CFO Series | Bundle Webinar Package

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Overview

After purchasing this webinar bundle package, you will automatically be registered for all five sessions included in the series for a total of 40 CPE credit hours, including four hours of ethics credit. See the bottom of the page for the full schedule of session dates and topics included in the series.

Save $50 by purchasing the bundle package versus registering for each session individually.

Highlights

The CFO Series provides a convenient, one-stop way for CFOs and those who aspire to be CFOs, to earn 40 hours of CPE credit, including four hours of ethics credit, with a single decision, featuring high-quality presentations and an interactive, executive level colleague-to-colleague approach with case studies, group discussions, and team exercises.

Prerequisites

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

Designed For

Financial leaders, regardless of title, who are, or aspire to be, chief financial officers. Discussions will be geared towards those working in medium-sized organizations.

This bundle contains the following events:

CFO Series: Decision Making in an Irrational World

Monday, September 14 7:30am - 3:30pm CDT

Live Virtual Seminar

8.00 Credits

Member Price: $325

What can we do when the world changes constantly? This four-topic course spotlights various methods to enhance decision-making in a dynamic, ever-changing environment, focusing on proven and new risk reduction techniques. Take an in-depth look at the practices that work and the ones that do not. The focus is straightforward: understanding risk and getting the most return from risk reduction with verified approaches to increase profitability. Module 1: Acute Uncertainty Will Never Go Away: Can We Prevent Our Plans from Failing? Perfection is fantasy and we must accept uncertainty. Most of our plans are useless and outdated within weeks after we think they are ‘finished’. Instead, we must change our way of thinking in a world where change is normal - and use better ways to plan. Some risks can be quantified, but most cannot. Some hazards are measurable, most are not. Discuss multiple tactics to minimize, as best as practical, threats and gambles so we can feel better about our decisions. We can do better at planning and dealing with uncertainties, but it is impossible to be perfect. Module 2: Decision Making in a Non-linear World: What They Did Not Teach in Management Accounting All decisions are about the future, and the future is uncertain. In today’s world, unpredictability is the rule, not the exception, and making business decisions can feel like rolling dice with ever-changing odds. We need better tactics and tools to improve our decision-making process. We must challenge the decision-making process itself, outdated assumptions, and uncover fresh insights that transform how we plan, decide, and succeed, showing that uncertainty doesn’t have to mean instability - it can be the catalyst for smarter, stronger decisions. Module 3: Advanced Financial Analysis: Choosing the Right Tools in a World Full of Randomness Humans are hard-wired to fear uncertainty, but we can learn from the ambiguity that is common today. The upside of uncertainty is that it is the gateway to new possibilities, including new tools. The analytical tools we currently use were designed for the physical world, but today we live in a data-driven digital world, especially for those in the service economy. What are the best tools to deal with unknowns and ambiguity in today’s environment? Learn how to use the right tools in the proper manner. Module 4: Diversification: A Risky or Risk Averse Strategy Diversification is often seen as a safe strategy to reduce risk, but when misused, diversification actually creates greater risk. Many organizations fall into this trap, with costly consequences. The intention for diversification is critical. Many organizations misuse diversification, and the blunders have been staggering. What lessons can we learn? How can diversification be implemented to achieve the intended goals? One key is to use a holistic approach, which we will elaborate and explain, only then will diversification be advantageous. Leaders, the board, auditors, and team members must be aware of the myriad issues of diversification. Done right – diversification is a boon. Learn what to do, how to do it properly - and what not to do.

