Avani Desai, CPA, attended the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January. It was her first visit to the mountain town’s famed event that brings together world leaders and subject matter experts. In this episode of the FM podcast, Desai reflected on the lessons she learned and on the perspective she gained — as an attendee and a discussion moderator. Desai led a panel discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), supply chains, and cybersecurity. She summarised some of the lessons she can apply to her role as CEO of a large US accounting firm. Wha ..read more

Sarah Ghosh, FCMA, CGMA, is most of the way through her one-year term as CIMA president. In this episode of the FM podcast, intended to recognise International Women’s Day, she reflects on people she’s met, questions she’s asked, and progress made on numerous fronts. Ghosh discussed the launch of an AICPA & CIMA mentoring programme, reflected on her background in technology, and shared highlights of her global travels.  FM resources: Article about a finance director on leading with integrity Article about a CFO in South Africa who champions collaboration Article about a Singapore CFO ..read more

Author Alison Taylor, a clinical associate professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, explains the reasons business ethics has become a “confused topic” and why treating ethical problems as “tick-the-box PR” can make leaders look directionless. Taylor’s book, Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World, opens up a discourse on new ways to approach this complex landscape and highlights the importance of prioritising fundamental values, with the impact on human beings at the centre of decision-making.   What you’ll learn from this episode: Why ..read more

Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, chief executive—Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, made the trip to Orlando, Florida, last week to continue in the knowledge sharing that occurs at the Future of Finance Summit, a US event in its third year and one with companion events in other parts of the world. In this FM episode recorded at the summit, Harding shared key takeaways, insights into the optimism from businesses in China, and why one session topic took him back to his days as a coach on the football pitch. He also offered a succinct, three-pronged message for the profession in 2024. What you ..read more

A single cybersecurity breach can cost millions of dollars, so it’s critical that companies take a proactive approach and commit to shoring up their defences by making informed decisions and investments. An updated CGMA cybersecurity tool provides a place to start. Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA's associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, joins the FM podcast to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity and share details about what the recently released tool offers organisations of all sizes. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·      ..read more

Productivity expert and author Hayley Watts discusses the reasons people struggle with productivity and why digital correspondence is, despite its advantages, creating a challenging environment for communication.  Watts spoke at the UK and Ireland ENGAGE several months ago, and she offers tips to help leaders and employees to channel productivity into their working lives.  Watts, a co-author of How to Fix Meetings: Meet Less, Focus on Outcomes and Get Stuff Done, explains why technology can sometimes be more of a hindrance than an aid, why less is more when it comes to setting priori ..read more

New research from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) found a disconnect between the way leaders operate in day-to-day business and the long-term strategic initatives that keep businesses relevant and competitive amid constant change and transformation.  Peter Spence, associate technical director of management accounting at AICPA & CIMA, and Andy Beanland, a former consultant with the WBCSD, provide further insight into why business strategies are becoming ..read more

This episode of the FM podcast is the start of an occasional series on the show. That series is called Beyond the Code. In this case, that means taking a close look at the CIMA Code of Ethics. Xose Lumor, manager, Advocacy and Professional Ethics – Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, talks with disputes attorney Alastair Campbell, of the firm Level, about some of the ethical issues that accountants should be prepared to face.  The vast majority of CIMA members comply with regulations, and misconduct is ..read more

It makes sense that the themes emerging from the words of Phillipa Spicer, FCMA, CGMA, and Bruce Martin, ACMA, CGMA, are similar — they are sister and brother, both having ascended to CEO roles in the UK. Spicer set forward on a path to becoming a management accountant, and her younger brother followed. In this conversation, hear about their early trips to the office while growing up in South Africa, the questions they got from students, and the advice they give about being your own self as a CEO. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·       Martin and Spicer’s yo ..read more

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