Blogs

The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) has been widely cited in university courses, whitepapers, and research studies as a fundamental law of business profitability (Koch, 2011). It suggests that 80% of a company's profits come from just 20% of its customers, products, or sales channels . While this heuristic is helpful for strategic focus, it does not always hold true across different industries and market conditions. Analyzing the Profit Curve: Does it Follow the 80/20 Rule? The provided profit curve, shown in the image, serves as a clear empirical test against the strict application of the Pareto ...
Topic (Title of session): “The art of presenting Financial Data: Public Speaking for Accountants” Date: 22 nd Feb 2025 Start Time: 5:00 PM IST Duration: 2 hrs. CPE amount: 2 Field of study: Accounting Registration link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4849884/A5A4F46A938A297E67355E66FD355747 Speaker Name, Bio, and Picture: Uttam Pai Umesh, CPA Uttam Pai Umesh, CPA, is an experienced accounting professional dedicated to shaping the future of the profession. As the AVP of Academics and Corporate Relations at Miles Education, he leads a team managing academic partnerships with 50+ colleges ...
Topic (Title of session): “The art of presenting Financial Data: Public Speaking for Accountants” Date: 22 nd Feb 2025 Start Time: 5:00 PM IST Duration: 2 hrs. CPE amount: 2 Field of study: Accounting Registration link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4849884/A5A4F46A938A297E67355E66FD355747 Speaker Name, Bio, and Picture: Uttam Pai Umesh, CPA Uttam Pai Umesh, CPA, is an experienced accounting professional dedicated to shaping the future of the profession. As the AVP of Academics and Corporate Relations at Miles Education, he leads a team managing academic partnerships with 50+ colleges ...
The financial sector is lively with discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform corporate finance, accounting, and strategic decision-making. AI-powered forecasting models, risk assessments, and automation solutions are being presented as game-changers for CFOs. However, a more critical analysis indicates that AI may not be the ultimate solution that some claim it to be. While AI has potential, finance professionals must recognize its practical limitations. Here are ten reasons why AI may be overhyped for the CFO's office and finance professionals: 1. AI Lacks True Financial Intelligence At first glance, AI-powered financial ...
As a Profitability and Cost Management Expert, I've spent years navigating complex organizational challenges, from untangling cost inefficiencies to identifying strategic growth opportunities. In my experience, the key to profitability analytics often lies in crunching numbers and how we approach problem-solving as teams. Reflecting on an insightful article I recently read on team collaboration and problem-solving, it struck me how profoundly the principles of psychological safety and cognitive diversity apply to my EPM field​. These aren't just abstract ideas—they're essential tools for maximizing efficiency and unlocking the full potential of any ...
Effective cost management can be a significant value driver, but it requires leadership from executives committed to investing in the future. The urgent pressure to reduce costs is undeniable as the recession's impact continues. However, business leaders must remain committed to evolving cost management practices so that limited resources and funds are consistently directed toward the most valuable business outcomes. This responsibility falls on more than just operational managers, even though they often bear the brunt of executing cost initiatives. Executive leaders develop strategies, foster a culture, and establish processes incorporating a value-realization ...
Introduction Geopolitical shifts and volatility in international trade have made tariff wars inevitable. In response to these challenges, companies have two choices: they can either react passively and face the consequences or proactively develop informed data-driven strategies. A significant obstacle to competitiveness is the lack of transparency in costs and the performance of international trade operations. Optimizing cost management is essential for maintaining acceptable profit margins and generating value for employees, customers, and shareholders. In this context, the role of the CFO becomes increasingly important as a change agent, providing strategic ...
Why is a Profitability and Cost Management (PCM) Center of Excellence necessary for my organization? A PCM Center of Excellence (CoE) is a strategic initiative to centralize, optimize, and standardize the organization’s approach to understanding, analyzing, and enhancing financial performance. It focuses on providing comprehensive insights into revenue, costs, and investments, ultimately improving the organization's overall profitability. The PCM Center of Excellence is a centralized knowledge repository that captures and disseminates critical insights across the organization. Key best practices may include: Eliminating manual cost allocation and profitability ...
Ready to supercharge your 2025? Here's your quick guide to making the most of your membership – including exciting NEW benefits: Connect with peers and experts through our global digital Shared Interest Groups Enjoy new micro learning courses for quick, free, on-demand professional development Access curated job listings and career resources through our enhanced Career Center Discover AI’s transformative potential ...

