Articles
AFP Survey: Businesses Show Some Reluctance to Deploy Cash
Although companies are willing to invest their cash, they are exhibiting some signs of caution and are taking a wait-and-see approach before doing so, according to the AFP Corporate Cash Indicators ® (AFP CCI), underwritten by Capital One Bank.
Although companies are willing to invest their cash, they are exhibiting some signs of caution and are taking a wait-and-see approach before doing so, according to the AFP Corporate Cash Indicators ® (AFP CCI), underwritten by Capital One Bank.
04/27/2015
Pinnacle Awards: Five Ways to Make Your Submission Stand Out
In their 16-year history the annual AFP Pinnacle Awards for excellence in treasury have received many submissions. Tom Hunt, CTP, AFP’s Director of Treasury, offers some tips to make your Pinnacle Awards submission as strong as possible. The AFP Pinnacle Awards are sponsored by Wells Fargo.
In their 16-year history the annual AFP Pinnacle Awards for excellence in treasury have received many submissions. Tom Hunt, CTP, AFP’s Director of Treasury, offers some tips to make your Pinnacle Awards submission as strong as possible. The AFP Pinnacle Awards are sponsored by Wells Fargo.
04/24/2015
Futures in Finance: It’s Time to Embrace ‘Little Bets’
This month, Jim Kaitz, president and CEO of AFP, and Peter Sims, co-founder and managing director at The Silicon Guild, explain why finance professionals need to make "little bets." The most successful people today understand that there is no such thing is a sure bet; making mistakes is part of the development process.
This month, Jim Kaitz, president and CEO of AFP, and Peter Sims, co-founder and managing director at The Silicon Guild, explain why finance professionals need to make "little bets." The most successful people today understand that there is no such thing is a sure bet; making mistakes is part of the development process.
04/23/2015
In the War On Checks, Uncle Sam Volunteers for Battle
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is piloting mobile payments for non-recurring payments in an effort to reduce check usage. It is using PayPal but is considering other forms, including Apple Pay.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is piloting mobile payments for non-recurring payments in an effort to reduce check usage. It is using PayPal but is considering other forms, including Apple Pay.
04/23/2015
Three Ways Financial Pros Can Improve their LinkedIn Profile
For treasury and finance professionals either seeking a job or simply looking to network with their peers in today’s rapidly changing environment, a strong presence on LinkedIn is an absolute must. Jason Dorsey, chief strategy officer for the Center for Generational Kinetics and best-selling author, lists the essentials to making LinkedIn work.
For treasury and finance professionals either seeking a job or simply looking to network with their peers in today’s rapidly changing environment, a strong presence on LinkedIn is an absolute must. Jason Dorsey, chief strategy officer for the Center for Generational Kinetics and best-selling author, lists the essentials to making LinkedIn work.
04/22/2015
7 Cybersecurity Actions Every Finance Pro Should Take
Treasury and finance professionals understand that cybersecurity is no longer just the concern of the IT staff. No one knows that better than Roland Cloutier, vice president, chief security officer of ADP Inc., who provided a number of key points to help them protect their organizations against cyberrisk.
Treasury and finance professionals understand that cybersecurity is no longer just the concern of the IT staff. No one knows that better than Roland Cloutier, vice president, chief security officer of ADP Inc., who provided a number of key points to help them protect their organizations against cyberrisk.
04/22/2015
TMS Survey: SaaS Appeals, But Installed Systems Still Rule
Despite improved technological capability of cloud-based systems, installed treasury management systems (TMS) remain the offering of choice, according to new research.
Despite improved technological capability of cloud-based systems, installed treasury management systems (TMS) remain the offering of choice, according to new research.
04/21/2015
Retailers: Apple Pay Mars Customer Engagement, Loyalty Cards
Before adopting Apple Pay or looming competitors like Samsung Pay treasurers at retail stores say organizations need to be concerned about two unintended consequences.
Before adopting Apple Pay or looming competitors like Samsung Pay treasurers at retail stores say organizations need to be concerned about two unintended consequences.
04/21/2015
Four Ways Treasurers Can Attract and Develop Young Talent
A major challenge treasury executives face is attracting young talent who can grow into tomorrow’s leaders. The members of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group (TAG) attempted to tackle this dilemma in their latest meeting.
A major challenge treasury executives face is attracting young talent who can grow into tomorrow’s leaders. The members of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group (TAG) attempted to tackle this dilemma in their latest meeting.
04/20/2015
Help for Treasurers: New Tool Encourages E-Payments Adoption
A key issue corporate treasurers face is getting smaller business partners to move away from checks and to pay electronically. Now, a new educational tool from the Remittance Coalition may finally bridge that gap.
