Controlling Conference Switzerland CTS: See you on September 20 in Rotkreuz

Future skills in controlling: With these skills, controlling is prepared for the future

Shaping sustainable controlling organizations: guidelines and skills at CTS

Do ChatGPT & Co replace controlling or does this give new possibilities for controlling? The controlling role profile will be different in the future, with or without artificial intelligence.

Effective digitization and value-added use of data, the further development of the business model and sustainability controlling - the competence model in controlling is subject to constant change and is becoming ever broader and more demanding.

But what competencies are needed in addition to controlling expertise today and in the future? How do you design a modern controlling organization and with which employees? Which mindset characterizes controlling? How do the heads of controlling find and develop top performers and young talents? The design of a sustainable controlling organization poses major challenges for CFOs, those responsible for controlling and controllers.

The aim of this year's Controlling Conference Switzerland is to give controllers useful guidelines on the skills they will need in the future and to show possible development paths. Our speakers provide insight into their controlling and answer the questions of the participants in a well-founded way. In addition, the breaks, lunch and aperitif riche provide an excellent opportunity for personal exchange.

The Controlling Conference Switzerland is organized by the ICV Swiss work groups in cooperation with the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ. Together we want to combine practical experience with current developments in controlling and make this knowledge available to the participants.

Conference language is German.

The CTS program on September 20, 2023 in Rotkreuz

Event motto 2023

Future skills in controlling: With these skills, controlling is prepared for the future

... of the guests of the CTS 2023

Imke Keimer
Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ
Hochschule Luzern

Markus Steiner
Member of the Board
ICV

  • ChatGPT & Co as a paradigm shift for controlling?
  • Resilient role profiles and competency models in controlling
  •  

Ulrich Egle
Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ
Hochschule Luzern

  • The development of the controller's role based on a real practical example
  • What skills does the modern controller need?
  • How has the controller's competence profile changed in the last 10 years and what will be required in the future?
  • The tension of the modern controller: the balancing act between sparring partner, consultant and classic controlling ("control?")

Martin Kühn
CFO
KIBAG Holding AG  

Time for networking

  • The path from accountant to controller as "Business Partner Plus" (VUCA)
  • What skills does a Business Partner Plus need in today's time of change in family businesses?
  • How does a family company develop its employees in controlling and where does it need external influence (balancing act in the composition of the team)?

Katja de Groot-Altrichter
Head of Strategic Controlling
Victorinox AG

  • How corporate values influence our mindset
  • Simulations and thinking in scenarios as an integral part of the controller skills set
  • Why soft skills are also of crucial importance in controlling

Daniel Britschgi
Head of Controlling
Lindt & Sprüngli (Schweiz) AG

Time for netwokring

  • Outside-in perspective - reality and expectations of controlling
  • Inside-out perspective - opportunities and opportunities to find, develop and retain controllers
  • Use Case Industry 4.0 - Controlling in the context of modern production plannin

Christine Seibert
VP Global HR
Adrian Bolliger
Managing Director Europa
Datwyler IT Infra AG

  • Digitization is also changing business controlling and requires employees to learn new skills
  • More and more companies are relying on applications that allow business controlling employees to automate and optimize their financial tasks themselves without involving IT
  • Business controlling is increasingly becoming a development department that works with similar processes, skills and agile working methods as the technology department

Olivier Vogel
Head Finance Operations
Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund

Time for networking

  • Daniel Britschgi, Hed of Controlling, Lindt & Sprüngli (Schweiz) AG
  • Katja de Groot-Altrichter, Head of Strategic Controlling, Victorinox AG
  • Martin Kühn, CFO, KIBAG Holding
  • Christine Seibert, Vice President Global Human Resources, Datwyler IT Infra AG
  • Olivier Vogel, Head Finance Operations, Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund

Moderation: Ulrich Egle, Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ, Hochschule Luzern

Imke Keimer
Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ
Hochschule Luzern

and networking


Speakers of the CTS 2023

  • Adrian Bolliger, Managing Director Europa, Datwyler IT Infra AG
  • Daniel Britschgi, Head of Controlling, Lindt & Sprüngli (Schweiz) AG
  • Katja de Groot-Altrichter, Head of Strategic Controlling, Victorinox AG
  • Ulrich Egle, Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen Zug IFZ, Hochschule Luzern
  • Imke Keimer, Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen Zug IFZ, Hochschule Luzern
  • Martin Kühn, CFO, KIBAG Holding AG
  • Christine Seibert, VP Global HR, Datwyler IT Infra AG  
  • Markus Steiner, Member of the Board, International Association of Controllers
  • Olivier Vogel, Company Head Finance Operations, Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund
  • Moderation: Markus Steiner, Member of the Board, International Association of Controllers

About the CTS Controllig Conference Swizterland

Portrait of the conference

The CTS has been organized by the Swiss work groups of the ICV (International Association of Controllers) since 1990, since 2017 with the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ. Together we want to combine practical experience with current research results and make this knowledge available to controllers and financially interested practitioners.

The conference addresses controllers, finance and controlling executives, CFOs, project managers and business analysts from all sectors who are involved in or affected by the topic. Participants can be inspired by current research results and specific practical experience.

