For CFOs Under Pressure to Deliver
Transformation. Leadership. ROI. Credibility.
When the boardroom’s watching, and failure isn’t an option — you don’t need generic advice.
You need someone who speaks your language.



You’re not just managing change — you’re protecting your reputation.
And when the stakes are this high, shortcuts cost more than money.
I help CFOs lead and land transformation with confidence, control, and commercial value.
No off-the-shelf playbooks. No vendor bias. Just straight-talking, boardroom-grade support — tailored for leaders like you.
You’re Here Because…
✔ You’re steering a multi-million-pound programme — and want to stay ahead of the questions your board will ask.
✔ You’re losing momentum and need fast clarity, not more noise.
✔ You want insight from someone who’s delivered this — not just advised on it.
✔ You’re tired of over-engineered frameworks and sales-driven “solutions.”
✔ You’re leading transformation — and defending your leadership at the same time.
Let’s change that. Here’s what I can help you do:

Get independent finance transformation assurance so you can act decisively and defend ROI.

Recover or reset programmes that are drifting, draining, or derailing.

Redesign strategy and operating models for measurable impact — not just compliance.

Build your leadership team’s confidence and capability from the inside out.

Inspire alignment across your finance function with talks that move minds, not just fill time.

Have a confidential sounding board — someone who’s seen it from every side.
The Problems I Help Solve — and the Results I Deliver
You’re not short of ambition, budget, or pressure. But even the most well-intentioned programmes hit roadblocks when:
Problems I See Again and Again
- Leadership Gaps: Senior leadership teams face difficulties in aligning, motivating, and performing effectively under pressure, causing confusion, frustration, and stagnation.
- Transformation Drift: Financial transformation programmes lose momentum, lack clarity, or fail to achieve their intended return on investment — resulting in delay, inefficiency, and disappointment.
- Stakeholder Resistance: Internal stakeholders withdraw, become disengaged, or subtly obstruct change initiatives.
- Negotiation Weakness: Commercial negotiations underdeliver — costs escalate while value diminishes.
Solutions That Work in the Real World
- Keynotes That Align and Energise Strategic talks that cut through noise, shift mindset, and bring leaders with you.
- Leadership Development That Sticks: Training built for finance leaders — strategic, scenario-based, and confidence-building.
- Programme Assurance & Recovery: Independent reviews and hands-on turnaround support that restore control and protect your credibility.
- Negotiation Expertise That Pays Off: Secure better terms, strengthen vendor relationships, and deliver measurable cost savings.
Every service I offer is grounded in 20+ years of delivering real results — for CFOs under scrutiny, leaders under pressure, and programmes that can’t afford to fail.
Amna Zaidi
FCA, CMgr MCMI
Chartered Accountant | Transformation Coach | Speaker | Author
Founder & CEO, Ahqenza – the UK’s only CFO-focused assurance firm
For over 20 years, I’ve helped finance leaders navigate the messy middle of change. I’m a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and a Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI), recognised for both technical depth and strategic leadership.
I serve as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and I’m an active Committee Member of the ICAEW Audit Registration Committee, overseeing professional standards across the UK audit profession.
I’ve seen what works. I know what fails. And I’ve built a reputation on telling the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable — because that’s where real change begins.
My Mission Is Simple
To help you lead boldly, deliver wisely, and stay in control of the transformation you’ve been tasked to own.




My Book: Unwinnable No More
Challenge the Rules. Rewrite the Win.
Part memoir, part manual — this book is for anyone who’s ever led from behind the scenes, or felt the pressure of visibility without power.
It’s about influence. Courage. And rewriting what success really looks like — especially when you don’t fit the mould.
Delivering Impact Where It Matters Most
Whether you’re looking to align your senior team, recover momentum, or strengthen your leadership capability, everything I deliver is built for one outcome: real-world results that last.
From keynote talks that spark change, to hands-on consulting and transformative leadership development — I work with finance leaders who want to lead differently and deliver decisively.

Keynote Speaking for Finance Teams
Bold insights. Practical relevance. Immediate impact.
These aren’t generic leadership talks — they’re tailored for CFOs and finance professionals, combining commercial reality with strategic clarity. Whether you’re opening a leadership offsite or aligning your team around a major change, I deliver keynotes that inspire action, not applause.

Executive Training That Sticks
Strategic, scenario-based, and built for finance.
My leadership programmes are designed for CFOs, Finance Directors, and senior managers tasked with delivering transformation. From decision-making under pressure to stakeholder alignment and boardroom influence — your team will leave better equipped to lead.

