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago

16:20

Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference

Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago

8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland

9:10

One Stop Update on the global macro-economic outlook and trade policies

  • Exploring the global economic outlook and its impact on New Zealand’s economic performance

  • Geopolitics and international relations – Trump, trade and tariffs: What will these mean for us

  • Discussing global inflation trends and their impact on New Zealand’s monetary policy

  • Global trade policy developments and New Zealand’s trade relationships

  • Examining global trends and challenges including sustainability, digital, supply chain resilience and logistics on New Zealand competitiveness 

Stephen Jacobi, Managing Director, Jacobi Consulting

9:50

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update with Tony Alexander

Our One Stop Update economic expert gives his regular snappy and insightful view  

on the economic conditions your business will experience over the short and medium  

term

  • Discussing the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  •  Predicting what we might see in 2025 – is there light at the end of the tunnel yet?

  • Analysing the latest figures and forecasts for New Zealand’s economic growth

  • Discussing sectoral performance (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services) and challenges

  • Exploring the performance of the housing market

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic recovery and those facing challenges

  •  Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economics Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Employment Law Update

The employment law expert will provide the latest must-know – to keep up to date with the latest changes 

  • Exploring recent changes to employment law in New Zealand

  • Understanding workplace health and safety laws

  • Discussing the best practices for creating and maintaining compliant employment contracts in line with current legislation

  •  Understanding “flexible working arrangements” and how to handle requests for changes to work hours or locations

  •  How redundancy and severance packages should be accounted for in business financial planning

  • The accountant’s role in ensuring that severance, termination pay, and associated legal costs are properly recorded

Anmol Shankar, Director, PWC Legal

11:50

The Deloitte One Stop Tax Update

Inland Revenue has significantly increased its tax compliance activities. Are you prepared? The Deloitte tax team offers their practical insights into recent tax developments and Inland Revenue actions, highlighting key issues in income tax, employment, and GST for the corporate sector

  • Discussing key tax law and policy changes in New Zealand

  • Updates on the corporate tax and any proposed changes

  • The impact of international tax reforms: The OECD’s Global Minimum Tax and how it impacts multinational companies

  • Updates on rules for multinational corporations operating in New Zealand and any changes in compliance obligations

  • Updates on Goods and Services Tax

Alex Kingston, Partner, Deloitte           

Haidee Watkin, Manager, Deloitte

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Ethics Update for Accountants

  • Recent update of the Code of Ethics and outlook of future regulatory changes

  • Overview of the Code of Ethics as it applies to accountants in New Zealand

  • Understanding the fundamental principles of ethics and how accountants can apply these principles to day-to-day decisions

  • Exploring how New Zealand accountants are expected to follow international best practices and adopt ethical guidelines consistent with global standards

  • Highlighting emerging ethical challenges in the accounting profession

  • Case studies and real-world ethical dilemmas

Jackie Russell-Green, Group Financial Controller, Orion Health

14:30

AI in accounting & Finance

  • Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to the accounting and finance sectors

  • Exploring how AI can automate repetitive tasks in accounting and finance, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added activities

  • Explore how AI is revolutionizing financial reporting and analysis by providing deeper insights and enhancing decision-making processes

  • Examining how AI can streamline tax preparation, compliance reporting, and ensure adherence to complex regulatory frameworks

  •  Practical guidance on how accounting professionals can implement AI solutions in their practices, and navigate common challenges associated with adoption

Kayur Patel, Director, PwC New Zealand

15:10

Afternoon break

15:40

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • Discussing the evolving role of accountants from technical experts to strategic leaders

  • Explore critical leadership skills that accountants need to develop in order to effectively communicate, influence stakeholders, and make strategic decisions

  • Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment to enhance team collaboration, creativity, and decision-making

  • Discussing strategies for building personal and team resilience, share best practices for managing stress and change effectively

Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland

16:20

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Highlighting the shifting role of CFOs and C-suite executives as integral business partners who contribute to strategy, decision-making, and organizational success beyond their traditional operational duties

  • Exploring how the CFO and C-suite leadership team can support overall business goals

  • Understanding the importance of collaboration and alignment between finance and other business functions

  • Discussing how CFOs can move beyond financial reporting and become trusted advisors to other C-suite members, offering insights that drive key business decisions

  • Discussing effective communication strategies for engaging with non-financial stakeholders

David Mackrell, CFO, NZME

Vaughan Hartland, Chief Financial Officer, Orion NZ Ltd

Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance , The University of Auckland

17:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland

8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland

9:10

One Stop IFRS Update - Recent Changes in international financial reporting standards

  • Discussing the key recent changes in IFRS

  • Key Considerations for transitioning to new IFRS Standards

  •  A review of the challenges businesses face when transitioning to new IFRS standards, such as system updates, staff training, and financial statement adjustments.

