|
Articles - Wednesday A.M. Brief Series
|
| |
Five Things to Consider When Creating Employee Bonus Plans
|
|
May 22, 2013
|
| |
|
Reviewed are questions, their answers and recommendations that help strategically
optimize employee bonus plans.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Customer Loyalty: Five Ways To Make It Stronger
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
| |
|
This article first reviews the three core elements of customer loyalty: customer relationships,
customer retention, and customer referrals. The article then recommends five areas in which
innovative initiatives have significantly enhanced customer relationships and driven greater
customer loyalty: customer service, customer loyalty programs, customer complaints,
customer expectations, and customer "touches."
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
CFO Services: Benefits for Clients of Attorneys, Bankers & Capital Firms
|
|
May 8, 2013
|
| |
|
This article reviews specific ways a CFO services provider can help clients of professional services
firms prepare a financial presentation. Also discussed are eleven additional examples of areas
where a part-time CFO or a project-based CFO can help professional service firm clients improve financial
and operational outcomes.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Seven Ways a First Full-Time CFO Could Help Your Business
|
|
May 1, 2013
|
| |
|
Beginning with a look at the differences between a CFO and a Controller, this article discusses seven specific areas where a
CFO can provide strategic assistance that drives improved performance and profitability.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Five Reasons to Take a Closer Look at SBA Loans
|
|
April 24, 2013
|
| |
|
This article looks at enhancements to the most popular SBA loan programs - including the SBA 504 program - generated by the Small Business Jobs
and Credit Act. Reviewed are specific areas that illustrate broadened eligibility and process streamlining. Also identified are the elements that
should be included in an SBA loan application.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Wholesaler & Manufacturer Challenges: Pricing & Credit Management (Part 4)
|
|
April 17, 2013
|
| |
|
Reviewed are four top pricing and four top credit management issues, as well as
recommended ways to address them to improve sales, cash flow and profitability.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Wholesaler & Manufacturer Challenges: Inventory Processes, Supply Chain Relationships & Distribution Networks (Part 3)
|
|
April 10, 2013
|
| |
|
Reviewed are three areas where unresolved challenges can erode margins and profitability.
The discussion includes suggested areas where an outsourced CFO services firm can help improve financial and operational outcomes.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
How to Prepare a Business Loan Presentation
|
|
April 3, 2013
|
| |
|
Reviewed are the key elements of a successful business loan presentation: loan objectives,
five important questions your presentation should answer, the financial documents to include,
and recommendations on the presentation process.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Wholesaler & Manufacturer Challenges: Strategic Cost Containment (Part 2)
|
|
March 27, 2013 |
| |
|
Discussed are three primary cost areas in which wholesalers and manufacturers face significant challenges: shipping, chargebacks, and commissions.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Wholesaler & Manufacturer Challenges: Cash, Credit & Capital (Part 1)
|
|
March 20, 2013 |
| |
|
Reviewed are key wholesaler and manufacturer challenges, their causes
and recommended solutions in the areas of cash flow, cash management,
reporting, lines of credit and working capital.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Disaster Recovery Planning
|
|
March 13, 2013 |
| |
|
Reviewed in this article are the two main components of a business disaster recovery
plan, the four categories of business risk, and the critical role played by your internal
disaster recovery team.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Risk Management: Focus on These Three Areas
|
|
March 6, 2013 |
| |
|
This article reviews three primary types of business risk - interest rate risk, investing risk,
and embezzlement and online fraud - and makes suggestions for how to manage them.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Business Budgeting
|
|
February 27, 2013 |
| |
|
Reviewed are the elements of business budgeting: sales forecast, cash flow forecast,
fixed expenses, variable expenses, capital expenditures (CAPEX), as well as the
primary benefits gained implementing business budgets.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
How to Boost Your Business' Cash Flow
|
|
February 20, 2013 |
| |
|
Discussed in this article are six strategies to keep cash flow strong. Included are looks at the
cash flow cycle, the A/R aging report, operating costs, banking services, inventory management,
and leasing rather than purchasing.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
SALT: What You Should Know About State and Local Tax Payments
|
|
February 13, 2013 |
| |
|
This article discusses state and local taxes (SALT) in the context of nexus around income tax
and the business activities that could trigger it. Also reviewed is nexus around sales and payroll
taxes and, again, the business activities that bring it into play in a given state.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Measuring the Success of an Outsourced CFO
|
|
February 6, 2013 |
| |
|
In support of gauging an outsourced CFO's success, this article looks at some quantitative
and qualitative ways to measure performance. The article suggests first focusing on
comparing outcomes to goals established at the beginning of the engagement - and
then recommends five potential outcomes along with concise questions to apply in
the evaluation process.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
How Do You Measure a CFO's Success?