Advisory & Private Coaching for Senior Finance Leaders
When you need a sounding board, not more noise.
I work privately with a select number of CFOs and senior finance leaders each year, offering strategic guidance, challenge, and support. Whether you're planning your next bold move or navigating a high-pressure initiative, this is safe space with commercial rigour.
Keynote Speaking
Delivering impactful presentations that inspire and motivate your audience, sparking fresh ideas and perspectives to drive success.
Transformation Consulting
Providing expert advice and actionable strategies that solve complex challenges, helping you achieve sustainable growth and improvement.
Leadership Training
Customised programs designed to equip your team with essential skills, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Specialist Transformation Services
Delivering expert-led presentations that engage finance leaders, build trust, and spark meaningful discussions.
Built for CFOs. Delivered with Precision.

The work I do through Ahqenza is focused, strategic, and tailored exclusively for CFOs and senior finance leaders navigating high-stakes transformation.
Whether you’re leading a £12M+ programme, resetting your finance operating model, or upskilling your leadership team to deliver under pressure — my consulting firm, Ahqenza, exists to help you succeed where it matters most.
I lead every engagement myself, ensuring the advice you receive is commercially grounded, boardroom-ready, and free from vendor bias.
Through Ahqenza, We Deliver:
- Independent Finance Transformation Audits
Uncover risks, recover value, and regain control with board-grade assurance. - Programme Recovery & Turnaround
Immediate, senior-level intervention to get stalled initiatives back on track. - Strategy & Operating Model Design
Reframe your transformation for long-term value — not just delivery milestones. - Executive Leadership Development
Equip your senior finance team to lead through uncertainty and change.
Why CFOs Work With Me

I’ve delivered and recovered multi-million-pound programmes — not just advised on them.

I understand your boardroom — I’ve sat behind those doors too.

I speak your language: commercial, strategic, and straight-talking.

I’ve trained over 300 finance leaders to lead transformation from within.

I know how lonely it can be when everyone’s looking at you for answers.
Real Impact, Where It Counts
Whether it’s a keynote talk, strategic training, or programme turnaround — every engagement is designed to spark alignment, shift thinking, and move your finance team forward.
Tailored for Your Reality
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every solution is shaped by your context, culture, and commercial priorities — whether you're delivering change at scale or leading through uncertainty.
Results That Speak in Boardrooms
From recovered ROI to leadership uplift and accelerated delivery, the outcomes I deliver are measurable, strategic, and built to stand up to board-level scrutiny.
Low Friction, High Trust
I integrate quickly, bring focus fast, and work alongside your team — without adding noise, complexity, or disruption to business as usual.

Let’s Talk About Your Business Needs.
Whether you’re looking for inspiring keynotes, transformative strategic consulting, or impactful leadership training, we have the expertise to drive your success.