CFO Series: AI in the Digital World

Monday, October 5 7:30am - 3:30pm CDT

Live Virtual Seminar

8.00 Credits

Member Price: $325

This presentation focuses on four perspectives on how technology has changed our profession and life. Are you and your organization using AI? Are you using AI effectively? We must stay abreast of and be aware of the myriad uses, perils, ethics, and advantages of AI. Module 1: Living in the World of AI – How AI Has Changed Ethics AI (Artificial Intelligence) has already reshaped the way we work, offering immense opportunities alongside serious ethical and organizational challenges. How should we use AI responsibly without slowing innovation? Is using AI ethical? Is it right? Is not using AI ethical? How can we build trust in tools we don’t fully understand, avoid bias, and address employee resistance? Explore how to deploy AI ethically, engage teams with clarity, and ensure these powerful tools are used in ways that empower people, strengthen organizations, and create sustainable long-term value. The goal is to make better use of the power of AI, in a sustainable and ethical way. Module 2: Accounting in the Age of AI: What Every Leader Must Know AI is showing up everywhere, from “autonomous” general ledgers to AI-powered fraud detection and tax research agents. But for many leaders, these tools are either misunderstood or overhyped. Staff are concerned about being replaced. Managers are concerned about the use of AI causing chaos. Learn a grounded look at how AI is impacting real-world accounting departments. Explore how these tools work, what they can (and can’t) do, and what finance leaders should be doing now to prepare their teams and processes for the changes that will happen. Module 3: AI Is Not the Enemy: Practical Tools to Harness Technology Are you and your organization using AI effectively today? AI is not coming - it’s here already. As a leader, you do not need to be an engineer, but you must be in control. Conscientious professionals must get a clear handle on AI - what it does well, where it goes wrong, and how to keep it from becoming a liability. Discuss the real risks behind the buzzwords, from deepfakes and fraud to flawed decision tools and hidden bias. Break down what smart oversight looks like and how AI can expose gaps in your internal controls. Most importantly, this is not all doom-and-gloom. It is about how to lead confidently in a world where AI plays a growing role in financial decision-making - whether you are already deploying AI or not? Module 4: Beyond Likes and Shares: Can Social Media Really Work at Work? In our social media world of scrolling, liking, sharing, and sometimes reporting; there is a dilemma that hits hard in the workplace. Should we use social media and how can we use social media responsibly? Can we separate our personal self from our professional self? Discuss the numerous errors made when dealing with social media and the negative fallout. Social media often drives cultural trends and conversations. Even if someone is not directly participating in these conversations online, they may still be exposed to them through mainstream media, conversations with others, or public events. Review what is acceptable, and not, for a professional. Your people ARE using social media, but are they using it to inadvertently damage the organization and the brand? Be prepared with a plan before a social media fiasco happens.

CFO Series: Driving Efficiency

Monday, November 23 7:30am - 3:30pm CST

Live Virtual Seminar

8.00 Credits

Member Price: $325

“It’s the little things that matter.” We are so busy that we sometimes fail to do the fundamental duties as well as we should. How can we get more out of every audit, reduce the pressure, and streamline the process? What lessons can we learn from diabolical and brazen fraud activities? We need to re-examine our internal controls so they will be effective today and will scale to remain effective in the future. Even the Statement of Cash Flows can be made much more effective. These ‘little things’ can and do have an outsized impact. Review today’s best practices and learn from the mistakes made by others to become more efficient. Module 1: Audit Survival Toolkit: Tactics to Reduce Stress and Get Through Audits with Confidence If the word “audit” makes your team groan - you are not alone. Whether it is an internal review, a regulatory exam, or a full-blown financial audit, most finance and accounting teams face scrutiny from multiple directions. Learn how to understand what auditors are really looking for, how to align your goals with theirs, and what you can do to make the audit process smoother, less stressful, and more productive. Explore what to expect during each phase of the audit - planning, fieldwork, and reporting - and walk away with practical strategies to improve your communication, documentation, and overall preparedness. Whether you are supporting an external audit, prepping for compliance testing, or working with internal auditors, learn how to help your team respond with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Learn how to streamline the audit process – so it is easier for you and for the auditors - which saves time and money. Module 2: Internal Controls That Matter: Protection with Simple, Smart, and Scalable Practices Internal controls don’t have to be complicated - but they must be effective and intentional. In many organizations, especially small to mid-sized ones, internal controls are informal or incomplete, exposing teams to unnecessary risk. This discussion helps finance and accounting professionals understand what internal controls really are, why they matter, and how to build systems that actually work - without overwhelming your people or processes. Discuss how to design, implement, and monitor core controls - across financial reporting, operations, and compliance - using real-world examples that scale to fit your organization. Whether you're starting from scratch or tightening what’s already there, learn how to put the right checks and balances in place to protect your resources, your people, and your reputation. Module 3: Cash Flow Clarity: Effectively Communicate Cash Flows to Drive Better Decisions The cash flow statement is one of the most confusing financial reports - yet it has the potential to deliver the essential keys to understand business performance. After all, cash is still both king and queen! Explore how to present, interpret, and communicate cash flows effectively to help CEOs, boards, and decision-makers drive smarter results. By using the Sources and Uses format, professionals can make the statement more intuitive and actionable. Learn how to simplify cash flow information and focus discussions on what matters most: how cash is generated and deployed. Explore how to confidently present this powerful financial statement to non-financial leaders. Module 4: Amazingly Crazy Fraud Cases - Fraud So Wild It Shouldn’t Be Real Some fraud cases are so unbelievable, they sound like Hollywood scripts, but they are all real - and we can learn a lot from them. In this fast-paced, story-driven discussion, review some outrageous fraud cases - from forged financials and luxury lifestyles to deepfakes and fake companies that fooled the smartest people in the room. Hear the stories, spot the red flags, and walk away with practical takeaways to help strengthen your professional skepticism, identify fraud warning signs, and build a better fraud prevention mindset.

