- Do You Want to Be Your Own Boss? Here’s What You Need to Think About
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- How to follow your dream - Some critical thought and local resources can put you in the driver’s seat. Do you ever dream of being your own boss, owning your own business? If you have but aren’t sure how to go about it, read on. Many of us spend our careers working for employers, frequently wondering what it would it be like to determine our own financial destiny. In today’s world of corporate downsizing and companies shifting production and service roles overseas, finding a business that fits you may not only be a dream, it may be a necessity.
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Take Assessment Watch Video- Accounting & Finance Professionals: One Simple Tip To Get Better Results
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- I came across a joke today that asked “What’s the definition of an accountant?” Answer: Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand. I found myself conflicted, part of me wants to defend the accounting & finance profession and part of me actually wants to agree with the joke. So I’ll start with the latter.
- Beyond the Hype: The Hidden Risks of AI and Analytics in Finance
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- CFOs and Business Leaders often focus on the incredible things AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Analytics can do—transforming decision-making, optimizing operations, and uncovering hidden insights. These advancements hold tremendous promise for finance and business leaders looking to enhance business performance including improved revenues, reduced costs, and mitigated risks. However, during a recent conversation with a group of CFOs, a senior CFO posed a critical question to me: WHERE CAN AI GO WRONG IN THE CFO FUNCTION? This inquiry sparked a discussion that led me to identify three key areas where Analytics (including AI) can present significant challenges for finance leaders in an organization.
Governance & Controls – structure and controls.
Transaction Recording – systems, transaction processing and closing the books.
Reporting - efficient, timely and accurate information for decision making and meeting compliance requirements.
Accounting
Business Planning - provide the financial roadmap for the company with supporting analytics.
Financial Forecasting - integrate the company’s current performance relative to budget with the real-time business environment.
Investment Analysis - the framework to analyze new opportunities as they present themselves.
Finance
Cash Management - the discipline to ensure cash is available to operate the business normally.
Funding - Planning for and raising funds to meet the needs of the business.
Risk Management – Identification and mitigation of key business risks.
Treasury
Self-Awareness - Internal.
Team Building - External.
Strategy & Culture – Motivate people to follow you.
Leadership
Four Pillars of Executive Expertise
CFO.University is built around the Four Pillars of CFO Success. These Pillars are supported with Core Competencies. Our framework allows you to master your role as a senior financial officer. The Four Pillars are made up of:
Accounting – Governance & Controls, Transaction Recording and Reporting
Finance – Business Planning, Financial Forecasting and Investment Analysis
Treasury – Cash Management, Funding (Capital Raising) and Risk Management
Leadership – Self Awareness, Team Building and Strategy & Culture
