Articles
AFP Fraudwatch: Game Over for Botnet, Ransomware Operators
The U.S. Department of Justice teamed with Europol, the UK’s National Crime Agency, the Microsoft Cybercrime Center, Dell SecureWorks and others to take down the GameOver Zeus botnet and Cryptolocker ransomware.
The U.S. Department of Justice teamed with Europol, the UK’s National Crime Agency, the Microsoft Cybercrime Center, Dell SecureWorks and others to take down the GameOver Zeus botnet and Cryptolocker ransomware.
06/03/2014
FP&A Professional Tells How He Passed the Certification Test
Travis Lockhart, manager of financial planning and analysis with IMC and one of the first applicants to pass the beta FP&A Certification exam, gives his thoughts on the test-taking process.
Travis Lockhart, manager of financial planning and analysis with IMC and one of the first applicants to pass the beta FP&A Certification exam, gives his thoughts on the test-taking process.
06/02/2014
This Week in Corporate Finance: Market Shrugs at U.S. GDP Contraction
As we wrap up the fifth month of 2014, we certainly are not in nirvana, but the economic situation in the U.S. certainly continues to improve. We have come quite a way since the nadir of early 2009 when we can post a quarterly GDP number of -1.0 percent and the market merely shrugs and says, “Who cares? That is backward looking. Things are looking pretty good on the horizon.”
As we wrap up the fifth month of 2014, we certainly are not in nirvana, but the economic situation in the U.S. certainly continues to improve. We have come quite a way since the nadir of early 2009 when we can post a quarterly GDP number of -1.0 percent and the market merely shrugs and says, “Who cares? That is backward looking. Things are looking pretty good on the horizon.”
06/02/2014
How Treasurers and CFOs Can Set Up Their Teams for Success
Workers are happiest—and most motivated—when they feel that they accomplish something meaningful at work. These accomplishments do not need to be major breakthroughs, but making sure your team is set up to succeed is the mark of a good manager in just about any field.
Workers are happiest—and most motivated—when they feel that they accomplish something meaningful at work. These accomplishments do not need to be major breakthroughs, but making sure your team is set up to succeed is the mark of a good manager in just about any field.
05/30/2014
May 2014 Futures in Finance Newsletter
This month, AFP officially launched the Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FP&A) credential and introduced the first class of certified FP&A professionals. This new certification program is the first of its kind and specifically designed for the FP&A function. Also this month, we review the results of the 2014 AFP Compensation Survey.
This month, AFP officially launched the Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FP&A) credential and introduced the first class of certified FP&A professionals. This new certification program is the first of its kind and specifically designed for the FP&A function. Also this month, we review the results of the 2014 AFP Compensation Survey.
05/29/2014
DOL Postpones Conflict of Interest Proposed Rule
The Department of Labor (DOL) expects to re-propose the “Conflict of Interest Rule-Investment Advice” in January 2015. Also in January 2015, DOL expects to issue notices of proposed rulemaking about the safe harbor for the selection of annuity providers for individual account plans, as well as including lifetime inco
05/29/2014
New Booz Allen CFO Discusses Upcoming Challenges
On July 1, Kevin Cook is set to become the chief financial officer of Booz Allen Hamilton. Currently Booz Allen’s senior vice president and corporate controller, Cook will take the reins from current CFO and Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Strickland, who is retiring.
On July 1, Kevin Cook is set to become the chief financial officer of Booz Allen Hamilton. Currently Booz Allen’s senior vice president and corporate controller, Cook will take the reins from current CFO and Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Strickland, who is retiring.
05/29/2014
Mobile Deposit Usage Surges in Canada
Canadians have deposited more than one million checks via mobile phones since the Canadian Payments Association (CPA) approved the check image rule last year, according to data from NCR. The rule allowed for mobile remote deposit capture (RDC).
Canadians have deposited more than one million checks via mobile phones since the Canadian Payments Association (CPA) approved the check image rule last year, according to data from NCR. The rule allowed for mobile remote deposit capture (RDC).
