Abstract This paper discusses the organizational roles of chief financial officers (CFO), comptrollers, treasurers, reimbursement directors and internal auditors within a health care setting. It discusses whether or not all of these positions are necessary in today's health care setting and why it is necessary to have multiple positions in a health care organization.
From the Paper "Kirkegaard (1997) proposes that the concept of liquidity is extremely familiar in the theory of accounting and financing. It is defined as having a direct relationship with the action of "paying." Enterprises or individuals are said to be liquid at a moment or within a period when they are able to pay their due debts now or within the period concerned. Payment can be made either in cash or by using references to cash. The daily language of accounting contains expressions such as "liquid capital" or simply "liquidity," terms that simply refer to means of payment that are easily accessible. In practice, "liquid capital" and "liquidity" can have three and only three forms. The ability to pay can be demonstrated by the presence of means of payment in the form of: cash holdings, deposits in bank accounts of various kinds, and prearranged rights to draw on credits of various kinds."
Abstract This paper covers the complexity of being a modern chief financial officer in a large company. The paper takes a look at what governs the CFO in business today and examines whether or not the writer would want to be a CFO.
From the Paper "After looking through the article "The CFO's Great Balancing act" I would have to express the opinion that it would a lot more difficult to be a CFO in today's market. Many factors play a role in a company's financial position. Today the amount of pressure placed on generating a profit has really escalated. It appears at no time would a CFO be able to predict exactly what's expected of them since the market keeps generating new desires. In this paper, we will cover some of the difficulties placed on the modern CFO and analyze some possible hurdles they might have to overcome to meet the CEO's demands and look at what laws or Acts that have been put in place to help govern their responsibilities."
Abstract This paper examines how hunting for sunken treasure on the ocean floor depends, as it always has, on reports of shipwrecks written shortly after the fact, old maps, and lore passed down; it sometimes depends on locating the ships with sonar, but usually with divers simply getting in the water, swimming down and out from the search ship as far as they could. In particular, it looks at how, for the past couple of decades, treasure divers have become treasure hunters, sending down robotic "hands", which are capable of working much deeper than a human body, after finding the treasure with a new form of sonar, side-scan sonar.
From the Paper "Mel Fisher, in the 1980s and 1990s, was one of the most successful and famous treasure hunters. His Treasure Salvors of Florida had found the Atocha, a rich wreck in 54 feet of water off the Florida Keys. His first find, however, had been engineered with a machine he tinkered together himself. Towed beneath the search ship and shaped like a mailbox, it was metal device that could channel prop wash straight to the ocean floor where the resulting turbulence would lift tons of sediment and reveal wrecks. That find, in the 1960s, was gold doubloons from a fleet of treasure ships that sank in 1715. By the time of his big find in the early 1970s, the Atocha, early side scan sonar was available and Fisher was using it."
Abstract The paper explains the educational requirements and experience that are valued by those selecting chief financial officers (CFOs). The paper discusses the greater need for leadership and soft skills that include communication skills and personal integrity. The paper notes the importance of building relationships with the CEO or the CEO's bosses on the board of directors. The paper concludes that while there is no one clear path to becoming a CFO, executive recruiters, CFOs and other executives all seem to agree that these skills, traits and experiences form the core of today's CFO. The paper provides an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has been increasing in prominence over the past decade. Accounting scandals such as those at Enron and WorldCom, or the recent failures in the banking industry, have illustrated that failure to manage the accounting, risk controls and compliance of a company can lead to the downfall of CEOs or even of the firm itself. The passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has also contributed to the rise of the CFO, by placing more emphasis on the control and reporting function. With this rise in importance, the role of the CFO has been expanded, sometimes to the point where the CFO begins to supplant the Chief Operating Officer. The increase in responsibility is reflected in the need for additional skills, education, personality traits and experience. "CFOs are more involved in discussions that don't involve their typical bean-counter role -- discussions like build versus buy, offshore operations, and political impacts ." The result is a new breed of CFO, one that takes on direct responsibility."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the growing trend to promote the company CFO to the position of CEO. Over the past 18 months an increasing number of company boards have decided that this transition would best serve their shareholders. Traditionally, however, there were few CFOs who were aiming for the top job and even fewer shareholders who would consider appointing them.
From the Paper "There are many reasons for which companies could appoint former CFOs as chief executive officers. Their financial expertise and market approach, their prudent manner to take on new challenges and the well supported arguments of their investment decisions are definite advantages. There are two qualities required from someone reaching the position of CFO: a comprehensive knowledge of finance and internal controls and an understanding of the operational and commercial aspects of business. These attributes are also demanded for CEOs.
