Book Description
Filled with pragmatic insights, proactive strategies, and best practices, The New CFO Financial Leadership Manual, Second Edition is destined to become your essential desktop companion. This thorough guidebook is essential reading for the CFO requiring an overview of strategies, measurement and control systems, financial analysis tools, funding sources, and management improvement tips.
Customer Reviews:
Caveat emptor.......2007-03-09
I browsed the book and found the table of contents to contain many interesting topics. With the "surprise me!" function, I happened upon the Sale and Leaseback discussion, a topic with which I am familiar professionally.
In my view, the author completely failed to grasp sale-leaseback decision analysis. Leasing is another form of debt financing (with some nuances), which can be very expensive and administrative. Rating agencies and competent creditors will simply capitalize your lease payments (at the cost of debt) and treat it as debt. It actually reduces your debt capacity, not increase it as the author suggests (in his excess cash example). Also, having idle excess cash to borrow against is expensive as the cost of debt exceeds the returns you can use on cash. And buying shares (i.e. returning capital) to "prop up" the share price is an irresponsible, simplistic and inaccurate view.
The treatment of the topic surprised me. God help the company with a CFO that would think as the author does.
Everything you need to know in finance - superb!.......2004-07-14
I found this book very complete and comprehensive as a reference source. It covers the strategic and operational perspectives of the finance function. This is one of the best "CFO" books, together with "CFO Architect" and "CFO Handbook". A little bit overpriced - I would have put it in the US$60 range. Reading this book is like taking an advanced course in preparing yourself for the CFO career. It is very didactic and straightforward. A recommendation for the author: in a future edition, you might consider expanding on the topics of international finance, value based management and corporate restructurings.
Book Description
Obtain valuable guidance from today's financial leaders. First published to universal acclaim over ten years ago, The CFO Handbook has been updated and revised by editors Marke E. Haskins and Benjamin R. Makela to reflect changes in the profession during the tumult of the 80s and 90s. Among the many topics covered are: determining financial policies, budgeting, defining goals and rewarding performance; creating and implementing mission, values and strategy; assessing international risk and controlling global operations. The CFO Handbook is written for, and by, financial leaders! Just look at a few of the esteemed CFOs and/or financial professionals who have contributed chapters to this landmark volume: Robert M. Agate, Colgate Palmolive; Caroline Dorsa, Merck & Co.; Michael Grobstein, Ernst & Young International; Thomas G. Manoff, Saturn Corp.; Robert J. Chrenc, AC Nielsen; A. Nicholas Filippello, Monsato Company; George B. James, Levi Strauss & Co. . .and many more!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Book.......2000-06-14
Excellent book for anyone starting a business moving on to the next level. Gives a vbery intensive view of the position of the CFO and their responsibilities. Brought out many of the details of the position often overlooked. Kudos to the authors.
Book Description
Written for controllers, CFOs, accounting managers, and business managers, Fast Close incorporates Steven Bragg’s own personally tested guidelines to help professionals speed up the closing process, especially in response to Sarbanes-Oxley’s more time-sensitive requirements. Bragg outlines numerous key improvements that, when gradually implemented together, are guaranteed to shrink the closing process down to as little as one day. Chock-full of helpful flowcharts and checklists to help readers prevent delays and bring accounting department closing procedures up to date, Fast Close explores specific instructions for closing faster, common areas of delay and how to overcome them, required controls to keep financials accurate despite the fast close, and much more. Create financial statements faster . . . much faster . . . with the expert guidance found in Steven Bragg’s Fast Close.
Book Description
The Fourth Edition of this classic resource shifts from an exclusive university emphasis to include all businesses and industries, reflecting the changing demands of this dynamic field. Revised and updated material includes procedural reviews of internal controls, tests of conformance to acceptable accounting principles, and reviews of the application of rules and procedures to ensure consistency and reliability. You can turn to this revised standard for a step-by-step plan to prepare pertinent and accurate accounting manuals, determine which formats to use, as well as maintain and update information. Other contents include details on the general accounting manual, a policy/procedure statement, forms manual, data processing manual, user manual, and information release system. Packed with over 150 examples of actual documents, this Fourth Edition offers comprehensive guidance on repairing and maintaining effective accounting manuals.
Book Description
The spreadsheet for Valuation 3e is an easy-to-use, interactive tool that allows users to plug values into the valuation model developed in the book. The user inputs a company's historical income statements, balance sheet information, and economic forecast assumptions to produce a functional model in which potential cash flow, economic profits, and other pertinent metrics are determined to estimate the value of a company.
