CTS: How AI, agility and innovation are transforming the finance function

The motto of the Controlling Conference Switzerland 2024 was: “Turning Point in Controlling: The Transformation of the Controlling Organization”. The event was opened by Marc Pouly,Professor for Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, gave an inspiring presentation on developments, trends and potential applications of artificial intelligence in Swiss companies. In the second lecture, Herbert Stauffer, Managing Director of BARC Switzerland, presented the latest analytics trends and highlighted the opportunities and risks of AI for the finance function. He also presented specific use cases in the financial sector, in particular for planning and forecasting. At the same time, he emphasized that the use of AI places new legal requirements on companies, for example with regard to automated decision-making processes and the EU-wide AI regulation (AI Act).

In his presentation, Jörn Basel, business psychologist at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, explained the importance of acceptance and trust for the success of digital innovations. He presented established models and influencing factors to promote employee acceptance of technological innovations. The dynamics and uncertainty in the corporate environment are driving the use of agile methods and tools. Werner Wohlwend, Head of Finance at Gebr. KNIE, used practical examples to illustrate the implementation of agile finance. The afternoon started with Franz Steiger, CFO of SBB and member of the Group Executive Board, who presented the topic of “AI as an enabler for the finance department of the future”. Franz Steiger gave an impressive demonstration of how SBB is driving forward the AI transformation in finance. Increased programming skills in controlling, such as Python, are also important for this.

Basil Scheidegger, head of the financial administration of the Canton of Zurich, spoke about the transition from a decentralized to a centralized controlling organization. This realignment not only brings with it potential for automation, but also new, modern role profiles in controlling. In the subsequent Focus sessions gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and be inspired by innovative software solutions and new controlling concepts. Svenja Amrhein gave the closing speech, pRED Finance Head at Roche, with the presentation “Budget eats strategy for breakfast?”She provided valuable suggestions for the current budgeting phase. Summary of the day with a lot of content-related impulses was made by Imke Keimer from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Many thanks to all the speakers, the sponsors and the numerous guests at the Controlling Conference Switzerland. The next conference will take place on September 23, 2025 in Rotkreuz.