The CGMA Program Digest is the blog-style portal serving our readers updates and resources from the front-lines of the management accounting world. We’ll curate current topics, trends and thought leadership – as well as keep you updated on developments in the CGMA Finance Leadership Program.
How AI, blockchain, and automation will reinvent accounting (podcast)
March 6, 2018 - The accounting profession sits on the cusp of unprecedented change. Transformative technologies such as automated data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain will reshape virtually every corner of the accounting world — changing the way CPAs work, whom they work with, where they do their jobs, and how they connect with clients and colleagues. The very nature of core services including tax and audit will evolve by leaps and bounds into something dramatically different. For CPAs to survive and thrive, they will need to learn — and unlearn — on a scale and at a pace that can seem overwhelming.
How to bounce back from a career setback (article)
March 2, 2018 - Whether it's a layoff, a failed project, being passed over for a job or promotion, or even being fired, most CPAs will experience a setback at some point in their careers. By taking the right steps, however, they can recover from these events and even come back stronger than before.
How to be a more strategic manager (article)
February 27, 2018 - Effective communication with stakeholders is the key to successfully managing strategy and change in the workplace. Simple mistakes can hamper grand ideas. These concrete suggestions, including one about "fuzziness", can help your team execute strategy.
Balancing soft skills with technical abilities (article)
February 23, 2018 - In a business world that's increasingly turning to technology for strategic insights, the skill sets that accounting and finance leaders need on their teams are changing.
Finance teams need people who can see the big picture provided by the technical tools, formulate strategy, and communicate those strategic insights so the business can act upon them appropriately.
Explore "CGMA For a Day" (tool)
February 22, 2018 - Your technical skills set you apart in the accounting world. But maybe you're ready to move beyond the numbers. Find out how you rank in core CGMA competencies and discover exactly where you need to go from here.
Strategies for leading productive office meetings (article)
February 15, 2018 - Seeing a calendar full of meetings and it's bringing you down? Meetings don't have to be dreaded events. They can be interesting, energetic gatherings that bring employees together to brainstorm, solve problems, or make important decisions. Learn how.
From Cop to CFO to CGMA (CGMA Spotlight)
February 12, 2018 - "Many CPAs follow a traditional path. They graduate from college, pass the CPA exam while in public accounting, and continue to advance through the ranks in their respective firms or companies.
Chris Wildman, CPA, CGMA, took a vastly different route. Read this story as Chris narrates his non-traditional career path, working for a school district and why he feels passionately about the CGMA designation."
10 tips for finding a job while you have a job (career)
February 9, 2018 - The digitisation of recruitment and the rise of professional social media have made it far easier to hunt for a job while employed than it was a decade ago. If you’re on the lookout for a new job, exercise caution so as not to jeopardise an existing job before you have a new one
3 common writing errors that can undercut your professionalism (article)
February 6, 2018 - Be alert to these spelling, usage, and grammar mistakes so you can spot and prevent them.
What CPAs need to do to survive the automation revolution (article)
February 1, 2018 - While computers take over routine tasks, accountants should focus on strategy and finding value.
Watch out for these fraud red flags (podcast)
February 1, 2018 - Human nature means we'll likely never be able to eradicate fraud, one fraud expert says. Hear his thoughts on red flags to look for.
5 tips for lifelong learning (article)
January 30, 2018 - Experts say to read, listen, watch, engage, adapt, practice, and retain.
Addressing gaps and understanding persuasion (interview)
January 30, 2018 - This week, Laura Felice, CPA, CGMA, senior vice president and controller at BJ’s Wholesale Club discusses her current professional reading list, which addresses diversity, execution gaps and persuasion.
7 interview mistakes management accountants make (article)
January 25, 2018 - People often feel nervous in a job interview, which can lead to mistakes. Understanding the biggest gaffes candidates tend to make — and how to avoid them — is crucial for finance professionals’ interview preparation and ultimate success.
Readying business for the big data revolution (podcast)
January 23, 2018 - Russell Goldsmith is joined by the Association's, Peter Simons and Simon Jeffery at Siem Car Carriers, as they delve into practical advice on how management accountants can help businesses obtain insights from their data sets across the organisation.
4 looming threats to the blockchain bubble (article)
January 18, 2018 - Cryptocurrencies were going to save the world, disrupting just about anything with a digital fingerprint. But unless some big problems with blockchain technologies are solved, the hype that defined 2017 could quickly evaporate.
How to make the leap from Wall Street to Main Street CFO (article)
January 16, 2018 - While many skills translate from Wall Street to Main Street, there are certain caveats that investment banking and PE professionals should consider if they want to ensure that this is a viable, alternative career path.
6 keys to delegating more effectively (article)
January 11, 2018 - As an experienced professional, the process of delegating can appear to be too time-consuming.These questions can help you overcome the feeling of losing control, assign tasks, and empower your team.
CGMA Mentor Webcast - Tim Russell, CPA, CGMA and Zach Mastroly, CPA, CGMA - Koch Industries (video)
December 7, 2017 - In this CGMA Mentor Webcast, Tim Russell, CPA, CGMA and Zach Mastroly, CPA, CGMA talk about their journey to obtaining the CGMA designation. Working in accounting roles in Koch Industries in Wichita, KS, Tim and Zach quickly realized the value of adding the CGMA designation to their CPA credential.
