CFO Series: Minding the GAAP

Overview

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. 

Each topic and each day stand 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 presentation focuses on four key roles that every financial leader shares: Staying abreast and aware of the myriad changes in GAAP accounting, the impact on the balance sheet, correctly financing the organization, and properly paying state and local taxes. We must be vigilant and current. Many seasoned executives do not properly analyze the lease-versus-buy decision. GAAP is ever-changing. What are the issues that will impact our balance sheet? The spotlight is to enhance our financial skills and accounting. Accounting is always moving forward, just as we should. Otherwise, we may be left behind.

Highlights

Deciphering Balance Sheet Accounting Issues 
2 Accounting credits 

• We mostly focus on the income statement, but what about other accounting concerns? This seminar discusses multiple common balance sheet issues, both on the books and off, that have an impact on our stakeholders and the value of the organization. Using practical analysis and case discussions, we highlight several key tools in understanding and communicating the importance of the cornerstone of accounting: The balance sheet. We must understand the real drivers of accounting issues to ensure that the balance sheet will be exemplary. 

Lease or Buy, Debt or Equity: The Financing Decision, Theory and Practice 
2 Finance credits 

• Is there a perfect mix of financing that we should aspire to achieve? What does financial theory tell us we should do? What is the cost of our financing decisions? Should we lease an asset or buy it outright? How do we analyze this decision? How can we survive financial distress? These are all topics that every enterprise faces. In this seminar we will look at theory and practice to help resolve the dilemmas. If you are involved with financing the organization, this seminar is essential. 

Dealing with Ever Changing Accounting Standards and Other Demands 
2 Accounting credits 

• GAAP is changing at an increasing rate. Financial leaders are faced with the dual challenge of navigating evolving accounting standards while strategically guiding their organizations toward sustainable growth and profitability. What are the newer accounting changes that will impact professional accounting? This seminar will equip finance professionals with the critical skills and practical insights needed to effectively manage the complexities of ever-changing accounting standards and upgrade your essential strategic planning skills. Strategies that do not keep pace with the market are doomed to fail. If we do not keep up, our successor will. 

SALT for CFOs: What You Don’t Know and Should Know 
2 Tax credits 

• The changes to state and local taxation are numerous and profound. What are the major changes to state and local taxes (“SALT”) beyond Wayfair? Be aware of the new, creative methods used to raise taxes. Why does every state need more revenue? How have the rules changed? What information, accounting systems and software could be helpful? Virtually every organization may not be SALT compliant, the risk is real. For leaders who are not tax focused, you at least need to understand the risks of noncompliance and to learn more about minimizing those risks. Avoid penalties! 

Prerequisites

• Preferably at least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience
• Clear understanding of discounted cash flow analysis and net present value

Designed For

This seminar is ideal for financial leaders, financial managers, board members, CFOs, those who aspire to become a CFO, finance executives, accounting professionals, CPAs, controllers, accountants, advisors, and consultants; CPAs in public practice and CPAs in industry, and decision-makers seeking to enhance their financial acumen and excel as a leader in a world where accounting is changing.

Objectives

• This seminar will teach how to appreciate the paramount need for an excellent balance sheet and to emphasize the critical nature of using both a) practical analysis and b) common sense in our application and approach to balance sheet accounting.
• Learn how to determine the optimum mix of debt and equity as well as how to properly evaluate the decision to lease an asset and understand the complexity of balancing debt versus equity.
• Understand the need for GAAP accounting to continuously improve and grasp the need to be directly involved in strategic planning and its value.
• Recognize some of the numerous new methods that individual tax jurisdictions are employing to raise tax revenue and the impact on cross border (interstate) operations. Be aware of the changes in SALT taxation so your employer/clients can be in compliance.

Preparation

None

Notice

This seminar includes case studies for group discussion. This seminar is interactive and will solicit discussion throughout the entire session.