ICV Management Conference 2024 – Working on the future of the ICV

On October 12, 2024, the ICV Management Conference took place in Warsaw. This is where those responsible for the International Association of Controllers (ICV) met to shape the future direction of the Association. The conference provided a platform for intensive exchange and the development of new ideas.

Key developments for the future

Prof. Heimo Losbichler presented the ICV strategic goals, including a new image video from December 2024 and the increased use of Microsoft 365 to optimize collaboration within the Association. This also includes the new Compliance Guidelines. The demonstration of the new event software ICV Spaces illustrated new possibilities for collaboration with the work groups and the organization of events. In this context, he also presented the personnel changes in the management of various work groups. e and regions. He also gave an outlook on the 50th anniversary of the ICV in 2025 and the upcoming Congress of Controllers in April 2025.

Future topics in controlling

The keynote speech on data science and machine learning by Dr. Tymoteusz Miller from the University of Szczecin, broadcast live via Teams, illustrated how forward-looking technologies are finding their way into the financial sector and will shape the ICV. The use of artificial intelligence and new analysis tools, which are leading to innovations in the financial sector, are particularly noteworthy.

Change and networking

The introduction of Microsoft 365 is intended to increase the efficiency of collaboration at ICV. Carmen Zillmer presented the advantages of digital tools that improve the flow of information and collaboration. Other workshops, such as the one on the use of ICV Spaces, showed the potential for strengthening member loyalty and networking.

ICV in controlling teaching

A study by Prof. Dr. Björn Baltzer examines the presence of the ICV in university teaching in German-speaking countries – based on a survey of 532 controlling professors.insideen at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A key finding is that many of the professors surveyed Insideen ICV and IGC publications in their teaching, but there is still potential to further increase its presence. The study also found that the ICV is well represented in the field of controlling compared to other organizations, but that further measures could be taken to strengthen its position in the academic environment and reach new target groups.

Use of Generative AI (ChatGPT) for social media in the ICV

Dr. Tomasz Zielinski brought not only knowledge but also a good dose of humor to the stage – and turned the room into a veritable social media party. With a charming twinkle in his eye, he explained how AI like ChatGPT can help write LinkedIn posts that are not only read but also liked. tcommented on and shared – the social media, so to speak–triple–Crown! The participants didn’t take long to respond to his request and started a spontaneous selfie orgy – group photos, including laughs and thumbs up, were immediately posted on LinkedIn. The rule of the day: tag, post, like and don’t forget the hashtags! And at the end of the day? You could watch live as the number of views and likes skyrocketed – with lots of fun and a bit of digital magic. Conclusion: ICV can do social media, and with style and humor!

Communication and marketing at the ICV

Rainer Pollmann, the ICV new Head of Communications and Marketing, emphasized how important it is for members and working groups to actively participate in communication and share their experiences and findings. Pollmann encouraged members not to wait for formal publications, but to provide regular insights into their work in order to show the ICV expertise to the outside world. The structure of the ICV brand, based on “Controlling Excellence”, is the focus, and events, webinars and exchanges in work groups play a key role in this.

Workshops

In the workshop on the further development of the ICV Spaces ideas and potential for the future use of the platform were discussed. There is also great potential for ICV Spaces in member recruitment and networking. Webinars should appeal to students in particular and serve as an introduction to the ICV. The possibility of presenting the ICV via the Spaces and offering special groups for young finance professionals that are only available in the Spaces was also discussed. The idea of offering speed dating formats for company members and young graduates is particularly innovative. Inside to promote networking and knowledge transfer. This is complemented by “Meet the Experts” formats, where members can learn directly from experts in the field. Inside as well as regional meetings of work groups and expert work group leaders to further strengthen exchange and collaboration. Overall, the discussions showed that the ICV Spaces are not only a collaboration tool, but also a platform with great potential for member retention and recruitment.

The workshop “a work group for large international companies” was launched as an experiment in the southern German region to meet the special requirements of large, internationally active companies. The aim of the workshop is to create a platform for the exchange of experience and networking of these companies.

In another workshop, “Business Women’s Network” concrete goals and strategies were developed to strengthen women in controlling. The focus is on mutual support, the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of coaching . At the same time, the network aims to serve as a role model for other women’s networks and strive for greater involvement of men through initiatives such as “He for She”. Another focus is on the visibility of women in the association, for example through portraits of successful members and the collection of data on female ICV members. It became particularly exciting here when men in the group also diligently debated how women can be promoted to leadership positions.

Honors

An important part of the conference was the recognition of volunteers who have supported the work of the ICV for many years and contributed significantly to its success.

Jörg Thienemann as Head of the Work Group Rhein-Neckar, Alexander Großhäuser as Head of the Work Group Rhein-Ruhr, Christan Bramkamp as Delegate for the Expert Work Groupsand Thomas Gross as Head of the Work Group Thüringen were honored for their many years of commitment and assumption of responsibility in the ICV. Over many years, they have made a decisive contribution to shaping and advancing the association. Their willingness to take on responsibility, overcome challenges and always act in the interests of the Association deserves the highest recognition. Such commitment characterizes the ICV and makes it to what it is today.