CFO Techniques

by Guzik, Marina

• ISBN13: 9781430237563
• ISBN10: 1430237562
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-08
• Publisher: Apress

Summary

CFO Techniques: A Hands-on Guide to Keeping Your Business Solvent and Successfulis a comprehensive and instructive book that provides a working manual for multitasking chief financial officers and controllers working in the fast-paced commercial environment. Every senior financial professional with an ever-broadening span of control will benefit from this complete outline of the core activities-with specific descriptions of individual tasks-comprising the daily agenda of a successful CFO or controller. It covers everything from traditional responsibilities like budgeting and financial reporting, to more innovative tasks like performance analytics and business strategy development. While emphasizing specific guidelines on what it takes to excel as a company's head of finance, the book refrains from overwhelming dryness by using cultural references, real-life examples, and a casual tone. With bite-sized, easy-to-read chapters with solid content, CFO Techniquesserves as both an invaluable desktop reference handbook and a good bedtime read. Whether you need a quick recommendation on treasury procedures, adhering to GAAP, keeping funds safe from embezzlers, or advice on dealing with the CEO, you will find the answers in this book. Guides you through CFO/controller core responsibilities, function by function Serves as a reference manual on financial matters specific to the small and mid-size commercial environment Goes beyond finance and accounting, addressing the administrative and behavioral issues all CFOs occasionally experience What you'll learn How to define functions under your control Best practices for each CFO/controller function Select tasks crucial for survival and growth of the company How to formulate processes and procedures To organize daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines How to identify reporting and analytical requirements How to establish internal and external working relationships How to keep the organization on the right side of the law and regulation at all times Who this book is for CFO Techniques: A Hands-on Guide to Keeping Your Business Solvent and Successfulis for professionals who have built their careers in accounting and finance and reached-or are nearing-the top level. It's for chief financial officers, controllers, financial directors, and vice presidents who work in small and mid-size companies characterized by flatter organizational structures and wider scopes of responsibilities. CFO Techniques is equally useful for those charting their functions and tasks for the first time, as well as for those who have been in their positions for some time and want to make sure that nothing is amiss.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What It Takes to Succeed, or How Long Is Your Hat Rack?

What's So Special About Smaller Businesses?

Titles vs. Job Description

CFO's Mission and Aspirations

The Eight Balls You Cannot Afford to Drop

Essential Knowledge Prerequisites

Commercial and Financial Policies

Procedures Development and Documentation

Internal Controls

The Weakest Link

Budgeting as a Control Mechanism

Commercial Control

Variety and Nature of Capital Resources

Business Type vs. Financial Resources

Soliciting Lenders and Investors

Nurturing Financial Relationships

Essence of Treasury Function

Cash Flow Projections

Cash Position Reports

Receivables and Payables Management

Cash Management Services

Information Technology Needs and Decisions

Data Processing and Quality Control

Performance Analytics and Executive Reports

The Importance of Segmental Analysis

Ad-hoc Reporting

Find Your Applicable GAAP, FASB, SFAS, and SOP

Accounting Cycles Identification

The Most Important Statement: Cash Flow

Choose Your Auditors Wisely and Educate Them

What Guarantees Fast and Painless Audits

Insured Risks

Commercial Risks

Tax and Regulations Compliance

Strategic Planning

Practical Forecasting and Scenario Modeling

New Ventures

Exit Strategies

Human Resources Management

Hiring and Outsourcing

The Importance of Behavioral Assessment

Appendix: Online Resources

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.