|
|
January 30, 2013 |
| |
|
This article looks at areas that most frequently include an internal CFO's participation, as well
as a number of the quantitative and qualitative factors that should be included in evaluating
a CFO's success.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Benefits of Offering Employees a Retirement Plan
|
|
January 23, 2013 |
| |
|
Reviewed are four popular retirement plan options - Simplified Employee Pension Plan
(SEP), SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k) and Roth 401(k). The article discusses areas like
contributing parties, contribution limits, and catch-up provisions. Also included are comments
on a company's fiduciary responsibility related to retirement plans.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Lowdown on The Fiscal Cliff Legislation
|
|
January 16, 2013 |
| |
|
This article reviews the pros and cons of the New Year's day tax code changes along with
potential impact. Also addressed are five business extenders: the R&D tax credit, Section
179 expensing, bonus depreciation, energy tax credits, and the work opportunity tax credit.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Begin Preparing Now For the Affordable Care Act
|
|
January 9, 2013 |
| |
|
This article looks at decisions that need to be made and strategies for approaching them
related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Included are looks are the Employer
Mandate, FTE scenarios, potential penalties, and how the law defines "affordable."
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Business Case for Strengthening Employee Retention
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
| |
|
This article suggests four steps that are helpful in creating and sustaining an employee-centric
culture, one that attracts the best employees and makes them want to stay.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Managing and Financing Business Growth
|
|
December 26, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at the pros and cons of two types of outside financing: debt and equity.
Also reviewed are three critical evaluation criteria bankers use to make lending decisions.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Strategic Planning
|
|
December 19, 2012 |
| |
|
This article addresses the importance of strategic planning by first looking at benefits in the
areas of a proactive stance, goal alignment, resource allocation and opportunities. Also
addressed are the nuts and bolts of strategic planning with recommendations in the areas of
human resources, competition, your unique selling proposition, operations and growth
and financing.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Succession Planning: Is an ESOP the Right Tool for Your Business?
|
|
December 12, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at how ESOP companies have recently outperformed non-ESOP private
companies in revenue and wage growth; how they work; their benefits; the primary key to
their success; and preparatory questions that are part of early planning.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Business Succession Planning
|
|
December 5, 2012 |
| |
|
This article differentiates between two broad categories - ownership succession
and management succession - and identifies related factors. The article also poses
five probing questions related to your goals, liquidity needs, management team,
potential buyers and post-sale role.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Mergers & Acquisitions: Due Diligence & Your Advisory Team
|
|
November 27, 2012 |
| |
|
Discussed are six key areas to focus on in the merger and acquisition due diligence
process along with important considerations when looking at four key roles on
your advisory team.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Should You Consider Growth Through Acquisition?
|
|
November 21, 2012 |
| |
|
In this article, we take a close look at the potential advantages of merging with or
acquiring another company, as well as a few potential drawbacks.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Managing Your Business in the New Normal
|
|
November 14, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at strategies for addressing a new normal of slower economic
growth, approaches that generally focus on improving the bottom line and top line
of your business. Included are three guidelines for cutting expenses and four
for growing revenue.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Are Health Savings Accounts Right For You and Your Employees?
|
|
November 7, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at consumer-driven healthcare options like Health Savings
Accounts as a way for employers and employees to better manage costs and
potentially gain tax benefits.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Going Public: Making the Decision
|
|
October 31, 2012 |
| |
|
This article poses and discusses six key questions that should be considered in
making the decision to go public or not. Areas addressed include financial performance,
future growth, the management team, market positioning, industry trending and annual
revenue. Also addressed is the composition of your IPO team.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Using Debt to Replace Equity Capital in Improving Company Finances
|
|
October 24, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at how debt can be used to replace equity capital. The discussion
includes options for finding an appropriate form of debt, considerations for negotiating
new debt, and suggestions for managing debt successfully.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Pros and Cons of Going Public
|
|
October 17, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are six benefits of IPOs along with three potential drawbacks.
