SPOTLIGHT: Audit and Advisory–Beyond the Numbers

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Smart Audits and Advisory Powered by AI

3 mins read
As a Senior Financial Executive with experience in Public Accounting and the ability to leverage data to drive insights, I see a great entrepreneurial opportunity to underscore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming audit and advisory services driving innovation and efficiency to unlock new insights. AI is increasingly being integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives and industries. So, it should not come as a surprise that AI has weaved itself into both audit and advisory platforms to significantly enhance and improve efficiency, accuracy, risk detection, and the delivery of strategic insights. This article explores some of the ways that AI can be used as a tool to elevate the audit process to deliver both operational value and strategic guidance.…

10 Business Strategies to Navigate Tariffs and Tax Uncertainty

PKF O'CONNOR DAVIES: In an environment marked by fluctuating tariff negotiations, ongoing debates in Congress over tax proposals that could significantly impact businesses and divergent views on whether a V-shaped recovery or a potential recession lies ahead, businesses are navigating considerable uncertainty. Regardless of what the future holds, it’s crucial for businesses to strategize and plan proactively. While factors like tariffs, tax policies and broader market dynamics may be beyond a company’s control, there are actionable strategies to position your business for resilience and potential growth. Here are 10 strategies to position your business for a recovery and mitigate the impact of potential economic downturns…

CFO & Leadership Catalyst

The Game-Changing Power of a CFO with Business Development Skills: Bridging Finance and Strategic Growth

6 mins read
Traditionally, the CFO’s role has been centered around core financial responsibilities such as reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While these responsibilities remain crucial, today’s CFOs are stepping into a more strategic, forward-thinking role that drives business development, fosters growth, and fuels innovation. This article explores how combining financial expertise with a business development acumen can drive growth, optimize strategic investments, and align a company’s financial strategy with its long-term business goals.…

The Long Game: Rory McIlroy, the Masters, and What Endurance Reveals About Leadership

5 mins read
In a world where patience often feels like a liability, Rory McIlroy offers a masterclass in what long-term commitment can actually achieve. The story is not about a single putt, a single round, or a single moment. It is about the full span of time, the years in the making, and the pressure that compounds when greatness is expected but…

The Glass Cannon: Leading When Strength Is Fragile

5 mins read
Recently, I posted about the concept of a “glass cannon.” It’s a term borrowed from gaming, used to describe a character that delivers massive damage but has almost no defense. It’s powerful, yes, but fragile. High output. Low durability. Deadly, but vulnerable. I didn’t expect it to resonate the way it did. But it turns out the glass cannon isn’t…

Technology & AI

How AI is Rewriting the CFO Playbook

11 mins read
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come a long way from back-office automation. Far surpassing number crunching, it actively shapes strategy, influences boardrooms, and helps financial executives lead with insight, speed, and foresight. After sharing AI’s top finance use cases (and why enterprises fail) -Where do we go from here? That question is exactly what this article is about. Whether you're a CFO, VP of Finance, or strategic advisor, this is the moment to look beyond incremental improvement and automation. Think in terms of innovation through AI…

Financial Strategies & Management

Unlocking Hidden Cash: Calvetti Ferguson’s Experts Reveal Sales and Use Tax Refund Opportunities

1 min read
CFOs, controllers, and treasurers are sitting on a goldmine – untapped sales and use tax refunds. Calvetti Ferguson, a regional accounting and consulting firm with clients nationwide, is helping businesses unlock this hidden cash through expert-led refund reviews. Brian Valencia and Orges Lleshaj recently shared their invaluable insights with financial executives, shedding light on how to identify overpayments, explore potential exemptions, and maximize refund opportunities. Bryan, a seasoned tax expert who leads the tax incentives team, and Orges, head of Calvetti Ferguson’s sales and use tax practice, bring a combined wealth of knowledge to the table. Calvetti Ferguson Team’s Proven Track Record With a strong focus on tax compliance and advisory…

Taking A Closer Look at Fractional CFO Services in LATAM

2 mins read
The Fractional CFO, a relatively new concept in the world of finance, has been gaining popularity among businesses of all sizes. Mark Blackton takes a closer look at this emerging trend in his presentation on the Fractional CFO model for…

Strengthening CMO-CFO Collaboration

3 mins read
In an important session of The Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG), two notable thought leaders, Mark Sue and Reed Berglund, unraveled transformative insights on fostering synergy between CFOs and CMOs. Given their significant expertise and background in finance and marketing,…

Acing the Financial Game in Manufacturing

At a recent gathering of the Manufacturing Special Interest Group (SIG) of The Financial Executives Networking Group (The FENG), financial virtuosos Mark Sue and Scott Meyers dispensed some valuable wisdom on the nitty-gritty of manufacturing, labor efficiency, and the dynamics…

The Case for Project Finance

Why choose project finance, over another type of financing – identifying the common elements of project finance is a worthwhile exercise to determine if project finance is really the best type of financing for your deal. If you cannot envision all of…

Navigating Philanthropy: Strategic Insights for Finance Executives

Financial advisor Juan Ros recently addressed The Financial Executives Networking Group, sharing his wisdom on aligning charitable giving within business exit strategies. Ros, well-versed in financial management and philanthropy, shed light on the symbiosis of financial objectives and charitable inclinations.…

Powered by The Financial Executives Networking Group

Letter From the Editor—June 2025

2 mins read
The Financial Executives Networking Group is pleased with the continued success of the Financial Executives Journal, an online publication dedicated to industry thought leadership, career growth, and professional development. Featured Spotlight The current edition spotlights Audit and Advisory: Beyond the Numbers – The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Smart Audits and Advisory Services…

Internship Opportunities at The FENG

1 min read
Internships are available, on a part-time basis, for college accreditation, at The Financial Executives Networking Group (The FENG). We are seeking creative and motivated marketing, graphics, communications and finance students to join our dynamic team. You will have the opportunity to apply and gain valuable experience in social media and…

Letter From The Editor–April 2025

2 mins read
The Financial Executives Networking Group is pleased with the continued success of the Financial Executives Journal, an online publication dedicated to industry thought leadership, career growth, and professional development. Featured Spotlight The current edition spotlights “Inside 2025’s Boldest Shifts in the Nonprofit Sector”, which explores the evolving landscape that mission-driven organizations…

Topics