  • Common pitfalls in the implementation process and tips for ensuring smooth transitions

  •  Discussing the impact of IFRS in practice on New Zealand Businesses

Dr Alan Teixeira, Global Director of IFRS Research, Deloitte

9:50

Climate change and carbon reporting

  • Exploring how accountants have a key role to play in tracking emissions, calculating carbon footprints, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations

  • Understanding key carbon reporting standards and frameworks

  • Analysing the first year of climate-related financial disclosure regulations in New Zealand

  • Practical steps for accountants in measuring and calculating a company's carbon footprint using internationally recognized methodologies

Barbara Nebel, Chief Executive Officer, thinkstep-anz

10:30

Morning break

11:00

Here and Now: The future has arrived, are you and your accounting teams ready

  • How to identify and lift capability to adapt to technology and business change

  • What stays, what goes and what evolves – the evolution of capabilities for accounting roles

  • Keeping internal relationships intact while financial roles evolve and change

  • Communication or command and control – the power of listening as finance departments move into the future

Lee Renata, Director, Challenge The Way You Think Limited

11:30

Leveraging technology for smarter accounting: Tools and trends shaping the future of finance

  •  Overview of how technology is transforming the accounting profession, from automation to advanced data analytics

  • Discussing Key drivers of change in the accounting industry (automation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics)

  • Understanding automation in accounting and how to streamline processes and reduce errors

  •  Understanding how data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming financial analysis and decision-making

  • Overview of Emerging technologies and how these technologies will impact accounting tasks such as tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning

Joshua G McLauchlan, PwC, Partner

12:00

Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants

  • Highlighting the current cybersecurity landscape and the specific threats that accountants face in protecting financial data

  • Discussing the types of cyber threats that accountants face and why they are the prime targets

  • Identifying common vulnerabilities in accounting practices and systems that can expose financial data to cyber threats

  • Discussing what are the minimum cybersecurity tools and technologies that accountants should be using to enhance their cybersecurity practices and protect financial data

Wendy Bennett, Director, Outfox

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Risk Update

  • Discussing frauds, cyber threats, technology outages, poor customer outcomes, or AI

  • Discussing the role of accountants in risk management 

  • Explaining key concepts such as Risk Appetite, tolerances, or control effectiveness

  •  Finding the balance between risk-taking and risk mitigation

  • Where does risk management fit into the world of financial planning, budgeting, monthly accounts and annual reports

  •  Discussing concepts such as the lines of defence and role of governance

Malcolm Bruce, Partner, KPMG

14:00

Masterclass: Advanced financial analysis and decision making

  • Explore the foundational concepts of Copilot in Excel, showcasing how this powerful tool can transform your data management and analysis

  • Dive into the latest features that make Copilot a game-changer, and we'll also highlight the intelligent capabilities that Excel already offers, even without Copilot

  • Whether you're a seasoned data wizard or just starting your journey in the digital workplace, this session is designed to captivate and inform

  • We'll blend technical insights with practical applications, ensuring that everyone leaves with valuable knowledge

Ingeborg HawighorstDigital Productivity ConsultantSpark Digital

15:00

Afternoon break

15:20

Building resilience for you and your finance team

  • Discussing the importance resilience in the modern finance environment

  • Discussing the benefits of building resilience: Enhanced performance, reduced burnout, improved mental well-being, and better team dynamics and the role of accountants in fostering organisational resilience

  • Exploring how to create a resilient finance team that can collaborate effectively, overcome setbacks, and remain productive during challenging times

  • Understanding the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in resilience, and providing practical tools to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation in finance teams

  • Discussing actionable strategies for finance leaders to cultivate resilience in their teams, fostering an environment of adaptability and support

