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 risk, fraud, cybersecurity, mergers, and acquisitions, and effectively preparing for a new professional role. We cannot fall behind in a dynamic environment.
Topics Discussed
Cybersecurity for the CFO: Ransomware and Beyond
2 Information Technology credits
Cybercrime increased by over 500% during the pandemic. Many financial leaders are tasked with overseeing computer security, which is typically outsourced. Recall the maxim, trust but verify. Why do we not inspect those we pay to manage our cybersecurity? How many backup plans should we have? Verizon reports that 44% of all data breaches by companies with less than 1,000 employees were caused by malicious employees. How to test for security? Is insurance enough? What is the ‘worst thing that could happen’ and how to prepare for it? We will review a multi-step plan on how to enhance your data integrity. Be prepared, because at the end of day – you will be held accountable and responsible for cybersecurity.
Topics Discussed
- Identifying weaknesses within your cybersecurity
- What are some of the more common threats?
- Understand your most vulnerable risk – your employees, including you
- How, where, and how many backup plans
- Is an IT Disaster Recovery plan sufficient?
- The pros and cons of the cloud
- Do we truly understand our cyber-insurance policy?
- The need for a method to shut everything down immediately
- How cybersecurity is not for IT alone, it is crucial for the entire organization
Objectives: Understanding the risks of cyber-crime from sources; inside the organization, external, technology or people related. Better understanding of an organization’s risk profile. How to enhance data security.
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.
Detecting Internal Fraud – Expect the Unexpected
2 Auditing credits
Two-thirds of small businesses will experience some form of employee fraud according to the Better Business Bureau. 30% of business failures result from employee fraud. Current estimates indicate businesses lose 5% of their revenues to occupational fraud. Small businesses incur higher median losses when fraud occurs. Many businesses do not have adequate controls in place to prevent and detect fraud, often because of time, staff, or financial constraints. This session will discuss common frauds and fraudsters and identify realistic ways for businesses to take steps to prevent becoming the next victim.
Topics Discussed
- Defining the problem – what are the key elements of Occupational Fraud
- Requirements for internal controls – SOX, FCPA, SAS 115 as well as lenders, investors, regulatory bodies
- How to develop a risk profile for the organization and employees
- Addressing company culture
- Establishing specific controls targeting the business’ risk
- Monitoring the culture, the staff, and the controls for effectiveness
Objectives: Identifying a business’ fraud risk profile. Creating meaningful Internal Controls and monitoring those controls.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes one (1) case study 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.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Tips and Speed Bumps to Avoid
2 Finance credits
Mergers, acquisitions, and alliances have been — and will continue to be — major paths to organizational growth and increased competitive advantage. Despite the great initial promise of many mergers and alliances, few seem to yield the anticipated results. Numerous studies indicate that between 55% and 77% of mergers fail to accomplish their intended purpose. This course helps financial professionals, and their advisors identify, execute, and consummate mergers and acquisitions that create shareholder value while avoiding the many traps that can cause post-acquisition failure.
Topics Discussed
- Identifying potential acquisition candidates
- Make strategic acquisitions
- Identify and understand company culture
- Understand the keys to effective and efficient due diligence
- Plan and execute an effective integration
- Key considerations
Objectives: Identifying the key considerations when exploring mergers as a tactic to achieve strategic objectives. Understanding some of the key issues to consider when utilizing mergers.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes one (1) case study 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 any organization that may consider mergers and acquisitions.
Transition Smoothly in Business: Success and Fun in Your New Role
2 Personal Development credits
Every professional will change roles many times. Is your position changing, e.g., a promotion, a new job, retirement, joining a Board, or a fresh college graduate? How to transition smoothly and understand those who you will work with? How do I fit in? How do I learn what to do and what not to do? Do not forget your life outside of work. It is a job, not there for your personal convenience to work when you want to. Can you have it all? How do I work with older/other/younger people? Everyone will move on to new opportunities, this seminar will prepare you on how to move on and be successful!
Topics Discussed
- What are the two crucial questions to ask when taking on a new role?
- How to check out the new organization and the new manager – before you start
- Approaches to maintaining professionalism when others do not
- Ways to interact with multiple generations
- Learning to adapt to changing situations
- Techniques to integrate work and social life
- Social media recommendations
Objectives: Learning how to fit in and become productive in a new environment. Recognize and accept generational differences and how to address differing lifestyle choices in the workplace.
Cases and Group Discussion
This seminar includes five (5) 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.
Target Audience: Any professional interested in understanding career transitions and generational differences, including new employees. Corporate Financial Leaders, Corporate Financial Managers, CEOs, CFOs, Controllers, accountants, Board members, advisors, and consultants. CPAs in public practice and CPAs in industry.
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 2 Information Technology, 2 Auditing, 2 Finance, and 2 Personal Development
Advanced Preparation: None.
Acronym: CFOS4-23
Vendor: The Knowledge Institute, LLC
Discussion Leaders: Tracy Cooper, CPA; Robert Berry, CPA; Richard A. Karwic, MBA; Bob Mims, CPA; Robert Angell, MS, CPA