Valuation 3/e is a thorough update and revision of the best-selling Valuation 2/e. Valuation 3/e provides crucial insight into how a company's value can be determined and measured, managed and maximized.
System Requirements:
Pentium II PC or greater
Windows 98 or later
128MB RAM
20MB Hard Disk Space
Excel 97 / 2000 (Alone or part of Office 97 / 2000) w/Report Manager & Analysis ToolPak installed and enabled.
(
Note: Formulas & Computations are not guaranteed in later versions of Excel)
Video Display: 800 x 600 recommended
Customer Reviews:
Good intro but that is it.......2007-08-03
This is a good intro to give the basics of valuation for "old economy" businesses. It determines the valuation of companies based almost exclusively on their cash flow over the previous few years to the analysis. Unfortunately it ignores too many issues that play an extremely important role in valuation. For example, the quality, background, knowledge of management, the products the company manufactures, the markets for these products, macroeconomic conditions, intellectual property, market position (i.e., oligopolistic? Is entry/exit difficult in the industry?). Not one of these issues is even touched upon!!! The authors seem to be implying that these issues are irrelevant!! Only the cash flow over the previous few years applied forward (i.e., discounted for present value) matters according to the book!!! Perhaps this type of mentality explains why the overwhelming majority of mergers and acquistions fail!!!!
Nothing spectacular.......2006-04-03
Unfortunately, for all the name brand that this book conveys, I think the cover seems to be the most intriguing part. There are much better ways for book peddling and the fact that a firm such as McKinsey allowed their name on the title of a book for the sake of a few sales, boggles this readers mind. The subject matter seems to be along the lines of the bull session with all bull and no session. No actual quantitative analysis is used throughout the book, and if anything more than an encyclopedic definition is learned from this book, I would be astounded. Save some money and go search online for some basic books on beginning valuation. By the way, those giving 5 stars either can't read English very well or are shills for McKinsey.
Waste of Time.......2005-04-12
Any book by Damodaran is far better for business managers and portfolio managers.
For portfolio managers, estimating the cash-flows is a small part of the valuation process, the easiest. As the financial field and practice is becoming more and more quantitative, the cutting edge of asset pricing is to estimate time-varying risk premiums. Actually, almost 90% of variation in stock prices come from risk shifts, not from news on company cash-flows.
If you are interested in asset pricing i would suggest a mix of damodaran (20%) and "Asset Pricing" by John Cochrane (80%).
Good but bad Excel support.......2004-01-29
I liked this book. In Russia it is one of the most popular books on valuatuion. But when I can get the perfect excel support for Investment Valuation by Aswath Damodaran or good web support for Valuation Methods and Shareholder Value Creation by Pablo Fernandez, I ask the authors, why don't they put supporting material in disk? I think that the price of their sowtware ($94.50) is too high compairing with the book ($56 with discount), because there is no supporting materials - only 1 spreadsheet (from my point of view does not conform to McKinsey, as the leader of consulting business). I hope, for the 4-th edition we will have a good excel support.
User-unfriendliness at its best.......2003-01-11
Hmm I wonder if those giving this book five stars actually work for McKinsey. As a practioner, I don't know anyone in the industry who has actually read this book. It looks impressive on the bookshelf, but the content is anything but impressive. A lot of topics are covered, but each one only superficially and the writing is extremely dry and boring. I actually found reading this volume *painful*, and I'm supposed to like this stuff since I do it for a living! My advice for any potential buyer is read a few chapters first before you shell out for it.
Book Description
Provides accountants in small and medium sized firms the tool to expand services beyond attest and compliance functions.
- Shows how to transition to other professional services that clients value.
- Provides a pro-forma business plan for mapping a three to five year plan for the transition to a successful practice.
- Positions consulting as an extension to traditional services, not just an alternative.
- Includes many real world examples of accountants who have made a successful transition to new services, discussing the challenges and the results achieved.
- Focuses on quality of life issues and how to get there.
Customer Reviews:
A truly paradigm-shifting work.......2006-05-15
Ron Baker is doing for the professional services firms what Columbus and Pythagoras did for the "Earth is Flat" proponents! "Paradigm-shifting" has become so over-used in our culture, but it is not mere hyperbole when describing this book. The work is quite thorough, implementing excerpts, quotes, and philosophies from dozens of well-respected scholars, economists, and management consultants. The work reminds me a lot of Tom Peters' seminal book, "In Search of Excellence" in the way in which the author sprinkles in so many great examples from other successful organizations and industries. In addition, he has many real-world examples (from firms around the world) of professional services firms that have successfully tranformed their practices. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to any professional who is trying to transform a professional services organization or who is wondering if there might be a more effective and profitable way to run a professional services firm.