A key issue corporate treasurers face is getting smaller business partners to move away from checks and to pay electronically. Now, a new educational tool from the Remittance Coalition may finally bridge that gap.
04/20/2015
Warning to Treasurers: Buy Cybersecurity Now, or Pay Later
Corporate treasurers whose companies handle customer data must track these costs and take steps to avoid winding up in a situation similar to Target. That means earmarking cybersecurity funds sooner rather than later.
04/20/2015
It’s Time for Finance to Embrace ‘Little Bets’
The finance professional who truly wants to stand out and help the organization thrive must thoroughly know every aspect of the business. They can start by following a few guiding rules.
The finance professional who truly wants to stand out and help the organization thrive must thoroughly know every aspect of the business. They can start by following a few guiding rules.
04/17/2015
How Treasurers Can Better Manage Investment Portfolio Risk
Facing an increasingly competitive environment with a greater need to ensure project ROI, Spectra Energy’s treasury department developed an enhanced investment portfolio management process to examine projects with the goal of better managing the concentrating risks around those projects.
Facing an increasingly competitive environment with a greater need to ensure project ROI, Spectra Energy’s treasury department developed an enhanced investment portfolio management process to examine projects with the goal of better managing the concentrating risks around those projects.
04/16/2015
AFP Payments: Financial Professionals Confident in EMV
This month, we turn our attention to payments fraud and security, with the release of the 2015 AFP Payments Fraud & Control Survey and the AFP Payments Security Guide. Also, the EMV chip card debate, the Dyre Wolf Gang and ISO 20022.
This month, we turn our attention to payments fraud and security, with the release of the 2015 AFP Payments Fraud & Control Survey and the AFP Payments Security Guide. Also, the EMV chip card debate, the Dyre Wolf Gang and ISO 20022.
04/16/2015
Same Day ACH: Key Benefits for Treasurers
Treasurers have expressed support for NACHA's Same Day ACH initiative because it offers workflow efficiencies with quality transactions, flexibility, cash and investment opportunities, competitive advantage in the marketplace, and B2B payment electronification.
Treasurers have expressed support for NACHA's Same Day ACH initiative because it offers workflow efficiencies with quality transactions, flexibility, cash and investment opportunities, competitive advantage in the marketplace, and B2B payment electronification.
04/15/2015
Payments Security Guide Provides Insights for Fighting Fraud
AFP has released a new Payments Security Guide, underwritten by MUFG Union Bank, N.A., to help treasury and finance professionals identify weak payment channels and offer practical and preventive measures to improve payments security.
AFP has released a new Payments Security Guide, underwritten by MUFG Union Bank, N.A., to help treasury and finance professionals identify weak payment channels and offer practical and preventive measures to improve payments security.
04/14/2015
AFP Fraudwatch: ‘Dyre Wolves’ Stealing $1 Million Per Hack
Hackers are using malware and social engineering techniques to circumvent two-factor authentication and complete fraudulent wire transfers up to $1 million. Corporate treasurers provide several solutions to avoid becoming the next victim.
Hackers are using malware and social engineering techniques to circumvent two-factor authentication and complete fraudulent wire transfers up to $1 million. Corporate treasurers provide several solutions to avoid becoming the next victim.
04/13/2015
AFP In-Depth: What are the Biggest Risks for Financial Pros?
In the latest video from AFP's In-Depth series, Jonathan Hall, vice president, finance and strategy at Walmart, discusses the biggest risks financial professionals should be concerned about.
In the latest video from AFP's In-Depth series, Jonathan Hall, vice president, finance and strategy at Walmart, discusses the biggest risks financial professionals should be concerned about.
04/10/2015
A 3-Step Approach to Improving Your Investment Portfolio
Prior to Brocade Communications' treasury team becoming involved in the process of capital allocation and developing a portfolio management approach, operational, financial, and M&A investments were not consolidated.
Prior to Brocade Communications' treasury team becoming involved in the process of capital allocation and developing a portfolio management approach, operational, financial, and M&A investments were not consolidated.
04/10/2015
April Risk Newsletter: Finance Pros Confident in EMV
Treasury and financial professionals are confident that EMV is the best technology to fight card fraud, according to a new AFP survey. Also in this issue, European treasurers' investment options and cyberinsurance policies.
Treasury and financial professionals are confident that EMV is the best technology to fight card fraud, according to a new AFP survey. Also in this issue, European treasurers' investment options and cyberinsurance policies.
04/09/2015
What Will Give E-Bill Adoption a Boost?
