CFO Series: Better Management Reports Clear + Simple =Great!

Overview

Most management reports are misunderstood and misused. Reports are dull and have been presented in the same manner for decades. Do your audiences sometimes fail to get the message? Learn how to grab your audiences' attention and deliver an actionable message. Discover the power of "The Trifecta" and the five secrets of effective reports and presentations. Learn how to make your messaging a "re-memorable event" and how to give the users what they need to know. We will discuss how to make your reports useful and understandable to your audience. If management does not understand the financial reports they receive (most do not) this seminar will provide keen insights to make your reports truly useful. Be the hero who delivers informative reports. We will show great examples of what to do and how.

Prerequisites

None, preferably at least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience and/or at least six (6) months of professional experience in preparing or reviewing accounting processes and reports. Experience working with internal clients or external clients and business leaders.

Objectives

After attending this presentation, you will be able to...

• Recognize that some recipients of financial reports do not understand those reports.
• Develop reports that are used properly.
• Apply knowledge gained regarding examples of great reports and why they are useful.

Highlights

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:

• Why do most managers not understand financial reports?
  • The mistakes users make and the mistakes the accountants make.
  • Steps to take to correct the issues.
• What do managers need from their reports?
  • The step-by-step process to build reports to give them vital information.
  • How to learn what your users want.
  • Alternative methods to present reports.
• Systems and software could be helpful.
• Examples of great reports.
  • What works and what does not work well?
  • Crafting the report to suit your audience.
• The benefit of and necessity of an annual review.