The Essential Reference for Law Firm Leadership.......2006-02-08
I first read this book about 2 years ago. I keep it within arm's reach of my desk and refer to it often, still.
I've read one reviewer who stated that this book was the modern almanac of best business practices. I agree completely.
I run my own small law firm. We have implemented many of this book's practices with great success and profitablilty. Primary among them is fixed fee agreements. Yes, we are a law firm that has trashed its time sheets, due in large part to the inspiration and impetus of this book. And, we will never go back.
An earlier reviewer suggested that this book would be more useful for CPA's and not for lawyers. I disagree. Though I'm certain the message of this book is critical for CPA's, I think that any person in law firm leadership must read this book. I think it is particularly suited to small firms and solos who will have the ability to immediately take action in implementing these ideas and making them a reality in their practice.
However, if you are one of my competitors forget everything I said above and do not touch this book. My firm and my family will thank you.
Extremely helpful, well documented........2005-11-14
This is a very well-documented guide for any service firm. It's also very well written, very insightful and very well researched. It's real deep, complete and full of advice and wisdom from several great minds. I run a corporate reputation consulting firm in El Salvador and this is the most advice-rich book I've encountered in the last five years. I also recommend "the trusted advisor" by David Maister and specially "Managing the Profesional Service Firm" also by Maister.
Permission to Believe.......2004-12-14
The Firm of The Future coordinates both the theory and practical application of pricing concepts AND business service models in such a complelling manner that Baker & Dunn give Professional services organizations permission to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
While the Firm of The Future is geared to the legal and accounting professions the message and vision is applicable to Advertising agencies, Consulting Organizations, Marketing service firms and professional service providers of all shapes and sizes.
Cost plus pricing is short sighted and intellectually flawed.The intense pressure on increasing billable hours and driving down costs is destroying the creativity and core capabilities of Professional Service companies.Baker&Dunn explain the flaws of cost plus and hourly schemes and identify a road map which outlines how to move a professional services organization and it's customers to a healthier, happier, more productive and more mutually profitable business process
A great read---Inspirational and practical
Tom Finneran
Executive Vice President
American Association of Advertising Agencies
Must reading for the professional service provider!.......2003-12-04
After reading this book, you'll need to place it alongside your desktop dictionary, Thesaruas and Ron's first book "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing. This is how strong of an impact their message has made on me.
After reading the first two editions of Ron's book, I didn't think he would be able to improve much on the message of switching to Value Pricing. Boy, was I wrong! He and Paul Dunn have done an amazing job of getting the reader to think differently. As with the radical theme of trashing the timesheet in "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing", they do a masterful job of convincing you why the old "Revenue Equation" must be replaced with the forward-thinking "Profit Equation". They go on to introduce other new topics not found amongst professional services firms such as developing your Intellectual, Structural and Social Capital, emphasizing effectiveness over efficiency and of course Value Pricing. As is typical of Ron's writing style, and complemented by Paul, their reasoning for making this paradigm shift is well supported and well reasoned.
I've been using practicing Value Pricing for about 5 1/2 years now and I can tell you that it works. In my own firm, I've slowly begun implementing some of their new concepts but with a new perception. I'm convinced these principles will work for me and they can for you as well.
After reading this book, you'll definitely want to keep it handy as a useful reference guide!
Book Description
An in-depth look at the strategies, capital structure, and fund raising techniques for emerging growth and middle-market companies.
Here is a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding and applying the basics of corporate finance to emerging growth and middle-market companies. Using empirical data and actual company cases to illustrate capital structures and financing approaches, the book provides a detailed discussion of the many funding instruments, from traditional bank loans and asset-based financing to different types of private equity and other creative solutions; the types of funding sources and their expected rates of returns; and typical deal terms.
Download Description
"An in-depth look at the strategies, capital structure, and fund raising techniques for emerging growth and middle-market companies.
Here is a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding and applying the basics of corporate finance to emerging growth and middle-market companies. Using empirical data and actual company cases to illustrate capital structures and financing approaches, the book provides a detailed discussion of the many funding instruments, from traditional bank loans and asset-based financing to different types of private equity and other creative solutions; the types of funding sources and their expected rates of returns; and typical deal terms."
