The CFO Series features high-quality presentations and an interactive, executive level colleague-to-colleague approach. Each CFO Series A is new material every year. (Our CFO Series B is the previous year’s Series A, for those who missed the previous year’s CFO Series A.)
The CFO Series provides a convenient, proven, one-stop solution for CFOs and those who aspire to be CFOs, to choose an entire year’s worth of CPE with a single decision. The CFO Series has been very successful, attracting high registrations each day. Each individual day of the Series stands on its own.
The CFO Series consists of twenty (20) two-hour topics spread over 5 days for a year’s worth of CPE. Schedule all 40 CPE credits members need by signing up for just one series. Each day consists of an expert, leading discussions about four different topics.
Areas of Study – Series A
- Day 1 – Decision-Making in An Irrational World – 4 Finance and 4 Auditing
- Day 2 – AI in the Digital World – 3 Accounting, 2 Behavioral ethics, 2 Communication and marketing and 1 Information technology
- Day 3 – Driving Efficiency – 6 Auditing, 2 Accounting
- Day 4 – Indispensable Skills – 1 Auditing, 1 Accounting, 2 Finance and 4 Business Management and Organization
- Day 5 – Essential Cost Containment – 1 Accounting, 2 Regulatory ethics, 2 Finance and 3 Business Management and Organization
Areas of Study – Series B
- Day 1 – Enhancing Productivity – 4 Finance, 3 Auditing, and 1 Management Services
- Day 2 – Minding the GAAP – 4 Accounting, 2 Finance, and 2 Tax
- Day 3 – Doing the Right Things Right – 4 Auditing, 2 Regulatory Ethics, 1 Finance, and 1 Business Management and Organization
- Day 4 – Preparing for Trouble – 6 Auditing, 1 Business Management & Organization, and 1 Accounting
- Day 5 – Leading and Reporting – 2 Accounting, and 6 Business Management and Organization
- Alternate Day B-6 (Can be scheduled every 2-3 years as repeat course)– Corporate Performance Management – 8 Accounting credits
Cases and Group Discussion
The CFO Series provides extensive case study analysis and many opportunities for group discussion.
Scheduling
Contact Lisa Thornton, Lisa@TheKnowledgeInstitute.com, or Don Minges, Don@TheKnowledgeInstitute.com
Target Audience
This series is for people who are, or aspire to be, Chief Financial Officers: including Controllers, Accountants, Financial Planning & Analysis leaders, Auditors, Corporate Financial Leaders, CEOs, and Board members. Many CPAs in public practice take the CFO Series every year to gain valuable insights to assist their clients. Also, those transitioning to the next stage as well as younger professionals wanting to gain a greater understanding. We target the discussions to professionals in medium-sized organizations.
2026 CFO Series A
CFO Series Day A-1
Decision-Making in An Irrational World
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Acute Uncertainty Will Never Go Away: Can We Prevent Our Plans from Failing? | 1 Auditing and 1 Finance |
| Decision Making in a Non-linear World: What They Did Not Teach in Management Accounting? | 1 Auditing and 1 Finance |
| Advanced Financial Analysis: Choosing the Right Tools in a World Full of Randomness | 2 Finance |
| Diversification: A Risky or Risk Averse Strategy? | 2 Auditing |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Finance and 4 Auditing
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS1-26
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day A-2
AI in the Digital World
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Living in the World of AI – How AI Has Changed Ethics | 2 Behavioral ethics |
| Accounting in the Age of AI: What Every Leader Must Know About Using AI | 2 Accounting |
| AI Is Not the Enemy: Practical Tools to Harness Technology | 1 Accounting and 1 Information technology |
| Beyond Likes and Shares: Can Social Media Really Work at Work? | 2 Communication and marketing |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 3 Accounting, 2 Behavioral ethics, 2 Communication and marketing and 1 Information technology
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS2-26
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day A-3
Driving Efficiency
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audit Survival Toolkit: Tactics to Reduce Stress and Get Through Audits with Confidence | 2 Auditing |
| Internal Controls That Matter: Protection with Simple, Smart, and Scalable Practices | 2 Auditing |
| Cash Flow Clarity: Effectively Communicate Cash Flows to Drive Better Decisions | 2 Accounting |
| Amazingly Crazy Fraud Cases – Fraud So Wild It Shouldn’t Be Real | 2 Auditing |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit:6 Auditing, 2 Accounting.
Advanced Prep: None.
Acronym: CFOS3-26
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Rob Angell, MS, CPA; Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Bob Mims, CPA; Jane Mims, Ph.D.; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day A-4
Indispensable Skills
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Raising Capital: How to Execute the Leaders’ Most Crucial Responsibility | 2 Finance |
| Accounting for People: Workforce Trends and Talent to Add Value | 1 Accounting and 1 Business management and organization |
| Rethinking Your Customers to Maximize Profitability: Identifying the Right Clients | 2 Business management and organization |
| Activate and Execute Your Strategy: Turn Planning into Results | 1 Auditing and 1 Business management and organization |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Auditing, 1 Accounting, 2 Finance and 4 Business Management and Organization
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS4-26
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day A-5
Essential Cost Containment
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Improving Profitability the Right Way: How to Cut the Right Costs | 2 Finance |
| Building High Performing Teams: Cohesive Teams Get Results | 2 Business Management and Organization |
| Do Creative Accountants Belong in Prison? True or False? | 2 Regulatory ethics |
| Storytelling Your Financials for Impact: Narrative Beats Numbers | 1 Accounting and 1 Business management and organization |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Accounting, 2 Regulatory ethics, 2 Finance and 3 Business Management and Organization
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS5-26
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC.