Organizers and organization

Organizer of the CTS 2023

Internationaler Controller Verein eV
Münchner Strasse 8, D-82237 Wörthsee
Tel. +49 8153-88 974-20
Fax +49 8153-88 974-31
e-mail icv-schweiz{bei}icv-controlling.com

Hochschule Luzern – Wirtschaft
Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen Zug IFZ
Campus Zug-Rotkreuz, Suurstoffi 1, CH-6343 Rotkreuz
Tel. +41 41 757 67 67
e-mail ifz{bei}hslu.ch

For whom is the CTS the perfect event?

  • CFOs
  • Responsible for Controlling
  • Controllers
  • Business Analysts
  • Project managers for financial and sustainability transformation

Do not miss any more information and invitations to our work group meetings: Register here.

Sponsors

CTS 2023: ChatGPT expects "a high-quality and informative event"

Markus Steiner in an interview with ChatGPT

An interview with an artificial intelligence on the Controlling Conference Switzerland on September 20, 2023 in Rotkreuz, which this year is entitled "Future Skills in Controlling: With these skills, controlling is prepared for the future". By and with Markus Steiner, ICV Board Member

Hello ChatGPT, nice that you are available for an interview today. I'm glad that you can be reached right away and that you won't put me off until later because of heavy workload.

ChatGPT: Hello! Thank you for the nice welcome! As an AI, I am always here and ready to help you. I'm sorry if there have been delays in the past. I am now ready to give you my full attention for the interview. How can I help you?

On September 20, 2023, the Controlling Conference Switzerland takes place on the topic "Future skills in controlling: With these skills, controlling is prepared for the future". We want to shed light on which competencies are required today and in the future in addition to controlling expertise. For example, whether ChatGPT & Co partially replace controlling or whether this can result in new possibilities for controlling. Because the controlling role profile will be different in the future, with or without artificial intelligence. What do you think about that?

ChatGPT: The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems such as ChatGPT in the field of controlling is undoubtedly a relevant topic. In recent years, data analysis, machine learning and AI technologies have developed significantly, which can also have an impact on controlling.

Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Efficiency increase: AI systems can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks in controlling, such as collecting, processing and evaluating large amounts of data. This allows controllers to focus on more demanding tasks that require human expertise.

2. Data analysis and forecasting: AI-based analysis systems can process large amounts of data faster and more accurately than humans. Controlling can benefit by gaining data-driven insights into business trends, forecasts and risk assessments.

3. Human-AI collaboration: It is more likely that the future of controlling will be based on collaboration between humans and AI systems. Human expertise remains crucial to understand context, consider ethics, and make strategic decisions.

4. New competencies: With the increasing use of AI in controlling, new competencies are also required. Controllers must be able to understand AI technologies and interpret their results in order to make informed decisions.

5. Risks and challenges: While AI offers many benefits, it also poses risks such as privacy, confidentiality, and bias. Controllers need to be aware of these risks and take appropriate action to mitigate them.

In summary, it can be said that AI and automated systems do not necessarily replace controlling, but rather can expand and optimize it. The role of controllers is expected to shift from purely data-driven tasks to strategic advice and decision-making.

It is an exciting time for controlling, as new opportunities and challenges can arise through the use of AI and future skills. It is important to seize the opportunities while keeping an eye on the development of the skills needed to shape the future of controlling successfully.

Very insightful, thank you. If I had surveyed another competing AI application, would my interview questions have been answered better or worse?

ChatGPT: The answer to this question depends on several factors:

1. Training data: If the competing AI application was trained on a data set similar in size and variety to mine, the answers would likely be comparable.

2. Architecture and algorithms: The underlying architecture and the algorithms used can have an impact on how the AI application processes information and generates responses. Some architectures might be better suited for certain tasks than others.

3. Knowledge sources: The AI application could have access to other knowledge sources or a different knowledge base, which might lead to different answers.

4. Context of the question: The wording of the question can also play a role. Some AI applications may be more specialized for certain types of questions than others.

5. Subjectivity: Some questions may require subjective answers, where different AI applications could have different viewpoints.

It is important to note that there is not necessarily a "right" or "worse" answer as long as the AI application provides reasonable and relevant information. Different AI applications can also offer different nuances and perspectives on a topic, which can be beneficial in certain contexts.

The best thing is to consult different AI applications and critically examine their answers in order to get a comprehensive picture and make informed decisions. The quality of the answers also depends heavily on how well the questions are worded and whether they can effectively retrieve the desired information.

I can see you're not letting my questions fool you.

ChatGPT: As an AI model, I have predefined algorithms and pattern recognition skills to answer questions. My main goal is to provide factual, accurate and helpful information to best support your inquiries.

I have no emotions, opinions or intentions and therefore cannot be led on "black ice". Instead, I focus on responding to your questions appropriately and being as useful as possible.

OK, back to the subject of the interview. You answered that artificial intelligence can help the controller to work more efficiently. That makes sense in theory, but do you have any practical examples that prove that it works?

