**INCLUDED IN MAIN CONFERENCE PASS | IN PERSON ONLY**

Join us for a vital 2.5-hour workshop led by Mike Foster. This interactive session is designed for CPAs and financial executives, focusing on the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. Participants will delve into various threats, including ransomware, data breaches, and financial fraud. In this workshop, you'll engage in a variety of practical exercises such as risk assessment, creating cybersecurity plans, and incident response plan management, all designed to enhance your ability to safeguard sensitive information and understand the complexities of modern cybersecurity challenges. Expect to leave with a notepad full of actionable steps to implement immediately, enhancing both professional and personal digital security.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and mitigate key cybersecurity risks in financial sectors
• Apply effective strategies to protect against ransomware and data breaches
• Analyze remote work security to safeguard sensitive organizational data
• Analyze and improve the security measures of common technologies
• Determine a personalized, actionable cybersecurity plan for your organization

**INCLUDED IN MAIN CONFERENCE PASS | IN PERSON ONLY**

The acceleration of digital transformation has been consistently identified as one of the top 5 challenges by executives participating in the AICPA & CIMA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group. In this workshop, Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Amplifiers, Tom Finegan will demonstrate how to deliver strategic and transformative change by relying on the efforts of key, exemplary followers.

This working session will help you identify the styles, motives, and traits of leaders, followers, and amplifiers in your finance team and throughout the organization, including the different ways that being a true amplifier is experienced by different ethnicities and genders. Participants in this interactive workshop will be given the tools to facilitate sessions in their own organization to activate leaders and followers and build the right talent framework that will enable the change needed to get to the next level.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the common styles, motives, and traits of leaders, followers, and amplifiers
• Identify the tools needed to scout for Amplifiers at their own organization and empower them to drive improved team performance
• Determine how to best leverage their organization’s amplifiers, leaders, and followers to achieve outcomes for the financial health of the organization

Join Chris Dyer, a renowned CEO and best-selling author, in this impactful session on mastering workplace culture. Learn how to navigate the challenges of retaining talent, managing performance, and balancing innovation with tradition. Remember, design what you want, or deal with what you get!

Drawing from his extensive experience as a CEO and insights from his best-selling books, Chris will reveal the seven critical elements that shape a successful workplace environment. This session is not just about theories; it's a practical guide to actionable strategies that enhance leadership, drive organizational progress, and focus on performance, productivity, and profits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key aspects of a strong culture and how to implement them
• Apply effective methods for keeping top talent and managing team performance
• Determine how to maintain a healthy balance between innovation and tradition in your cultural approach
• Recognize straightforward strategies to connect with your team and initiate cultural change
• Identify ways to boost your ability to propel your organization towards heightened performance and profitability

Every company is now a technology company, regardless of industry or customer focus. The pace of new technologies and applications constantly accelerates, often faster than budgets and organizational readiness. In this session, we will discuss how to evaluate and prioritize technology investments while focusing on business outcomes. Technology trends come and go, but ROI is everything!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify new technologies with higher potential ROI
• Select new technologies to support achieving successful outcomes

Feeling trapped in a sea of spreadsheets? As a CFO, you know your worth goes far beyond crunching numbers. But are endless reconciliations and budget battles holding you back from the strategic thinking that drives real growth? It's time to unleash your secret weapon: the power of fractional financial partners. Imagine a nimble team of seasoned experts, ready to tackle your accounting to strategic finance needs so focus on what you do best – steering your company.

Join us and discover how partnering with fractional finance resources can break the chains of operational overload, unlock hidden agility, and propel your financial vision to new heights. Get ready to ditch the drudgery and unleash the true power of your financial leadership.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how to leverage your fractional financial partners to implement cost-saving measures
• Recognize practical frameworks for integrating fractional resources into your existing team
• Identify proven techniques for transitioning from operational to strategic leadership

In today's rapidly changing business environment, traditional budgeting and forecasting methods may not be effective in helping organizations manage uncertainty and adapt to a shifting environment. Agile budgeting and forecasting techniques are becoming an increasingly critical way to help organizations navigate uncertainty, identify risks and opportunities, and respond quickly to changes. Participants in this session will come away with a clear understanding of how agile budgeting and forecasting can help their organization stay ahead of the curve. Based off our experiences at Unum, participants will learn practical tools and techniques for implementing these principles effectively and gain insights from real-world examples.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply the key principles of agile budgeting and forecasting and how they can help your organization navigate uncertainty and adapt to changing market conditions
• Identify relevant targets for your organization and learn how to track performance and adjust your financial plans to align with strategic objectives
• Analyze real world examples that highlight how successfully implemented agile planning has been key to meeting business objectives
• Use best practices for developing flexible financial models that can adapt to changing circumstances, including the use of “what-if” analyses and sensitivity analysis

