Event Details

ICAEW London: Implementing AI with confidence | In collaboration with Forvis Mazars | 10 June 2026

No Charge

Full

In Person

London

London & East Region

Jun

Wed

17:30

20:30 BST

Schedule Type Title: Weekdays

Schedule Description: AI is no longer a distant concept; it is actively reshaping the accountancy profession. This interactive evening helps you move from theory to practic

Sessions: 1

Session Hours: 3.00

CPD hours: 3 hrs

Zoom Passcode: [email protected]

Forvis Mazars
30 Old Bailey
London, EC4M 7AU

Description

AI is no longer a distant concept; it is actively reshaping the accountancy profession. This interactive evening helps you move from theory to practical implementation, offering a clear roadmap for the digital era. Experts from Microsoft, ICAEW, and Forvis Mazars provide live Copilot demos, strategic frameworks for responsible AI, and essential upskilling insights. Gain the tools to automate processes and lead with confidence, followed by networking with London professionals over light bites.

Description
Speakers
Programme
In collaboration with
Cost
Disclaimer

Date and time	Location
10/06/2026 \| 17:30 - 20:30	Forvis Mazars, 30 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AU

Event Information

The role of the chartered accountant is undergoing a fundamental shift as Artificial Intelligence moves from a boardroom talking point to a core operational tool. Hosted at Forvis Mazars’ Old Bailey office, this interactive evening focuses on the transition from high-level theory to practical, everyday implementation.

Developed in collaboration with Forvis Mazars and featuring insights from Microsoft and ICAEW, the programme combines expert-led keynotes with live Copilot demonstrations and specialised breakout sessions. Whether you are navigating the challenges of private practice or leading a finance team in industry, you will gain the strategic clarity and technical "guardrails" necessary to deploy AI responsibly and effectively.

Why Attend?

Real-world application | Watch live demonstrations from Microsoft on Copilot and AI-powered agents to see exactly how these tools automate core business processes.
A 360-degree view | Hear how Forvis Mazars advises on AI governance and gain ICAEW’s latest guidance on the evolving digital skills landscape.
Strategic clarity and safety | Cut through the hype with simple decision frameworks and "must-know" guardrails to protect your reputation, your people, and your clients.
Future-proof your career | Identify the digital competencies you and your team need to remain competitive as AI shifts the role of accountants at all levels.
High-value networking | Share insights and develop new connections with fellow London professionals and our expert speakers over light bites.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

Chair: Esther Mallowah | Head of Tech Policy | ICAEW

This cross-industry panel compares and contrasts how AI is being utilised across both business and practice. Our experts will explore unique challenges, shared overlaps, and the evolving skills required for the modern professional. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A to address your specific questions.

Panel Speakers:

Sofia Ihsan | AI Consulting Leader | Forvis Mazars
Fiona Coleman | Industry Sales Director | Professional Services at Microsoft UK
Ian Pay | Head of Data Analytics and Tech | ICAEW

Breakout Sessions

When registering for the event, you will be asked to select your preferred breakout session below. Your selection helps us manage room capacity, and while we will do our best to place you in your preferred choice, please note that workshop spaces are subject to availability on the evening:

1. AI in practice: Strategy underpinned by Responsible AI

Chair: Sofia Ihsan | AI Consulting Leader | Forvis Mazars

Session overview

AI isn’t coming, it’s already here and yet most organisations are still wrestling with the same questions: Are we doing the right things? How do we link this to our strategy? And how do we use AI without risking our reputation, our people, or our clients? Sofia Ihsan cuts through the hype and shows what an AI Strategy that is underpinned by Responsible AI thinking looks like in practice. Expect real examples, practical guardrails, and the insider perspective from someone who has built Responsible AI frameworks for global firms. Whether you’re sceptical, curious, or already experimenting, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and immediately actionable ideas to take back to your team.

