256 Posts found for Source: Business Finance Magazine

In a merger or acquisition, reconfiguring benefits programs involves an array of financial challenges – not the least of which is heading off the turnover and productivity problems that might arise if employees believe valuable benefits will be taken away.

Content: Article | Author: Joanne Sammer | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subject: Human Resources

I think finance executives need to step back a bit and reassess each of the different ways that they can add value. When they do, they’re likely to see that the best path to becoming a true business partner cuts through the terrain of decision support, analysis, planning and performance management. Finance must offer its insights at crucial points in the organization in a way … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subject: Finance

Traditionally, environmental strategies are managed separately as a cost center and viewed as a compliance issue. Unfortunately, the compliance mentality leaves companies vulnerable in two ways. First, if you’re focused solely on compliance, you will only do the minimum amount required to be in compliance with the law, which leaves you open to competitors who are willing to be more creative in their efforts. Second, … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Legal, Social Responsibility (ESG)

When companies retain consultants to help implement strategic initiatives, they often fall into the trap of giving up too much control and overpaying for solutions that don’t work. Here’s how to strengthen consulting engagements and get your money’s worth out of expensive hired muscle.

Content: Article | Author: Carol Orsag Madigan | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Industry Specific, Management | Industry: Consulting

Financial reporting is under a magnifying glass, but many companies still integrate treasury data from different banks manually, leading to inaccuracies that impede compliance.

Content: Article | Author: J.B. King | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Finance, IT / Technology / E-Business

Activity-based management improves business performance management processes by providing insight into costs, but few companies are combining the two disciplines. Here’s why.

Content: Article | Author: Tad Leahy | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Finance, IT / Technology / E-Business

Unethical practices such as bribery and kickbacks are business as usual in some countries, and U.S. companies are sometimes tempted to adopt a “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” mind-set. That attitude is dangerous in light of tightening laws against corruption at home and abroad. Finance executives should review their exposure and take steps to protect their company.

Content: Article | Author: Fay Hansen | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Ethics, Legal

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Companies are turning to the latest credit and collections tools to evaluate risk, assess opportunities and determine how decisions impact the bottom line.

Content: Article | Author: Samuel Greengard | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subject: Finance

Caught up in the hype of a merger or acquisition, senior executives often gloss over the challenges inherent in merging A/R portfolios. But problems with receivables can eat into the cash flow – and future revenues – of a newly formed company.

Content: Article | Author: David Schmidt | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subject: Finance

Lawyers do it, sports agents do it and finance executives do it – though some might not want to admit it. “Argue” has become a politically incorrect word, but skillful arguing is as necessary for career success as sound financial analysis. Here are pointers from pros of dispute resolution.

Editor’s Note: though written from a finance perspective, the advice is universal

Content: Article | Author: Carol Orsag Madigan | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Management, Personal Development

Unlike many systems, ERP suites are designed under the assumption that an organization will modify its business processes to suit the software, rather than the other way around. ERP systems work most effectively in an organization that integrates processes across all parts of the enterprise, freely shares information, and uses common terminology. “You have to step back from ERP and realize that its success lies … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: IT / Technology / E-Business, Process

Finance executives who develop effective relationships with external customers can add value by boosting sales, identifying new business opportunities and gathering performance feedback.

Content: Article | Author: Eric Krell | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Customer Related, Finance

Creating one valid enterprisewide ABC/M model, developing a database and continuously feeding the model with current data isn’t enough to gain ABC/M’s maximum benefits. Companies also have to get people to accept this cost management strategy.

Content: Article | Author: Tad Leahy | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Accounting, Finance

Intensified regulatory scrutiny requires new channels of communication among an organization’sdecision-makers. Here’s how finance can help directors keep the company out of trouble.

Content: Article | Author: Eric Krell | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Corporate Governance, Finance

Few would argue with the claim that when it comes to criticism, ’tis better to give than to receive. Why then is criticizing employee performance so hard? Here are 10 ways to elevate criticism to a constructive level.

Content: Article | Author: Carol Orsag Madigan | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Human Resources, Management

Many companies grossly mismanage IT assets. Vendor invoicing errors, poorly enforced contracts and failure to track technology resources through their entire life cycle cause a hemorrhaging of dollars that could be put to better use. Here are some ways to stamp out the waste.

Content: Article | Author: Eric Krell | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Finance, IT / Technology / E-Business

Many companies are investing in or selling to overseas markets without adequate due diligence. Using commercial sources for risk analysis, maintaining regular contact with local people and developing a cross-functional risk management strategy can lead to a safe journey.

Content: Article | Author: Fay Hansen | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: International, Risk Management

Business insurance claims are rising, with no end in sight. To help finance executives stem financial losses, we asked risk managers, insurance claims specialists, brokers and consultants what companies should do – and what they should avoid doing – when a loss occurs. Here is their advice.

Content: Article | Author: Richard H. Gamble | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subjects: Finance, Risk Management | Industry: Insurance

Ask five companies how to forecast cash, and you’ll get five different answers. Many companies don’t forecast cash at all. But better technology, changes in commerce and tightening credit are spurring more corporations to produce reliable forecasts.

Content: Article | Author: Richard H. Gamble | Source: Business Finance Magazine | Subject: Finance