What Clients Say
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Explore firsthand accounts from senior leaders, founders, and finance professionals who’ve worked with me. From unlocking strategic clarity to leading lasting transformation, these stories reflect the growth, confidence, and results they achieved through our work together.
Amna Zaidi’s keynote at the Oxford Leadership Conference was the perfect blend of wisdom and real-life insights, offering practical advice for overcoming career challenges. Her authentic, relatable style and gentle strength made a lasting impact. I truly enjoyed her sessions.
F Mangwende
Amna Zaidi's sessions were transformative, covering essential leadership skills with real-world examples and engaging activities. Her deep expertise and genuine commitment empowered me to lead with renewed confidence. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to grow in leadership, negotiations, and empowerment.
P Asif
Amna Zaidi’s unmatched quality of work shines in delivering critical messages with the best analogies, transforming the most challenging situations with professionalism, clarity, and a near-impossible simplicity that resonates with every audience member. Her expertise is so vast that words fall short, and her statements are so precise and poignant that they speak volumes without embellishment. Working with her has been a privilege, and her vision will continue to influence me in the long term.
Dr K Kucuk
Must say, Amna Zaidi is one of the most outstanding professionals I have ever encountered. Her speech on negotiation and leadership was truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
S Qvartskhava
I wholeheartedly recommend Amna Zaidi as an outstanding panelist and keynote speaker. She delivered an insightful presentation on leadership and moderated a panel focused on women in leadership. Amna captivated the audience as she articulated a compelling vision for inclusive leadership. Her ability to foster meaningful dialogue and share practical insights makes her an exceptional choice for any event focused on leadership.
N Maqsood
I met Amna at a leadership conference where she skillfully presented on challenging topics often difficult to discuss in a corporate environment. Her engaging style encouraged the audience to introspect while sharing her personal life experiences. I was thoroughly impressed with Amna and highly recommend her to any organisation, as she will undoubtedly make a positive impact on her audience.
A Sheetal
Amna joined our organisation as a member of NOVA, and her impressive skill set and experience were invaluable to the NOVA Community. She delivered a keynote and facilitated a discussion at one of our events at Old Sessions House in London, which was extremely well received by an audience of emerging and senior leaders from various industries. We look forward to welcoming her back in the near future.
B O'Connor
I was impressed by Amna's knowledge and passion during my professional interactions with her, which led to selecting her for a training session for our Board. Throughout the informative and interactive sessions, she kept the Board members engaged while demonstrating her expertise. I strongly recommend Amna for Board training in corporate and professional service firms, as well as other senior level training requirements.
A Rizvi
Thank you, Amna, for conducting such informative and helpful training sessions over the last two days. I will certainly reach out in the future if I need further clarity on any of the topics we discussed or any governance-related issues requiring insight. Thank you once again!
K Yousafi
Thank you for offering these sessions to the community. The feedback has been very positive, with many members expressing how much they’ve gained from your experiences. Your insights have sparked great discussions and provided practical takeaways. Members especially appreciate your authentic and relatable first-hand experiences, which make the sessions even more impactful.
C Burroughs
Amna Zaidi's session on ‘The Art of Negotiation’ was truly insightful. Her honesty and real-life examples boosted my confidence to embrace silence and influence others effectively. Highly recommended!
L Carr
Thank you, Amna, for a powerful session at WIBF. The feedback on ‘The Art of Negotiation’ has been overwhelmingly positive. Your storytelling and real-life examples brilliantly highlighted the principles of effective negotiation and the power of silence. It was a pleasure working with you!" – WIBF
S.Moran
Amna’s expertise in driving cost savings and ensuring regulatory compliance was pivotal during the front-to-back trading system implementation and operating model transformation for NatWest. Her tenacity and commitment were unmatched. Highly recommended!
L Joubert
Amna was a pleasure to collaborate with on finance transformation projects, including a new Finance Operating Model that drove efficiency and quality improvements across the team.
P Astruc
Amna led a critical Finance Transformation programme at RBS, delivering significant headcount reductions and process efficiencies through operating model transformation. Her leadership was outstanding—she’s someone you want on your team.
J Clary
Working with Amna on DB’s StRIDe programme was an excellent experience. She delivered major headcount reductions and streamlined processes with impressive results. I strongly recommend her.
M Hedges
Amna played a key role in the StRIDe programme, refreshing the Finance Vision and delivering substantial cost and efficiency gains. Her strategic mindset is invaluable.
S Xu
As an auditor on my team, Amna’s work consistently impressed both clients and senior leaders. Her dedication and professionalism led her to excel as a lead auditor. A joy to work with!
E Zekia
Amna is an exceptional leader. Reporting to her at RBS, I witnessed her ability to drive results in high-pressure environments. Beyond that, she became a mentor who shaped my career through guidance and support.
T Human
Amna’s leadership on a high-profile Tier 1 programme helped achieve critical cost savings and regulatory compliance across Finance and Treasury. She’s a trusted change leader.
R Muraleedharan
Amna’s group-wide Finance Transformation expertise drove substantial cost savings and regulatory compliance improvements. She’s a strategic force, and I highly recommend her.
E Murnane
I worked with Amna to achieve material savings in Finance Operating Costs and Regulatory compliance through Group-Wide Finance Transformation. I enjoyed working with her and would recommend her to anyone looking to deliver something similar.
J Mistry
Amna is an exceptional professional in Business Transformation and Financial Advisory. With a deep understanding of the evolving role of CFOs and the latest trends, she combines technical expertise with outstanding communication and collaboration skills. Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to any team. Amna consistently goes the extra mile to deliver results, and I highly recommend her.
M Farhan
Amna is a problem-solver with sound judgement and extensive financial insight. She’s a true asset to any organisation looking to elevate its performance.
D Lineen
Case Studies
Explore how our tailored services have driven measurable outcomes for organisations across industries. See the impact We’ve made and what We can bring to your team.

Inspiring Finance Transformation at Pleo's "Beyond" Event
Amna Zaidi’s extensive experience in finance transformation at leading organisations, including NatWest/RBS, Deloitte, and Lloyds, positioned her as the ideal choice for the event.
Watch Recording

Leadership Training
The results were clear. The firm achieved 100% compliance with governance requirements while improving how the board and executive team worked together.
Frequently Asked Questions
I specialise in multi-million-pound transformation programmes where CFOs are accountable for delivery, ROI, and reputational risk. From operating model redesign to digital finance initiatives, I offer independent transformation audits, assurance, recovery, and leadership alignment support.
Yes. My clients include FTSE-listed firms, financial services providers, and NHS trusts. I provide board-ready assurance and strategy designed to meet regulatory, governance, and commercial demands.
I’m an independent finance transformation advisor — not a system vendor or implementation partner. That means no conflicts of interest, no off-the-shelf frameworks, and no sales agenda. I work with you and your leadership team to deliver real results, not reports.
Absolutely. My independent finance transformation audits are designed specifically for CFOs and programme sponsors. These 4–8 week reviews expose hidden risks, quantify missed value, and provide a strategic path to regain control and ROI.
Yes. I work privately with a select number of CFOs and senior finance leaders each year, offering strategic coaching and discreet advisory support throughout transformation and beyond.