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Course Description
Strategic and Financial Leadership for the CFO is instructor Steven Bragg's overview course for the chief financial officer (CFO). Learn various types of strategies for your company's present position and goals to create an effective strategic plan. Identify different types of risks in order to plan for and manage them effectively. Introduce control systems into your business while maintaining a proper balance of operations. Other topics in this course include raising funds through the sale of equity interest and managing your organization's shares to increase float.
This course covers material also contained in The CFO Guidebook.
Instructor
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
- Cite 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 regards 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.
- Define risk.
Chapter 5
- Recognize the characteristics of the cash conversion cycle.
Chapter 6
- Cite the types of equity funding, the investor rights.
Chapter 7
- Identify how float can be increased, as well as alternative methods for selling shares.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – The CFO Position
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The CFO Job Description
The Controller Job Description
CFO and Controller Differences
The CFO Organizational Structure
Relations with the Chief Executive Officer
Relations with the Board of Directors
Relations with the Audit Committee and Auditors
Summary
Chapter 1 – Review Questions
Chapter 2 – Strategic Planning
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Strategy Overview
Types of Strategies
Risk Analysis
A Tight Strategic Focus
Pacing
Acquisition Strategy
Outsourcing
The Consideration of Cash in Strategy
Summary
Chapter 2 – Review Questions
Chapter 3 – Risk Management
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Risk Management
The Role of the CFO
Risk Identification
Risk Quantification Issues
Risk Planning
Insurance
Data Security Risk
Supply Chain Risk
Political Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk Overview
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Take No Action
Avoid Risk
Shift Risk
Time Compression
Payment Leading and Lagging
Build Reserves
Maintain Local Reserves
Hedging
Summary
Types of Foreign Exchange Hedges
Loan Denominated in a Foreign Currency
The Forward Contract
The Futures Contract
The Currency Option
The Cylinder Option
Swaps
Netting
Interest Risk Overview
Interest Rate Risk Management
Take No Action
Avoid Risk
Asset and Liability Matching
Hedging
Types of Interest Rate Hedges
The Forward Rate Agreement
The Futures Contract
The Interest Rate Swap
Interest Rate Options
Interest Rate Swaptions
Summary
Chapter 3 – Review Questions
Chapter 4 – The Control Environment
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Genesis of Accounting Controls
The Proper Balance of Control Systems
The Nature of Risk
Control Principles
The Failings of Internal Controls
Preventive and Detective Controls
Manual and Automated Controls
Constructing a System of Controls
Special Case - Acquisitions
Special Case – Employee Turnover
Special Case – Rapid Growth
Special Case – Audit Committee Oversight
Control System Documentation
Summary
Chapter 4 – Review Questions
Chapter 5 – Performance Measurement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Cash Conversion Cycle
Days Sales in Accounts Receivable
Days Sales in Inventory
Days Payables Outstanding
Free Cash Flow
Working Capital Productivity
Cash Reinvestment Measurements
Cash Reinvestment Ratio
Funds-Flow Adequacy Ratio
Contribution Margin Ratio
Core Earnings Ratio
Quality of Earnings Ratio
Breakeven Point
Margin of Safety
Return on Equity
Return on Assets
Return on Assets
Return on Operating Assets
Affordable Growth Rate
Summary
Chapter 5 – Review Questions
Chapter 6 – Fund Raising with Equity
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Overview of Equity Funding
Restricted Stock
Unrestricted Stock
The Accredited Investor
Regulation D Stock Sales
Warrants
Regulation A Stock Sales
Angel Investors and Venture Capital
Debt for Equity Swaps
Crowdfunding
Summary
Chapter 6 – Review Questions
Chapter 7 – Share Management
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Float Management
Activities to Increase the Float
Activities to Delay Stock Sales
The Direct Stock Purchase Plan
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Dividend Reinvestment Plans
Stock Splits
Dividend Payments
The Stock Buyback Option
The Stock Repurchase Safe Harbor Provision
Odd Lot Shareholders
Summary
Chapter 7 – Review Questions
Review Question Answers and Rationales
Glossary
Index
Final Examination
Answer Sheet
Course Evaluation
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Online Access
Get immediate access to a robust collection of learning and reference materials, allowing you to dive deep into the information you need. Our self-study materials are authored by top-quality, industry experts who focus on helping you grasp concepts quickly using real-life examples. Download your CPE to any device, and take it with you so you can learn when and wherever you want. Complete your CPE with an online exam, and enjoy instant grading with the option to print your certificate immediately upon passing.

Hard Copy
Our self-study materials are authored by top-quality, industry experts. You’ll receive a bound notebook of all the course materials, shipped to you within one business day. In addition, you’ll also have full online access. Each self-study package includes a robust collection of learning and reference materials to help you cover the information efficiently and put it into practice immediately.

Self-Study Video
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