This session will provide participants with an overview of accounting pronouncements recently issued by the FASB, as well as the FASB's current technical agenda and research projects.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the FASB's current technical agenda and research projects
• Identify recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including when and how those accounting pronouncements may affect companies

Join our panel of seasoned financial leaders and industry experts in the CFO/CAO Roundtable. This engaging discussion is tailored for professionals stepping into the roles of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the intricacies of the crucial first 100 days. From aligning with organizational objectives to building robust relationships with stakeholders, our panelists will share practical strategies and real-world experiences, providing valuable insights to ensure a successful transition.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine key priorities and apply effective strategies to successfully onboard in the first 100 days as CFO or CAO
• Identify how to align your financial leadership strategies with organizational objectives to contribute effectively to the overall success of the company

Join AI expert Mike Foster in this insightful session empowering finance professionals to harness the latest AI technologies for enhanced efficiency and competitive advantage. Discover the transformative power of AI, understand its benefits in finance, and receive a personal, actionable checklist for immediate implementation. Stay updated and lead your organization into a future shaped by AI innovation.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the role of AI in Finance: Grasp the fundamentals of AI technology and its specific applications in finance
• Analyze Efficiency and Process Streamlining: Learn strategies to employ AI for increasing operational efficiency and streamlining financial processes
• Identify the Competitive Edge: Explore how AI tools can give your organization a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving financial landscape
• Apply Actionable Insights: Gain a personalized checklist of AI strategies and tools that can be immediately implemented in your role
• Determine Relevance of Staying Current: Receive guidance on how finance leaders can stay ahead

Enjoy a blend of vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breath work. The private instructor will guide you through the class and it will be a great opportunity to unwind and relax before the day's sessions begin. The class will be good for beginners or advanced yogis!

*Yoga mats, towels & bottles of water will be included.

*Space is limited & pre-registration is required. If you do not pre-register, we cannot guarantee there will be availability for this activity the day-of.

In this session we will discuss the social and economic factors that have and will continue to influence sales tax changes across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the forces at play causing sales tax to adapt and evolve
• Analyze changes that may be in store for the future

The promise of AI/Machine Learning is real, but what can accountants do today to take advantage of this technology without putting their company at risk? In this session learn how AI can automate mundane tasks, surface potential issues, and offer intelligent advice. Learn about the cost, accuracy, and best practices for rolling out AI/ML technologies. Understand what can be accomplished today and what capabilities will be coming in the future.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize AI/ML technology and its potential impact on accounting
• Identify best practices to practically and safely roll out AI/ML

Brent Schutte, CIO of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, connects the dots and outlines how current and future economic and political realities will impact financial markets as we push through 2024 and into 2025.  Brent will also entertain questions from the audience at the conclusion of the session.  

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize factors impacting the economic outlook for 2024 and 2025
• Identify how the current macro-economic backdrop impacts financial markets, framed within a long-term investment perspective

Update your profile with a complimentary professional headshot, sponsored by Sovos Compliance!

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 9am - 5pm in the Grand Hall

Stop by Sovos Compliance booth and pick up your headshot voucher, then head over to see Matt from Chrisman Studios for your close up! Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity!

Whether you’re a closely held private company, an investor backed start-up, a private equity portfolio company, or a publicly traded company, cash is the fuel of your operation. Ensuring you have enough cash to weather the current environment as well as fund your growth initiatives is top of mind for many CFOs. In this panel we will discuss innovative strategies to raise debt and financing vehicles that are available in today's market, where to look, what connections you need, the process to expect, and the potential cost involved in securing debt capital for your business's next great initiative.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the current debt environment and what you could be facing if you are looking to raise debt
• Identify alternatives to standard commercial debt
• Determine what type of debt is right for your company’s situation
• Analyze how to best get these alternative debt products to work with your current commercial debt facility

According to the AICPA & CIMA Future of Finance Group of the world’s leading companies, a top challenge continues to be talent attraction and retention. Along with the pace of change, accelerating digital transformation and redefining what value means, it is imperative for us all to think differently about how we hire and upskill talent for the best blend of capabilities and mindsets. It is also essential to clearly identify the unique value propositions and selling points to attract and retain.  Join Barry Payne — Director of External Relations at AICPA & CIMA, and a panel of finance leaders and learners as they discuss these challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the specific talent challenges you face
• Identify ways to promote a career value proposition to attract, develop and retain talent
• Determine how they have used tools like the T-Shape Finance Professional model and the CGMA Competency Framework to identify skills gaps
• Analyze how programs such as the Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners and the CGMA Finance Leadership Program have been used by your company to bridge and strengthen these skill gaps

