“Using data-analytics to drive today’s businesses and train tomorrow’s accountants” with Rich Fox of Apex Parks Group (San Diego, USA)
Release Date: 06/26/2019
Project Rescue. Getting Digital Transformation Back On Track
Go Beyond Disruption
"People are recognising that they need to really RETHINK how they're doing things." (137) When technology-adoption projects falter, it's an opportunity to implement a comprehensive turnaround. California-based Bob Green, of leading regional CPA firm SingerLewak, talks through the "four pillars" of digital transformation and outlines how to get a company's technology projects back on track in the face of profound disruption. Resources. Use these links to find out more about this topic, or to access free guidance and resources to implement in your own team or organisation. Find out more about...
info_outline
Cybersecurity Advisory. Digital Transformation in the age of COVID
Go Beyond Disruption
"We're talking about ALL the fingers that Digital Transformation has, ALL the paths that it can flow down through an organisation (136). Digital Transformation: What is it? What are the benefits and risks? How has COVID impacted the subject for good or ill? Guest host Daimon Geopfert of RSM presents this November Cybersecurity Advisory episode, exploring what "Digital Transformation" means in the age of COVID. Joined by Jerry Ravi and Greg Fritsky of EisnerAmper, the conversation touches on the broader subject of how the pandemic has affected the way organisations plan and prioritise their...
info_outline
Tolerance and the Cost of Compounding Conflict,
Go Beyond Disruption
"During quarantine, things have been escalated. 30% of leaders' time is lost due to MISHANDLING conflict, so that's on the rise." (135). Monday 16th November was so, to explore the true cost of conflict in an organisation, Scott Kellam talks to returning guest Julie Holunga. They discuss what happens when it manifests, and what the consequences can be if it's allowed to build up over time. Counter-intuitively, conflict can be a valuable catalyst for positive change. Hear how to recognise it, address it, manage it and learn from it. Resources. Use these links to find out more about...
info_outline
Unlocking the fraud-fighting tools you didn’t know you had.
Go Beyond Disruption
"You've got this massive bucket of fraud that's happening, that you DON'T know about." (134). In advance of , we talk to Associate Ethics Manager (CIMA) and author of a new report, "Keep Your Accounts Safe: Your Guide To Combatting Financial Crime". We discuss the risks posed by financial crime, how the pandemic has made them greater than ever, and the tools that an organisation ALREADY has to protect themselves. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. The research findings in the report. The role of an Ethics Awareness Manager How the...
info_outline
Demystifying the 'Dark Web'.
Go Beyond Disruption
" I've seen first hand the different sorts of attempts made to target finance organisations - they're a CONSTANT target. " (133) Why are finance professionals prime targets for cybercriminals? Kacee Johnson of CPA.com lifts the lid on the so-called "criminals' oasis" and the economy of cybercrime with online security research expert 'Dustin' from Spycloud. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. What is the dark web? Why are accounting professionals prime targets? How do we mitigate those risks? Resources. Use these links to find out more about...
info_outline
Cybersecurity Advisory. Vendor Risk Management
Go Beyond Disruption
" You might get your own people up and running, but do you have a vendor that's NOT going to be available?" (132) You're prepared, but what happens if your business-critical vendor isn't? hosts this month's Cyber Security Advisory discussion. With panellists of Ruben Brown and of WipFli, they explore vendor risk management, and suggest three key action items which your teams can begin working on immediately. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. Best practices for security and supply chains. Vendor due diligence, What that actually means in...
info_outline
Discovering Cybersecurity? We Made This Playlist Just For You.
Go Beyond Disruption
"We've combined three years of cybersecurity conversations, 20 episodes to choose from, all via just ONE link". (131). Because it's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020, we've put together a special playlist of 20 cybersecurity-focused episodes. Find them by clicking on this link: Resources. Use these links to find out more about this topic, or to access free guidance and resources to implement in your own team or organisation. Browse your dedicated cybersecurity episode playlist at Find technology and cybersecurity resources for CPAs at Discover how Cybersecurity Month is being marked...
info_outline
Cybersecurity and the Brand-Assurance Value of the New .cpa Domain.
