Finance leaders urged to build lasting legacies as ACCA, Deloitte launch 10th CFO Awards

Finance leaders have been challenged to move beyond traditional financial management and position themselves as strategic leaders focused on creating long-term value for their organisations and the economy.

The call was made during the launch of the 10th edition of the CFO Awards, organised by ACCA Uganda in partnership with Deloitte Uganda, under the theme, “A Decade of Excellence: A Legacy of Leadership Shaping the Future.”

Speaking at the launch, ACCA Uganda Country Manager Charlotte Kukunda said the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) has evolved significantly, requiring professionals to embrace continuous learning and adapt to emerging trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, and changing business demands.

“Today’s CFO must go beyond traditional number crunching and embrace continuous learning to keep pace with digital transformation, sustainability and evolving business needs. Finance leaders are increasingly expected to create lasting value and shape the future of their organisations,” Kukunda said.

She noted that over the past decade, the awards have contributed to transforming finance professionals into strategic leaders whose impact extends beyond financial reporting to driving sustainable business growth and national development.

This year’s awards will recognise excellence across ten categories, including Young CFO, SME CFO, Public Sector, Compliance and Governance, Finance Transformation and Technology, Strategy Execution, Sustainability, Leadership, Not-for-Profit, and the coveted CFO of the Year Award.

Deloitte Uganda Associate Director Joseph Ssekabira described the 10th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the programme’s enduring commitment to recognising finance leaders who are driving organisational performance and contributing to Uganda’s economic development.

“This milestone reflects the programme’s sustained commitment to celebrating the critical role finance leaders play in driving organisational success and contributing to national development. We encourage organisations across the public and private sectors, SMEs and not-for-profit organisations to participate by submitting nominations,” Ssekabira said.

 CFO Awards winner fourth edition and Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso FCCA said the initiative has helped redefine the role of CFOs from financial stewards to strategic business leaders.

“The CFO Awards have elevated the role of Chief Financial Officers from traditional financial stewardship to strategic leadership. Many past winners are now leading major institutions, demonstrating the impact this initiative has had on the profession,” Byekwaso said.

Nominations for the 10th CFO Awards are now open and will close on September 18, with the winners set to be announced during a gala dinner on October 16.