Last week, IFOL attended the FD Show at Accountex London for the very first time, and it was an incredibly valuable experience for our team.
Our goal was simple: introduce more finance professionals to IFOL and the work we are doing to raise standards across finance operations through certification, training, membership, and professional development.
The response we received exceeded expectations.
The energy around the stand was fantastic across both days, with finance professionals stopping by to learn more about IFOL and our work. More importantly, the event gave us a clearer picture of the challenges, priorities, and opportunities currently shaping finance operations teams.
Here are some of the biggest things we learned from our first FD Show experience.
The Training Gap Is Real
One of the strongest themes across the event was the number of finance professionals actively looking for better training and development solutions for themselves and their teams.
Many attendees spoke about the pressure finance teams are under to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, adapt to new technologies, and build broader skill sets. Yet despite this demand, many still struggle to find structured learning pathways that feel relevant to finance operations.
Some of the most rewarding conversations came when we explained IFOL’s approach to certification, professional development, and capability building. For many people, it was the first time they had discovered a professional body focused specifically on finance operations.
Finance Careers Matter More Than Ever
We also learned just how important professional recognition and career progression have become for finance professionals.
Conversations regularly moved beyond technical training and into wider discussions around confidence, credibility, leadership, and long-term career growth. It reinforced how important continuous professional development is becoming across the finance function.
It was encouraging to see so many people thinking proactively about how they can invest in their future and develop stronger, more capable teams.
Continuous Education and Beyond
One of the biggest things we learned at The FD Show was how much interest there is in IFOL beyond certification and training.
Many conversations quickly moved into our research, events, and wider community activity. There is a clear appetite for more insight, connection, and shared learning across finance operations, not just standalone courses.
Our latest research on Finance Fraud and Finance Skills Gaps sparked strong discussion, with attendees keen to benchmark challenges around capability, controls, risk, and operational change.
There was also strong interest in our Finance Operations Leadership Conference in London on 16 September 2026, with the prize draw helping open up great conversations about the value of dedicated events for the profession.
It was clear that finance professionals are looking for ongoing insight and community, not just training, and that is exactly what IFOL is building.
Never Underestimate A Putting Challenge
Of course, not every lesson was about training and industry trends.
Visitors to the stand had the chance to win three branded Pro V1 golf balls, and the putting challenge quickly became a real talking point, proving to be right on par with the rest of the conversations we were having.
The competition created a brilliant atmosphere around the stand and became a great conversation starter, helping us connect with even more attendees across the two days.
Community Still Matters
We were delighted offer a platform for our marketing team to introduce the initiative to attendees – a our new Women Leading in Finance Operations community.
The response was extremely encouraging, with women signing up on the spot and showing clear enthusiasm for getting involved.
What we learned very quickly is that there is a genuine appetite for more spaces that support leadership development, networking, visibility, and collaboration for women working across finance operations.
We are excited to continue building this community in the months ahead.
Partnerships Start With Conversations
Throughout the two days, we met potential speakers, partners, consultants, technology providers, and industry experts who share our ambition to improve standards across finance operations.
These conversations were incredibly valuable because meaningful change in finance does not happen in isolation. It happens when education providers, practitioners, solution providers, and industry leaders work together to support the profession.
We are excited about the potential partnerships and collaborations that came out of the event and the opportunities they could create for the wider finance community.
What Happens Next
After such a successful first experience at the FD Show, the IFOL team now has plenty of exciting work ahead as we follow up on conversations, new connections, and future opportunities.
Most importantly, the event reinforced that finance professionals are looking for stronger development pathways, better support, and communities that genuinely understand the challenges facing modern finance operations teams.
To find out more, you’re welcome to join our free online community or arrange a 1-2-1 certification demo with the IFOL team.
To everyone who visited our stand, entered our competition, or spoke to the IFOL team, thank you. Your support and enthusiasm made our first FD Show an experience we will not forget.