05/28/2014
AFP Survey: In Finance Profession, Good Raises Reach Staff Level
Finance salaries continue to rise in North America, even among non-executive staff. According to a survey released Wednesday by AFP, average salaries in finance departments of corporations increased in 2013, reflecting continued modest growth in the U.S. economy. Financial professionals at the staff level reportedly saw the biggest bump in compensation.
Finance salaries continue to rise in North America, even among non-executive staff. According to a survey released Wednesday by AFP, average salaries in finance departments of corporations increased in 2013, reflecting continued modest growth in the U.S. economy. Financial professionals at the staff level reportedly saw the biggest bump in compensation.
05/28/2014
European Treasurers Share Concerns over Bitcoin
Last week at the annual General Assembly of the Association of Corporate Treasurers—Suisse Romande (ACTSR) in Geneva, Switzerland, a representative from the Bitcoin Foundation gave a presentation on Bitcoin. The presentation led to a candid discussion among European treasurers about the controversial virtual currency.
Last week at the annual General Assembly of the Association of Corporate Treasurers—Suisse Romande (ACTSR) in Geneva, Switzerland, a representative from the Bitcoin Foundation gave a presentation on Bitcoin. The presentation led to a candid discussion among European treasurers about the controversial virtual currency.
05/27/2014
Legislation Seeks to Limit Corporate Inversion: What To Know
U.S. Congressional Democrats in both the House and Senate have unveiled legislation that would make it more difficult for U.S. businesses to avoid domestic tax exposure by shifting their headquarters outside United States tax jurisdiction through a foreign firm merger.
U.S. Congressional Democrats in both the House and Senate have unveiled legislation that would make it more difficult for U.S. businesses to avoid domestic tax exposure by shifting their headquarters outside United States tax jurisdiction through a foreign firm merger.
05/23/2014
AFP Fraudwatch: Retail Treasurers Increase Cyberinsurance
Treasurers of retail chain stores said they expect their companies will spend as much as triple the amount they already pay for cyberinsurance in the wake of the Target security breach. That’s on top of devoting additional employee hours preparing reports to show senior management and board members their cybersecurity measures.
Treasurers of retail chain stores said they expect their companies will spend as much as triple the amount they already pay for cyberinsurance in the wake of the Target security breach. That’s on top of devoting additional employee hours preparing reports to show senior management and board members their cybersecurity measures.
05/23/2014
May 2014 Payments Newsletter
This month, we bring you exclusive coverage of the recent AFP Treasury Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting and the 2014 AFP Retail Roundtable, both of which were held this month in Dallas. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and EMV were major topics of discussion.
This month, we bring you exclusive coverage of the recent AFP Treasury Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting and the 2014 AFP Retail Roundtable, both of which were held this month in Dallas. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and EMV were major topics of discussion.
05/22/2014
Heidrick & Struggles on What Makes a Great Treasury Leader
When it comes to effective treasury leaders, there’s no “one size fits all,” say two partners with the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
When it comes to effective treasury leaders, there’s no “one size fits all,” say two partners with the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
05/22/2014
Leadership in Treasury: Darren McCallon, Treasurer of TrueBlue
In the latest installment of the Leadership in Treasury series, Darren McCallon, vice president of finance and treasurer of TrueBlue in Seattle, reveals how he successfully transitioned from staff to management.
In the latest installment of the Leadership in Treasury series, Darren McCallon, vice president of finance and treasurer of TrueBlue in Seattle, reveals how he successfully transitioned from staff to management.
05/21/2014
Fed Study: Fees, Gates Could Cause Money Fund Run
A recent study authored by Federal Reserve economists concluded that rules currently being proposed to prevent money market fund runs could instead have the opposite effect. Rules that impose restrictions on immediate redemptions, known as gates, and fees during periods of shortened liquidity, the study cautions, “may threaten financial stability by setting up the possibility of preemptive runs.”