For billing organizations, the paperless e-bill value proposition is stronger than ever. Research continues to show strong, positive relationships between e-bill adoption and customer satisfaction, loyalty and profitability. Nevertheless, growth of e-bill adoption remains underdeveloped.
For billing organizations, the paperless e-bill value proposition is stronger than ever. Research continues to show strong, positive relationships between e-bill adoption and customer satisfaction, loyalty and profitability. Nevertheless, growth of e-bill adoption remains underdeveloped.
04/09/2015
AFP Chairman Anthony Scaglione Named EVP, CFO of ABM
AFP Chairman D. Anthony Scaglione, CTP, has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of ABM Industries Inc. He previously served as senior vice president, mergers & acquisitions and corporate treasurer.
AFP Chairman D. Anthony Scaglione, CTP, has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of ABM Industries Inc. He previously served as senior vice president, mergers & acquisitions and corporate treasurer.
04/08/2015
Key Ways to Build Bank and Rating Agency Relationships
What best practices can corporate treasury professionals employ to build good relationships with their banks and ratings agencies? Can you really have good working relationships given what’s at stake? Yes. But it takes dedicated time, effort and purpose.
What best practices can corporate treasury professionals employ to build good relationships with their banks and ratings agencies? Can you really have good working relationships given what’s at stake? Yes. But it takes dedicated time, effort and purpose.
04/07/2015
Cyberrisk Management: How to Stay Ahead of the Game
This Thursday, AFP is hosting a webinar to help treasury and finance professionals mitigate cyberrisk at their organizations. Using the new CTC Guide on Setting a Cyberrisk Management Strategy as a backdrop, experts will provide insights on this crucial and timely topic.
This Thursday, AFP is hosting a webinar to help treasury and finance professionals mitigate cyberrisk at their organizations. Using the new CTC Guide on Setting a Cyberrisk Management Strategy as a backdrop, experts will provide insights on this crucial and timely topic.
04/07/2015
Wal-Mart Treasury Exec: Chip & Signature is ‘Worthless’
Mike Cook, senior vice president and assistant treasurer for Wal-Mart, called signature “worthless as a form of authentication” and criticized the rollout of chip-and-signature cards in the United States.
Mike Cook, senior vice president and assistant treasurer for Wal-Mart, called signature “worthless as a form of authentication” and criticized the rollout of chip-and-signature cards in the United States.
04/06/2015
Effective Controls Treasurers Can Use to Reduce Fraud
At a recent meeting of AFP's Treasury Advisory Group, Sarah Schaus, Assistant Treasurer & AVP for Allianz Life Insurance Company, discussed effective controls that treasury professionals can use to mitigate payments fraud.
At a recent meeting of AFP's Treasury Advisory Group, Sarah Schaus, Assistant Treasurer & AVP for Allianz Life Insurance Company, discussed effective controls that treasury professionals can use to mitigate payments fraud.
04/06/2015
AFP In-Depth: How to Define Key Performance Indicators
In the latest video from AFP's In-Depth series, Gary Cokins, founder and CEO of Analytics-Based Performance Management LLC, discusses how organizations can identify valid key performance indicators.
In the latest video from AFP's In-Depth series, Gary Cokins, founder and CEO of Analytics-Based Performance Management LLC, discusses how organizations can identify valid key performance indicators.
04/03/2015
Treasury Insights: Is There a Business Case for ISO 20022?
Is there truly a business case for implementing ISO 20022 in the United States? That was the question posed to attendees of the March Payments Innovation Alliance meeting in Los Angeles, Calif.
Is there truly a business case for implementing ISO 20022 in the United States? That was the question posed to attendees of the March Payments Innovation Alliance meeting in Los Angeles, Calif.
04/02/2015
FP&A Newsletter: Why Data is Everybody's Responsibility
Who is responsible for data? Everybody in your organization, according to New York Times bestselling author and business strategist Rahaf Harfoush. She explains why this is so, and how to ensure all employees do it.
Who is responsible for data? Everybody in your organization, according to New York Times bestselling author and business strategist Rahaf Harfoush. She explains why this is so, and how to ensure all employees do it.
04/02/2015
Obama Signs Order to Protect Businesses from Cyberhackers
President Obama gave treasury and financial professionals some assistance in their fight against cyberattacks when he signed an executive order establishing the first sanctions program to impose penalties on individuals and organizations outside the U.S. involved in cyberattacks and commercial espionage online.
President Obama gave treasury and financial professionals some assistance in their fight against cyberattacks when he signed an executive order establishing the first sanctions program to impose penalties on individuals and organizations outside the U.S. involved in cyberattacks and commercial espionage online.
