This year, the AM Financial Management Conference examines the changing role of the finance director and how financial management specialists can increase their contribution to the business.

"The finance director has a challenging role today,” says Nigel Ruddock, a partner at Grant Thornton and one of the speakers at the event.

"The market is the most competitive it has ever been and you have to drive the numbers every day. At the same time, you have to watch the strategic landscape.

"With the changes we see coming – national sales companies looking at different ways of doing business, putting things they have traditionally done onto the dealer; and continuing consolidation in the sector – keeping stakeholders onside is going to be critical. It actually raises the game for the FD quite significantly. As well as that, there’s a key role to play alongside the MD in shaping the management team."

Also taking part in the conference is Robert Forrester, the former FD and MD at Reg Vardy plc.

Forrester will follow on from Ruddock by looking at what it all means in practice for the Finance Director, and at how FDs can actually lead change in their organisations.

Sponsored by Grant Thornton, the conference will help finance directors, financial controllers and dealership accountants to increase their understanding of the industry and fine-tune their strategies for success. It will also help dealer principals, MDs and group divisional directors to broaden their understanding of the financial side of the business.

It takes place at Coventry City FC’s new Ricoh Arena, on Tuesday, November 14, and is chaired by Vivien Creegor, a well-respected business journalist and the anchor on Sky TV’s World Sky News programme.

For more information, contact Julie Ainley on 01733 468 337 or julie.ainley@emap.com.

Or, visit the website and book online at www.am-finance.co.uk.