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CFO Techniques: A Hands-on Guide to Keeping Your Business Solvent and Successful is a comprehensive and instructive working manual for multitasking chief financial officers and controllers working in the fast-paced commercial environment. Every senior financial professional with an ever-broadening span of control will benefit from this complete outline of the core activities-with specific descriptions of individual tasks-comprising the daily agenda of a successful CFO or controller. It covers everything from traditional responsibilities like budgeting and financial reporting, to more innovative tasks like performance analytics and business strategy development.

While emphasizing specific guidelines on what it takes to excel as a company´s head of finance, the book refrains from overwhelming dryness by using cultural references, real-life examples, and a casual tone. With its bite-sized, easy-to-read chapters, CFO Techniques serves as both an invaluable desktop reference handbook and a good bedtime read. Whether you need a quick recommendation on treasury procedures, adhering to GAAP, keeping funds safe from embezzlers, or advice on dealing with the CEO, you will find the answers in this book.

Guides you through CFO/controller core responsibilities, function by function
Serves as a reference manual on financial matters specific to the small and mid-size commercial environment
Goes beyond finance and accounting, addressing the administrative and behavioral issues all CFOs occasionally must address

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Introduction: What It Takes to Succeed, or How Long Is Your Hat Rack?
What´s So Special About Smaller Businesses?
Titles vs. Job Description
CFO´s Mission and Aspirations
The Eight Balls You Cannot Afford to Drop
Essential Knowledge Prerequisites
Commercial and Financial Policies
Procedures Development and Documentation
Internal Controls
The Weakest Link
Budgeting as a Control Mechanism
Commercial Control
Variety and Nature of Capital Resources
Business Type vs. Financial Resources
Soliciting Lenders and Investors
Nurturing Financial Relationships
Essence of Treasury Function
Cash Flow Projections
Cash Position Reports
Receivables and Payables Management
Cash Management Services
Information Technology Needs and Decisions
Data Processing and Quality Control
Performance Analytics and Executive Reports
The Importance of Segmental Analysis
Ad-hoc Reporting
Find Your Applicable GAAP, FASB, SFAS, and SOP
Accounting Cycles Identification
The Most Important Statement: Cash Flow
Choose Your Auditors Wisely and Educate Them
What Guarantees Fast and Painless Audits
Insured Risks
Commercial Risks
Tax and Regulations Compliance
Strategic Planning
Practical Forecasting and Scenario Modeling
New Ventures
Exit Strategies
Human Resources Management
Hiring and Outsourcing
The Importance of Behavioral Assessment

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Marina Guzik s career in finance and accounting spans 24 years, with the last 17 years in chief financial officer and controller positions in small and mid-size companies. She has worked in both the public and private sectors, including manufacturing, global supply chain, e-commerce, professional services, asset management, and consulting. Marina s functional expertise spans a broad range of tasks and duties, from international treasury to mergers & acquisitions and everything in between. She holds several academic degrees, including a master´s in business administration in accounting. She believes in the strength of fundamental knowledge and commercial acumen, which can be intelligently applied to any particular business model.

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