Nigel Toms, General Manager Risk and Assurance, Watercare Services Limit

15:50

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • The importance of effective communication in helping accountants translate complex financial data into understandable insights that drive business decisions

  • Exploring the challenges accountants face in communication and how to overcome them

  • Exploring how to leverage Smart Data, Reporting, Partnerships, and Communication to Maximize Business Value

  • Highlighting Key communication skills for accountants

  • Practical tips for building communication and influence skills

Jay Patel, Head of FinanceFidelity Life Assurance 

16:20

Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference

Jay Patel, Head of FinanceFidelity Life Assurance 

Speakers

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Auckland Speakers

Angela Liew

Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance
The University of Auckland
Angela has been teaching at the University of Auckland Business School for over 20 years. Her dual expertise in accounting and information technology underpins her teaching, research and engagement with the professional community. This combination allows her to explore eccentric and exciting topics such as the future of accounting work, the human impacts of automation and artificial intelligence, the use of technology in management control, new product development and seafood farming. She is a Fellow of both CAANZ (FCA) and CPA Australia (FCPA), and holds the CPA Specialist in Information Technology.

Jay Patel

Head of Finance
Fidelity Life Assurance

Jay Patel is a senior finance leader with broad experience in reporting, taxation, leadership, and transformation across roles in New Zealand and the UK. He heads the Finance team at Fidelity Life, leading 15 staff across four functions. A champion of agile thinking, Jay has driven major improvements, including reducing monthly reporting from 15+ to 4 days. His team was named Fidelity Life’s Team of the Year and was a finalist at the 2020 NZ CFO Awards.

Wendy Bennett

Director
Outfox
Wendy has a wealth of expertise and real-world experience in information security and cyber resilience. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in protecting some of Aotearoa’s most critical organisations.Wendy has held information security and leadership roles with the New Zealand Police and the National Cyber Security Centre. In these positions, she was trusted to brief government ministers on major cyber threats facing the country and led the development of cyber policies, standards, and guidance for the wider public sector.

Wendy is now in the private sector she is a Director and Cyber Resilience Specialist at Outfox, an organisation dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses outsmart cyber criminals in the financial sector.  With a strong belief that no one should be left behind, Wendy is passionate about making cyber resilience accessible to all, regardless of size, sector, or technical expertise.

Nigel Toms

GM Risk and Assurance
Watercare Services

Nigel is an experienced senior leader in Finance, Risk, and Quality, with a global career driving strategic growth and innovation. As CFO and General Manager at Watercare, New Zealand’s largest water utility, he has led major improvements in financial strategy, regulatory readiness, and supply chain performance. Recognised as RiskNZ’s 2021 Risk Professional of the Year, Nigel is passionate about enhancing business performance, managing change, and building resilience for future success.

Annelize du Toit

Country Finance Manager
Colgate-Palmolive New Zealand
Annelize du Toit FCMA, CGMA is the Country Finance Manager for New Zealand at Colgate-Palmolive, where she plays a pivotal role in driving financial excellence and strategic leadership. Originally from South Africa, Annelize has been based in Auckland since 2018, bringing a wealth of global expertise to her role. With a distinguished career spanning the automotive and FMCG industries, Annelize is known for her ability to “think future” & foster strong partnerships and provide visionary leadership through management accounting. Her exceptional contributions were recently recognised by AICPA & CIMA, where she was honoured as the Asia Pacific Champion for Leadership in 2024—a testament to her impactful leadership and dedication to advancing the profession.

Cristina Zhang

FP&A team lead
Fujifilm Business Innovation NZ
Cristina is an accomplished commercial finance professional with over 10 years of experience in delivering financial insights, shaping strategy, and driving business performance and value creation. As the Commercial Manager at REACH in Auckland, she specializes in business insights reporting and financial planning and analysis, enabling the organization to achieve sustainable growth. With a solid background in the manufacturing, retail, and marketing sectors, Cristina blends technical expertise with strategic acumen to address complex financial challenges. She is also deeply passionate about fostering innovation in finance and stays at the forefront of emerging Data and AI technologies.

