The CFO Series provides a convenient, one-stop way for CFOs and those who aspire to be CFOs, to an entire year of CPE with a single decision. Each day consists of a subject matter expert leading discussions about four different topics. The CFO Series features high-quality presentations and an interactive, executive level colleague-to-colleague approach with case studies, group discussions, and team exercises.
Each topic and each day stands on its own. If you are not sure about making a multi-day commitment, sign up for just a single day. We think you will come back for more!
This CFO Series Day
This four-topic event focuses on skills that will help you and your organization become more effective dealing with several major trends impacting our business environment, new currencies, risk, office politics and the value of ethics. Prepare for the coming changes that will affect every organization.
Topics Discussed
Big Picture Mega-Trends, Big Data, and World We Now Face
2 Economics credits
It is easy for us to get caught up in our work, but it is better to examine the ‘big picture’ by studying the outside factors that impact our business beyond our internal processes and day to day responsibilities. We are sometimes so busy with our tasks that we miss new developments until the developments have a profound impact on us and the organization. This session is designed to review many of these current trends, while thinking and discussing how these trends can impact our organizations and us. This is a fun and lively session that is intended to be interactive with participants either live, virtual or both. Our ever-changing world is evolving more than many realize.
Topics Discussed
- On-going world economic trends
- Demographic changes and their impact on the economy
- Global technology influences
- Post Covid workplace
- Big data understanding and where is it going
- Learn to adapt to changing situations
Objectives: Recognizing the impact of external factors and trends that have a direct impact on our organizations and assisting our key role in applying reasoning, improvement, and methodologies to our day-to-day duties.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes one case discussion and several additional opportunities for group discussions.
Prerequisite: At least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience, or at least six (6) credit hours of corporate finance classwork at an accredited university
Cryptocurrencies for the CFO: Explaining Blockchain
2 Economics credits
What exactly is cryptocurrency and its cousin named blockchain? Are they here to stay? This session will provide a big picture examination of the technologies and currencies by explaining how we got here. We discuss the systems and technical aspects of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. What is the broad view of the technologies that currently do, and will continue to, impact our workplace and lives?
Topics Discussed
- What is money?
- What are digital assets?
- Understanding the what, why, and how of cryptocurrencies
- Understanding the what, why, and how of blockchain
- NFT’s (Non-Fungible Tokens), their role and impact
- Explaining the crypto language
Objectives: Exploring and explaining cryptocurrencies and blockchain. How these new technologies have, and will continue to, impact industry.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar is interactive and intended to solicit discussion throughout the entire session.
Prerequisite: None, preferably at least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience, or at least six (6) credit hours of corporate finance classwork at an accredited university.
Deceit and the Whys Behind the Lies: Understanding Ethics
2 Behavioral Ethics credits
Our guidance on ethics comes from the AICPA and other groups, but it does not fully address the “why” behind ethics. This session will examine and define what ethics is and what it means to varying people in the workplace. Understanding what motivates people and understanding those people are key to both solving ethical dilemmas and workplace issues that can lead to greater job satisfaction and efficiency. To correct an issue, you need to delve into the root cause – the why?
Topics Discussed
- Understanding yourself and others in the workplace
- How emotion plays a vital role in ethical dilemmas and in solutions
- What are some of the various outlooks on ethics?
- Recognizing lies
- Managing ethics towards solutions
Objectives: Gaining a broader understanding of human behavior and ethics beyond the regulations. If we can better understand why unethical actions occur, we can develop a greater practice of our own ethical leadership and assist in growing one’s ‘ethical intelligence.’
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes two (2) case studies for group discussion.
Prerequisite: At least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience.
Office Politics: Navigating the Minefield
2 Business Management & Organization credits
Office politics can derail careers and destroy organizations. It exists, and we will provide solutions towards improving the workplace dynamic. Using office politics for good can be constructive. This session will cover the core elements of office politics and ways in which they may be solved, so the organization can thrive. If you have seen first-hand the destructive power of negative office politics, this seminar will be enlightening.
Topics Discussed
- Understanding perceptions and reality
- The varying personalities in the workplace
- Workplace motivators
- Managing problem personalities
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Assessing the role we play in workplace politics
Objectives: Determine multiple approaches to minimize negative office politics to enhance performance of the people and entire organization.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes three (3) case studies for group discussion.
Prerequisite: At least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience, or at least six (6) credit hours of corporate finance classwork at an accredited university. Best suited for those who have experience working in an office environment.
Target Audience: Corporate Financial Leaders, business owners, Corporate Financial Managers, entrepreneurs, CFOs, CEOs, Controllers, CPAs, accountants, Board members, advisors, consultants, and the professionals who advise them. CPAs in public practice and CPAs in industry.
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Economics, 2 Behavioral Ethics, and 2 Business Management & Organization
Advanced Preparation: None.
Acronym: CFOS2-23
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders: Bob Mims, CPA; Robert Berry, CPA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Robert Angell, MS, CPA; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA
