Finance technology decisions (ERP, FP&A, AP/expense automation, close/consolidation, bank integrations, and AI-enabled tools) can dramatically improve close speed, forecasting, and control execution-but vendor demos and "AI" marketing often hide integration complexity, data readiness gaps, governance risk, and long-term total cost. This course provides a practical, vendor-neutral approach for CPAs and finance leaders to evaluate and implement corporate finance technology with an audit-ready mindset.
DESIGNED FOR
CPAs in corporate finance and controllership roles; internal audit and compliance professionals who advise clients on finance systems selection, integration strategy, and implementation governance.
BENEFITS
After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Differentiate automation, machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI claims in finance software and identify related audit/control implications.
Apply a control-focused vendor evaluation scorecard to compare finance technology vendors using consistent criteria (including potential deal-breakers).
Develop a five-year total cost model that includes hidden and ongoing costs beyond Year 1 licensing.
Identify key implementation checkpoints and red flags across a four-phase roadmap to reduce risk, support adoption, and improve ROI measurement.
HIGHLIGHTS
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:
The changing finance technology landscape: continuous processing, modular ecosystems, automated controls, and real-time visibility (and the risks these shifts introduce)
Technology trends and “AI” definitions: automation vs. machine learning vs. generative AI vs. agentic AI—what each means for governance and auditability
Five common challenges in finance tech projects and how to address them:
Cutting through vendor claims and AI hype
Integration complexity and hidden costs
Change management and proving ROI
Data quality readiness for AI and automation
Risk, security, and governance
Vendor Evaluation Scorecard: 20 criteria across five categories, including control “deal-breakers” (audit trails, segregation of duties, logging, SOC reporting, error handling)
Five-Year Total Cost Framework: software, implementation, data migration/cleanup, integration build & maintenance, internal costs, training, and ongoing operations (plus common underestimates)
Industry-specific considerations (manufacturing, distribution/wholesale, SaaS/tech, professional services)
Four-phase implementation roadmap with checkpoints and red flags: Assessment & Planning; Selection & Negotiation; Implementation & Testing; Optimization & Ongoing Governance
Working with external advisers (CPA/auditor involvement, implementation partner expectations, and common deficiencies to avoid)
PREREQUISITES
None
ADVANCE PREPARATION
None