CFO Series: Indispensable Skills

Monday, January 11 7:30am - 3:30pm CST

Live Virtual Seminar

8.00 Credits

Member Price: $325

Whether you are a seasoned executive or a young staff professional, you are involved with tasks that can make or break the organization. Raising financing is the single most important duty of leadership, especially for those in finance. Learn how to raise capital efficiently, detailing a proven process. Strategy is vital, but most organizations do a poor job of implementing their strategy. Are you getting the most out of our talent? Do you really understand which clients are valuable and which are not? Are you retaining your top talent and getting the most from their contributions? Module 1: Raising Capital: How to Execute the Leaders’ Most Crucial Responsibility The most essential challenge for any organization is to raise capital. Without financing – there are no employees and no bank accounts. What is the process to raise funds to finance an organization? What are the alternatives in addition to debt or equity? What are the pros and cons of each? To successfully raise financing, you must plan extensively, have multiple alternatives, and consider the transaction from the investor’s perspective. Raising financing is a tricky challenge, tailored to suit each individual organization. Whether you are the CEO, CFO, board member, accountant, consultant, or advisor – this discussion will help you understand what to consider when raising financing. Module 2: Accounting for People: Workforce Trends and Talent to Add Value Leaders are increasingly responsible for the human resources function, despite limited formal training in people management. Explore how to account for people as a valued asset rather than an expense. Managing the costs, trends, and risks associated with today’s ever-changing workforce has changed. From recruiting and retention to engagement and compensation alternatives. The modern leader must understand how employee-related decisions drive both performance and profitability. Examine the financial implications of HR trends, workforce planning, and the evolving role of talent strategy and how to influence investments in people through accounting and reporting tools. Successful organizations have moved employees to the left side of their balance sheet. Have you? Module 3: Rethinking Your Customers to Maximize Profitability: Identifying the Right Clients Some customers are unprofitable from an economic or time perspective – but many organizations do not differentiate or know the difference. When an organization has a unique, well-differentiated service or product, understanding value from the customer’s perspective becomes a crucial factor in profitable pricing. We must take the time to fully understand what our customers value - from the customer’s point of view. What is value? Why do brand, value, and customer focus matter? Developing a deep understanding of our customers is vital. Our most important customer might be someone we have not yet recognized. Understanding both external clients and internal stakeholders - including the evolving role of the finance department, is critical to long-term success. Module 4: Activate and Execute Your Strategy: Turn Planning into Results Organizations that execute a wise strategy succeed; others are executed in the market. Many organizations invest significant time in strategic planning but fall short when it comes to execution. According to McKinsey, most fail to properly execute their strategy. Explore the critical transition from strategy to performance while challenging outdated planning models and myths. We often do not think of strategy in the same context of longer-term organizational projects like ERP transitions or risk management. Why should you consider “killing” your current plan and building a new plan centered around financial performance? Dive into the reasons strategy fails, uncover the practical tools for bridging the planning-performance gap, and explore how strong financial integration enables strategy to succeed.

CFO Series: Essential Cost Containment

Monday, January 18 7:30am - 3:30pm CST

Live Virtual Seminar

8.00 Credits

Member Price: $325

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 your internal and external customers truly understand your 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. Discuss the ethics of creativity – is creativity good or bad or a mixed bag? Explore how, and specifically what, you can do to rein in costs and get the most from what the organization already has and remains ethical. Learn to become better at controlling the right costs and becoming more successful. Module 1: Improving Profitability the Right Way: How to Cut the Right Costs Cost cutting is easy, cutting the right costs is not. 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, explore how to cut the right costs correctly and avoid career-killing blunders. Module 2: Building High Performing Teams: Cohesive Teams Get Results 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 in a small team that needs improvement, explore proven techniques to enhance teamwork. It is not complicated to build a team, but it takes effort. Module 3: Do Creative Accountants Belong in Prison? True or False? 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. Review the negative consequences of creativity and how to properly utilize resourcefulness and imagination. Creativity can easily be great or disreputable, learn how to make it work for you – and be ethical. Module 4: Storytelling Your Financials for Impact: Narrative Beats Numbers 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, 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. Explore the tools to turn financial statements into strategic storytelling assets. Clients do not recall numbers, but they do remember stories.