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Description

Transforming the Finance and Accounting Function: Automate, Control and Steer

Rethinking the accounting organisation as data entry declines and analysis becomes the core of the role

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Expert
  • Up to 6 participants

Automated invoice capture, paperless exchanges and direct posting of entries are steadily reducing manual data entry. Accounting departments are left with teams trained on tasks that are disappearing, controls that need redefining and strong expectations from executive management on closing timelines and the quality of analysis.

These two days are designed for managers currently in post: diagnosing the accounting chain, selecting the processes to automate, redesigning the control framework, accelerating the close and supporting teams as their roles evolve. Each participant builds the transformation roadmap for their own department.

Learning objectives

  • Diagnose the accounting chain and identify low value-added tasks
  • Select the processes to automate according to expected gain and induced risk
  • Redefine the internal control framework in an automated environment
  • Shorten closing timelines by reviewing the sequencing of tasks
  • Support the evolution of skills and roles within the accounting team

What makes this programme different

Each participant maps their accounting chain and quantifies the time consumed at each step
Controls are redesigned for automated flows rather than simply transposed
The resulting roadmap distinguishes what relates to tools, to organisation and to skills

Programme

1Diagnosing the accounting chain

Measure before transforming

  • Mapping processes from invoice through to reporting
  • Distribution of time between data entry, control and analysis
  • Breakpoints and re-keying between systems
  • Management expectations and service commitments

2Automation and systems

Choosing what to hand over to the machine

  • Paperless invoicing and automatic posting of entries
  • Interfaces between business systems and the ledger
  • Exception handling and rejection rules
  • Decision criteria between automation and retaining manual processing

3Internal control and data quality

Controlling a flow you no longer key in

  • Shifting controls upstream in the process
  • Automated controls and review of detected anomalies
  • Audit trail and substantiation of balances
  • Working with auditors and documenting the framework

4Closing, steering and teams

Giving time back to analysis

  • Reviewing the sequencing of closing tasks
  • Performance indicators for the accounting function
  • Evolution of roles and expected skill sets
  • Change management and common sources of resistance

Who is it for

Finance and accounting directors · heads of accounting departments · financial controllers and finance transformation project leaders.

Prerequisites

Hold a supervisory or management responsibility within an accounting or finance function.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.