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Haufe Online Annual Controlling Forum
Live-Online
September 16 - 17, 2025
German

Haufe Online Annual Controlling Forum

Agenda 2026: AI, data governance and ESG reporting

Secure your ticket now
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Overview

AI, data governance and ESG reporting

Which topics should be on your 2026 controlling agenda?

Leading experts will give you insights into current topics, trends and developments in controlling.

As a participant , you can expect a varied program with presentations, best practices, interactive surveys, breakout sessions, discussions and virtual networking.

You can look forward to valuable impulses, innovative ideas and concrete recommendations to make your controlling future-proof.

Highlights

What you can expect

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Agenda

Program and daily schedule

Two afternoons full of exciting presentations and breakout sessions.

13:00

Clock

Opening, moderation and overview of the event

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Opening, moderation and overview of the event

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Graduate economist, MdO, Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

13:15

Clock

Keynote: Controller roles and controller skills of the future

Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer

Keynote: Controller roles and controller skills of the future

  • Insights into the new edition of the WHU Delphi study on future roles and skills
  • Results from a recent survey by the WHU Controller Panel

Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer

Professor of Controlling and Corporate Management

13:55

Clock

Future controlling

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Future controlling

  • Sci-fi based prototyping: Uses science fiction elements to develop creative and visionary future scenarios and thus make innovative solutions visible.
  • Backcasting: Starting from a desired image of the future, develops the necessary steps backwards into the present in order to plan the path to achieving the goal in a structured way.
  • Roadmaps to new futures: Creates concrete, step-by-step plans that set strategic milestones and objectives to move from the present to envisioned future scenarios.

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Professor of ABWL and Controlling

14:35

Clock

Break & networking in the virtual break room

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm & Günther Lehmann

Break & networking in the virtual break room

Günther Lehmann

Editor-in-Chief Controlling at Haufe

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Professor of ABWL and Controlling

14:50

Clock

The "brave new world": How artificial intelligence has changed and will change controlling processes

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler

The "brave new world": How artificial intelligence has changed and will change controlling processes

  • Machine learning in planning: new transparency or the return of the Oracle of Delphi?
  • The co-pilot as an omniscient companion?
  • Is the trend towards self-service now also increasing in controlling?
  • How must the: controller react to the new world or act in it?

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler

Chief Solution Advisor for planning and analysis systems at SAP in Eschborn

15:30

Clock

From a traditional company to a data-driven & AI company - the role of controlling in the transformation

Marco Geuer

From a traditional company to a data-driven & AI company - the role of controlling in the transformation

  • From data projects to data products: Developing a clear data and AI strategy that anchors data as a value-adding corporate asset.
  • Technological and organizational basis: Cloud Native Data & AI Fabrics, Self-Service Analytics, and agile hub & spoke models as the foundation of a data mesh.
  • Federated data governance: clear responsibilities, standardized data quality and compliance as stable guard rails for data usage.
  • Role of controlling: use of analytics, KPI frameworks and fact-based decision-making to ensure sustainable value creation.
  • Sustainable transformation: Long-term anchoring of a data-inspired culture to increase innovative strength, competitiveness and economic stability.

Marco Geuer

Associate Partner, Senior Head of Data & AI Strategy at a management consultancy

16:10

Clock

Rethinking ESG reporting: A balance of regulation, resilience, AI, innovation and data management

Gina Heller-Herold & Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Rethinking ESG reporting: A balance of regulation, resilience, AI, innovation and data management

Practical insights, networking and future-oriented impulses for controlling:

  • Regulation and Omnibus Directive: overview of current requirements
  • Economic and ecological sustainability as a strategic success factor
  • Artificial intelligence in sustainability:
    • Support with strategy development
    • Automation in the external sustainability report
  • Data management: Structured collection, evaluation and use of ESG data
  • Innovation in sustainability and the positive contribution of controllers

Gina Heller-Herold

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Professor for Product Innovation

16:50

Clock

Break & networking in the virtual break room

Gina Heller-Herold | Prof. Dr. Patrick Link | Günther Lehmann

Break & networking in the virtual break room

Gina Heller-Herold

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Professor for Product Innovation

Günther Lehmann

Editor-in-Chief Controlling at Haufe

17:05

Clock

Virtual roundtables on future topics

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm | Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler | Marco Geuer | Gina Heller-Herold | Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Virtual roundtables on future topics

Select a topic:

  • Roundtable 1: Future controlling
    Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm
  • Roundtable 2: Artificial intelligence
    Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler
  • Roundtable 3: Data governance
    Marco Geuer
  • Roundtable 4: ESG reporting
    Gina Heller-Herold / Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Professor of ABWL and Controlling

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler

Chief Solution Advisor for planning and analysis systems at SAP in Eschborn

Marco Geuer

Associate Partner, Senior Head of Data & AI Strategy at a management consultancy

Gina Heller-Herold

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Professor for Product Innovation

17:35

Clock

Conclusion of the day

Conclusion of the day

No items found.