The strong financial background is an important quality. Nick McCall, chair of the London chapter of The Financial Executives Networking Group (Feng), cited in one article published in Corporate Finance, April 2005, explains that: "Business is becoming increasingly complex - and deal making highly technical - [so] CEOs need to have a sound financial background."
Abstract The paper examines the factors of coming of age in Stevenson's novel, "Treasure Island" by looking at the growth of the protagonist, Jim Hawkins, from youth and into manhood. The paper shows how Jim evolved from an inexperienced and naive young man into a man that learned the realities of treasure hunting and of the hardened and callous dangers on the high seas.
From the Paper "The central prospect of a young man embarking on a journey to find a lost treasure with men that are much older is part of Stevenson's coming of age thematic in Treasure Island. After he has discovered the map with his mother about Captain Flint's treasure and presents it to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim is recruited into a sea expedition that demands his highest sense of courage and bravery in the face of the danger that Long John Silver and his pirating mates represent. After Squire Trelawney mistakenly hires Silver and his men to man their ship, Jim must invariably learn to live with sea hardened men that are at once ruthless in their murderous ways; as they are also determined to mutiny when they are far out at sea."
Abstract The paper provides a critical analysis of Christine De Pisan's medieval book, "Treasure of the City of Ladies". Originally composed in 1406. The author describes the emphasis of the book on the treatment, roles and lives of women throughout all classes in medieval society.
From the Paper "By addressing all classes of females in society the text expresses that exploitation and oppression were not just conditions suffered by the peasant class. The author espouses consistent, redundant expressions of women's roles throughout all classes, demonstrating that feminine life was in constant comparison with the image of feminine perfection in medieval society, one of religious virtue and piety. "
Abstract This paper discusses the book's setting and goes into great detail about the different characters, paying special attention to their individual roles in the storyline. The writer also discusses the many different conflicts in the book and how they contribute to the major theme in the book, good versus evil. According to this author, "Treasure Island," by Robert Louis Stevenson is still a classic tale of the coming of age of a young boy in a time that is filled with adventure that today's youth can still appreciate and enjoy.
From the Paper "His maturity really begins with the arrival of Billy Bones, the old captain Billy describes as having "breath hanging like smoke in his wake as he strode off" (12). Billy seems a typical roughneck who frightens people but at the same time knows his match and backs down. When he tries to intimidate Dr. Livesey at first meeting, Billy is put in his place with, ?I have only one thing to say to you, sir,? replies the doctor, "that if you keep on drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel" (10). This statement gives the reader important insight into not only Billy Bones? vulnerability against authority but also aptly describes Dr. Livesey character. He is an educated and knowledgeable man, well respected for his competence and loyalty. He always does what is reasonable and practical, unlike the impetuousness of the pirates and Jim."
Abstract This paper outlines the findings and recommendations that were made to Capt'n Nemo's Treasures and Profits Inc. regarding a new and more progressive working capital policy for the company. The paper explains that the objective of the new policy was to facilitate the company's venture into of E-commerce.
From the Paper "Inventory purchases are made via the owner and his chief numismatist attending auctions throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Another source for inventory purchases comes through Capt'n Nemo's Appraisal Service that accomplishes these appraisal services for estate valuations and other reasons. The second most common appraisal function is for collectors prior to disposal of their collections for various reasons. Generally when an appraisal is made Capt'n Nemo's offer to purchase these collections and estates as a service to clients. In addition to purchasing for inventory they also purchase specific items for their larger customers both retail and wholesale. In addition, the company and the principle belong to several organizations that exchange trade information for special order items. The three principle organizations are the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG), and the Professional Coin Certification Service (PCCS), all internationally recognized for their high standards of membership requirements."
Abstract The paper analyzes the role of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island" in both creating and transmitting the myth of the pirate. The paper discusses how this myth reflects the spirit of individualism and initiative that resonates with the Western psyche, and this is what continues to excite successive generations of readers. The paper catalogues the influences other writers had on Stevenson, including Edgar Allan Poe and Daniel Defoe.
From the Paper "The first thing that must be made clear about Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island is that it is a romance. And therefore the image of the pirate that it paints remains largely fictional, and many of the details will not seem to comply with scholarly evidence of what the typical pirate was like in its heyday. But it is not correct either to interpret romance as being false history in all instances. When romance is derived from vibrant and native mythology then it is likely to contain a large measure of truth, and the sort of truth that scientific scholarship cannot detect. According to Mircea Eliade, myth, when it is vitally connected to the culture, speaks only of realities, which are far more "real" than mere "hard facts" (7)."
An analysis of the duties of the chief financial officer (CFO) for the American Heart Association (AHA) and suggestions for improvements of the organization.
