The transformation underway within Scotland's public services is incredible but it brings some new and difficult challenges.

The finance function is more vital and more needed than ever before. Amidst all the organisational transformation, we should recognise that this really is a golden opportunity to secure a step change in financial management standards and practice across Scotland's public services.

The benefits which would flow from the transformation of public financial management should not be understated.

How does one make sense of all the challenges from a financial management perspective?

In our view, the best way to start is by focusing on some of the financial management foundations.

The conference programme is designed to share some advanced and emerging financial management practices from not only within the UK but internationally as well.

We want to support you to shift this issue from the "too difficult" tray and move it into the "doing things differently tray".

We must bring to bear strong leadership to drive change, to transform our standards of financial management and to grow the capacity and capability not only amongst the finance profession but across the whole organisation to ensure that improvements in financial management are sustained.

We would be delighted if you were able to join us for our Annual Conference in Dundee on March 15th and 16th and join our discussion on how financial management could "be done differently".

Angela Scott
Head of CIPFA


Gillian Houston
CIPFA Scottish Branch Chair 2011-12