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 newer skills to help you and your organization become more effective by selecting the appropriate metrics, getting the most value for an organization, the hidden value of ‘mistakes’ and why and how diversity is a reality in today’s organizations.
Topics Discussed
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Done Right – Lessons from Change Agents
2 Business Management and Organization credits
Why is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) so important for businesses? What is the business case for DEI? What are the economic benefits of DEI activities? What are the ethical considerations for DEI? What can business executives do to encourage Diversity? What can executives do to ensure inclusion of diverse employees, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders? DEI is not a fad. In 2022, more than half of the Fortune 500 published DEI metrics. Do not be left behind.
Topics Discussed
- Business case for DEI activities
- Ethical considerations of DEI
- Economic benefits of DEI
- Definition and clarification of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Examples of effective DEI initiatives
Objectives: To understand the benefits of DEI initiatives and discuss proven, effective techniques to realize those benefits.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes eight (8) case studies for group discussion.
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.
Accomplishments Follow Failures: Success Through Experimentation
2 Business Management and Organization credits
Every success is the result of numerous experiments that failed. Every scientific advance was preceded by failures. To be direct, failures lead to success. Every failure is temporary, merely an opportunity to improve. Why are failures feared? Successful organizations continuously experiment, e.g., QVC, so they can learn and stay ahead of the competition. Recall the maxim – if you keep doing what you have always done, then you always get what you always got. We will demonstrate the advantages of embracing experiments as a method to improve the organization and fuel growth.
Topics Discussed
- Why are failures required for success?
- Why are failures so feared?
- What are some of the more common reasons for failures?
- Why the poor leaders believe that failure is failure
- What does ‘fire bullets then cannonballs’ mean?
- How you and your organization should embrace experiments
Objectives: To understand the immense value of experiments that may not initially be successful and to learn from successful organizations that have embraced experimentation.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes two (2) case studies for group discussion.
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.
Getting the Most When Selling a Business: Little Details to Get Top Value
2 Finance credits
Every business will be sold eventually. When you have built a great business and decide to move on – you want the most you can get for that terrific organization! What are the steps to take to maximize the value realized? What do buyers really want? What are the three levers to achieve maximum value? If you want top dollar, preparing to sell takes years of planning. This seminar helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, CFOs, Board members, controllers, and their advisors prepare for a successful sale of the organization to maximize shareholder value. We will outline the process to get the most bang for the buck. Proper exit planning demands planning and time.
Topics Discussed
- What do buyers really want?
- Steps to take so your business will be attractive to buyers
- The process to prepare for a sale
- The steps and timing
- Pitfalls to avoid
- The value of a strong advisory team
- Key considerations
Objectives: Identifying the key considerations when preparing to exit the business to achieve optimal sales price. Understanding some of the key issues to consider when preparing to sell a business.
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, or at least six (6) credit hours of corporate finance classwork at an accredited university. Best suited for those who work with an organization that may be sold within the next five years.
Measure What Matters: Identify the ‘Right’ KPIs and Metrics
2 Accounting credits
With all the data available today in our organization, industry, economy, and globally, how do we identify what to measure and how? Each organization has their own needs. Often, we focus on the same old metrics. Metrics from other industries may be applicable to your industry that we never thought of. Metrics are not only for managers; they are for employees at all levels. Effective dashboards help achieve organizational goals and objectives. We have too much data and this seminar will show you how to turn data into useful information.
Topics Discussed
- Identify and describe metrics from many industries
- Tailor measures to fit your industry and organization
- Find the right metrics to achieve your strategic goals
- Describe the why and what to measure
- Establish an understandable dashboard
- Determine high-level and detailed KPIs
- How to assist management to make informed decisions
Objectives: Determine the nontraditional metrics and modify them to fit your organization’s specific business needs for more actionable, informed business decisions.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes four (4) case studies for group discussion.
Target Audience: Corporate Financial Leaders, Corporate Financial Managers, CEOs, CFOs, Controllers, accountants, Board members, advisors, and consultants. CPAs in public practice and CPAs in industry. Business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who are interested in additional metrics to better inform key management decisions within the organization.
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 4 Business Management & Organization, 2 Finance, 2 Accounting
Prerequisite: At least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience. Best suited for those who have experience developing and communicating metrics and KPIs.
Advanced Preparation: None.
Acronym: CFOS3-23
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders: Brian Maturi, MBA, FCA; Bob Mims, CPA; Robert Angell, MS, CPA; Don Minges, MBA