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Jane Mims, Ph.D.; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Don Minges, MBA
5 Day Series Credits Total: 7 Accounting, 10 Auditing, 9 Finance, 7 Business Management and Organization, 2 Regulatory Ethics, 2 Behavioral Ethics, 2 Communication and Marketing, and 1 Information Technology.
Alternate Day A-6 (Can be scheduled every 2-3 years as repeat course)
Corporate Performance Management
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corporate Performance Management | 2 Accounting |
| Effective Management Accounting | 2 Accounting |
| Driver-Based Budgeting | 2 Accounting |
| Business Intelligence and Data Analytics | 2 Accounting |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 8 Accounting credits
Acronym: CFOS6-20
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC.
Discussion Leaders:
Gary Cokins, MBA, CPIM
2026 CFO Series B
CFO Series Day B-1
CFO Series: Enhancing Productivity
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Quality is Free – But How do We Measure the Cost? | 2 Finance |
| Understanding and Mitigating External and Internal Risks: How? | 2 Auditing |
| Insurance – How to Manage Your Insurance Program | 2 Finance |
| Effective Implementation of Enterprise Risk Management | 1 Auditing and 1 Management Services |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Finance, 3 Auditing, and 1 Management Services
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS1-25
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day B-2
Minding the GAAP
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Deciphering Balance Sheet Accounting Issues | 2 Accounting |
| Lease or Buy, Debt or Equity: The Financing Decision, Theory and Practice | 2 Finance |
| Dealing with Ever Changing Accounting Standards and Other Demands | 2 Accounting |
| SALT for CFOs: What You Don’t Know and Should Know | 2 Tax |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Accounting, 2 Finance, and 2 Tax
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS2-25
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day B-3
Doing the Right Things Right
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Incentive Compensation Plans That Incentivize – Design Plans That Work! | 1 Finance and 1 Business Management & Organization |
| Beyond the Boardroom: Corporate Governance Best Practices | 2 Auditing |
| Developing a Great Internal Audit Department: The Process? | 2 Auditing |
| Ethical Dilemmas: Navigating Blurred Lines: Ethical Decisions Making Made Easy | Regulatory Ethics |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Auditing, 2 Regulatory Ethics, 1 Finance, and 1 Business Management and Organization.
Advanced Prep: None. Just come with an open mind and a readiness to explore the complexities of ethical decision making.
Acronym: CFOS3-25
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Rob Angell, MS, CPA; Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Bob Mims, CPA; Jane Mims, Ph.D.; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day B-4
Preparing for Trouble
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Navigating the Storm: Crisis Management for Resilient Firms | 1 Auditing and 1 Business Management and Organization |
| Proven Strategies for Effective Fraud Detection and Prevention | 2 Auditing |
| CFO or Detective? A Guide to Conducting Effective Investigations | 2 Auditing |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Practical Applications for Finance | 1 Accounting and 1 Auditing |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 6 Auditing, 1 Business Management & Organization, and 1 Accounting
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS4-25
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Bob Mims, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
CFO Series Day B-5
Leading and Reporting
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Better Management Reporting: Clear + Simple = Great! | 2 Accounting |
| Changing Corporate Culture: Understanding Your Culture and How to Improve It | 2 Business Management and Organization |
| Recognizing Lies: How to Detect and Prevent | 2 Business Management and Organization |
| Reinventing the Modern CFO: Adapting and Advancing! | 2 Business Management & Organization |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 2 Accounting, and 6 Business Management and Organization
Advanced Prep: None
Acronym: CFOS5-25
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC.
Discussion Leaders:
Robert Berry, CPA; Tracy Cooper, CPA, CFE; Anita Layton, CPA, CMA, MBA; Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Jane Mims, Ph.D.; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Don Minges, MBA
5 Day Series Credits Total: 7 Accounting, 13 Auditing, 7 Finance, 8 Business Management and Organization, 2 Tax, 2 Regulatory Ethics, and 1 Management Services
Alternate Day B-6 (Can be scheduled every 2-3 years as repeat course)
Corporate Performance Management
| Topics Discussed | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corporate Performance Management | 2 Accounting |
| Effective Management Accounting | 2 Accounting |
| Driver-Based Budgeting | 2 Accounting |
| Business Intelligence and Data Analytics | 2 Accounting |
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 8 Accounting credits
Prerequisite: Preferably management accounting experience, or at least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience.
Advanced Prep: Experience preparing or reviewing accounting processes and reports. Experience preparing or reviewing financial performance reports. Experience working with internal clients or external clients and business leaders. Bring a laptop.
Acronym: CFOS6-20
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC.
Discussion Leaders:
Gary Cokins, MBA, CPIM
Scheduling
Schedule 5 days together (roughly one per month) to provide participants with a year’s worth of CPE (40 hours). We will also schedule individual days under the title Annual CFO Forum (ACFOF).
Note: We provide conference-style materials for the CFO Series consisting of cases and the presentation slides. The sponsoring association may provide these in either electronic or paper form. Event pricing for both CFOS and ACFOF is a fixed rate per day.