Key takeaways

1. The “must know” Responsible AI guardrails for finance and industry
2. How to safely get business value from AI?
3. A simple decision framework to surface what AI should, shouldn’t, and must never do for your organisation

2. AI in industry: Finance breakout

Co-Chairs:

Fiona Coleman | Industry Sales Director | Professional Services at Microsoft UK
Luke Fussell | Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft UK

Session overview

A high-impact session for accountancy and finance leaders focused on turning AI ambition into real results. Learn how Microsoft’s Frontier Firm approach is reshaping organisations through AI-powered assistants and agents, with live demonstrations and practical, real-world examples.

Key takeaways

1. A proven blueprint for applying AI across core business processes - from productivity gains to agent-led transformation.
2. Real lessons learned from finance and accountancy implementations, including what works and what to avoid.
3. A clear path to scale safely, covering governance, operating models, and controls to unlock value with confidence.

3. Digital skills for accountants

Chair: Ian Pay | Head of Data Analytics and Tech | ICAEW

Session overview and key-takeaways:

For accountants, auditors and finance professionals to make the most of AI, they need to have the right skills - but what exactly are those skills? This session will explore how AI is transforming the skills landscape, changing what is expected of accountants at all levels, and what individuals and organisations need to do to equip themselves to fully embrace new technologies.

We look forward to concluding the evening with an informal networking reception, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss these emerging trends and forge new professional connections with peers from across the city.

Event enquiries

Should you experience any difficulties booking onto the event, please go to our events support page - how to book. If you need assistance making a booking, please contact the Events Information team who will be happy to support with the online booking process.

Just click contact us.

Your local event organiser will also be able to assist with any last minute questions if you are unable to reach our Events Information team.

Event Organiser - Akin Dogankaya

[email protected]
telephone number +44 (0)7918 905 008

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About the speakers

	Esther Mallowah \| Head of Tech Policy at ICAEW Esther influences Technology policy to enable businesses, accountants and society to harness its benefits while limiting harm. Prior to joining ICAEW, she worked in technology, internal and external audit roles, focusing on information and cyber security and operational resilience. She is also a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant, qualifying whilst at Deloitte.
	Sofia Ihsan \| AI Consulting Leader at Forvis Mazars Sofia is the AI Consulting Leader at Forvis Mazars, where she helps organisations unlock the full potential of AI through responsible, strategic innovation. She leads the firm’s AI consulting services across markets and plays a major internal role in shaping Forvis Mazars’ own AI-enabled transformation. Sofia works closely with senior stakeholders across FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and private companies to build confidence and maximise the return on investment of AI-driven change. She is a published thought leader and a frequent speaker at industry events, contributing to international dialogue with academics, regulators, and government bodies on ethical and effective AI adoption.
	Fiona Coleman \| Industry Sales Director, Professional Services, at Microsoft UK Fiona Coleman is an Industry Sales Director at Microsoft UK, leading high-performing teams and working closely with partners to support professional services and accountancy firms in delivering AI-driven business transformation. With over 15 years’ experience in enterprise sales leadership, she helps clients align technology to strategic priorities - modernising operations, enhancing workforce capability, and unlocking long term value. Fiona is also a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and talent development, serving as a board member of the Women at Microsoft Inclusion Network.
	Luke Fussell \| Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft UK Luke is an Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft UK, working with leading accountancy, tax, and professional services organisations. He helps business and technology leaders turn AI ambition into real results through applied AI, data, and cloud transformation programmes. Luke focuses on adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot and AIpowered agents acian pross accountancy functions, combining executive engagement with real-world implementation. His work centres on executive strategy sessions, industry insights, and guiding organisations on governance, controls, and change management to move from experimentation to secure, scalable value.
	Ian Pay \| Head of Data Analytics and Tech at ICAEW Prior to joining ICAEW in March 2022, Ian worked for over 10 years at PwC in Data Analytics, specialising in External Audit and Data Acquisition and developing robust and automated ETL processes to support the firm’s award-winning Halo suite of applications. Ian also played an active role in the development and delivery of training courses, with digital upskilling being an area he is particularly passionate about. He has previously trained as a secondary school teacher and a musician.

Please note that the programme is subject to change

Time	Session
17:30	Arrival and networking Delegate arrival, check-in, and collection of name badges
18:00	Welcome, housekeeping, and introductions Opening remarks by Deniz Nadiri, London Office Managing Partner and FTSE 350 Development Partner at Forvis Mazars
18:05	Panel Discussion and Q&A Chair: Esther Mallowah \| Head of Tech Policy \| ICAEW This cross-industry panel compares and contrasts how AI is being utilised across both business and practice. Our experts will explore unique challenges, shared overlaps, and the evolving skills required for the modern professional. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A to address your specific questions. Panel Speakers: Sofia Ihsan \| AI Consulting Leader \| Forvis Mazars Fiona Coleman \| Industry Sales Director \| Professional Services at Microsoft UK Ian Pay \| Head of Data Analytics and Tech \| ICAEW
19:00	Breakout sessions (practical workshops) When registering for the event, you will be asked to select your preferred breakout session below. Your selection helps us manage room capacity, and while we will do our best to place you in your preferred choice, please note that workshop spaces are subject to availability on the evening. 1. AI in practice: Strategy underpinned by Responsible AI 2. AI in industry: Finance breakout 3. Digital skills for accountants
19:30	Informal networking Network with like-minded fellow professionals, sharing insights on their workshop experiences, following up with speakers, and further discussing ideas sparked during the evening over light bites.
20:30	Event close

In collaboration with

Rate	Cost
ICAEW Member	No Charge
Non-Member	No Charge
Retired Member	No Charge
Life Member	No Charge
Associated Bodies	No Charge
Affiliate Members	No Charge

Legal Disclaimer

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) does not endorse or recommend any third-party products, services, or companies mentioned during this event or in related materials. References to any such products, services, or companies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ICAEW.

The views and opinions expressed by third-party speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of ICAEW. ICAEW does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of the content presented by third-party speakers.

For further information or clarification, please contact ICAEW directly.

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	Esther Mallowah \| Head of Tech Policy at ICAEW Esther influences Technology policy to enable businesses, accountants and society to harness its benefits while limiting harm. Prior to joining ICAEW, she worked in technology, internal and external audit roles, focusing on information and cyber security and operational resilience. She is also a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant, qualifying whilst at Deloitte.
	Sofia Ihsan \| AI Consulting Leader at Forvis Mazars Sofia is the AI Consulting Leader at Forvis Mazars, where she helps organisations unlock the full potential of AI through responsible, strategic innovation. She leads the firm’s AI consulting services across markets and plays a major internal role in shaping Forvis Mazars’ own AI-enabled transformation. Sofia works closely with senior stakeholders across FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and private companies to build confidence and maximise the return on investment of AI-driven change. She is a published thought leader and a frequent speaker at industry events, contributing to international dialogue with academics, regulators, and government bodies on ethical and effective AI adoption.
	Fiona Coleman \| Industry Sales Director, Professional Services, at Microsoft UK Fiona Coleman is an Industry Sales Director at Microsoft UK, leading high-performing teams and working closely with partners to support professional services and accountancy firms in delivering AI-driven business transformation. With over 15 years’ experience in enterprise sales leadership, she helps clients align technology to strategic priorities - modernising operations, enhancing workforce capability, and unlocking long term value. Fiona is also a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and talent development, serving as a board member of the Women at Microsoft Inclusion Network.
	Luke Fussell \| Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft UK Luke is an Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft UK, working with leading accountancy, tax, and professional services organisations. He helps business and technology leaders turn AI ambition into real results through applied AI, data, and cloud transformation programmes. Luke focuses on adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot and AIpowered agents acian pross accountancy functions, combining executive engagement with real-world implementation. His work centres on executive strategy sessions, industry insights, and guiding organisations on governance, controls, and change management to move from experimentation to secure, scalable value.
	Ian Pay \| Head of Data Analytics and Tech at ICAEW Prior to joining ICAEW in March 2022, Ian worked for over 10 years at PwC in Data Analytics, specialising in External Audit and Data Acquisition and developing robust and automated ETL processes to support the firm’s award-winning Halo suite of applications. Ian also played an active role in the development and delivery of training courses, with digital upskilling being an area he is particularly passionate about. He has previously trained as a secondary school teacher and a musician.