SEC hits Cardinal Health with accounting violations

The company didn't have controls in place to detect improper payments by a former Chinese subsidiary, the SEC says. 

By Robert Freedman • March 3, 2020

Will more CFOs switch to mark-to-market pension accounting?

With the Federal Reserve signaling an interest-rate response to the coronavirus, continuing low interest rates could drive CFOs to move away from amortization of pension losses.  

By Robert Freedman • March 2, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from CFO Dive

The promises and traps of generative AI, revamped modern finance teams and stark geopolitical risks are among the top forces CFOs are grappling with this year.

By CFO Dive staff

As XBRL in financial reporting matures, focus is on accuracy

The ability to increase financial transparency with machine-readable tags is improving, but few means are in place to ensure data quality. 

By Ted Knutson • Feb. 25, 2020

Can a CFO restore his reputation after SEC fraud allegation?

After a long legal battle, the SEC dropped fraud charges against former Osiris Therapeutics CFO Gregory Law, but his professional standing may never recover. 

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 24, 2020

Extreme optimism on earnings calls OK, study finds

Conveying expected performance on earnings calls with extreme language tends to correlate with future positive results, a study shows.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 19, 2020

Proposal to fold audit watchdog into SEC sparks pushback

The independent board overseeing the quality of audits of publicly traded companies would become a function of the SEC in the FY21 federal budget request. 

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 18, 2020

The problem with planning: Knowing when to turn down new tech

The influx of innovative tech designed to modernize the finance function has made it harder than ever to discern what's best for your company. How can CFOs make the distinction?

By Jane Thier • Feb. 13, 2020

Under Armour forecasts up to $60M revenue hit from coronavirus disruptions

The outbreak also puts at risk supply chain improvements that CFO Dave Bergman talked about on the company's fourth quarter earnings call.  

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 12, 2020

Wyndham Hotels CFO moves to XPO Logistics

David Wyshner, who will start as finance chief on March 2, joins the supply chain provider amid its exploration of a potential sale or spinoff of its business units.

By Jane Thier • Feb. 11, 2020

A consultancy CFO's No. 1 KPI

According to Halloran Consulting's Tania Zieja, there is one KPI that is vital for finance, accounting and HR. 

By Jane Thier • Feb. 6, 2020

Making the most of new rules on goodwill impairment

New FASB rules for SEC-regulated companies only require one test to be met, but begin impairment calculations early to ensure accurate reporting. 

By Suzanne Northington • Feb. 3, 2020

New credit loss accounting standard expected to pummel retail income

FASB's CECL standard took effect for public banks at the beginning of this year. Analysts at Morgan Stanley say it's going to hit some retailers hard.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 27, 2020

Job-hopping finance execs attract double-digit pay gains

Compensation packages also include flexible hours and other perks, as competition for talent intensifies. 

By Jane Thier • Jan. 16, 2020

Metrics, management reporting are top CFO priorities in 2020

CFOs' perceived shortcomings tend to fall beyond the scope of the typical responsibilities, veering into operations, IT and management.

By Jane Thier • Jan. 2, 2020

Regulators eye accounting, audit changes for 2020

FASB, the SEC and PCAOB all have changes in the works that could affect both your reporting and your auditors.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 1, 2020

Ernst & Young chief accountant tapped to lead FASB

The organization has faced criticism for the way it has rolled out recent changes in standards. 

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 22, 2019

Clawbacks appear to cause more harm than good, study finds

Executives are more likely to engage in aggressive tax strategies than managing accruals if they face potential loss of their bonuses, researchers say.

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 16, 2019

Transformation of GE's closing process aims to improve finance jobs, CFO says

The company created a data lake to help organize a system that includes thousands of legal entities, many of which use their own ERP software.

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 9, 2019

Ex-CFO, others charged in biotech accounting scheme

The CFO is accused of ignoring concerns raised by the company's controller over payment arrangements made with some suppliers. 

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 2, 2019

Ex-CFO, others at healthcare ad company charged with $487M fraud

Among other offenses, CFO Brad Purdy "did nothing to correct the financial statements before he provided them to investors," the SEC alleges. 

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 26, 2019

Managing a smooth transition to ASC 606 revenue recognition

Decisions made by legal, sales, and other teams can affect how you recognize money coming in and going out. Collaboration is key to staying on the right side of the 700 pages of guidelines.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 25, 2019

Companies gain when their CFO sits on outside boards

Outside board responsibilities are time-consuming, but they can provide the CFO's company with better financial management. 

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 24, 2019

Non-GAAP measures getting out of control, critic says

"Total revenue other bets" and other non-standard metrics serve a purpose, but they risk being abused as companies use them more in their financial reports.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 17, 2019

Understated income tax expense at center of Mattel accounting error

The company is revising its 2018 10-K and has acknowledged material weakness in its internal controls.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 6, 2019

Under Armour accounting reportedly under SEC scrutiny

Investigators are learning whether the athletic wear giant smoothed out its revenue over quarters to improve its financial appearance, The Wall Street Journal reported.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 4, 2019