Abstract This paper examines the major duties of the chief financial officer (CFO) for the American Heart Association (AHA). It looks at the background of the organization and highlights the strategic elements of the CFO's position. The paper also examines the duties and functions within a non-profit organization that are not being addressed by the AHA and thereby presents suggestions for improvement.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of the American Heart Association
Mission/Vision of the American Heart Association
Brief Description of Products and Services
The CFO of the American Heart Association: Job Description
Core Functions of the CFO Financial Reporting: CFO at the American Heart Association
Strategic Planning: Reinventing the CFO at the American Heart Association
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Measurement
Fraud Management
Fundraising
Conclusion: Suggestions for Improvement
From the Paper "In conclusion as stated by Hope, CFOs can transform their roles and for organizations like AHA, it adds greater value (Hope, 2006, page 104). The AHA CFO needs to embrace being a freedom fighter, analyst and adviser, architect of adaptive management, warrior against waste, master of measurement, regulator of risk, and more importantly a champion for change (Hope, 2006, page 3). Nevertheless, there has to be balance for these activities, since the CFO has to focus on activities that increase the marginal value in research and upholds the mission of AHA."
An overview of the idea of treasure as a motif for capatalism through review of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" and Nesbit's "The Story of The Treasure Seekers".
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper is on the theme and the motif of treasure in Robert Louis Stevenson's (1850-1894) "Treasure Island", and Edith Nesbit's (1858-1924) work of children's literature titled "The Story of The Treasure Seekers", a work that was originally published at the turn of the century, or in 1899. It will be argued in fairly blunt terms, that both of the works in question can be seen or understood as nothing more than 'forms' or examples of capitalist legitimation. These are works that reinforce the values and the ideas of capitalism, and this is precisely how the theme of 'treasure' will be presented and examined.
Abstract The paper discusses how each link in an organization must support and create sustainable practices within a business The paper details the responsibility of each individual and department, including the roles of the chief executive officer (CEO), the chief financial officer (CFO), human resource managers, product engineers, procurement specialists, warehouse employees, customer service agents and salespersons.
From the Paper "The standards and practices associated with sustainability require the development of a structure within an organization that supports sustainable practices. An organization has yet to be developed which does not employ many individuals to create and support its goals. For this reason it is essential that many if not all participants in an organization, no matter its purpose create systems and support functions that maintain the standard of sustainability. Each individual participant, no matter the level of employment has significant impact upon the decisions and standards used to create a greener business and therefore a better world. Each individual within the chain of command, development, procurement, production and support must independently and collaboratively support a standard of greener business practices in order for a business to maintain such standards and practices."
Abstract Using the case of Enron as a backdrop, this paper asks and answers several questions relating to the prosecution of management in corporate crime. The questions involve which laws are broken in the current cases at issue; whether prosecution should include accounting firms and the CFO, how much authority managers have in accounting activities, whether managers should be prosecuted if they had no role in the crime, whether prosecution is becoming a deterrent,and whether corporations are exempt from criminal prosecution?
From the Paper "Recently, a number of headline-grabbing cases, such as the accounting fraud that existed at the Enron Corporation, have highlighted the role of management at various corporations and in the financial industry, in the commission of corporate crime. The role of accountants and the major corporate accounting firms, as well as the chief financial advisors of corporations and the management personnel whom may or may not be aware of illegal accounting activities, are now under strict scrutiny by the SEC."
Abstract This paper examines the history and growth of Tyco, which was founded in 1960 by Arthur J. Rosenberg as a small research laboratory that did testing for the government. The paper specifically discusses Tyco's acquisitions and expansions, followed by the conviction of the CEO and CFO of the company in 2005. In addition, the paper discusses how the scandal that occurred at Tyco International demonstrates the importance of business ethics and proves that stronger internal and government controls may be essential to corporate honesty.
From the Paper "In the case of Tyco International, we have seen what corporate greed can eventually lead to. After this scandal as well other scandals such as the Enron and WorldCom scandals, many citizens lost trust in corporations. In order to reestablish trust and prevent future executives from acting dishonest, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed, and more internal control are now being implemented. In the future, if an executive is confident enough to try and bypass the regulations and steal money from an organization, he will face even more serious charges. Corporate executives such as CEO's of major corporations are among the most elite members of American society. They are extremely well paid, they have excellent benefits, and they are in the position to bring wealth to their families. Given the amount of money they are already receiving, many would find it ridiculous that a corporate executive would even consider stealing money. It is important to understand, however, that people with so much pride and ambition often have no limits, and to them, nothing is ever enough. Their greed often gets in the way of their honesty and loyalty to the people around them, resulting in scandals like the one described and demonstrating the need for ethics in business and more acts of government intervention."