Watch this webcast to get pearls of wisdom from Tim and Zach about everything from what the CGMA designation is, how it compares to the CPA credential, who should earn the CGMA designation and finally, their experience approaching and preparing for the CGMA case study exam.
The value of finance skills big and small (video)
December 4, 2017 - Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority CFO Scott Adair, CPA, CGMA, describes how he covers skills gaps in the public transportation sector.
7 Must-Read Business Books to Further Your Career (article)
December 4, 2017 - While it might seem more exciting to thumb through the latest Stephen King novel or another volume of the Shopaholic series, reading a book to help you sort through career issues or gain some kind of skill you don’t yet have is great for your future. This list of career-advancing books is by no means definitive—but it does offer a variety of career and life-focused reads to help you further your career, along with nuggets of wisdom to apply in your day-to-day life.
Four skills to get future-ready with Ash Noah, CPA, CGMA, FCMA (Facebook live)
November 28, 2017 -
Ash Noah, CPA, CGMA and VP of CGMA External Relations talks about the future if finance leadership and the need to transform and be agile.
Teaching, Training, Development, Volunteering Patrick Lytle finds his calling (CGMA Spotlight)
November 28, 2017 - Patrick Lytle, CPA, CGMA, works as director, financial planning and analysis at SM Energy Company in Denver, CO.
By day, he leads a group responsible for management reporting, budgeting, and long-range planning functions. But his real passion lies in what he does in his time away from the office – instilling in young minds three primary skills for success: work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
In this CGMA Spotlight, Pat talks about his philosophy in life, which is to give back to the community by way of mentoring, volunteering and making an impact on the lives of others.
Advice for following up while on the job hunt (article)
November 17, 2017 - Looking for a job can be a lot like dating.
You’re trying to present the best version of yourself, and the same questions and anxieties come up: Is it a fit? Do our long-term goals match? When should I follow up?
There are few easy answers for how to navigate the job-search process, even if it’s just figuring out how to follow up. A recent Robert Half survey found that two-thirds of HR managers recommended following up within two weeks to make sure a company received an application. One-third of those HR managers recommended waiting longer.
Strategic Business Skills Are Not Just for the CFO Anymore (Insights blog post)
November 17, 2017 - A new era of business is dawning as organizations look for finance staff—from the C-suite to entry-level—with a broader mix of competencies that include the application of financial disciplines in the management of the business. Employers are looking for finance professionals with management accounting skills, business skills and the potential to be strategic business partners.
Grit and Gusto: April Walker shows her spirit (CGMA Spotlight)
November 1, 2017 - Perseverance seemed to come easy for April Walker, CPA, CGMA. She worked for public accounting firms since 1995, first at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Raleigh, N.C., and then later at nearby Blackman & Sloop CPA, P.A., where she stayed for over 14 years as a manager in the tax department.
But eventually, Walker hit a wall. Professionally, she started feeling she needed a change, and she felt something was missing in her personal life. So in 2014, she partook in a small triathlon, and in 2015 signed up for her first half-Ironman, an intense running, swimming, and bicycling competition. In early 2016, she also switched professional gears and accepted a job as the lead manager-taxation at the AICPA. That same year, she passed the CGMA exam. Read more.
Tips for budding finance managers (video)
November 1, 2017 - Learning to be a manager is more than a check-the-box exercise, according to Debbie Jacobs, senior director of finance at Experian. In this bite-size video, Debbie offers insights on how to help employees advance.
CGMA Mentor Webcast - Dave Ristow, CPA, CGMA (video)
October 23, 2017 - Watch Dave Ristow, CPA, CGMA and CFO of Ascent Solutions, LLC talk about his decision to pursue the CGMA designation and his journey to successfully obtaining the designation.
Together, with colleague, Jim Carver, MBA, Controller at Ascent, they discuss the CGMA Competency Framework and explain the importance of CGMA in the real world.
This webcast will help you gain insights on the CGMA Program, CGMA Learning and the exam and why it's important to constantly enhance professional skills in the ever-evolving business landscape.
CGMA program journey: Max Rieck, CPA, CGMA (success story)
October 23, 2017 - In this feature Max discusses is approach to the CGMA exam, while being in charge of the finance and administrative functions for the organization and affiliates. This includes financial reporting, cash flow projections, financial analysis, as well as the human resource, insurance and legal aspects of the business. Along side other executives, Max brings his areas of expertise in order to help guide strategic direction for the business. Max's interest outside of work include spending time with his wife and son, fishing, golf and skiing.
November Exam Case Study is now Live! (CGMA Program Info)
October 17, 2017 - The pre-seen material (case study) for the November 2017 CGMA Exam is now available! The case is based on a fictitious company called SteelCast which makes mechanical watches for the luxury market. You are a Senior Manager in the finance function at SteelCast. You report directly to the Board and advise on special projects and strategic matters. Access the November 2017 exam pre-seen material here.
Ascending from CFO to CEO (podcast)
October 17, 2017 - Plenty of CFOs have their eye becoming a CEO. What are the steps they should take? Mark Biersmith, CPA, CGMA, has a few thoughts. Biersmith has been both a CFO and CEO, as well as a private-equity partner. He offers advice for making the CFO-to-CEO leap in an episode of the CGMA Magazine Podcast series.
