CFO Series: Preparing for Trouble

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! 

Whether you are a seasoned executive or a staff professional, we all have seen the damage from a crisis and 'unexpected' trouble. Ignoring potential issues is inane in today's environment. Leaders prevent problems. We will discuss how to prepare for and deal with a crisis, proven strategies to detect scams, and how to thoroughly investigate fraud: There is a right way and a wrong way. Additionally, what is artificial intelligence, how will it change the finance function, and what new skills must we develop? Trouble is everywhere, it is best to plan in advance rather than attempt to not fall further behind. Those who are prepared are always more successful. Prepare with us!

Highlights

Navigating the Storm: Crisis Management for Resilient Firms 
1 Auditing credit and 1 Business Management and Organization credit 

• Whether it is changes in the market, a global pandemic, or loss of a supplier, at some point, most organizations will face a crisis. How you respond can make or break your organization. This intensive seminar on crisis management and business continuity planning will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage crises confidently and ensure that your organization stays resilient. Resilient organizations recover faster from crises. Learn what successful organizations do. Failing to plan for the next crisis is planning to fail. 

Proven Strategies for Effective Fraud Detection and Prevention 
2 Auditing credits 

• Fraud impacts over 80% of all organizations, costing over $10 billion annually. Do you aim to fortify your organization, or your client's, against fraud risks? We address how to instill a robust anti-fraud culture, and give you the tools needed to proactively prevent, detect, and manage fraudulent activities. Prevention is vital for success. Do not wait to protect the organization. 

CFO or Detective? A Guide to Conducting Effective Investigations 
2 Auditing credits 

• CFOs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Practical Applications for Finance 
1 Accounting credit and 1 Auditing credit 

• Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Machine Learning (“ML”) are being deployed in organizations large and small at a rapidly increasing rate. Your organization is testing, deploying, and refining AI-powered applications across a variety of departments and business functions. Why should this matter to accounting, internal audit, finance, and cyber professionals? Should our teams be testing and deploying also? How and why can AI be used in accounting and auditing? During this interactive session we will demonstrate and describe the differences between chat-based AI search tools and more robust AI-powered applications, e.g., an app to help prioritize and dispatch IT help desk tickets. The session will include example policies for responsible and ethical AI and resources to help curious professionals learn more about these subjects. These technologies are powerful and quite capable: They are not without risk. With great power comes great responsibility. These technologies can also be misused (accidentally or intentionally) to destroy value instead of creating it. We will also discuss which is the greater risk: a) not using these new technologies or b) misusing these new technologies. Leading organizations have been using AI and ML. Successful leaders must be aware of the pros and cons and how to properly utilize these tools. 

Prerequisites

• Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with basic fraud concepts
• Preferably at least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience

Designed For

Corporate financial leaders, corporate financial managers, CEOs, CFOs, controllers, accountants, board members, advisors, and consultants; CPAs in public practice and CPAs in industry; business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who are interested in enhancing their ability to manage in a crisis, enhance their fraud detection and prevention capabilities and remain current with artificial intelligence to be prepared for the changes today and in the future.

Objectives

• Identify potential threats and conduct rapid risk assessments. Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan tailored to your organization. Implement effective communication strategies during a crisis and before. Create a business continuity plan with essential recovery strategies. Lead your organization confidently through crises and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Identify key fraud indicators and red flags within organizational processes. Implement strategies to establish a strong anti-fraud culture. How are culture and fraud connected? Enhance awareness of fraud risks and prevention techniques. Learn the tools to evaluate and improve internal controls for proactive fraud management.
• Understand the proper process to conduct an internal investigation. What are some of the risks, legal issues, and pitfalls?
• Recognize and accept that AI and ML are important new technologies that will impact nearly every organization. Understand the risks, advantages, and the issues of deploying AI and ML. Better understand how to optimize the effectiveness of AI and ML.

Preparation

None

Notice

This seminar includes case studies for group discussion.