Addressed are areas such as financial rewards, growth capital, capital
markets, employee retention, liquidity, costs, control and pressure to
meet investor expectations.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Meeting Common Family Business Challenges
|
|
October 10, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are nine practical suggestions to help strike the
right balance in your family and company. Included are ideas
about communication, favoritism, the roles children of the
owners, a board of advisors and motivation of non-family employees.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary | Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Role of Internal Controls in Fraud Prevention
|
|
October 3, 2012 |
| |
|
This article discusses fraud prevention with reviews of five of the
most common types of employee fraud and six internal
control measures that can be implemented to reduce exposure to
fraud risk.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
How to Guard Against Fraud and Embezzlement
|
|
September 26, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at employee fraud and embezzlement
with discussions of the three elements of the fraud triangle
and steps to take to ensure proper management oversight.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
What You Should Know About Equity Financing
|
|
September 19, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at equity financing with reviews
of when to consider it, as well as the types of
equity investments.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Primary Types of Business Loans
|
|
September 12, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews business loans with discussions
of defining the reason for the loan and the five primary
types of business loans including SBA loan programs.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Guidelines For Investing Excess Business Cash
|
|
September 5, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews excess cash with discussions of
objectives for managing it, criteria for determining whether
it actually is excess cash, and four options for investing it.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
How to Properly Classify Your Workers
|
|
August 29, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at the two primary categories of
worker classification, as well as three evidence categories
and the 20 factors used by the IRS to determine proper
employee status.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
What’s the Difference Between Profits and Cash Flow?
|
|
August 22, 2012 |
| |
|
This article clearly illustrates the critical importance of both
elements by introducing the example of an initially
successful company that focused on only one, much to its
own detriment.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Accelerate Collection of Your Accounts Receivable
|
|
August 15, 2012 |
| |
|
This article describes how a comprehensive collections strategy
is a company-wide effort and makes recommendations in six
areas to accelerate collection of receivables.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Understanding Your Cash Flow Cycle
|
|
August 8, 2012 |
| |
|
Beginning with a look at the movement of cash through
a typical cash flow cycle, this article also reviews ways
of shortening the cycle by accelerating collections
of receivables and stretching out disbursement of payables.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Leveraging CFO Expertise
|
|
August 1, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at ways that CFO expertise can be
leveraged into other areas like corporate governance
and planning; human resources; and information technology.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Options for Financing Capital Expenditures
|
|
July 25, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews three primary CAPEX financing methods
(internal financing, external financing via a bank loan, and
external financing via an equipment lease) along with
benefits and limitations of each.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Adapting to a Changing Regulatory Burden
|
|
July 18, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at the changing regulatory burden by
reviewing and offering recommendations in three areas.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Strategic CAPEX Planning
|
|
July 11, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews strategic capital expenditures (CAPEX)
planning and discusses four primary benefits derived from
the approach.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Financial Ratio Analysis: Spot and Correct Financial Problems Early
|
|
July 4, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews six key financial ratios, their formulas,
and frequently targeted benchmarks.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Strategic Cost Cutting
|
|
June 27, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are strategic cost-cutting initiatives with ideas and suggested approaches in six areas.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Case Studies: Successful Outsourced CFO Services Engagements
|
|
Article 9 of 9 in the series |
|
June 20, 2012 |
| |
|
The nine-part series on outsourced CFO series concludes
with a review of three specific engagements focusing on
acquisition accounting, audit preparation and restatements.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
What Outcomes Should You Expect From a CFO Services Engagement?
|
|
Article 8 of 9 in the series |
|
June 13, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are nine potential positive outcomes that may
be expected from an engagement with an
outsourced CFO services firm.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Working Relationship with a CFO Services Firm
|
|
Article 7 of 9 in the series |
|
June 6, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are the elements of a successful working relationship
between a hiring company and an outsourced CFO services firm.
The discussion includes seven questions and responses
for consideration.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Addressing Common Objections to Engaging a CFO Services Firm
|
|
Article 6 of 9 in the series |
|
May 30, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at three concerns executives share with us about
outsourced engagements along with our responses.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Outsourced CFO Services: Identifying Shared Objectives
|
|
Article 5 of 9 in the series |
|
May 23, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at how a company and outsourced
CFO services firm can identify shared objectives by reviewing six
areas around which engagements are framed.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
What To Look for In a CFO Services Firm
|
|
Article 4 of 9 in the series |
|
May 16, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article identifies financial strategy and financial
operations capabilities desired in an outsourced CFO services firm.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Business Case for Engaging an Outsourced CFO Services Firm
|
|
Article 3 of 9 in the series |
|
May 9, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at the business case for outsourced CFO services
by exploring the answers to four critical questions.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
When Do Outsourced CFO Services Make Sense?