Customer Reviews:
A Worthy Investment.......2007-08-31
I bought this book about a year and a half ago, and have been reminded of the wisdom of that purchase every time I pick it up again...a great ROI on that small investment!
Good Value For Time Invested in reading.......2006-12-29
If you're a startup or an entrepreneur...you have very little time and/or few sources of quality information.
This book gives you the big picture, it also gives you many details that are hard to get...it's the best investment you can make with your time.
Reads like a great novel for the Entrepreneur.......2006-10-05
If you are like me, you read a lot of books to help you become a better Entrepreneur, looking for those tasty morsels that give you ideas or methods to succeed in growing your business.
This books is one of the few of its kind that I could not put down. Each section was interesting and most were relevant. I am sick of reading about pure high tech and software only plays. This book is not only very educational, it is a reference manual that never leaves my desk. The Database of funding sources is invaluable.
Excellence in Grwoing companeis.......2006-04-13
Whether you are a start-up, growing a business or just interested in business reading, Kenneth H.Marks provides a clear insight into topics and issues required by any business person. Thought I understood finance until I read this book and located gaping holes in my understanding. Would recommend this book for any business course- it fills in the knowledge gaps that business schools leave.
This handbook should be on every entrepreneur's bookshelf.......2005-10-19
This book is truly incredible! As the co-owner of a full service commercial finance intermediary firm, we are always looking for valuable and concise resources to draw upon for in-depth information regarding the very vast world of corporate finance. This book is it. It doesn't matter if you are an entrepreneur, student, or financial professional, this book covers every aspect of corporate financing options. I have used the "Financing Source Directory" numerous times to locate finance companies based on area of expertise and required funding. Our job as financial intermediaries is to not only educate our clients based on the best source of financing according to their respective needs but to also have a vast database of finance professionals to call upon in order to successfully facilitate our clients funding requirements. The "Financing Source Directory" and the material in this book provide just that and more. The investment price for the book is worth the directory alone. If you're trying to locate funds for your company or if you would like to have a better understanding of how to finance a growing organization, go buy this book.
Book Description
``Harold's diligent and scholarly approach to investing theory makes Wealth Management a thoughtful book that should be on every advisor's reading list.''--Charles R. Schwab, Chairman & CEO, The Charles Schwab Corporation. Wealth Management outlines the current state-of-the-art in financial planning, and describes respected financial planning speaker and author Harold Evensky's effective, optimal asset allocation policy that is designed to account for each client's unique goals and constraints. It provides you with concise yet thorough information on current investment theories, along with detailed reference for further study.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Treatise on Wealth Management.......2001-07-20
Mr. Evensky's book has had a profound impact on my wealth management philosophy. He is very effective in blending the broad scope of investment management theory with "real world", practical application. I found it particularly useful because it is not a book written by an academic who has never sat across the table from a client and held their hand through the good times and the tough. This is a must read for any serious manager of wealth.
A. Todd Black, CFP
Excellent mixture of practical advice and theory.......1999-02-27
I had expected a typical fluff, despite Evensky's fine reputation. I has very surprised at this mixture of practical advice and theory. Pointers are given to other sources for those more theoretically inclined. Some of the practical advice (software recommendations and such) won't age as gracefully as the text itself, these packages will become obsolete before the book. Nevertheless, I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is looking to understand the basics of risk/reward, the importance of asset allocation, and the theoretical material that led to these ideas.
A must read for all investment advisors!.......1997-03-16
Harold generously shares his knowledge, not only in solid investment thought, but in practical application. If you've ever wanted to know how to practically apply investment research to your own portfolios, this is the book that will do it
Book Description
Praise for Managing the Audit Function
"The corporate governance issues, accounting irregularities, and legislative actions that have taken place over the past two years have elevated the role and importance of the internal audit function. Managing the Audit Function provides a valuable guide and reference tool for those charged with either executing or overseeing this function."
-- Daniel S. Kaplan, Business Risk Services Partner
Ernst & Young LLP
"It was refreshing to read Internal Audit literature with the appropriate focus on information systems and information systems auditing, since computer systems play such a key role in the processing of accounting transactions and the performance of business operations in today's business environment."
-- William J. Powers, Partner, National Director
Information Systems Assurance Services
BDO Seidman, LLP
"Cangemi and Singleton have created a knowledge management tool for the creation of quality audit manuals and functions. Managing the Audit Function is an important book for all audit managers, and with the addition of new and updated material, including information on the implications and requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, it provides the information to keep pace with changing conditions affecting the audit function."
