• Live presentation directly on an AI agent platform
• Incorporation of structured metrics and unstructured document information
• Testing Typical Controlling Questions

Steffen Wittenauer, Executive Solution Specialist, IBM Switzerland

Steffen Wittenauer is recognized worldwide as one of the most renowned IBM experts in the field of business analytics, particularly for the IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) solution. As an Executive Consultant and Executive Solution Specialist, he develops complex, scalable global planning and reporting solutions for large enterprises and mid-market clients, some of which serve thousands of end users simultaneously.

In addition to his in-depth knowledge of traditional planning and reporting, he is currently driving the development of integrated business solutions, including AI-based analytics and sustainability planning.

• DATEV AI is not a trend, but a strategy
• AI only works if we use it
• Employees Are Driving the AI Transformation

Barbara Jäger, Controlling Specialist and Partner, AI Champion at DATEV

• Corporate Controlling – (since Feb. 2024)
• Business Partners: Finance – Feb. 2020 through Jan. 2024)
• Controller (specifically, Sales Controlling) – (August 2016 to January 2020)
• Organizer, PM in Marketing Control – (Dec. 2002 to July 2016)
• Software Analyst (in the field of Human Resources) – (April 1990 to Nov. 2002)
• Software Developer at Nixdorf Computer – (September 1986 to March 1990)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (FH) in Würzburg – (1982–1986)

• Structural Challenges in Product Lifecycle Costing
• Smart Cross-Functional Collaboration Through AI
• AI Agents as Sparring Partners in Scenario Management
• Quantifiable Improvements: The Synergy of Process Improvements and AI

Hannes Gruber, Co-Founder and Managing Director of valuemize AG, Zurich

Hannes Gruber is Co-Founder and Managing Director of valuemize AG, a Swiss startup that helps companies manage their margins starting as early as the product development phase through AI-powered product cost transparency. Before founding the company, he gained international experience in product cost engineering, most recently as a lead at Accelleron (formerly ABB). He earned his master’s degree in Industrial Engineering & Management from MCI Innsbruck.

• AI as a Driver of Business Process Transformation
• Challenges and Recommendations for Selecting and Implementing AI Applications
• Driver-Based Optimization of the AI Portfolio

Prof. Dr. Sven Henning, Professor of Controlling at Kempten University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Dr. Sven Henning has been a professor of Controlling and Cost and Performance Accounting at Kempten University of Applied Sciences since 2004. Among other things, he established a successful Controlling specialization there. In addition, as the long-serving dean of academic affairs, he plays a key role in shaping the development of the faculty’s business administration programs.

He bridges the gap between academia and practice, in part through his leadership of the ICV Work Group Lake Constance/Allgäu. His professional experience at PwC Management Consulting and IBM Business Consulting Services further enhances his profile.

From Insight to Impact — SENSE-making in the AI Age

• Why the Future of Controlling Isn’t Better Reporting—But Better Decisions
• When AI Provides the Answers: What Role Does Controlling Play as a Critical Function?
• The SENSE Model — Five Future Controlling Skills That Ensure Rational Decision-Making in the Age of AI

Prof. Dr. Andreas Seufert, Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society; Director of the Business Innovation Lab; Head of the ICV Expert Work Group

Prof. Dr. Andreas Seufert is a professor at the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society, where he heads the Business Innovation Lab. He is the head of the ICV Expert Work Group on Controlling & Analytics and co-chair of the AI/Machine Learning Committee of the international FP&A Trends Group. His work focuses on the intersection of controlling, corporate management, and artificial intelligence—with an emphasis on how to ensure rational decision-making in the age of AI. Under the brand “Controlling AI Move,” he combines research, teaching, and practice into a competency model for the future of controlling (SENSE).

• Humans are emotional and unpredictable, yet they remain the most critical factor in any AI strategy.
• AI adoption spans a wide spectrum, from eager experimenters to cautious skeptics, making a human-centered approach essential.
• The 5Cs framework (competence, collaboration, communication, creativity, conscience) positions humans not merely as coexisting with AI, but as active collaborators and co-creators.