Kayur Patel

Director
PwC
Kayur has been driving finance, workforce and technology transformation projects for his clients for several years, and he has also helped PwC offices in more than 25 countries transform the way they work, the technology they use, and the way they serve their clients. Kayur has spent his career at the forefront of the intersection between technology and business, whether that be the advent of cloud accounting, or the growth of RPA and low code app platforms in the business community. More recently, he’s been involved in the emerging technology space, specifically digital assets and AI.

Joshua G McLauchlan

Partner
PwC

Josh McLauchlan is a Partner at PwC New Zealand, specialising in finance transformation and virtual CFO advisory for growth-focused businesses. With over 11 years at PwC, he has led finance functions, driven tech-enabled improvements, and supported private businesses. Outside work, Josh enjoys time with his young family and improving his golf short game.

Barbara Nebel

Chief Executive Officer
thinkstep-anz
Barbara describes her job as a translator, translating sustainability into traditional business language. Together with her team, she delivers a full range of sustainability services from strategy and materiality assessments through to detailed Life Cycle Assessments and Cradle to Cradle® projects. Barbara has worked with organisations in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Europe, effectively linking sustainability with business value. The founder and current president of the Life Cycle Association New Zealand (LCANZ), Barbara initiated the Australasian EPD Programme. She is a member of the International EPD system and on the Steering Group for the Climate Leaders Coalition. Barbara has chaired the New Zealand working group for the development of ISO standards for Carbon Foot printing, is a Certified LCA Practitioner, and an associate editor for the International Journal of LCA. Barbara is on the Steering Committee of the Climate Leaders Coalition and the Executive Committee of the German New Zealand Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Alan Teixeira

Global Director of IFRS Research
Deloitte
Dr Alan Teixeira is Deloitte’s Global Director of IFRS Research. Alan leads a new Deloitte initiative to help the firm and its clients better understand IFRSs, their development and implementation by companies worldwide. Alan is a leading technical expert in the development of global accounting standards with over ten years of experience with the IASB, most recently as its Senior Technical Director. He has also contributed to the development of the integrated reporting framework and electronic filing requirements and is the author of several books on financial reporting.

David Mackrell

CFO
NZME

Julia Fink

Chief Financial Officer
Climate Change Commission
ulia is the Chief Financial Officer at the Climate Change Commission and a small business owner. She started her accounting career at Deloitte in Audit, moving into Deloitte Private. Julia was heavily involved in the roll out of public benefit entity financial reporting standards for registered charities in her former role at DIA Charities Services. This role led to her current position as a Board member of the External Reporting Board. Julia has been involved with CA ANZ since she was a provisional member, serving on the Women Accountants and Not for Profit Special Interest Group committees in Wellington, the Charities and Not for Profit Trans-Tasman Advisory Committee and the Wellington Local Committee and as a New Zealand Councillor. Julia was instrumental in setting up the CA ANZ Charity Reporting Awards and the Charity Law, Accounting and Regulation Conference.

Christchurch Speakers

Brian Trott

Chief Financial Officer
University of Otago

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Digital Productivity Consultant
Spark Digital
Ingeborg Hawighorst is a Microsoft MVP and Digital Productivity Consultant known for her deep expertise in Excel and the M365 suite. She helps organizations transform data into insights using Excel, Power BI, Power Query, and DAX, with a focus on built-in tools and minimal code. With over 15 years’ experience in SharePoint and process automation, Ingeborg works at Ignite in Taranaki and is passionate about making complex tech accessible and empowering professionals to work smarter.  

Jay Patel

Head of Finance
Fidelity Life Assurance

Jay Patel is a senior finance leader with broad experience in reporting, taxation, leadership, and transformation across roles in New Zealand and the UK. He heads the Finance team at Fidelity Life, leading 15 staff across four functions. A champion of agile thinking, Jay has driven major improvements, including reducing monthly reporting from 15+ to 4 days. His team was named Fidelity Life’s Team of the Year and was a finalist at the 2020 NZ CFO Awards.

Stephen Walker

Executive Director
Audit New Zealand

Stephen (Steve) is the Executive Director of Audit New Zealand, with over 35 years of experience spanning audit, governance, financial reporting, and public sector management. Formerly Director of Operations at IFAC in New York, he is a Chartered Accountant and was CA ANZ President in 2019. Steve chairs the NZICA Regulatory Board and is a CA ANZ Fellow. He also holds honorary memberships with the UK’s CIPFA and the NZ Institute of Directors.