A recent study authored by Federal Reserve economists concluded that rules currently being proposed to prevent money market fund runs could instead have the opposite effect. Rules that impose restrictions on immediate redemptions, known as gates, and fees during periods of shortened liquidity, the study cautions, “may threaten financial stability by setting up the possibility of preemptive runs.”
05/21/2014
Unified Field Theory: Making the Case for FP&A Standards
Organizations lack widely accepted FP&A standards and principles, and the range of inputs and methodologies can lead to widely varying results that can adversely impact strategic decisions. In response, a new whitepaper, On the Same Page: The Case for FP&A Standards, addresses the need for clear-cut standards and definitions in FP&A.
Organizations lack widely accepted FP&A standards and principles, and the range of inputs and methodologies can lead to widely varying results that can adversely impact strategic decisions. In response, a new whitepaper, On the Same Page: The Case for FP&A Standards, addresses the need for clear-cut standards and definitions in FP&A.
05/21/2014
Obey or Pay: It’s Time for Treasurers to Act on FATCA
With the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) scheduled to take effect on July 1, many treasury departments are making sure they know what they need to do to comply. Not surprisingly, the law was a major topic of discussion at this week’s AFP Treasury Advisory Group meeting in Dallas.
With the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) scheduled to take effect on July 1, many treasury departments are making sure they know what they need to do to comply. Not surprisingly, the law was a major topic of discussion at this week’s AFP Treasury Advisory Group meeting in Dallas.
05/21/2014
Treasury Best Practices: Improving Bank Account Management
Without streamlining its roster of banks, treasury cannot do an effective job of administrating accounts and keeping track of all relevant account information. That’s the key takeaway from the second installment of AFP’s Treasury in Practice series, Improving Bank Account Management: Best Practices, underwritten by KeyBank.
Without streamlining its roster of banks, treasury cannot do an effective job of administrating accounts and keeping track of all relevant account information. That’s the key takeaway from the second installment of AFP’s Treasury in Practice series, Improving Bank Account Management: Best Practices, underwritten by KeyBank.
05/20/2014
Enabling CFOs to See the Strategic Value of Treasury
Many CFOs are still unaware of the strategic value of treasury, members of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group noted at their latest meeting. And because of the excessive turnover at the CFO level throughout the business world in recent years, treasury departments are striving to demonstrate the value they bring to their organizations.
Many CFOs are still unaware of the strategic value of treasury, members of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group noted at their latest meeting. And because of the excessive turnover at the CFO level throughout the business world in recent years, treasury departments are striving to demonstrate the value they bring to their organizations.
05/20/2014
AFP Launches Certified Corporate FP&A Professional Credential
AFP has officially launched its Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (“FP&A”) credential, the first-of-its-kind certification program specifically for FP&A executives. The launch coincides with the introduction of the first class of certified FP&A professionals.
AFP has officially launched its Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (“FP&A”) credential, the first-of-its-kind certification program specifically for FP&A executives. The launch coincides with the introduction of the first class of certified FP&A professionals.
05/20/2014
Businesses Urge Congress to Oppose Raising PBGC Premiums
After two years of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premium increases, companies, business groups and pension trade associations asked Congress to oppose additional premium increases.
05/20/2014
Today’s Most Important FP&A Challenge: Supporting Innovation
The 2014 Key Issues survey by The Hackett Group found that risks related to competition, regulation and talent are gaining momentum and affecting the role of finance and general and of financial planning and analysis groups in particular.
The 2014 Key Issues survey by The Hackett Group found that risks related to competition, regulation and talent are gaining momentum and affecting the role of finance and general and of financial planning and analysis groups in particular.
05/19/2014
Interest Rates May Finally Rise—Much to Consumers’ Chagrin
Prior to last December’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed was purchasing $40 billion per month in agency mortgage-backed securities and $45 billion per month in longer-term Treasury securities. By the time the FOMC met in March, the monthly purchasing had slowed to $25 billion in agency mortgage-backed securities and $30 billion in longer term Treasury securities.