ChatGPT: Yes, there are already some practical examples that show how artificial intelligence can help controlling to work more efficiently. Here are some examples:

1. Automated data analysis: AI can analyze large amounts of financial and business data and recognize patterns that are relevant for controlling. Instead of creating reports manually, controllers can use AI-based tools to gain faster insights into business performance, budget variances, cost structure and other key metrics.

2. Fraud detection: AI systems can help detect fraud early on by analyzing transaction data and behavioral patterns to identify suspicious activity. As a result, controllers can more efficiently prevent fraud and minimize financial risks.

3. Budgeting and forecasting: AI can build complex models and analyze historical data to create more accurate forecasts of future business performance. This supports controllers in the efficient creation and revision of budgets and business plans.

4. Personalized financial advice: In companies with decentralized structures, AI can create personalized financial reports and analysis for different departments or projects, saving the controller time while better meeting the needs of different teams.

5. Cash flow management: AI can analyze cash flow data and help companies better understand their cash position. This enables controllers to make informed decisions to optimize liquidity and avoid bottlenecks.

6. Cost savings: By automating certain tasks and improving data analysis, companies can reduce costs while increasing the efficiency of the controlling process.

These examples show how AI can help controlling to focus on strategic tasks, as less time is spent on manual and repetitive tasks. By using AI, controllers can create more value for the business and make better, data-driven decisions.

It is important to emphasize that the use of AI in controlling requires careful planning and implementation. Privacy, data security and ethical issues must be considered to ensure that technology is used effectively and responsibly.

You write that the use of AI entails “ risks such as privacy, confidentiality, and bias. Controllers need to be aware of these risks and take appropriate action to mitigate them.” What do you mean by that?

ChatGPT: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in controlling and other areas involves certain risks that must be carefully considered. Here are some of the main risks:

1. Data protection: AI systems often process large amounts of data, including personal data. It is important to ensure that data is collected, stored and used correctly and that it complies with applicable data protection policies and laws. Inappropriate handling of data can lead to legal consequences and a loss of customer or employee trust.

2. Confidentiality: AI can analyze information and make connections that could potentially reveal confidential trade secrets or sensitive data. Controllers must ensure that access to sensitive data is restricted and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Bias: AI systems are based on data created or collected by humans. If this data contains errors and failures, this can lead to bias in the results. In a controlling context, unwanted distortions could appear in financial reports or forecasts. It is important to identify and address these sources of bias in order to get accurate and fair results.

4. Lack of transparency: Some AI models and algorithms can be complex and difficult to understand, especially with so-called "black box" models. Controllers need to ensure they understand how the AI systems work and can interpret the results appropriately to make informed decisions.

5. Dependence on technology: While AI offers many benefits, over-reliance on AI systems can also create problems. Technical failures or errors in the AI models could result in inaccurate or delayed information. Controllers therefore need to ensure they have proper back-up plans in place and leverage human expertise to complement AI.

In order to minimize these risks, companies that want to use AI in controlling should take appropriate measures:

  • Careful data selection and cleansing to reduce distortion and bias.
  • Promoting transparency and explainability of AI models to create better understanding and trust.
  • Implementing clear privacy policies and procedures to ensure data is handled securely.
  • Conducting periodic reviews and audits to identify and address potential risks.

By consciously managing these risks, the use of AI in controlling can be designed efficiently and responsibly.

We were able to win some interesting speakers for our conference - do you think we made a good choice?

ChatGPT: As an AI model, I do not have access to information about the specific speakers selected for your meeting. Therefore, I cannot make a direct assessment of the choice made.

[Shortened answer - because ChatGPT gave me detailed advice on how to find good speakers in general... We are convinced that we have already made a very good choice 😊]

The event is organized by the International Association of Controllers ICV and the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ. What do you think about it?

ChatGPT: The cooperation between the International Association of Controllers ICV and the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ is promising and indicates that the planned event will be a high-quality and professional event.

The International Association of Controllers ICV is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting controlling expertise and further development of the controller’s role. It offers a network of professionals and experts from the controlling industry and promotes the exchange of best practices and the dissemination of relevant insights and new trends.

The Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ is a recognized research institute and belongs to the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. It specializes in financial services, banking and financial management and has extensive experience in researching and analyzing financial issues.

The combination of the expertise and experience of both organizations promises a holistic and well-founded consideration of the topic "Future Skills in Controlling" during your conference. The event could therefore provide an excellent opportunity to highlight current challenges and opportunities in the field of controlling and to gain valuable insights from subject matter experts.

It is important that the participants can benefit from the wide range of expertise and the renowned background of the two organizations and gain valuable insights for their professional practice.

Overall, the cooperation between the International Association of Controllers ICV and the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ seems promising and promises a high-quality and informative event.

Thank you, now we're very flattered. Thank you for the very interesting interview!

ChatGPT: I'm glad I was able to assist you with the interview and it's nice to hear you're flattered. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, I'm always happy to help.

Thank you for the informative and enjoyable interview! I wish you every success with your conference on "Future Skills in Controlling" and hope that it will be an enriching and inspiring experience for all participants. All the best!