CFO Series Day 2 - Chief Reviewer

Description

This presentation focuses on one key role we all share - being a reviewer. Every financial professional must review. We review; processes, systems, test results, performance, taxes, financials, timelines, and progress. The spotlight is to enhance our skills as reviewers. Are we great at listening, and asking the right questions? We will also discuss a high-level overview of taxation and the newer skills needed to be an effective financial leader. At every level, we are responsible for reviewing and improving ourselves, a responsibility that never ends. We cannot fall behind in an ever-changing, dynamic environment. Technology is always moving forward, just as we should.

Aren't We All Auditors? All the Time
Audits involve testing, review, examination, and verification. However, on another level - you and I audit; procedures, reports at work, who fulfilled commitments, systems, other people's driving skills, deliveries, etc. We all audit everything all the time, and that is wonderful. Auditing skills are valuable and necessary for our professional success and personal happiness. Every professional will audit what they encounter, including us. We will illustrate how continuous auditing skills are valuable, all the time. Whether you are an auditor, or not, our role as a business leader IS to audit continuously! Better leaders have these skills.

Audits Begin with The Right Questions: Listen!
Technology has boundless memory and can store all the answers, unlike humans. Regardless, technology and AI cannot discern the right questions to ask. Asking the right questions separates successful professionals from mediocre professionals. This session will take a big-picture approach and redefine auditing in a broader perspective which will deepen your skills, perspective, and know-how. The truth is that all professionals are auditors. We will illustrate three types of audits and dive into the most fundamental aspects of our daily work-lives that need constant attention, not seasonal treatments. We will show how to become a better listener and to ask better questions!

What We Can Do to Minimize Taxes: Without Danger
When stepping into a leadership role you may not have been exposed to all the various tax issues. We will take a thirty-thousand-foot view into corporate income taxes and some other taxes. The focus is to potentially lower taxes. We will explore what and how to communicate with your external accounting firm. What is the value of proper fixed asset schedules and their crucial role? Depreciation, qualified business income, and the employee retention credit will be reviewed. Keep a schedule, be prepared, because at the end of day - you will be held accountable and responsible for missed dates, missed opportunities, and also may be given credit for taxes saved. Be prepared and aware of tax savings alternatives.

Successful System Implementations: Planning!
System changes are common, so why does seemingly every new system update or installation have multiple, new problems? We will review the causes and effects, including a short-term outlook. We will focus on the best practices of successful organizations, specifically the one key task for success - proper planning. What are the steps to take? Which functions need to be involved? How to reduce risk? These actions can be applied to small system changes, system upgrades, or large ERP systems. Do not make the same mistake over and over - learn from others who have paid the hefty price.