Prior to last December’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed was purchasing $40 billion per month in agency mortgage-backed securities and $45 billion per month in longer-term Treasury securities. By the time the FOMC met in March, the monthly purchasing had slowed to $25 billion in agency mortgage-backed securities and $30 billion in longer term Treasury securities.
05/16/2014
Turmoil in Ukraine is Wreaking Havoc on Treasury and Finance
Treasury and finance executives whose companies do business in Russia, the Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics are feeling the effects of the Crimean crisis on their bottom lines. The turmoil has caused the ruble’s exchange rate to plummet, making it more expensive for companies to import goods and to service existing debts. The crisis is also making it more difficult for companies to borrow money. In addition, sanctions against individual banks are complicating cross-border payments.
Treasury and finance executives whose companies do business in Russia, the Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics are feeling the effects of the Crimean crisis on their bottom lines. The turmoil has caused the ruble’s exchange rate to plummet, making it more expensive for companies to import goods and to service existing debts. The crisis is also making it more difficult for companies to borrow money. In addition, sanctions against individual banks are complicating cross-border payments.
05/16/2014
Study: Higher PBGC Premiums Would Harm GDP, Jobs, Consumers
A new study found that additional premiums for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation would severely impact the U.S. GDP, the job market, and consumer purchasing power.
A new study found that additional premiums for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation would severely impact the U.S. GDP, the job market, and consumer purchasing power.
05/15/2014
Fear of the Unknown: EMV Tops Retail Treasurers’ Concerns
Treasurers at the 2014 AFP Retail Roundtable in Dallas said Thursday that their biggest concern is EMV migration. They cited cost, customer resistance, and nagging doubts that switching to the chip-and-PIN equipment is the right technology to fight future fraud attempts.
Treasurers at the 2014 AFP Retail Roundtable in Dallas said Thursday that their biggest concern is EMV migration. They cited cost, customer resistance, and nagging doubts that switching to the chip-and-PIN equipment is the right technology to fight future fraud attempts.
05/15/2014
CFO Coach: The Evolution of Interviewing
Technology has evolved the interviewing process. Video interviewing will create seamless conversations via technology that will dramatically change the hiring landscape.
Technology has evolved the interviewing process. Video interviewing will create seamless conversations via technology that will dramatically change the hiring landscape.
05/15/2014
AFP Fraudwatch: Post-Target, Treasurers Get Proactive
Fraud has always been a concern for treasurers, and in the post-Target environment, it has only become even more of a priority. At the latest meeting of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group in Dallas, practitioners discussed the new fraud issues they face, and the steps they are taking to address them, in the wake of the Target security breach.
Fraud has always been a concern for treasurers, and in the post-Target environment, it has only become even more of a priority. At the latest meeting of AFP’s Treasury Advisory Group in Dallas, practitioners discussed the new fraud issues they face, and the steps they are taking to address them, in the wake of the Target security breach.
05/14/2014
CTC Releases New Guide on Managing Supply Chain Risk
In a new guide, Leadership in Treasury: Managing Risk in the Supply Chain, underwritten by Reval, AFP’s Corporate Treasurers Council explores some of the ways that treasurers can use their skills and insights to support strategic management of risk in the supply chain. Though it is unlikely that most treasurers will be responsible for implementing supply chain risk management policies outside finance, they can still help to identify, evaluate and suggest mitigation techniques across the entire organization.
In a new guide, Leadership in Treasury: Managing Risk in the Supply Chain, underwritten by Reval, AFP’s Corporate Treasurers Council explores some of the ways that treasurers can use their skills and insights to support strategic management of risk in the supply chain. Though it is unlikely that most treasurers will be responsible for implementing supply chain risk management policies outside finance, they can still help to identify, evaluate and suggest mitigation techniques across the entire organization.
05/13/2014
Perspective: What One Exec Learned in 28 Years in Finance
David Axson, a managing director in Accenture’s Finance and Enterprise Performance practice, will bring nearly 30 years worth of global finance and consulting experience as a keynote speaker at AFP’s Annual Conference in November.