17:45

Clock

After Work Get Together

Networking in breakout rooms and speed dating

After Work Get Together

No items found.

13:00

Clock

Opening

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Opening

13:15

Clock

AI in controlling? Yes, it's possible! A practical report from a medium-sized company

Jessica Zurbrüggen & Dr. Anton Ivanov

AI in controlling? Yes, it's possible! A practical report from a medium-sized company

Initial situation & motivation - Why we want to try out AI in planning

  • Status quo of sales planning before the project
  • Challenges & reasons for change

The path to AI - first steps, hurdles and lessons learned

  • How we got started
  • What tools, data & people are needed
  • First setbacks and what we have learned from them

Best practice: How our planning works today

  • Current status of machine learning-supported sales planning
  • Comparison: before vs. after
  • What did it achieve?

Success factors & effort - what you really need (and what you don't)

  • Time, costs, know-how: an honest assessment
  • Roles & collaboration in the team

Outlook & encouragement - What's next and what we want to pass on to others‍

  • Further AI ideas in controlling
  • Lessons learned for SMEs
  • Why it's worth "just doing it"
     

14:00

Clock

Data governance in controlling: success factors and best practices DKV Mobility Services

Anja Binder

Data governance in controlling: success factors and best practices DKV Mobility Services

Motivation and goals‍

  • Why data governance?
  • Objectives of the company

Implementation of data governance

  • Step-by-step approach to implementation
  • Departments involved and their roles

Challenges and solutions

  • Internal and external hurdles
  • Adapted strategies for overcoming obstacles

Successes and lessons learned

  • Milestones achieved and positive effects
  • Key findings from the implementation process

Conclusions and recommendations

  • Success factors for other companies
  • Practical tips for the sustainable implementation of data governance

14:45

Clock

Break & networking in the virtual break room

Prof. David Tan & Günther Lehmann

Break & networking in the virtual break room

15:00

Clock

ESG reporting and management: many years of practical experience at MVV Energie AG

Dr. Mathias Onischka

ESG reporting and management: many years of practical experience at MVV Energie AG

  • What are the dos and don'ts when implementing new ESG reporting obligations?
  • Should we actively use regulatory gray areas? If so, what has proven successful?
  • How do you deal with the tension between "off-the-shelf solutions" and "customized solutions"?
  • How can ESG reporting obligations be used as a springboard for internal management?
  • What is the future role of sustainability management in the field of tension between other central functions in the ESG context?

15:45

Clock

Business partnering in complex times, transformation and uncertainty - Best Practice Schaeffler Group

Prof. David Tan & Heinz-Josef Botthof

Business partnering in complex times, transformation and uncertainty - Best Practice Schaeffler Group

  • Why are controllers becoming increasingly important as business partners, especially in complex times?
  • What are the relevant requirements for business partners?
  • How can a global transformation of controllers into business partners be successful?

16:40

Clock

Conclusion of the event, outlook and farewell

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Conclusion of the event, outlook and farewell

17:00

Clock

End of the event

End of the event

Team of experts

Our speakers

Years of experience in practice, consulting and research make our team of speakers the ideal companion for your controlling.

Anja Binder

Head of Data Governance & Enterprise Reporting at DKV Mobility Services

Anja Binder

Head of Data Governance & Enterprise Reporting at DKV Mobility Services

Anja Binder has been Head of Data Governance & Enterprise Reporting since September 2023. She is responsible for the use & management of one of the most important assets of a company: data! Furthermore, it is her task to contribute to improving, driving and ensuring data quality & data security at DKV Mobility Service through an effective data strategy and governance initiative. Anja Binder has many years of international experience in data analysis, master data management, data governance, management & strategy.

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Graduate economist, MdO, Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Heinz-Josef Botthof

Graduate economist, MdO, Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Graduate economist, MdO, Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP). Blended Learning Online Trainer. Since 1988 lecturer, trainer, consultant, coach and in various management positions. Management positions. Currently Head of BU Management Training at a management consultancy. Business administration topics, esp. controlling, leadership, communication. Specialist author.

Marco Geuer

Associate Partner, Senior Head of Data & AI Strategy at a management consultancy

Marco Geuer

Associate Partner, Senior Head of Data & AI Strategy at a management consultancy

Associate Partner, Senior Head of Data & AI Strategy at a management consultancy, responsible for the transformation to a Data Driven Company / Speaker at conferences, discussion partner in podcasts, trainer at Haufe Akademie , Lecturer in Data Management for the DHBW, DATAGOVKON Advisory Board and Blogger.

Gina Heller-Herold

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company

Gina Heller-Herold

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company

Management consultant and owner of a consulting company. Management consultant especially for regulated financial institutions and SMEs. Many years in various management positions in the finance and consulting sector. Banking economist, certified trainer and coach. Author of numerous specialist publications.

