In the dynamic world of corporate finance, the role of a CFO encompasses a vast array of responsibilities, from accounting and risk management to strategic planning and acquisitions. With the increasing expectation for CFOs to act as chief advisors to CEOs, the challenge lies in mastering these multifaceted duties while steering the company towards financial viability and growth. This complexity can often seem overwhelming. Our online self study CPE course, "The CFO Guidebook," presents a targeted solution to these challenges. Covering essential topics like control environment, mergers and acquisitions, budgeting, and cash management, this online course provides detailed advice on each aspect of the CFO's role. Furthermore, it addresses contemporary issues like going public and managing information technology risks. By the end of this CPE course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles effectively, ensuring their companies are well-positioned for long-term success in today's competitive business landscape.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Chapter 1
Identify the key responsibilities of the CFO position, and key aspects of CFO relations with the controller and CEO;
Chapter 2
Specify the stages in strategy development, strategy types, and the role of the CFO in strategy;
Chapter 3
Cite the methods for identifying and mitigating risks, especially in regard to foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk;
Chapter 4
Identify the types of controls, when they should be used, and the characteristics of better controls;
Chapter 5
Recognize the characteristics of the cash conversion cycle;
Chapter 6
Identify the strategies under which acquisitions are made, the steps in the due diligence process, the characteristics of a strong acquisition candidate, and the various methods for valuing an acquisition candidate;
Chapter 7
Specify the advantages and disadvantages of budgeting, types of budgets, and how to operate without a budget;
Chapter 8
Itemize the different types of product pricing and the situations in which they are most useful;
Chapter 9
Identify the methods and concepts used to evaluate capital budgeting proposals, as well as the alternatives to fixed asset acquisition;
Chapter 10
State the methods used to construct and update a cash forecast, as well as the methods employed to concentrate cash for investment purposes;
Chapter 11
Cite the available cash investment strategies and the more common investment instruments;
Chapter 12
Identify the types of debt funding and associated covenants;
Chapter 13
Specify the types of equity funding, the investor rights associated with these instruments, and the types of investors who may invest in them;
Chapter 14
Identify the main credit rating agencies, the types of credit ratings, and the process for obtaining and appealing a credit rating;
Chapter 15
Specify the processes by which a company can go public or take itself private and the reasons for going public or private;
Chapter 16
Cite the reasons for being listed on a stock exchange and the qualifications for listing on the various exchanges;
Chapter 17
Identify the participants in and topics covered by an earnings call, the use of guidance, the topics covered in a road show, and the regulations governing investor relations;
Chapter 18
Identify the major public company reports, key reporting concepts, and the method by which reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
Chapter 19
Specify how float can be increased, as well as alternative methods for selling shares; and
Chapter 20
State how competitive advantage can be gained from the use of information technology (IT), as well as how to manage risk with IT.
Major Topics
The CFO Position
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
The Control Environment
Performance Measurements
Mergers and Acquisitions
Budgeting and Forecasting
Product Pricing
Capital Budgeting
Cash Management
Investment Management
Fund Raising with Debt
Fund Raising with Equity
Credit Rating Agencies
Going Public and Going Private
Stock Exchanges
Investor Relations
Public Company Financial Reporting
Share Management
Information Technology