January Member Spotlight

🌟 Member Spotlight: Charles R. Wright, MBA, CPA, CMA, CFF, CGMA, CIRA 🌟 Charles R. Wright is a seasoned financial and operational leader with a career spanning over 40 years. A former CFO and Treasurer for the Denver Zoo, he revamped reporting systems, implemented innovative budgeting approaches, and championed a lean management program to enhance efficiency. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at Mile High United Way, where he oversaw financial planning, grant management, and led a record-breaking fundraising campaign. Charles started his career with a decade as a partner at Ernst & Young, leading ...
En este blog, exploro la evolución fundamental de la contabilidad de gestión, desde su enfoque tradicional hasta su rol estratégico en el entorno empresarial contemporáneo. A través del análisis de avances tecnológicos, los efectos de la globalización y las complejidades del negocio moderno, respaldado por evidencia empírica y estudios de caso tanto globales como latinoamericanos, demuestro cómo esta disciplina ha pasado de ser un soporte financiero a convertirse en un socio estratégico. A continuació muestro como se integran las perspectivas regionales y datos empíricos para brindar una visión integral de esta transformación. La contabilidad de gestión ...
Executive Summary Profitability analytics, as part of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) implementations, frequently fail due to human factors rather than technical issues. This article introduces an improved framework for transforming EPM projects through strategic stakeholder analysis, supported by real-world case studies and actionable insights. Based on lessons learned from successful implementations, we explain how leading organizations incorporate advanced stakeholder engagement practices to achieve faster implementation times, higher user adoption rates, and sustainable business impact. The Human Factor in Digital Transformation ...
The Critical Role of Human Decision-Making in AI-Enhanced Profitability Executive Summary While artificial intelligence offers robust cost optimization and revenue enhancement tools, it's crucial to remember that human judgment remains irreplaceable in strategic profitability management. This analysis underscores the unique value that human decision-makers bring to the table, particularly in navigating complex financial choices and leveraging AI capabilities to maximize organizational performance. The emergence of AI has generated significant enthusiasm for automating financial decision-making processes. However, the notion that AI alone ...
Are you establishing trust while lowering costs? When I first faced the challenge of optimizing costs in an organization, I grappled with a pressing question: Can you truly build trust while cutting costs? At the heart of this dilemma lies a paradox. Cost-reduction initiatives often spark anxiety and distrust among employees, threatening the very fabric of organizational culture. However, I’ve realized that building trust and reducing costs are not mutually exclusive. When approached thoughtfully, they can create lasting value for everyone—employees, customers, and shareholders alike. The Problem with Traditional Cost-Cutting Many organizations focus ...

December Member Spotlight

🌟 Member Spotlight: Austin Elsey, CMA, CFE, CRC, CSCA, MAFF, CDFA 🌟 Austin Elsey completed a Bachelor of Science at Missouri Southern State University with a major in finance. Being that Joplin, MO was not an investment banking hub, Mr. Elsey joined a local community bank to build some professional experience. After a semester hiatus, he decided to keep momentum going and pursue his MBA. Mr. Elsey enrolled with the University of Florida online, allowing him to complete that program in an accelerated format. He also has obtained certifications as a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Credit Risk Certification, Certified in ...
We're excited to launch the Performance Management Shared Interest Group (SIG) with the Institute of Management Accountants. The SIG addresses the "Performance Management Problem": even with advances in management theory, behavioral science and technology, many organizations still struggle to implement strategy, waste a lot of time on planning and budgeting, and find it hard to course-correct when targets are not met. The SIGs mission is to provide business professionals with though leadership, a forum for exchange and best practices on performance management so they can act as experts to help improve the performance of their organizations. This will ...
Topic (Title of session): “Why you matter in your workplace: Unlocking your full potential” Speaker Name, Bio, and Picture: Nelly Suhel, CMA,CSCA,MBA Nelly is a seasoned Senior Financial Manager with over 12 years of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning for large corporations, particularly in manufacturing. With expertise in financial modeling, root cause analysis, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Anaplan, she has a proven track record of driving profitability, enhancing operational efficiency, and integrating systems that streamline processes. Her collaborative leadership style has allowed her to build strong ...

November Member Spotlight

🌟 Member Spotlight: Michael Trimble, CMA 🌟 We’re excited to highlight Michael Trimble, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and data analytics. Michael earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University, where he specialized in Investment Analysis and Financial Planning. Michael currently works with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a nationally recognized industry group for ranchers and agriculturists. As a senior financial analyst, he uses Power BI to streamline through budget planning, P&L reporting, and data visualization. ...

October Member Spotlight

🌟 Member Spotlight: Corbin Lynn, CPA, CMA 🌟 We're excited to highlight Corbin Lynn, a skilled and dedicated CPA and CMA, with a strong background in public accounting. Corbin is currently a Senior Tax Associate at CBIZ MHM, LLC, where he focuses on passthrough entities and high-net-worth individuals. He holds a Master of Accountancy in Taxation and a BS in Business Administration concentrated in Accounting from Colorado State University. He recently joined the Board of the Denver/Centennial IMA Chapter as our Director of Website. Corbin is also very involved in student outreach and recruiting at CBIZ. While at CSU he was ...
Greetings, Now through November 7th, the IMA is offering a 50% discount on the CMA Program Entrance Fee. Use promo code: 50FALL1 This is the biggest discount of the year and sets the stage for a great 2025 development opportunity. Earning the CMA boosts your salary potential and can open new doors. If you know what kind of role you aspire to attain, look at both the required and advanced qualifications. A professional credential or advanced education can go a long ways what is a 40+ year career. It is not to early or too late for adding more skills to your tool belt. Click here for more details.