The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) Tuesday organized the much-awaited CFO Conference 2023, focusing on the theme of “Resilient CFO – Balancing the Agenda for Tomorrow.” The event took place at a local hotel in Karachi and was spearheaded by the Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee.
During his address, M. Ali Latif, President of ICAP, emphasized the crucial role played by Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in guiding organizations through challenging times while effectively managing long-term strategic priorities. He highlighted the qualities of visionary thinking, agility, innovation, and digital expertise as essential for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. The conference held special significance as it coincided with the prestigious Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) ceremony, where exceptional ICAP members were recognized for their outstanding contributions, exemplary performance, leadership, and value addition to their respective organizations.
Amir Paracha, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Pakistan, delivered a keynote speech on “Leadership through Empathy and Excellence.” He emphasized the importance of empathy in fostering a performance-driven culture and achieving collective goals as a team, regardless of generational differences. Paracha highlighted the significance of emotional banking, where success not only elevates individuals but also benefits the collective as a whole. He shared insights on two distinct approaches, the shotgun and rifle approach, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies and fostering stronger relationships within teams.
The conference featured panel discussions and sessions addressing various topics. The inaugural panel discussion on “Skill-sets for Tomorrow” included industry leaders such as Rayomond Kotwal (CFO, Habib Bank Ltd.), Amin Rajput (Group Managing Director & CFO, SSGCL), Ms. Naila Kassim (Group Director HR, House of Habib), and Muhammad Rizwan Dalia (Chief People Officer, K-Electric). The panelists emphasized the importance of operational efficiency, alternative methodologies for data representation, continuous upskilling, embracing technology, and building collaborative relationships.
Experts participating in the 80/20 Dialogue session discussed the delicate balance between optimization efforts and crucial business priorities. Panelists, including industry leaders from BSAPN Lipton Teas & Infusions, Bankislami, and Dawood Hercules Group, shed light on the Pareto Principle, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between resources and organizational imperatives.
Renowned motivational speaker Yousuf Bashir Qureshi delivered an inspiring talk during the “Power Tonic” segment, empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and overcome challenges encountered on their journeys.
Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman of the PAIB Committee and Council Member of ICAP, highlighted the conference’s objectives, vision, and ICAP’s significant contributions to Pakistan’s finance sector, emphasizing its relevance to professionals in business and finance.
Ali Tabba, CEO of Lucky Cement Limited, delivered a keynote address on “Harnessing Leadership in Radical Times.” He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges, venturing beyond comfort zones, and drawing lessons from experiences to build resilience and tap into hidden capabilities.
The conference also featured discussions on seizing opportunities amidst uncertainties, exploring challenges faced by businesses in fluctuating energy and oil prices, rising competition, online banking, knowledge brain drain, and technology risks. The Fireside Chat included distinguished panelists such as a former President of ICAP, CEOs of NBP Funds and Bankislami, and renowned economists.
To honor the outstanding contributions of ICAP members, the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) ceremony recognized individuals in various categories for their remarkable achievements in their respective organizations.
Arslan Khalid, Vice President, ICAP delivered the closing remarks, offering a reflective summary of the conference proceedings and emphasizing the key takeaways and insights shared during the event. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the participants, speakers, and organizers for their invaluable contributions, which undeniably played a significant role in the success of the conference.
All in all, the CFO conference speakers debated the idea of staying resilience from different tangents in the lights of current economic turmoil and political uncertainty.