|
|
Article 2 of 9 in the series |
|
May 2, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at outsourced CFO services with a
discussion of the business factors that drive consideration.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Outsourced CFO Services: What Do They Include?
|
|
Article 1 of 9 in the series |
|
April 25, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at outsourced CFO services with reviews of
five common scenarios and the ways by which services can
be delivered.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Wealth Preservation: Protecting Your Assets in Today’s Economy
|
|
April 18, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at wealth preservation through
discussions of the action plan; assets and earnings; lifestyle
and expenses; inflation and taxes; and Monte Carlo analysis.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support
|
|
April 11, 2012 |
| |
|
This article looks at forensic accounting and litigation
support with discussions of what they
are; scenarios where they come into
play; discovery proceedings; accounting data analysis;
fraud; legal and contractual disputes; settlement
discussions, financial evidence, and issues to consider
when hiring a forensic accountant.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Accounting System Design: Creating the Right System for Your Company
|
|
April 4, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at accounting system design
with a discussion of management input; desired information
and output format; chart of accounts; structure, flexibility
and simplicity; and accounting software, process integration
and customization.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Competitive Employee Benefits Packages
|
|
March 28, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at employee benefits packages
with discussions of how they can support competitiveness in
the market, how they can be made more cost effective, and the
ways companies are diversifying into upgraded compensation plans.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Financial Modeling to Guarantee Financial Decision Success
|
|
March 21, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at financial modeling with
discussions of related challenges, tools and benefits.
Also addressed is the role of cash flow forecasting.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Adopting the 52-53 Week Fiscal Year
|
|
March 14, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article reviews the 52-53 week fiscal year
with looks at what it is, advantages, situations where it
makes sense, and steps in making the switch.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Cash Flow Management During Good Times and Bad
|
|
March 7, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article reviews cash flow management by
looking at best practices, challenges, risk factors,
receivables and payables strategies, and forecasting.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Integration
|
|
February 29, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews merger and acquisition
(M&A) integration processes by discussing challenges,
objectives, the action plan, communications and other
key elements.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Using Break-Even Analysis to Determine Your Company’s Financial Health
|
|
February 22, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews the break-even analysis process
with looks at fixed costs, variable costs, the margin
of safety, and the contribution margin.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: The Big GAAP vs. Little GAAP Debate
|
|
February 15, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed is the Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP) standard with a focus on “Big
GAAP” vs. “Little GAAP” developments.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Performance Measurement: Understanding the Balanced Scorecard
|
|
February 8, 2012 |
| |
|
Reviewed are balanced scorecards with looks at what they are,
why they’re important, and how they’re developed. Included
are illustrations of a balanced scorecard in action.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Performance Measurement: Dashboards
|
|
February 1, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews executive dashboards with looks
at what they are, why they’re important, and how they’re
developed. Included are illustrations of executive
dashboards in action.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Performance Measurement: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
|
|
January 25, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews key performance indicators with looks at
what they are, why they’re important, how they’re developed,
and examples of KPIs in action.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Performance Measurement: Understanding Critical Success Factors
|
|
January 18, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews critical success factors, why they’re
important, and how they’re developed.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Ensuring Orderly Period-End Closing Procedures
|
|
January 11, 2012 |
| |
|
This article reviews the best practices that characterize
efficient and successful period-end closing procedures.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Streamlining AR and AP Management Systems
|
|
January 4, 2012 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at AR and AP management
by reviewing both multiple process elements and accompanying benefits.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The Importance of Appropriate Business Insurance Coverage
|
|
December 28, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at business insurance
coverage by discussing insurance types, the risk
vs. cost debate, and steps in reviewing coverage.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Outsourced CFO Services: Creating Opportunities for Your Business
|
|
December 21, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at outsourcing CFO
services by reviewing the multiple benefits and
added value accompanying an outsource engagement.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO)
|
|
December 14, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at preparing for an initial
public offering (IPO) by reviewing multiple elements
that are part of the process.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Strategic Planning
|
|
December 7, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at strategic planning, its
importance for small and mid-sized businesses,
and the elements and tools that are essential parts of the process.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Staying on Top of the GAAP to IFRS Conversion
|
|
November 30, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at GAAP-to-IFRS transition
developments, SEC comments on condorsement, projected