Tiankai Feng, Director, Data & AI Strategy bei Thoughtworks

Tiankai Feng is a Data & AI leader, musician, and optimist. As Director of Data & AI Strategy at Thoughtworks and author of “Humanizing AI Strategy”, he brings 13+ years of experience in analytics, governance, and transformation. Passionate about the human side of technology, he makes data and AI more approachable—and even fun—through music, memes, and fresh perspectives.

The 6th CCS with three days of events is once again all about Artificial Intelligence in Controlling & Finance. After “Are you ready?” in 2024 and “The journey continues” in 2025, it’s 2026: “Level up”. The focus is on the next decisive development step – tapping the potential of AI in corporate management in a targeted manner. Artificial intelligence is already changing the way companies analyze, plan, decide and manage, making it a key success factor for controlling and finance.

CCS 2026 provides practical impetus, fresh perspectives and concrete approaches for all those who want to actively drive change.

The CCS has established itself as a modern event format with a clear thematic focus and innovative implementation. Participants experience specialist presentations, application examples and networking in interactive formats and a virtual environment that sets new standards.

The CCS impresses with its compact format, high content density and the active involvement of participants. With around 3.5 hours per day, digital stages in an inspiring environment and fluent changes between sessions, the Controlling Competence Spaces stand for contemporary and flexible access to knowledge.

The Metaverse makes this experience special: it combines content, exchange and orientation in an interactive space and thus opens up a new, intuitive form of participation – individually and according to one’s own interests.

Join us in November when we set off on this three-day journey together with enthusiastic speakers and participants. The aim is to return to everyday life with fresh perspectives, valuable experiences and a deeper understanding of AI in controlling – and to further expand your own controlling network at the same time. You will enter 2027 with fresh ideas, valuable impulses and a strong network at your side.

The Metaverse is like a mountain hut – we’re on first-name terms here. That’s how we keep it and we look forward to meeting you (again) in November 2025 in a relaxed atmosphere in the icvIspaces, probably & hopefully virtually shoulder to shoulder and in wonderfully individual outfits. Show who you are!

The CCS is ideal for specialists and managers who want to find out about current topics in controlling, finance, risk management, sustainability and IT. It is aimed at CFOs, employees at all levels of experience as well as data analysts, data scientists, risk managers and IT coordinators. The focus is on practical insights with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence in controlling. The CCS offers the opportunity to experience the innovative virtual format of icvIspaces for digital exchange.

The only requirement is a working internet connection. No special technical requirements are necessary, not even VR glasses. However, we recommend testing in advance whether your company software allows access, as there may be restrictions. A test link will be sent out for this purpose.

No, previous knowledge is not required. On Monday, November 9, 2026, there will be training sessions where you will receive all the important information.

No, you can also register for just one day. Select the day or days of your choice when you register.

No, membership of the ICV is not a prerequisite. However, ICV members benefit from price advantages and other exclusive benefits. You can find more information here.

Cancellation free of charge is possible up to four weeks before the start of the conference. Thereafter, 50% of the participation fee must be paid. In case of no-show, the full fee is due for payment. However, you can also name a substitute participant at any time.

No, the event will not be recorded. Participants will receive the presentations released by the speakers after the event. However, if you would like to experience the content of all up to 5 parallel sessions live, we recommend that you do so: In keeping with the motto “One to Four”, simply bring your colleagues along and discuss what you have heard and seen afterwards. By the way: If your company has a corporate membership with the ICV, up to 5 employees can benefit from special prices for attending our events. More about corporate membership here

We will provide you here in good time before CCS 2026 with the contact details of competent contact persons who can support you if required.

If you have any organizational questions, please contact Carmen Zillmer, +49 (0)8153 88974-20, e-mail c.zillmer@icv-controlling.com