-- Robert S. Roussey, Professor of Accounting
Leventhal School of Accounting, University of Southern California
International President, Information Systems Audit and Control Association
" This is basically a procedures manual for an internal auditing department that has been prepared by two of the world's most knowledgeable IT auditors. The book is a handy tool because examples are given throughout of relevant audit documents, such as audit reports, responses to reports, responses to delinquent responses, matrices, checklists, and flowcharts. Every audit department should have this book as a reference manual."
-- Dale L. Flesher, PhD, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, CGFM
Professor of Accountancy and Associate Dean
University of Mississippi
Customer Reviews:
A must for any Audit Manager.......2007-10-21
This bookd is a really good guide for anyone who manages an audit department in a large corporation. The procedures are detailed and specific and can be easily implemented in any company.
Invaluable Resource for Internal Audit Administrators.......2001-06-14
A very well organized and highly useful publication for audit executives responsible for administrtion of internal audit departments. It is especially beneficial and relevant to organziations with newly established internal audit functions. As the chief auditor of a newly formed group at a major footwear and apparel company, I have relied on this book almost daily to provide knowledge, guidance and direction. It has, and continues to be, invaluable in the development and growth of my organization's internal audit department and has facilitated my focusing on doing things right the "first time." A truly value-added publication!!
A Must Have . . ........2001-06-13
This publication is perhaps the most useful, well organized and valuable resource I have ever come across in the area of Internal Audit Department Administration. As the Director of Internal Audit of a newly formed Audit group at a major footwear and apparel company, not a day passes where I do not refer to this book for knowledge and guidance. It has provided me invaluable insight into administering a department and on focusing on doing things right "the first time." It is a must have resource for any department, new or old, that wants to build itself into a world-class function. I recommend this to every Internal Audit organization.
Book Description
The Handbook of Employee Benefits has become the definitive reference book for every benefits professional. It is required reading for the Certified Employee Benefit (CEBS) Program, thus making it the handbook professionals use when they need authoritative answers on important questions concerning objectives, cost, and implementation of effective employee benefit plans. Jerry Rosenbloom's encyclopedic handbook has become the one necessary reference for understanding and selecting the benefits plans that works best for both employees and companies. This edition of this classic has been completely revised and updated, including 18 new chapters, a new section on performance incentive programs, and over 70 expert contributors. Important changes and additions reflect today's hot issues such as healthcare, employee compensation, and use of technology through e-benefits. New material includes: In-depth discussion of key legislation, most notably The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (SBJPA); New health chapters on behavioral healthcare, disease management, alternative medicine, and elder care; Chapters on the basics of stock options, compensation management using stock options, and global stock ownership plans; Additional material on new types of retirement plans and new proposed pension legislation; Two new chapters on benefits technology applications and employee self-service through the Internet. Employee benefits are an integral, costly component of an employees' pay package (nearly 40%). The proper benefits plan is not only essential for an employees' well-being but is also critical in ensuring high levels of employee satisfaction. With the spiraling costs of benefits, employee benefits continue to play an integral part to a company's bottom line.
Books:
- The New Trader's Tax Solution: Money-Saving Strategies for the Serious Investor, 2nd Edition, Updated
- The One Minute Manager
- The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health
- The Successful Business Plan, 4th Edition: Secrets and Strategies (Successful Business Plan Secrets and Strategies)
- The Thin Book of Naming Elephants: How to Surface Undiscussables for Greater Organizational Success
- Up Close and Personal
- Value Driven Intellectual Capital: How to Convert Intangible Corporate Assets Into Market Value
- West Federal Taxation 2007: Individual Income Taxes, Volume 1, Professional Edition (West Federal Taxation Individual Income Taxes)
- What the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know: A CPA Reveals the Tricks of the Trade (What the Irs Doesn't Want You to Know)
- What Your Boss Doesn't Tell You Until It's Too Late: How to Correct Behavior That Is Holding You Back
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy: Standards, Research, and Emerging Issues
- The Complete Encyclopedia to Gi Joe
- Information and Communication Technologies for Development and Poverty Reduction: The Potential of T
- Looking at Maps and Globes
- Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture
- The Man Within
- The Calls of Frogs and Toads
- Making Money
- Joint Ventures: Business Strategies for Accountants
- Stonedial
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
The CFO Handbook
Reinventing the CFO: How Financial Managers Can Transform Their Roles and Add Greater Value
The Vest Pocket CFO
The Controller's Function: The Work of the Managerial Accountant
Accounting Best Practices