The pace of tax legislative change has not slowed and companies, once again, face another year of significant developments that have a wide ranging impact. An update will be provided on recently enacted tax legislation and the status of current legislative proposals as well as key tax developments at the federal, state, and international level over the past year. Key considerations from a tax accounting perspective will be covered in terms of the impact of tax legislative developments and recent FASB guidance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key elements of tax legislation recently enacted and current legislative proposals
• Recognize recent federal, state, and international legislative trends
• Analyze potential tax accounting considerations for interim or year-end financial reporting

As a CFO or finance leader, you carry a great weight of responsibility on your shoulders. You are responsible for ensuring the financial soundness of the business in an uncertain environment, creating evolving strategies that will lead to long-term relevance and business success, adopting the latest technology, managing teams, and keeping stakeholders happy. The list of high-stakes responsibilities goes on and on.

In this session, you will learn to navigate the pressure and uncertainty of change with more ease.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what to expect as you through times of change
• Recognize what causes change exhaustion that may not be obvious
• Determine an approach to manage the uncertainty and overwhelm of change with more ease

This program, delivered by two commercial insurance experts, will examine the drivers dramatically pushing up insurance rates. After we examine the state of the insurance market, this program will give you key risk management and risk control tools to manage your company’s risk and insurance budget. The program will review CFO best practices in insurance and risk management program design. The presentation will end with a review of including Environmental, Social and Governance controls in your risk management evaluation and decision making.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the complex issues driving the significant increase in insurance costs
• Analyze significant losses and exposures driving large losses
• Use Risk Management Techniques to Control your insurance spend

Embark on a captivating journey with our distinguished panel of seasoned executives and board members as they share their stories and insights on the transformative path from CFO/CAO to a strategic board role. In this illuminating session, we delve into the aspects of preparing, navigating, and evaluating opportunities for CFOs eyeing the next chapter in their careers. This session goes beyond traditional discussions, developing themes for you around board strategic decision-making and the art of value addition in the boardroom. Join us for an inspiring exploration into the next chapter of your career as a CFO, where the boardroom beckons with new possibilities and transformative opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the essential steps in preparing yourself for a board role
• Recognize how to navigate challenges and successes on the journey from CFO to board member
• Identify the critical considerations in evaluating and selecting board roles

No longer are sustainability or CSR reports primarily in the domain of investor relations or corporate communications departments of major corporations. The global emergence of ESG disclosure regulations and standards is often shifting the finance function to the front and center of ESG reporting for both large and small enterprises, both publicly and privately held.

Whether you meet the thresholds of specific disclosure requirements, receiving requests for information from bankers or other investors, or in the value-chain of a larger customer or supplier, this session can provide valuable information to help you take a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and potential ways to identify new opportunities to improve performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the impact of emerging ESG regulations and standards on SMB organizations.
• Identify the implications of requirements that are relevant and material to your organization.
• Determine a strategic approach to ensure compliance and achieve ESG goals and targets in your business

In an era where unpredictability is the only certainty, this session sheds light on how inclusive leadership can be the anchor for team resilience. For CFOs, the challenge goes beyond addressing complex issues such as navigating endless business disruptions, embracing new technologies, and dealing with economic uncertainties. It also involves managing their expanding roles and leading increasingly diverse teams spread across different backgrounds, generations, and geographies. Join me for a conversation around how to nurture a culture where every team member is equipped and empowered to jump in, instead of jumping ship.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the qualities of a leader worth following in times of crisis and how to embody them.
• Recognize the impact of inclusive leadership on employee experience and performance
• Determine ways to drive a culture of resilience and thrive amidst constant change

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and responsibility to protect your organization extends beyond IT/security teams. This presentation will help the CFOs learn about the latest cybersecurity market trends, the dynamic regulatory compliance landscape, their impact your business and tips on building / sponsoring a sustainable cybersecurity roadmap.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the latest Cybersecurity trends and business impact of Cyber attacks.
• Recognize the everchanging Cybersecurity Threat & Compliance Landscape
• Determine how to build & scale a Cybersecurity Roadmap

No better way to spend an evening in Charleston! Join us and our sponsor, Workday, for a private charter cruise along the waterways of the Charleston Harbor on the Charleston Princess, a stunning 100-ft, three level private vessel. Take in the breathtaking sights at sunset, enjoy delicious food and a full, open bar, a lively DJ, and exclusive networking and connection opportunities.