Go Beyond Disruption
"This is a very significant step for the profession; it's a LEADERSHIP step." (130). What's the security value of a name? CPA.com CEO Erik Asgeirsson outlines the many security and branding benefits of a new top-level domain for the finance and accounting profession. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. what a top-level domain is. why it's been developed. who'd find it useful. the benefits to members of the accounting and finance profession. its cybersecurity value, especially in assurance, credibility and verifiability. Our Guest. Erik...
info_outline
Cybersecurity Month. Securing the Shadows of IT.
Go Beyond Disruption
"You do have to be equipped to ask enough of the RIGHT questions." (129). October is Cybersecurity Month in the EU and the USA, so all month we'll be sharing episodes about IT risks, threat-mitigation and security strategies. The founder and CEO of NMGI, our guest Randy Johnston is recognised as a Top 25 thought-leader in accounting and technology. Hosted by Kacee Johnson, Strategic Advisor at CPA.com (the business and technology arm of the AICPA), this conversation with Randy introduces the concept of 'shadow IT'. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in...
info_outline
Canada's CPA Firms' Sound Strategies for Professional Development.
Go Beyond Disruption
"We focus a lot on the convenience and mobility of the medium... THAT is a really interesting value proposition." (128). On International Podcast Day - September 30th - we're joined from Canada by Michael Kravshik. The CEO tells us about the podcast-inspired startup he founded to help CPAs turn podcast-listening into learning-credits. Talking Points. These are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. an overview of the Canadian accounting community the power of podcasting and audio content for CPAs. what’s happening with the medium around the world ways a...
info_outline"Things are being constantly created...so it's very exciting to be not only in the finance area but in the data area."
GBD64. Rich Fox is Vice-President of Data Science and Analytics for Apex Parks Group, one of the USA's largest amusement park operators. Kyle Hannan (AICPA & CIMA, London, UK) talks to this 20-year analytics industry veteran and experienced thought leader, discussing how finance professionals can combine data, information, insights, action & results to improve businesses. Rich also shares some inside perspectives on how academia is working to train tomorrow's accountants in these new skills today.
WE DISCUSS:
* What is data analytics?
* What does it mean to be “data-driven”?
* When did data analytics become a ‘thing’?
* Get started with the 5 step process: Data. Information. Insights. Action & Results.
* Does data-analysis offer an opportunity to EVERY business, or are there some that have more to gain than others?
* Where should a business begin? What are some practical steps a business-leader can take to turn new insights into effective action?
* How are academic institutions keeping pace with teaching these data-analytics skills to the CPAs and CMAs of tomorrow?
* Richard’s presentation at this August’s “Beta Alpha Sci” conference (the US educational accounting fraternity annual conference).
OUR GUEST
Richard Fox has held several leadership roles in analytics and finance including CFO and six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a frequent speaker at Analytics conferences and Universities, and in 2018, built the Executive Track for the AICPA's new Data Driven Leader program focusing on how analytics is changing the Office of Finance. He blends an analytical and data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of business and finance to drive business performance in a breadth of industries including e-commerce, restaurants, hotels, retail, distribution, manufacturing and real estate. Rich also teaches Analytics in a Master’s program at San Diego State University and has a Graduate Certificate in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
LINKS
* AICPA & CIMA resources and certificate courses on Data Analytics
* Ashok Noah is Vice President, Managing Director Learning, Education & Development, for the AICPA. See a preview list of his CFO -related presentations here.
MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.
These conversations with expert guests are recorded by different members of the AICPA & CIMA team from our offices around the world. While the sound quality may vary, the insights will always be consistently useful.
Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.
Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.
Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News
©2019 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA). All rights reserved.