Rhys Beddow

Principal Consultant, ESG
HSE Global
Rhys is a senior HSE professional with over 20 years’ experience across New Zealand and the UK, including roles in manufacturing, rail, and government settings. He has led multidisciplinary teams across health, safety, sustainability, property, and fleet functions, and works closely with leaders at all levels to build capability and drive performance. Rhys holds a Master’s in Safety, Health, and Environmental Management, is a Certified Member of IOSH, and a Professional Member of NZISM.

Jonny Sanders

Senior Associate
Duncan Cotterill
Jonny is a specialist employment lawyer with broad-ranging experience and expertise. He enjoys getting alongside clients to deliver practical advice and find solutions for them.
Jonny assists clients with all aspects of employment and health and safety law, including personal grievances, redundancy and disciplinary processes, performance management, medical incapacity, restraints of trade, bullying and harassment, holidays and leave, and privacy.
He has extensive experience in negotiation and mediation, and has represented clients in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.

Tessa Sprosen

Corporate Area Manager- Lower South Island
Westpac
Tessa is currently the Area Manager for Corporate Banking at Westpac for the Lower South Island. As a Chartered Accountant, Tessa joined  Westpac in 2018 and has held a variety of roles across within the organisation in Auckland and is now based in Queenstown. Since joining Westpac she has been able to use her experience in Accounting roles at KPMG and Air New Zealand to help drive positive financial outcomes and strategies for customers. Outside of work, she resides in Wanaka and loves everything that the Central Otago lifestyle has to offer particularly skiing and hiking.

Joe Bebbington

Chief Financial Officer
ANZCO Foods
Joe joined ANZCO Foods in 2019 as a Commercial Financial Manager and was appointed CFO for ANZCO Foods in January 2021. Prior to this he was Finance Manager at PGG Wrightson for seven years, and a Management Accountant at Wool Partners International for two years. Before that he spent 6 years with Ernst and Young, both in Christchurch and Edinburgh. Joe is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. He has completed a B.Com with Honours in Finance at Canterbury University.  

Sam Francis

Manager
Deloitte

Caitlin Gray

Associate Director
Deloitte

Kayur Patel

Director
PwC
Kayur has been driving finance, workforce and technology transformation projects for his clients for several years, and he has also helped PwC offices in more than 25 countries transform the way they work, the technology they use, and the way they serve their clients. Kayur has spent his career at the forefront of the intersection between technology and business, whether that be the advent of cloud accounting, or the growth of RPA and low code app platforms in the business community. More recently, he’s been involved in the emerging technology space, specifically digital assets and AI.

Joshua G McLauchlan

Partner
PwC

Josh McLauchlan is a Partner at PwC New Zealand, specialising in finance transformation and virtual CFO advisory for growth-focused businesses. With over 11 years at PwC, he has led finance functions, driven tech-enabled improvements, and supported private businesses. Outside work, Josh enjoys time with his young family and improving his golf short game.

Sponsorship

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.

This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.

Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.

Tickets

Come back soon… Tickets will be available shortly

Individual Tickets - Virtual

Virtual Individual
Tickets - Early Bird

$1999
$ 1850 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 18 April 2025.

Virtual Individual
Tickets - Full Price

$ 1999 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.

Multi Buy - Virtual

Virtual Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Early Bird

$1699
$ 1575 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 18 April 2025.

Virtual Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Full Price

$ 1699 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 21 May 2025.

Individual Tickets - Auckland

In-Person Individual
Tickets - Early Bird

$2499
$ 2299 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 18 April 2025.

In-Person Individual
Tickets - Full Price

$ 2499 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 21 May 2025.

Multi Buy - Auckland

In-Person Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Early Bird

$2099
$ 1899 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 18 April 2025.

In-Person Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Full Price

$ 2099 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 21 May 2025.

Individual Tickets - Christchurch

In-Person Individual
Tickets - Early Bird

$2499
$ 2299 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 18 April 2025.

In-Person Individual
Tickets - Full Price

$ 2499 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 12 May 2025.

Multi Buy - Christchurch

In-Person Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Early Bird

$2099
$ 1899 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 18 April 2025.

In-Person Multi-buy 3+
Tickets - Full Price

$ 2099 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 12 May 2025.

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit 

https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines

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