benefits of convergence, and recommended actions
that forward-thinking companies should be taking to be
prepared for the coming changes.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Operational Analysis: Aligning Overall Performance with Strategic Planning
|
|
November 23, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at operational analysis and how
it can positively impact overall company performance.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Protect Your Company Through Internal Controls
|
|
November 16, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at internal controls,
what they include, and how they function to improve
internal financial security and reduce risks.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Financial Restatements: Potential Causes and Severe Ramifications
|
|
November 9, 2011 |
| |
|
This CFO Edge article looks at financial
restatements, what causes them, and
their impact on analysts and investors.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Internal Audits and Effective Risk Management Assessment
|
|
November 2, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at internal audits by
describing some of the areas examined during the audit process
along with characteristics and ensuing benefits of a well-executed
internal audit. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
M&A Planning: Buy-Side Due Diligence
|
|
October 26, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at M&A
planning and the buy-side due diligence process that
is required to maximize post-deal gains, as well as
minimize transaction risks. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Ensuring Payroll Tax Compliance
|
|
October 19, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at
payroll taxes, high-level challenges associated with
them, and considerations related to
payroll tax systems. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Management and Business Plans
|
|
October 12, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at
management and business plans by reviewing
eight key elements along with how plans function
in regards to business definition, competitive
differentiation and strategic goals. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Activity-Based Costing: Improving Cost and Expense Analyses
|
|
October 5, 2011 |
| |
| Reviewed are activity-based
costing, principal steps in implementation, and its significant
benefits that include improved efficiencies and greater
profitability. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
The New Family Office: Affordable Wealth Management
|
|
September 28, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at
several types of family offices, the benefits of
engaging with them to leverage wealth
management services, and how they have become
more affordable for families with lower net asset
value. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Cutting Business Expenses Through Unconventional Methods
|
|
September 21, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article looks at expense reduction and suggests several fresh approaches to lowering costs without directly moving to laying off employees or cutting payroll. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Restructuring and Rightsizing: A Proactive Approach to a Management Challenge
|
|
September 14, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
examines business restructuring and rightsizing by
reviewing critical success factors and recommending
best-practice processes that contribute to positive outcomes. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Contract Negotiation
|
|
September 7, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
reviews contract negotiation and
suggests eight guidelines that contribute
to contracts that are firm, fair
and flexible in the appropriate
areas. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Managing Foreign
Operations and Currency Translation
|
|
August 31, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
examines financial statements for
companies with foreign operations
and addresses areas such as currency
translation, functional currency,
conversion to US GAAP, remeasuring,
conversion rates and inflation rates.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Equity Financing:
Partnering with an Angel Investor
|
|
August 24, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
reviews the process of finding and
partnering with an angel investor.
It also includes links to five online
resources that identify angel investors
and present in greater detail the
process of connecting with the right
investor. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Internal Fraud:
A Proactive Stance Reduces the Allure
and Risks
|
|
August 17, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
examines internal corporate fraud
with a look at examples of fraud
types and nine recommendations aligned
with taking a proactive stance to
reduce the risk of losses. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Risk Management
Takes a High Profile in Corporate
Governance Today
|
|
August 10, 2011 |
| |
| Recent resource
material is reviewed to present
current perspectives on corporate
governance, risk management, and
six areas in which executives and
boards of directors need to take
action. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Data Security
& Outsource Service Providers
|
|
August 3, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at best data security practices
that should characterize the working
relationship and be included in
the contract between companies and
their BPO service providers.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Chart of Accounts
Best Practices
|
|
July 27, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at the chart of accounts with a
view to identifying both challenges
and best-practice processes that
deliver greater efficiencies, better
output data, and lower audit costs.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Getting the Most
from an Outsourced CFO Services
Provider
|
|
July 20, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at the expertise an outsourced CFO
can bring to a firm, and, perhaps
more importantly, the elements at
the heart of a successful working
relationship between company executives
and their contracted CFO. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Planned Re-Exposure
of Revised Revenue Recognition Standard
|
|
July 13, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
looks at the planned re-exposure
of a revised Revenue Recognition
Exposure Draft (ED) and suggests
actions that companies can take
now to prepare for the upcoming
changes. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Incentive Compensation
Plans that Work
|
|
July 6, 2011 |
| |
| Pay policy plays
a significant role in helping firms
achieve organizational excellence.
