Centre for Financial Leadership and Digital Transformation
How technology impacts the finance function
The finance function is evolving into a data-driven, AI-enabled strategic partner that supports better decision-making, resource allocation and value creation in organisations. As technology reshapes the business landscape, finance leaders have a unique opportunity to drive transformation, strengthen organisational performance and influence strategy. This Centre brings together CFOs, finance teams, academics and industry experts to unlock this potential.
Download the brochure to discover our programme.
AI Maturity Scan for the CFO
This tool scans your finance function’s digital and AI strengths, blind spots and challenges. Covering your company’s culture, knowledge, talent pool and data structure, you can measure progress and receive recommendations on the steps required to build a future-proof finance team. The tool was developed by the Centre based on our research.
Join a powerful community
This is a safe environment where CFOs and senior finance leaders can share experiences and new ideas. They work with Vlerick faculty and industry experts to explore emerging trends, practical challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Since 2020, we have welcomed 32 organisations as members or partners and engaged nearly 2,000 professionals through our learning activities. When you join us, you become part of a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and strategic impact of the finance function. You also have opportunities to contribute to and shape the Centre’s applied research agenda, making it immediately relevant to the challenges facing finance leaders today.
Beyond individual development, your finance team can join you on a shared learning journey that builds capability and equips your people with the skills and confidence to lead transformation.
Research to power your company
The Centre is a knowledge hub combining academic rigour with real-world business relevance. Funded by institutions like FWO, FAR, and KU Leuven, we collaborate long-term with industry partners to explore the full breadth of the finance function—from value creation to reporting.
Our core research areas include:
- AI & Advanced Analytics: Applications in forecasting, strategic decision-making, process mining, tax planning, and generative/agentic AI.
- Governance & Resilience: ESG reporting, fraud prevention, responsible AI, and resilient operating models.
- Process Modernisation: Technology-enabled working capital, platform updates, and leadership for finance transformation.
Supporting doctoral research, we specialise in quantitative and text data analysis to help teams manage risk, detect fraud, and optimize performance. We translate these insights into executive workshops, frameworks, and practical tools—like our AI Maturity Scan for CFOs. Additionally, we collaborate with public-sector finance communities (including healthcare and local government) to extend our research impact across industries.
Network, explore, deepen your thinking
Through workshops, seminars, and our annual CFO of the Future Summit, members experiment with tech, exchange leadership perspectives, and drive finance transformation. Our global network pairs international expertise with local relevance, featuring insights from top academics (Harvard, Oxford, Columbia) and leaders from brands like Amazon, AB InBev, and BNP Paribas. We also partner with cutting-edge tech providers to evaluate their credibility and practical impact on finance.
Recent research
How Finance Teams Can Succeed with AI
Over the past seven years, we’ve engaged CFOs and finance leaders to understand how finance teams can thrive in this AI era. This research, published in Harvard Business Review, captures what truly differentiates future-proof finance teams.
How AI Can Help Your Company Set a Budget
In recent years, companies have increasingly turned to AI and machine learning to dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of budgeting and forecasting, with leading organisations showcasing major gains in predictive capability and efficiency. This research, published in Harvard Business Review, explores how finance teams can use AI effectively in the budgeting process and the improvements it offers compared to traditional forecasting.
AI Can Make the Relative-Valuation Process Less Subjective
This research introduces a new AI-enhanced methodology for relative valuation. The approach analyses historical financial data - such as revenues, earnings, and debt levels - to identify patterns and insights that strengthen valuation assessments.
Why AI Isn’t Transforming Finance Yet
Supported by real-world examples, this article sheds light on the leadership styles and approach finance teams must develop to successfully adopt AI and drive meaningful digital transformation.
AI-Drive Fleet Cost Forecasting: A Case Study in Logistics
This business and teaching case demonstrates how machine learning can provide a CFO with a dynamic forward look and help finance teams ensure their cost forecasts stay relevant and responsive to real-world shifts. Using real company data, this business case is set in the logistics context.
Partners & members
Partners
Members
Expert faculty
Kristof Stouthuysen
Professor of Management Accounting and AI-driven Finance
Kristof Stouthuysen drives sustainable value creation with management accountancy – and leverages technology to make better financial decisions.
Filip Roodhooft
Professor of Management Accounting
Filip Roodhooft shows you how the finance function can be a valuable business partner for your organisation.
Tim Verdonck
Visiting Professor of Data Science
Tim Verdonck’s expertise lies in data science and statistics – and he is a highly experienced researcher and professor.
Paul Geertsema
Associate Professor of Accounting and AI
Paul Geertsema is an expert in accounting, finance and AI. He’s published work in leading journals – and worked at top organisations.
Helen Lu
Associate Professor of Accounting and AI
Helen Lu uses state-of-the-art AI technology to solve accounting and finance problems.
Join us
Joining the Centre for Financial Leadership and Digital Transformation as a member means being part of – and shaping – the most advanced thinking in your domain. You’ll develop close working relationships with world-leading academics and CFOs across multiple sectors.
The centre is an active resource, and you input into its direction and activities – so what you get out of it is completely relevant and up to date. Which means you have direct access to ideas, models and information that empowers you to have deep impact in your organisation. And if you want to have even more influence on the work of the centre, then you can do so as a partner.
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