Description

This event is a rebroadcast of a live event.

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The CFO Series provides a convenient, one-stop way for CFOs and those who aspire to be CFOs, to earn 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.

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We all want to make the organization more profitable, but do we do it the best way? Many simply hack away at costs and then repeat the same unwieldy process every eighteen months. Do our internal and external customers truly understand our numbers? There is a better way to communicate financial information, so they DO understand and take the proper actions. Building an effective team always results in improved performance, talent retention and reduces costs. We also discuss the ethics of creativity – is creativity good or bad or a mixed bag? We will discuss how, and specifically what, you can do to rein in costs and get the most from what the organization already has and remains ethical. These four sessions will help you become better at controlling the right costs and becoming more successful.

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This course qualifies for 1 hour of Accounting & Auditing credit and 2 hours of Ethics credit.

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<b>Module 1: Improving Profitability the Right Way: How to Cut the Right Costs</b>

Cost cutting is easy, cutting the right costs is NOT easy. Most cost-cutting exercises fail either; by cutting the wrong costs, cutting too much, ignoring interrelated impacts, taking shortcuts, cutting too little or waiting too late. The internal politics are problematic. One key solution is to take sufficient time to plan properly and assess the true goals and objectives? Planning is essential, we will show you how to cut the right costs correctly and avoid career-killing blunders.

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<b>Module 2: Building High Performing Teams: Cohesive Teams Get Results</b>

Teamwork is the ultimate competitive advantage both because it is so powerful and so rare. Why do some teams produce and win, while others fail? What do great team leaders do that makes the team a success? Whether you run the executive staff of a multinational company, a small department within a large organization or even if you are a team member in a small team that needs improvement, we will share proven techniques to enhance teamwork. It is not complicated to build a team, but it takes effort, and we will show you how.

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<b>Module 3: Do Creative Accountants Belong in Prison? True or False?</b>

Creativity is one of the top ten most desirable traits, but should everyone, including accountants, be creative? Are there exceptions? What are the positives and the downsides of creativity? Creativity can be used for good, but creativity can also lead to serious, unethical behaviors. There is a strong relationship between creativity and dishonesty. We will review the negative consequences of creativity and discuss how to properly utilize resourcefulness and imagination. The title is not rhetorical – creativity can easily be great or disreputable, learn how to make it work for you – and be ethical.

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<b>Module 4: Storytelling Your Financials for Impact: Narrative Beats Numbers</b>

Data alone does not drive decisions—stories do. Financial professionals must go beyond spreadsheets and craft compelling financial narratives that engage boards, CEOs, and team members. Using real-world examples, we will demonstrate how to frame financial results within a broader business story, drawing insights and communicating tangible meaning - instead of just displaying boring numbers. Learn how to shift from “presenting financials” to telling a story that aligns with strategic goals, inspires confidence, and drives action. This session equips attendees with the tools to turn financial statements into strategic storytelling assets. Our clients do not recall numbers, but they do remember stories. Stories are memorable, we will show you how.

Target Audience

This series is designed for financial leaders, regardless of title, who are, or aspire to be, chief financial officers. We target the discussions to people in medium-sized organizations.

Course Objectives

• Understanding how to choose which costs to cut and which not to cut

• Defining the role and purpose of each cost cutting exercise.

• Review non-traditional approaches to cut costs.

• Understanding the symptoms of poor teamwork.

• Appreciating proven techniques to enhance cooperation, trust, communication, listening and teamwork.

• Understanding that the best leaders are unselfish and put the team first.

• Understanding how creativity may lead to unethical actions.

• The relationship between ethics and creativity.

• How to properly utilize creativity in a beneficial manner.

• Understand the benefits of storytelling in financial communication.

• Identify the elements of telling a story and relating them in a compelling financial narrative and apply these techniques to enhance board and executive presentations.

Subjects

Module 1: Improving Profitability the Right Way: How to Cut the Right Costs

• Understanding what the goal really is

o Better planning, ready aim and then fire.

o What are the crucial considerations

• Why do others in the organization hate to cut costs?

• What are the ‘ripple’ effects?

• What are the right costs to cut and not to cut?

o What are the more common mistakes made?

o The need to consider politics, culture, and strategy!

o Fourteen (14) different perspectives to utilize to cut costs efficiently

o Over fifty (50) uncommon cost cutting possibilities

• How to prepare for the next cost cutting exercise

• A proven process to cut the right cost in an organization.

Module 2: Building High Performing Teams: Cohesive Teams Get Results

• What are the five clear signals that teamwork is broken?

o The pervasive myths about teams

• Why conflict is necessary for effective teams

• Why winning teams are built on and depend on trust

o The value of assessments and diversity

• Your fifteen-step action plan to build trust and enhance teamwork

• Retaining your best talent

• The essential steps leaders must take to enable teamwork to flourish.

Module 3: Do Creative Accountants Belong in Prison? True or False?

• Should accountants be creative?

o The pros and cons of creativity

• The inherent problems of creativity

o Creativity is not an excuse!

• The tangled correlations between creativity, ethics, and dishonesty

• The interrelationship between the Code of Professional Conduct and creativity.

o Citations from the Code of Professional Conduct.

• What is the impact of creative accounting on our constituencies?

• How to effectively and ethically harness creativity

Module 4: Storytelling Your Financials for Impact: Narrative Beats Numbers

• Why does storytelling always beat data-dumping in financial communication?

• Anatomy of a great financial story: structure, characters, and turning points

• The role of context, trends, and insights in financial messaging

• How Apple uses financial storytelling to engage stakeholders

• Visual tools and techniques to support your narrative

• Communicating with non-financial audiences: clarity without oversimplification

Prerequisites

Participants should have at least six months of industry or public experience and a thorough knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices. Management experience is helpful.