News
Lessons from the cost transformation behind BT’s turnaround
Tony Chanmugam, FCMA, CGMA, became group finance director of British Telecom Group in 2008, during turbulent times for the company. Over the past six years, the group has undergone impressive growth. Chanmugam shares secrets of the transformation.Fraud and corruption viewed as widespread in fast-growing markets
Sixty-one per cent of workers in fast-growth markets believe that bribery and corruption are widespread in their country, according to an EY report focused on Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. With pressure on companies to find new pockets for revenue growth, fraud concerns remain high.Global insurers embrace link between risk management, business strategy
Almost three-fourths of global insurance companies say their leadership views risk management as having strategic value, according to a new survey by Towers Watson. The number of insurers satisfied with their ERM performance has increased since the previous survey two years ago.How to make international tax less challenging
CFOs and finance directors of multinational companies are facing increased international tax challenges, including heightened scrutiny from authorities focused on preventing tax avoidance. Here’s how to deal with the challenges.IASB seeks feedback on possible revenue recognition delay
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) published its proposal to delay by one year the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard.Indian law targets undisclosed foreign assets
Under a new law approved by the Parliament of India on May 13th, Indian residents with undeclared assets in foreign bank accounts could be hit with penalties, taxes, and even prison time.Cyber concerns show no signs of cooling off, former US Homeland Security chief says
With growing connectedness of devices and infrastructure, cyber-security concerns are also going to grow, Tom Ridge, the former secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said at the AICPA CFO Conference.How to prevent death by PowerPoint
A presentation that engages your audience and successfully conveys crucial information takes much more than a set of hastily put together PowerPoint slides. Communications consultant Steve Bustin outlines the secrets of an effective presentation and suggests creative ways to grab your audience’s attention and bring data to life.Soft skills weigh heavily on CFOs’ minds
CFOs continue to mention concerns about talent, especially as it relates to keeping their workforce aligned with the organisation’s culture, the head of the CFO Alliance says. Finance chiefs’ broadening role is about more than building the skills of the finance function; it’s about company-wide visibility and strategy.Shell CFO: Be curious, humble, authentic
Simon Henry, FCMA, CGMA, says regulatory compliance is a major focus of his and that cyber-security is a growing concern. Henry is the CFO at Royal Dutch Shell, which last month agreed to acquire fellow oil company BG Group for $70 billion.FASB formally proposes revenue recognition changes
The US Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) efforts to resolve challenges with the new revenue recognition standard continued when the board formally proposed targeted changes that are intended to clarify guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing.Developing economies most likely to benefit from the digital revolution
Developing countries that excel at leveraging information and communication technologies promise to transform and grow their economies. A World Economic Forum study ranks the top ten.CFOs see need for more raises, promotions
Finance chiefs are increasingly wary of employees leaving jobs, so they’re taking more steps to keep those workers. Pay increases, promotions, and more benefits and training are among the strategies, according to a new survey.New ways of thinking vital for accountants, but so are old-school values
Daniel Burrus spoke plenty about how technology is changing rapidly and how accountants must be better anticipatory thinkers to serve organisations and clients in the future.How to pick a successful risk leader
Corporate boards should look for an executive risk leader with these particular qualities to help them oversee and govern an increasing number of unfamiliar and complex risks that threaten the business.Why concern about talent is now a cyber-security issue
With a rise in cyber-attacks predicted, organisations are struggling to keep pace with hackers and cyber-criminals. One reason, according to a survey: Organisations don’t have confidence in their staff’s ability to respond to incidents, and some report having difficulty filling jobs.7 ways CFOs can keep up with rapid changes in technology
Rapid change in technology has become the biggest source of pressure on company finance and accounting teams.4 keys to joint venture success
A joint venture can provide an efficient way to tap into a new market, enabling businesses to overcome cultural, linguistic and political boundaries quickly and smoothly. Grant Thornton advisers look at the benefits of such a partnership and outline the keys to making it work.US SEC proposes rules linking executive compensation with performance
New rules proposed by a divided US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would require public companies to disclose the relationship between executive compensation and the company’s financial performance.
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