Author : | Jeffrey Paul Borschowa, Author, Educator |
Course Length : | Pages: 56 ||| Word Count: 12,333 ||| Review Questions: 6 ||| Final Exam Questions: 10 |
CPE Credits : | 2.0 |
IRS Credits : | 0 |
Price : | $17.95 |
Passing Score : | 70% |
Course Type: | NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry |
Technical Designation: | Technical |
Primary Subject-Field Of Study: | Management Services - Management Services for Course Id 2491 |
Description : | This Continuing Professional Education (CPE) course is designed for financial professionals, particularly controllers, who want to enhance their strategic leadership, efficiency, and technological capabilities in the modern accounting landscape. The course introduces the seven essential habits of highly effective controllers, focusing on proactive risk management, automation, data-driven decision-making, and leadership development. It explores the evolution of the controller’s role, emphasizing the shift from traditional financial reporting to becoming a strategic business advisor. Participants will learn how to leverage AI-powered analytics, automation tools, and risk prevention strategies to transform financial operations, improve accuracy, and enhance decision-making. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to practical applications, providing case studies, real-world examples, and AI-driven tools that controllers can implement immediately. Each habit is broken down into actionable steps, covering essential topics such as automating financial processes, streamlining the closing cycle, enhancing cash flow management, and fostering continuous improvement. The course also emphasizes the role of collaboration tools, predictive analytics, and proactive risk mitigation, demonstrating how controllers can create more efficient, resilient, and adaptable accounting departments. Special attention is given to leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to automate reporting, optimize workflows, and enhance financial insights. This course is ideal for controllers, CFOs, and finance professionals who want to stay ahead in an AI-driven financial world. Participants will walk away with the skills to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and make data-backed strategic decisions, ultimately positioning themselves as key advisors within their organizations. By mastering these seven habits, finance leaders can future-proof their careers, improve organizational performance, and drive financial transformation through cutting-edge technology and innovative leadership. |
Usage Rank : | 90000 |
Release : | 2025 |
Version : | 1.0 |
Prerequisites : | None. |
Experience Level : | Overview |
Additional Contents : | Complete, no additional material needed. |
Additional Links : |
Financial Controller Roles, Duties, Skillset, and Career Path
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Advance Preparation : | None. |
Delivery Method : | QAS Self Study |
Intended Participants : | Anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE). |
Revision Date : | 19-Feb-2025 |
NASBA Course Declaration : | Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase and with a minimum passing grade of 70% or better to receive CPE credit unless otherwise noted on the Course History page (i.e. California Ethics must score 90% or better). After logging in click on the Course History links on your My Courses page for the Begin date and Expire date for the Final Exam. |
Approved Audience : | NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2491 |
Keywords : | Management Advisory Services, 7Habits, Highly, Effective, Controllers, cpe, cpa, online course |
Learning Objectives : |
Unit 1
2. Identify key risks within financial processes and outline strategies to prevent them using tools and automation. 3. Demonstrate how dynamic tools and dashboards enhance team efficiency and provide actionable insights. Unit 2
2. Evaluate processes for improvement opportunities and recommend innovations that drive operational efficiency. 3. Apply modern techniques for cash flow management to improve liquidity, forecasting, and decision-making. |
Course Contents : | Unit 1 - Understanding the Evolution of the Controller Role Unit 1 Learning Objectives The Evolution of the Controller Role The Historical Role of the Controller The Modern Controller: A Strategic Evolution Case Study: How One Company Transformed the Controller Role Looking to the Future: The Next Evolution of Controllers 1. AI and Automation: The Intelligent Controller 2. Data-Driven Decision Making: Controllers as Business Advisors 3. ESG and Ethics: The Expanding Scope of Financial Leadership 4. Risk and Opportunity Management: Controllers as Growth Enablers Why the 7 Habits Matter Habit 1: Seek and Destroy Risk From Detection to Prevention: The Shift in Risk Management The Traditional Role of Risk Detection The Modern Controller: Risk Prevention Over Risk Detection Proactive Risk Prevention: A Modern Approach 1. Risk Mapping: Identifying Vulnerabilities Before They Materialize 2. Technology Integration: Automating Risk Detection 3. Team Collaboration & Risk Awareness: Creating a Culture of Prevention The High Cost of Overlooking Risks Modern Tools for Risk Prevention Top Tools Controllers Can Use Today Leveraging ChatGPT for Risk Prevention How Controllers Can Use ChatGPT for Risk Management 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Risk Prevention (5) Internal Controls Optimization (6) Cash Flow Risk Scenario Planning (7) Real-Time Financial Risk Alerts (8) Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Finance Teams (9) Vendor & Supply Chain Risk Assessment (10) Crisis Management Plan for Financial Disruptions Action Steps for Controllers Final Takeaway Habit 2 – Empower the Team with Dynamic Tools Empowerment Through Dynamic Tools 