Dr. Anton Ivanov

Production Controller at Berief Food GmbH

Dr. Anton Ivanov

Production Controller at Berief Food GmbH

Dr. Anton Ivanov is a production controller at Berief Food GmbH in Beckum. In this role, he works on making company-wide data transparent, systematically analyzing it and making processes more efficient through intelligent automation. He has in-depth experience in data analysis and in building AI models to predict time series. His aim is to provide targeted support for data-based decisions in the production environment and to establish scalable solutions that enable sustainable optimization.

Günther Lehmann

Editor-in-Chief Controlling at Haufe

Günther Lehmann

Editor-in-Chief Controlling at Haufe

Günther Lehmann is Editor-in-Chief of Controlling at Haufe and a member of the Management Board of Verlag für ControllingWissen AG. He is responsible for specialist controlling information in all media forms of the Haufe Group as well as for the digital elements of Controller Magazin.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Professor for Product Innovation

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link

Professor for Product Innovation

Prof. Dr. Patrick Link is Professor of Product Innovation at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He is an expert in product management, design thinking and entrepreneurship and has 12 years of industry experience, including in chemical plant engineering, product management, strategic planning and company formation. He is co-founder of Trihow, director of studies of the continuing education program "CAS Sustainable Management" and publisher of international bestsellers on Design Thinking. Together with Gina Heller-Herold, he is the editor of the "Sustainability Toolbook".

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler

Chief Solution Advisor for planning and analysis systems at SAP in Eschborn

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler

Chief Solution Advisor for planning and analysis systems at SAP in Eschborn

Prof. Dr. Karsten Oehler is Chief Solution Advisor for planning and analysis systems at SAP in Eschborn. He has been working as a consultant for controlling software with leading providers for over 30 years. Mr. Oehler has published several books and more than 180 specialist articles on topics relating to IT support for management and is a regular speaker at conferences and seminars. He is also Professor of Controlling at Provadis University in Frankfurt.

Dr. Mathias Onischka

Head of Group Sustainability Department at MVV Energie AG

Dr. Mathias Onischka

Head of Group Sustainability Department at MVV Energie AG

Dr. Mathias Onischka is Head of the Group Sustainability Department at MVV Energie AG. Dr. Onischka, who holds a doctorate in economics, has held various positions in finance, consulting, sustainability science and the energy industry. He is a proven expert in energy transition, sustainability and strategy. In recent years, he has also been responsible for and supported the implementation of the EU taxonomy, CSRD, LkSG and ESG ratings at MVV in the context of sustainable finance and played a key role in the strategic conception of #klimapositiv2035 and the Mannheim model.

Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer

Professor of Controlling and Corporate Management

Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer

Professor of Controlling and Corporate Management

Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer is Professor of Management Accounting and Control and Director of the Institute of Management Accounting and Control at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar. His research focuses primarily on the role of controllers and the digital transformation of the finance function. Utz Schäffer is the author of numerous articles in leading academic journals such as Accounting, Organizations and Society, Contemporary Accounting Research, European Accounting Review, Management Accounting Research, Management Science and Strategic Management Journal. He has also published numerous articles in practice-oriented specialist journals and is co-author of the most successful German controlling textbook "Einfüh-rung in das Controlling", which is now in its 17th edition and has also been translated into Polish, Russian, Chinese and English. Utz Schäffer is the editor of Controlling & Management Review and co-editor of the Journal of Management Control. In addition to his work in research and teaching, he has gained practical experience as a consultant at McKinsey & Company and CTcon GmbH. Utz Schäffer is still closely involved in practice today, including as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Controller Association (ICV).

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Professor of ABWL and Controlling

Prof. Dr. Avo Schönbohm

Professor of ABWL and Controlling

I have been a professor of ABWL and Controlling at the Berlin School of Economics and Law since 2010 and head the International Digital Business program. My research focuses on performance management, leadership development and serious gaming. I have international teaching experience and over 50 publications.

Prof. David Tan

Management consultant and professor for agile management & change management

Prof. David Tan

Management consultant and professor for agile management & change management

Professor for agile management at the Erasmus University (EHS) Basel. Graduate in business administration. Independent management consultant and management trainer. Training focus: Strategy development, agile strategy implementation with objectives & key results, controlling, change management, project management, certified Scrum Master.

Jessica Zurbrüggen

Head of Controlling at Berief Food GmbH

Jessica Zurbrüggen

Head of Controlling at Berief Food GmbH

Jessica Zurbrüggen has been Head of Controlling since 2022 and is driving the development of a future-oriented, data-driven controlling department. She previously held various positions in sales, purchasing and controlling - including in companies in the pharmaceutical, IT, mechanical engineering, steel and plant construction sectors. She has many years of international experience in finance, project and IT controlling as well as strategic management. Her focus is on agile controlling, automation, data analysis and the practical use of AI in SMEs. Her motto: "Courage to change - and no fear of technology."

September 16 - 17, 2025

Secure your ticket now

Benefit from our top-class team of experts, who will provide you with valuable impulses for your future-oriented controlling in exciting presentations and breakout sessions.

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Haufe Online Annual Controlling Forum

New
Online
2 half days
German
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