David Axson, a managing director in Accenture’s Finance and Enterprise Performance practice, will bring nearly 30 years worth of global finance and consulting experience as a keynote speaker at AFP’s Annual Conference in November.
05/12/2014
Ten Steps to Successful Presentations
So, you’ve been asked to give a presentation? Perhaps—for the first time—to senior management or even the board of directors? These steps will take you from content selection to post-delivery feedback. You’ll be able to give better presentations and get better results.
So, you’ve been asked to give a presentation? Perhaps—for the first time—to senior management or even the board of directors? These steps will take you from content selection to post-delivery feedback. You’ll be able to give better presentations and get better results.
05/09/2014
Bottom Line: Leadership Milestones
This path is based upon the actual careers of several recently appointed corporate treasurers. Expect a few twists and turns along the way.
This path is based upon the actual careers of several recently appointed corporate treasurers. Expect a few twists and turns along the way.
05/09/2014
Survey: CFOs More Upbeat, Likely to Increase Spending
Finance executives are increasingly optimistic about the economy and say they are likely to increase spending, according to a new survey. However, this trend is not likely to translate into corporates immediately investing their cash reserves.
Finance executives are increasingly optimistic about the economy and say they are likely to increase spending, according to a new survey. However, this trend is not likely to translate into corporates immediately investing their cash reserves.
05/08/2014
FASB Backs Off Leasing Proposal and Convergence with IASB
After two rounds of proposals and industry comments, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) appears to have decided that current lease accounting from a lessee standpoint isn’t so bad after all.
After two rounds of proposals and industry comments, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) appears to have decided that current lease accounting from a lessee standpoint isn’t so bad after all.
05/08/2014
May 2014 Risk Newsletter
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is scheduled to take effect July 1. The May issue tells you all you need to know to prepare for this potentially burdensome new regulation. Plus, there’s guidance on derivatives liquidity, and lease accounting news.
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is scheduled to take effect July 1. The May issue tells you all you need to know to prepare for this potentially burdensome new regulation. Plus, there’s guidance on derivatives liquidity, and lease accounting news.
05/08/2014
The Impact of Rising Real Estate Prices on Treasury
Prices for office properties are rising across the country, a trend that could impact nearly every treasury department. But corporates looking outside the trendiest sections of town will still find plenty of bargaining power, especially to lease properties, although perhaps not for much longer.
Prices for office properties are rising across the country, a trend that could impact nearly every treasury department. But corporates looking outside the trendiest sections of town will still find plenty of bargaining power, especially to lease properties, although perhaps not for much longer.
05/07/2014
Finding Finance Potential Beyond the Résumé
As a treasury and finance leader looking to acquire top talent, you need to know if the person you bring on board will be driven to succeed and work seamlessly inside your company’s culture. This won’t happen unless their strengths are identified and put to use.
As a treasury and finance leader looking to acquire top talent, you need to know if the person you bring on board will be driven to succeed and work seamlessly inside your company’s culture. This won’t happen unless their strengths are identified and put to use.
05/07/2014
Navigating Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering Laws
Understanding regulations around Canadian payments is critical for corporate practitioners operating north of the border—and south of it as well. Because the two nations are each other’s largest trading partners, treasury and finance professionals on both sides of the border should pay close attention.
Understanding regulations around Canadian payments is critical for corporate practitioners operating north of the border—and south of it as well. Because the two nations are each other’s largest trading partners, treasury and finance professionals on both sides of the border should pay close attention.
05/06/2014
AFP Fraudwatch: Target Breach’s Latest Victim is the CEO
Target said Monday that it has relieved Chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel of his duties, following the massive holiday data breach that compromised 110 million customers, hurt Target’s fourth quarter 2013 profits and seriously damaged the company’s reputation.
Target said Monday that it has relieved Chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel of his duties, following the massive holiday data breach that compromised 110 million customers, hurt Target’s fourth quarter 2013 profits and seriously damaged the company’s reputation.
05/06/2014
