Centre For Financial Leadership & Digital Transformation

It is clear: technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are changing our lives. These technologies will also change the organisation of the finance function. The Centre for Financial Leadership and Digital Transformation seeks to share insights into, and co-create knowledge on, how technologies such as AI, robotics, blockchain, cloud technology and cybersecurity are transforming the finance function. In collaboration with our partners and members, we aim to provide finance leaders with a broad and deep understanding of technology, supporting them in becoming more agile in the digital era.

Our offer

The Centre for Financial Leadership and Digital Transformation will provide you with:

A unique knowledge platform and research relevant to your business.
Practical tools and skills to better analyse data and build predictive models.
New management and technology concepts relevant to the finance function.
Company visits, expert testimonials and interactive workshops or seminars.
A network to exchange visions and share best practices in the field of financial leadership and digital transformation

Download the brochure Become a member

Research

We offer you practical research with a high degree of relevance to your company. Based on your needs and requirements as a member, our research will provide you with knowledge on how to improve your reporting function, value protection activities, and strategic decision-making. You will gain a better understanding of how new technologies will impact your function – allowing you to organise your responsibilities more effectively and efficiently and to leverage your image as a true business partner born in the digital era.

RESEARCH TOPICS

Currently, we focus primarily on topics such as:

Robotic process automation
AI and machine learning for the finance leader:
- Risk analytics
- Payment fraud detection
- Detecting annual reporting fraud
- Predicting customer life time value
- Performance management and machine learning
- Contract analytics and innovation management
- Supplier selection using network analysis techniques
Cloud technology
Blockchain

But we also delve into:

DNA of the digital CFO
Data ethics and cybersecurity
A digital finance strategy that delivers
Cultural change and transition towards a more data-driven finance department
Personal characteristics and the use of new technologies
Profiling the finance function of the future and the war for talent

TOOLS

AI Barometer

This AI maturity scan for the finance department was developed by Professor Kristof Stouthuysen. The tool investigates the strengths and challenges for companies when applying AI in their finance departments. What goes right; what are the blind spots; and, with an eye on the future, what are the possible next steps in order to make progress? Whilst answering these questions, the tool takes into account the company’s culture, knowledge, talent profiles, data structure, etc.

Bootcamp on Data Science for Finance and Strategy

Within the curriculum of our masters and full-time MBA programmes, this bootcamp prepares students for a future in data analytics. We provide them with the language, concepts, insights and analytical tools to deal with data and technology challenges and improve their financial and strategic decision-making:

introduction to AI and machine learning techniques to model and summarise data sets
introduction to the Python programming language for efficient storing, processing and visualisation of data
improvement of financial and strategic decision-making abilities related to big data issues

The bootcamp can also be organised for CFOs and finance professionals within companies who want to experience the power of AI and machine learning in decision-making, helping them to become a true business partner.

Activities

Expert presentations, company visits, testimonials, and interactive workshops. Each year’s programme is designed in close consultation with our partners and members. Discover what activities we have in store for 2020 and 2021!

Partners & Members

Meet the partners and members that support the Centre for Financial Leadership & Digital Transformation!

Meet the team

Meet the people behind the Centre for Financial Leadership & Digital Transformation!

Prof. Dr. Kristof Stouthuysen
Director

Prof. Dr. Filip
Roodhooft
Co-Director

Prof. Dr. Tim
Verdonck
Co-Director

Cloé De Moor
Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Ines
Wilms
Researcher Supervisor
(Maastricht University)

Prof. Dr. Seppe Vanden Broucke
Researcher Supervisor
(UGent)

Dr. Jannes
Nys
Researcher Supervisor
(UAntwerpen)

Prof. Dr. Wouter Verbeke
Researcher Supervisor
(KU Leuven)

Emma Willems Doctoral Researcher	Carl-Erik Heyvaert Doctoral Researcher	Bjarne Brié Doctoral Researcher	Lennert Van der Schraelen Doctoral Researcher
Thomas Decorte Doctoral Researcher	Tineke Distelmans Doctoral Researcher	Viola Darmawan Doctoral Researcher

Become a member

The Centre aims at profound and lasting projects and activities, funded and guided by our partners and members. Membership is based on an initial commitment of 3 years and may be renewed after this period. An annual fee of 10,000 EUR (excl. 21% VAT) grants access to a unique knowledge platform and entitles 3 representatives to attend all of the activities related to the Centre.

Let us join forces and co-create the finance function of the future. Take the leap and become a member of the Centre for Financial Leadership and Digital transformation today! Contact us and we will be in touch soon to work out your membership.

Become a member today Request more info