The Evolving Role of Finance | First Focus Events

Combining Technology & Finance
for Better Outcomes & ROI

We’re at a point where finance and technology no longer operate in silos. They’re inseparable parts of the same story:

The role of technology in finance: AI, automation, data, insights, and analytics are reshaping how finance teams work.
The role of finance in technology: Budgeting, investment, ROI, and strategy alignment are what make those tech initiatives truly deliver.

As an MSP, we see both sides of this story every day - we help organisations implement the tools, but we also see where ROI often gets lost in translation.

This event is about closing that gap, making sure finance and technology work in tandem to deliver measurable results.

Key Takeaways

Featuring guest speakers Jarrod Morris (Founder - Bolden) and Ross Sardi (CEO - First Focus) you'll walk away with:

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A clear picture of how leaders are reshaping planning and performance in 2025 and beyond

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Steps to move away from disconnected data and towards agile and integrated financial systems

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A framework for building and calculating ROI on tech investment cases that land with decision-makers

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Practical ways to measure the full impact of tech: risk reduction, productivity gains, and smarter spend

Why This Topic?

Finance leaders are being asked to justify technology spend and prove ROI, while technology leaders are being asked to deliver better data, forecasting, and automation for finance.

Every dollar invested in AI and digital transformation needs to earn its keep, and when finance and tech are misaligned, businesses end up with:

Fragmented tech stacks that drain budgets.
Disconnected reporting that slows decision-making.
Tech & AI investments without impact because adoption lags behind.

The winners in today’s market will be those who bring these functions together, creating a clear line from investment to outcome.

Jarrod Morris
Founder - Bolden (APAC Xero Advisory Council)

Finance is no longer just about reporting the past — it’s about powering what comes next. In this session, expert Jarrod Morris will help leaders move from reactive reporting to strategic leadership, with finance at the core of sustainable growth

He’ll explore how cloud-based platforms can connect finance with operational data to support faster, more accurate, and real-time planning. He'll also share eight ways the planning cycle is evolving and practical steps to modernise your financial models, prepare your data, and drive better decisions.

Ross Sardi
CEO - First Focus

With over two decades of experience leading Australia's top-ranked Managed IT Service Provider, Ross Sardi brings a practical approach to technology and digital transformation projects.

In his session, he’ll explore how to define, calculate, and project the ROI of IT investments by sharing proven strategies to measure success beyond just the bottom line.

From scenario planning and risk mitigation, to improving user satisfaction and operational efficiency, Ross will show finance and business leaders how to get tangible, lasting value from their tech spend.