December 2019 - Strategic Finance

The CFO as Asset Manager

Management accountants can use data analytics to inform the company’s strategic direction and align asset management with it.

Customer Loyalty Program Fraud

Loyalty programs, while an effective tool in strengthening customer relationships, have become a target for fraud.

The Looming Bookkeeper Shortage

Bookkeepers often get short shrift, but small and medium-sized enterprises must respond to a back-office staffing shortage.

Lower the Costs of Your External Audit

Finance professionals’ advanced preparations and clear communications are the keys to a smooth, efficient audit process.

CFO to CFO: The Changing Role of the CFO

Two CFOs talk about how technology, risks, and other factors make leading the finance function more complicated than ever.

A Life of Service

Jimmie Smith, a 45-year IMA member who passed away on November 3, 2019, at the age of 71, leaves behind an amazing legacy.

IMA Volunteerism: Low-risk Growth

Volunteering leads to professional growth in that it tests and refines your leadership skills; you get more than you give.

IMA Life: Enjoying the Challenge

The CSCA credential develops professionals’ strategic skills and provided a boost to this CMA’s professional development.

Get Smart about Cybersecurity Attacks

Management accountants must ensure that their company’s IT team is on top of cybersecurity prevention and response planning.

Access: Fractions and Greek Characters

When a need arises that can’t be handled by Access’s built-in functions, you can build user-defined functions.

AI Isn’t Neutral

Professionals must be aware of machine-learning algorithms’ potential biases to overcome AI’s ethical challenges.

The Power of Knowing

Embodying a diverse, inclusive way of life means becoming aware of unconscious bias and working to overcome our own biases.

Aiding or Abetting Understatement Penalties

There’s no statute of limitations to the penalties for helping taxpayers to understate their tax liability under IRC §6701.

How to Handle a Loss of Business Income

To insulate your small business from income loss, owners and bookkeepers must keep good records of everything.

Creating Ethical Chatbots

As commercial chatbots get smarter and more diverse, the need for responsible design will become more critical.

Coaching for Success

Strong leaders should create a shared vision and purpose to develop trust and a winning culture at their organization.

Excel: Ask Excel a Question about Your Data

An upcoming Excel feature code-named “Natural Language Query” relies on AI to answer questions about data in your workbook.

Tools of the Trade: December 2019

A look at the recently released Panasonic Toughbook 55, Google Pixel 4, Amazon Echo Buds, and the Mophie Juice Pack Access.

IMA 100 Years: In a Great Place

IMA membership is considered something that we have, but it should also be thought of as something that we do.

Books: Put Cybersecurity first

Think Security First! offers practical advice for professionals concerned with cybersecurity in an age of rising cybercrime.

SEC Expands Access to Test-the-Waters Communications

The SEC has expanded its test-the-waters policy to make it easier for some companies to file for an IPO.

House Bill Would Constrict “Private” Financing Market

A draft bill would impose more requirements on private financing to encourage companies to pursue financing via an IPO.

IAESB Issues New Education Standards

The IAESB revised International Education Standards to boost aspiring and professional accountants’ competencies and skills.

Welcome, New CMAs: October 2019

The ICMA is proud to announce the list of IMA members who earned their CMA certification in October 2019.

Notice of Ethics Violation

This is an official announcement regarding IMA members whose membership was terminated for ethics violations.