Special thank you to our cruise sponsor, Workday.

Meet in the hotel lobby for a guided walk/run for the opportunity to get in a great morning exercise, meet other conference peers, and see the beautiful historic district of Charleston. Charleston Steeplechase is a job through Charleston, with multiple stops throughout the historic district. This is a faster, fitter way to see the history of one of America's favorite cities.

Your guides will make sure to accommodate all running abilities during this activity. Proper footwear for running or exercising is required. The routes should be able to be finished within the 45-minute timeframe. Please check weather prior to the activity to ensure you are dressed properly for the weather conditions that morning.

*Bottles of water will be included.

*Space is limited & pre-registration is required. If you do not pre-register, we cannot guarantee there will be availability for this activity the day-of.

With a growing business, an uncertain recession-led economy, and seasoned, outdated finance systems—2024 will be a rollercoaster ride. Finance leaders must vouch for options to help achieve tighter cash flow control and stay on top of working capital trends. Discover how moving away from traditional B2B software dependency and giving a green light to automated solutions could be a critical differentiator to enhance strategy and reach peak performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the true cost of traditional cash management systems
• Identify the value of upgrading to automated treasury solutions
• Analyze the integration of Order-to-Cash, Accounting, and Treasury operations to achieve a strategic advantage in 2024 and beyond

Finance Futurists not only inform business strategy; they drive it by using AI-fueled data insights, exceptional influencing skills, and advanced planning tools to dynamically reallocate resources into core and adjacent market opportunities. They also analyze data and enable performance tracking in real-time against organizational goals and their competitors giving their organizations a competitive edge.

Join this session to learn how you can chart your journey to Finance Futurist using AICPA-CIMA’s Finance Assessment Model for Effectiveness (FAME). AICPA-CIMA VP Ash Noah, Capstone Divisional CFO Greg Tuman, and Workday Business Finance Senior Director Sidney Logan will do a deep dive into the Business dimension of the FAME, exploring the capabilities, competencies and technologies that define how futurists enable business strategy and growth.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the Finance Effectiveness Model for Effectiveness (FAME)
• Identify the capabilities, competencies and technologies of the Business Dimension of the FAME, with best practices on strategic planning and execution, influencing skills, and planning technologies
• Determine how to dynamically reallocate resources across core and adjacent market opportunities, to drive continuous growth

In the ever-evolving business landscape, financial leadership goes beyond numbers; it requires visionary strategies that inspire teams and align financial goals with broader organizational objectives. This presentation focuses on how visionary financial leaders drive financial results, enable enterprise risk management, foster team alignment, and create a culture of innovation, ultimately propelling companies to thrive in today’s dynamic environment. This discussion will also explore how financial leadership can be a catalyst for transformative change, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in an era of agility and adaptability.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how Financial Leaders can elevate their impact within the business
• Recognize how visionary financial leaders drive financial results, enable enterprise risk management, foster team alignment, and create a culture of innovation
• Analyze how financial leadership can lead to cross-functional alignment to enable transformative change and business growth
• Apply practical experiences on how to elevate financial leadership to achieve strategic alignment and optimal team performance

The finance function of the 21^st Century will be focused on value creation, driving decision making towards the efficient and effective allocation of resources, and transforming business models for long-term business success.

One of the essential findings of the AICPA & CIMA Future of Finance 2.0 global research is that this emerging role will involve a wide range of new skills, including leadership in digital transformation, data and analytics, including AI, and ESG. This evolution involves a commitment to continuous learning, being proactive, and partnering with all key areas of the business to identify ways to leverage the contemporary value drivers for the organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the skills and talents of the finance function needed in today’s workforce, including the transformational style of leadership that will be necessary to lead your organization into the future
• Determine best practices for performance management and adopting agile approaches to business transformation in a workplace that continues to evolve in a multi-generational and hybrid ecosystem
• Choose a strategy for building necessary relationships and better understanding evolving business needs

This can't-miss session explores the critical importance of ethical decision-making in today’s business-as-usual corporate culture. Utilizing Jerome Mayne's personal experiences, participants will delve into common vulnerabilities in today's business world and impart the severe consequences of ethical complacency. The program will spark critical discussions and empower professionals to confidently make tough choices in seemingly impossible situations. The material emphasizes the human factor often overlooked by standard fraud prevention measures and an organization’s, critically important and well intentioned, ‘Code of Ethics’ measures.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify personal and professional vulnerabilities to unethical behavior.
• Select self-trust skills to build that support instinctive ethical decision-making
• Recognize the real-life consequences of ethical missteps