Beyond the buzzwords: The Year in AI & local case studies

[This description changed on 21 September due to a change of speaker.]

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, but what does the rapid evolution of AI really mean for finance professionals?

Join us in Aberdeen for a unique evening event that combines expert insight with real-world experience. We'll begin with a live online presentation from one of the UK's leading voices on emerging technology, followed by an in-person discussion featuring two experienced finance professionals sharing how AI is already being used within their organisations.

During the last year, AI has moved far beyond simple chatbots. Across finance and business, increasingly sophisticated systems are helping to investigate fraud, analyse information, and even support decision-making processes. Yet while adoption is accelerating, questions remain around governance, accountability, risk, and professional responsibility.

In this thought-provoking session, Professor Andy Miah will explore the most significant developments in AI over the past year, examining how emerging technologies and changing consumer behaviours are reshaping decision-making in finance and beyond. He will challenge attendees to consider not just how quickly organisations are adopting AI, but whether they fully understand the implications of what is being delegated to technology.

The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

About Andy

is Chair of Science Communication & Future Media at the University of Salford. His work explores the ethical, social, and cultural impacts of emerging technologies, with particular expertise in AI, immersive technologies, esports, and digital innovation. He is the author of 10 books and more than 150 academic publications and has contributed to programmes and initiatives with organisations including the United Nations' AI for Good programme. A frequent media commentator, his work has featured across outlets including the BBC, Wired and Vogue.

Following Andy's session, we'll bring the conversation into the room with an interactive discussion featuring two experienced CIMA members who have been actively implementing AI within their organisations.

Rather than focusing on future possibilities, this session will explore what AI adoption looks like in practice today, including the opportunities, benefits, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

Financial Reporting Director, Speedcast

Adele leads the Global General Ledger team for a worldwide communications business and has spent the last six months embedding AI into day-to-day finance operations. She will share practical examples of how AI is being used for statutory reporting support, organisational structure lookups, document production, and month-end variance review, together with honest reflections on where AI adds value, where it falls short, and why professional judgement remains essential.

Manager, Accounts & Business Advisory, CT

Working with a diverse range of businesses, Mandy advises organisations on financial information, technology adoption, and digital transformation. She has a particular interest in how AI and emerging technologies can help accountants work more efficiently, generate deeper insights, and strengthen their role as trusted business advisers. Mandy will share examples and observations from working with businesses navigating digital change.

Whether you're already experimenting with AI tools or still deciding where they fit within your organisation, this event will provide both strategic insight and practical takeaways to help you navigate the next stage of AI adoption in finance.

Event venue & nearby stays

210 Bistro, 210 Market Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom

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