04/01/2015
Unconventional: How Philips Healthcare Finds Good FP&A Staff
An interview with Hein Wulf, Head of Philips Healthcare’s Healthcare FP&A Center of Excellence in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Wulf was tapped to serve on the 2015 AFP Financial Planning & Analysis Leadership Summit Task Force.
An interview with Hein Wulf, Head of Philips Healthcare’s Healthcare FP&A Center of Excellence in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Wulf was tapped to serve on the 2015 AFP Financial Planning & Analysis Leadership Summit Task Force.
04/01/2015
3 Ways to Match Payments with Remittance Information
A key problem for treasury departments making electronic payments is that the remittance information does not travel with the actual payment. There are options available for matching payments and remittance information, however, these carry their own complications and shortcomings.
A key problem for treasury departments making electronic payments is that the remittance information does not travel with the actual payment. There are options available for matching payments and remittance information, however, these carry their own complications and shortcomings.
04/01/2015
What Stops Finance Pros From Reaching Their Business Goals?
An American Management Association survey found that nearly 43 percent of treasury and finance professionals believe the biggest external hurdle in achieving their business goals this year is the introduction of new regulations.
An American Management Association survey found that nearly 43 percent of treasury and finance professionals believe the biggest external hurdle in achieving their business goals this year is the introduction of new regulations.
03/31/2015
5 Tips for Evaluating Cyberinsurance Policies
Cyberinsurance may be the most important commercial general liability insurance policy of this century. As a corporate treasury or finance professional, you are probably thinking about changing your insurance budget to include cyberinsurance. But where should you start?
Cyberinsurance may be the most important commercial general liability insurance policy of this century. As a corporate treasury or finance professional, you are probably thinking about changing your insurance budget to include cyberinsurance. But where should you start?
03/30/2015
3 Solutions for Avoiding Wire Fraud Scams
Wire fraud is on the rise due to business email compromise (BEC) scams. In an exclusive video interview, David Neshat, treasurer for Akamai Technologies Inc., explains how treasury teams can recognize these scams and avoid making mistakes that could cost their organizations millions of dollars.
Wire fraud is on the rise due to business email compromise (BEC) scams. In an exclusive video interview, David Neshat, treasurer for Akamai Technologies Inc., explains how treasury teams can recognize these scams and avoid making mistakes that could cost their organizations millions of dollars.
03/30/2015
Should Companies Deploy Zero-Based Budgeting?
3G is likely to apply zero-based budgeting to help cut costs in the merger between Heinz and Kraft. But the technique is impractical for most companies, according to financial planning and analysis (FP&A) experts.
3G is likely to apply zero-based budgeting to help cut costs in the merger between Heinz and Kraft. But the technique is impractical for most companies, according to financial planning and analysis (FP&A) experts.
03/27/2015
Futures in Finance: The Importance of Good Communication
This month, Futures in Finance turns its attention toward communication across the organization. We look at how effective communication is critical for treasury and finance professionals as they become involved in strategic planning, and more.
This month, Futures in Finance turns its attention toward communication across the organization. We look at how effective communication is critical for treasury and finance professionals as they become involved in strategic planning, and more.
03/26/2015
15 Pointers for Jobseeking Financial Professionals
Here are 15 crucial career tips and pointers that allow jobseeking treasury and finance professionals to compete on a level playing field and pull ahead of the competition. Following these guidelines should allow you to be judged on the basis of factors that you can win on.
Here are 15 crucial career tips and pointers that allow jobseeking treasury and finance professionals to compete on a level playing field and pull ahead of the competition. Following these guidelines should allow you to be judged on the basis of factors that you can win on.
03/26/2015
5 Ways Treasurers Can Protect Earnings from FX Swings
U.S. multinationals are struggling to protect their net income from the increased volatility in the currency markets. A new CTC Executive Perspective offers a detailed outline of five ways treasurers can protect company earnings from FX swings.
U.S. multinationals are struggling to protect their net income from the increased volatility in the currency markets. A new CTC Executive Perspective offers a detailed outline of five ways treasurers can protect company earnings from FX swings.
03/26/2015
Why Articulating Your Strategy Can Set You Apart
CFOs and treasurers are now charged with driving strategic planning and often serve as the glue across functions and business units. But employees are not mind readers. Strategy communication is indispensable to execution and performance.
CFOs and treasurers are now charged with driving strategic planning and often serve as the glue across functions and business units. But employees are not mind readers. Strategy communication is indispensable to execution and performance.
03/25/2015
LOVE LEARNING?
Discover the education, speakers, networking and solution providers you'll experience in Philadelphia, October 23-26. Download the brochure.