Last week, Toronto played host to the Accounts Payable Leadership Conference—an event that is uniquely dedicated to the professional growth and development of accounts payable (AP) professionals. With a gathering of over 100 AP professionals, the conference proved once again why it stands as the premier platform for cutting-edge insights and education in accounts payable. The conference’s focused agenda, diverse keynote speakers, insightful panels, and vibrant networking opportunities set the stage for a productive, engaging, and transformative experience.
A Forward-Thinking Accounts Payable Agenda
The conference covered a range of topics relevant to the evolving landscape of accounts payable, including leadership, change management, AP transformation, fraud, automation, AI and technology. Each session underscored the strategic role AP teams play in modern organizations and the need for continuous innovation.
Keynotes:
The conference’s keynote sessions gave actionable insights and innovative strategies, delivered by industry thought leaders.
- Transforming Organizations: The Role of Accounts Payable as Change Agents – This keynote explored how AP teams can position themselves as leaders in organizational transformation, spearheading changes that ripple throughout finance and operations.
- Driving Team Engagement: Tactics for Managing Change – AP teams often navigate significant operational and technological changes. This session focused on effective strategies for change management, helping attendees foster an environment of collaboration and adaptability within their teams.
- Demystifying AI: A Roadmap to Future-proofing Your Financial Operations – AI is transforming accounts payable in unprecedented ways, and this keynote provided a clear, practical roadmap to harnessing AI’s power within AP processes.
Panel Discussions:
The panel discussions enabled a deeper dive into some of the most pressing topics in AP today. They featured a diverse range of experts who shared their insights on various challenges and solutions.
- IFOL Research: Accounts Payable Leadership Priorities – This session offered data-driven insights into the current priorities and future challenges faced by AP leaders, backed by our own independent research.
- The Importance of Establishing and Sustaining Strong Vendor Relationships – Vendor relationships are crucial to AP effectiveness. This discussion addressed best practices for building trust, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration.
- Preparing Your Business & Vendors for AP Automation – As automation becomes integral to AP processes, this session examined steps companies can take to ensure a seamless transition, covering both internal preparation and vendor readiness.
- Lessons Learned in Finance Transformation: From Business Case to Go Live – Drawing from real-world experiences, this panel focused on key takeaways from finance transformation projects, offering lessons learned from the business case development stage to successful implementation.
- Lean Finance Teams: Doing More with Less – With many organizations operating lean finance teams, this panel offered insights on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, focusing on solutions for optimizing resources without sacrificing quality.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
The conference was made possible by the contributions of our exceptional speakers and panelists. Special thanks go to Caroline Adams, Adam McDonagh, Blanca McGrory, Naveen Kumar Agrawal, Sarah Gunness, Nicole Taylor, Arlina Cruz, Danche Chakalova, Maya Haikin, Jeffrey Capulong, Lisa Griffith, Ravinder Dhugee, Marie Dickens, Lisa Harris, Stuart Pasternak, Jen Woloski, Courtney Côté, Meg Howe, and Jolanda ter Maten. Each brought valuable perspectives and expertise, enriching discussions that left attendees inspired and equipped to drive positive change within their organizations.
Our sponsors played an essential role in supporting the conference. Thank you to SoftCo (headline sponsor), Oversight (gold sponsor), and our exhibitors—Avalara, CIBC, Integrim, and Octacom.
Feedback from Delegates
The conference received enthusiastic feedback. Many attendees highlighted how the event broadened their perspective on AP’s evolving role in finance. Here’s what some of our delegates said:
“The presentations and the panel discussions were very insightful and brought a new perspective to my current position.”
“The conference highlighted the power of automation, the necessity of effective change management, and the transformative role of AI—key drivers shaping the future of financial operations.”
“I found it fascinating to learn how AI can enhance AP processes, improve accuracy, and streamline operations, which was new and intriguing to me.”
“The networking opportunities were outstanding. I really enjoyed engaging with professionals from different areas within AP, which provided diverse insights and valuable connections.”
“Great speakers. Well-organized agenda. So much good information.”
Looking Ahead: Join Us in London
As we celebrate the success of the Accounts Payable Leadership Conference in Toronto, we are already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect with AP professionals. Mark your calendars for our next event in London on March 21st, 2025. This will be another opportunity to explore emerging AP trends, network with industry peers, and gain fresh insights to take back to your organization.
The Toronto Accounts Payable Leadership Conference was an incredible success, offering rich content, exceptional speakers, and vibrant networking opportunities. Together, we continue to elevate the AP, fostering a community of forward-thinking leaders who are shaping the future of financial operations. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to welcoming you at future events.