The Future of Accounting: Getting Ready for 2027
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 8.00AM-9.30AM, Sydney CBD
NEW EVENT
📅 Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
📍 Venue: Level 6, 261 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
🥐 Catering: Snacks and hot drinks provided
The accounting profession is entering a period of significant change. Artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics are transforming traditional finance processes, while accountants are increasingly expected to provide strategic insight, commercial guidance and stronger support for business decision-making.
This interactive session will explore what the future of accounting means for finance professionals, business leaders and organisations. Drawing on experience across entrepreneurship, outsourced finance, CFO leadership, transformation and governance, Co-Founder and CEO of Vital Addition Lachlan Grant and CFO Deborah Lane will discuss how accounting roles are evolving, where technology is creating genuine value and the capabilities finance professionals will need to remain relevant.
Attendees will learn:
• How AI, automation and data analytics are reshaping accounting and finance functions
• Which traditional accounting activities are most likely to become automated
• How the role of accountants is evolving beyond reporting and compliance
• Why commercial thinking, communication and professional judgement are becoming increasingly valuable
• How finance teams can become more effective strategic partners to business leaders
• The governance, ethical, privacy and data risks associated with emerging technology
• What skills accounting professionals will need to develop for the future
• Practical steps finance leaders can take to build adaptable and future-ready teams
This session is ideal for CFOs, finance leaders, accounting professionals, business owners and decision-makers who want a practical discussion about the changing profession and how to prepare for what comes next.
Deborah Lane
She specialises in finance transformation, governance, commercial growth and building scalable, high-performing finance functions. Deborah is also a former President of the CPA Australia NSW Divisional Council and is passionate about leadership, mentoring and the future of finance.
Lachlan Grant
A Chartered Accountant, he has spent more than a decade helping startups and growing businesses strengthen their financial foundations, scale effectively and navigate complex commercial decisions. Lachlan is also an experienced entrepreneur, having co-founded and built multiple businesses across professional services, technology, hospitality and financial services.
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