1. Collaboration Tools: Enhancing Communication & Accountability 2. Real-Time Analytics & Dashboards: Data-Driven Decision-Making 3. Automation Platforms: Eliminating Low-Value Manual Work Efficiency Meets Effectiveness How Dynamic Tools Create Impact Overcoming Barriers to Adoption How Controllers Can Drive Adoption Leveraging ChatGPT for Team Empowerment How Controllers Can Use ChatGPT for Team Empowerment 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Team Empowerment Final Takeaway Habit 3 – Anticipate and Customize Analytics From Standard Reports to Tailored Insights The Importance of Anticipating Needs Key Strategies for Anticipating Business Needs Customizing Analytics for Maximum Impact Best Practices for Customizing Analytics Eliminating Report Bloat Steps to Reduce Report Bloat Case Study: Tailoring Insights to Stakeholder Needs Leveraging Modern Tools for Customization Top Analytics & Reporting Platforms Leveraging ChatGPT for Data-Driven Analytics How Controllers Can Use ChatGPT for Analytics Customization 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Customizing Analytics Habit 4 – Eliminate Delays in the Closing Process The Traditional Closing Process: A Time-Consuming Bottleneck The Modern Imperative: Speed and Accuracy Why the Closing Process is Critical Identifying and Eliminating Delays Common Closing Process Bottlenecks & Fixes Strategies to Streamline the Closing Process 1. Leverage Automation 2. Adopt a Rolling or Soft Close 3. Create a Close Calendar for Accountability 4. Centralize Data and Systems Case Study: Reducing the Closing Cycle Through Automation Leveraging ChatGPT for Accelerating the Closing Process How Controllers Can Use ChatGPT for a Faster Close 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Closing Process Optimization Automating Close Process Documentation Ensuring Close Compliance & Accuracy Variance Analysis & Explanation for Executives Streamlining Interdepartmental Close Coordination Creating Real-Time Close Dashboards Final Takeaway Habit 5 – Automate Transactions (Part 1) The Power of Automation in Accounting Why Automation is No Longer Optional Building Systems for Successful Automation Key Steps to Prepare for Automation Key Areas for Automation 1. Accounts Payable & Receivable 2. Bank Reconciliations 3. Payroll Processing 4. Recurring Journal Entries 5. Expense Management Overcoming Barriers to Automation How Controllers Can Overcome Resistance Unit 1 Review Questions Unit 2 - Diving Deeper into the Controller Role Unit 2 Learning Objectives Habit 5 – Automate Transactions (Part 2) Case Study: Automating Accounts Payable The Role of AI in Automation How AI Enhances Automation Leveraging ChatGPT for Automation How Controllers Can Use ChatGPT for Automation 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Automation Implementation Final Takeaway Habit 6 – Enhance Cash Flow Management The Lifeblood of Business: Why Cash Flow Matters The Challenges of Traditional Cash Flow Management Common Cash Flow Challenges & Their Impact Modernizing Cash Flow Management 1. Dynamic Cash Flow Forecasting 2. Optimizing Receivables and Payables 3. Leveraging AI for Cash Flow Insights The Role of Technology in Cash Flow Management Case Study: Improving Liquidity with AI-Powered Forecasting Proactive Cash Flow Strategies The Strategic Role of Controllers in Cash Flow Management Leveraging ChatGPT for Cash Flow Management Automating Cash Flow Forecasting Identifying Late-Paying Customers Using AI Optimizing Payables Strategy to Improve Cash Flow Leveraging AI for Fraud Detection in Cash Transactions Implementing Dynamic Scenario-Based Cash Flow Planning Creating an AI-Powered Collections Process Designing a Real-Time Cash Flow Dashboard Automating Vendor Payment Workflows AI-Driven Liquidity Risk Detection Developing a Cash Reserve Optimization Plan Final Takeaway Habit 7 – Seek Out Opportunities for Improvement From Problem Solvers to Opportunity Seekers The Mindset Shift: Continuous Improvement Tools to Identify Opportunities for Improvement Key Areas for Improvement Case Study: Driving Improvement Through Analytics Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement The Strategic Role of Controllers in Driving Change Leveraging ChatGPT for Continuous Improvement 10 ChatGPT Prompts for Continuous Improvement in Accounting Key Lessons from Habit 7 The Bottom Line: Controllers Must Lead, Not Just Manage The Impact of the 7 Habits on Performance From Accounting Operations to Organizational Impact The Controller: Empowered Leadership in the AI Era The Accounting Department: A Proactive, AI-Powered Team Key Benefits for the Department The Organization: Strategic Agility & Long-Term Success Key Benefits for the Organization Comparison Table: How the 7 Habits Enhance Performance with AI Transforming the Controller Role: A Future-Proof Strategy Final Reflection: The AI-Powered Future of Controllers Case Study: How AI is Transforming the Controller Role in the Real World The Challenge: A Reactive, Inefficient Financial Operation The AI-Powered Solution: Transforming Finance with Automation & Analytics The Results: AI-Driven Financial Transformation Lessons for Controllers: AI is a Game-Changer Final Takeaway: The Future of Controllers is AI-Driven Next Steps: The AI-Powered Controller’s Roadmap Your Next Steps: Becoming an AI-Driven Controller Assess Your Current Financial Processes Begin Implementing AI & Automation Gradually Build a Data-Driven Decision-Making Culture Stay Ahead of AI Trends in Finance Additional Learning Resources on AI for Controllers Must-Read Books Recommended Podcasts Hands-On AI & Automation Tools to Explore Future-Proof Your Career: The AI-Powered Controller’s Mindset Key Takeaways: Unit 2 Review Questions Resources Books: Frameworks and Tools: Websites: Emerging Topics: Glossary of Terms |