This article looks at incentive
compensative plans with an eye to
creating programs that are rational,
clear and transparent to both the
incented employees and those who
oversee and administer the program.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
M&A Planning:
Sell-Side Due Diligence
|
|
June 29, 2011 |
| |
| Executives approaching
M&A activity can benefit from adopting
a proactive approach and conducting
sell-side due diligence to identify
strengths, recognize limitations
and maximize sale value. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Expense Reporting:
Web Apps Gain on Spreadsheets
|
|
June 22, 2011 |
| |
| Reviewed is the
significant shift from usage of
spreadsheets to web-based expense
tracking and reporting solutions.
Findings from two recent reports
are discussed along with benefits
of cloud-based T&E apps that go
beyond saving time and reducing
costs. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Procurement Cards
|
|
June 15, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at how procurement cards - or P-cards
- work to control misuse through
setting of parameters on types,
amounts, locations and frequencies
of purchases. Also addressed are
benefits and drawbacks of procurement
card programs. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Why Would a CFO
Hire a CFO?
|
|
June 8, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at several situations - strategic
planning, formal audit preparation,
and the areas of mergers, acquisitions
and IPOs - that can prompt a CFO
to hire another CFO. Included are
three brief stories that illustrate
how contracted CFOs successfully
provide needed expertise and capacity.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
CFO vs. Controller:
Understanding the Differences
|
|
June 1, 2011 |
| |
| Many growing organizations
do not have a clear understanding
of the differences between the CFO
and the Controller. This article
examines the differences in skill
sets and duties and includes a table
that assigns 27 responsibilities
to either the CFO or the Controller
to support clarification. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Cash Flow Forecasting
|
|
May 25, 2011 |
| |
| A cash flow forecast,
or cash flow projection, is a key
element of financial strategy that
supports near-term financial processes,
overall capital structure and asset
valuations. This article looks at
the ways cash flow forecasting helps
assert financial control, at direct
and indirect methods of forecasting,
as well as at red flags linked to
variances between projections and
actual results. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Audit Preparation:
A Formula for High Return on Audit
Investment
|
|
May 18, 2011 |
| |
| If your next audit
were a stock you held, how would
you characterize the return you
would like to see? This CFO Edge
article looks at the three critical
audit success factors - preparation,
documentation and collaboration
- that contribute to better audit
outcomes and can result in lower
fees. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Revisiting Sarbanes-Oxley
Compliance
|
|
May 11, 2011 |
| |
| This CFO Edge article
discusses three SOX compliance strategies,
and recommendations address SOX
task force composition, as well
as SOX assessment and gap analysis.
The article also lists seven links
to online SOX resources that include
a Bloomberg Businessweek compilation
of up-to-date articles and four
SOX professional groups on LinkedIn.
|
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Reinventing Your
Company for Long Term Growth
|
|
May 4, 2011 |
| |
| Why is reinvention
so important? How do we identify
the right time to reinvent? And
what actions are required to reinvent
and continue to grow our businesses?
This CFO Edge article presents an
array of ideas and principles that
can help C-level executives move
toward a path of reinvention that
will keep their companies growing
in the years ahead. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Negotiating Fair
Financial Covenants
|
|
April 29, 2011 |
| |
| A slowly-recovering
economy, the tight credit market,
and upcoming changes to accounting
principles as a result of joint
FASB/IASB projects are making successful
financial covenant negotiation and
management more important than ever.
This article provides an overview
of financial covenant negotiation,
a look at current and upcoming factors
impacting covenants, and courses
of action to ensure successful financial
covenant management. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Traditional Budgeting
vs. Beyond Budgeting
|
|
April 21, 2011 |
| |
| This article looks
at three core differences between
two general approaches to the budgeting
process: Traditional Budgeting and
Beyond Budgeting. The latter is
characterized by a shift of authority
to front-line business teams that
can result in more agile responses
to customer needs. |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
IFRS vs. Convergence:
Three Findings and Three Actions
to Take Now
|
|
April 12, 2011 |
| |
| The article looks
at actions companies can take now
to prepare for the likely Q3 or
Q4 2011 statement by the Securities
and Exchange Commission that will
resolve whether U.S. public companies
will be required to report under
International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS). |
| |
|
Read the article summary |
Open the entire article as a PDF
|
| |
Lease Accounting
Changes: Three Observations and
Three Actions to Take
|
|
March 1, 2011 |
| |
| The FASB and IASB
joint exposure draft on proposed
lease accounting changes is pointing
to significant changes in reporting
that will impact areas from income
statements and balance sheets to
financial covenants, EBITDA calculations,
earn-outs, and compensation agreements.
|
| |
|
Read the article |
Open the article as a PDF
|
