ACPEN: Tactical Business Systems – Getting the Most from Information Systems and ERP

Overview

CFOs are increasingly accountable for the effectiveness of information systems, even if IT does not formally report to them. This session focuses on the tactical role finance leaders play in evaluating, selecting, implementing, and managing information systems. Participants will gain a practical framework for understanding IT, ERP systems, security, and emerging technologies such as AI. The session emphasizes asking the right questions, aligning systems with strategy, and avoiding common pitfalls that cause system implementations to fail.

Highlights

• The CFO’s role in IT and systems governance
• Understanding what IT, ERP, and AI actually do—and don’t do
• Common system problems and why implementations fail
• Defining system needs before selecting software
• Documenting current processes and identifying gaps
• ERP selection, implementation steps, and risk management
• Cybersecurity, data security, and technology risk
• Post-implementation measurement and continuous improvement

Prerequisites

None

Designed For

This course is designed for finance and accounting professionals who are responsible for translating financial strategy into execution.

Objectives

• Identify the CFO’s tactical responsibilities in evaluating, selecting, and overseeing information systems, including ERP, security, and emerging technologies such as AI.

• Apply a practical framework for asking the right questions to ensure information systems align with organizational strategy and operational needs.

• Recognize common system implementation risks and pitfalls and describe actions finance leaders can take to improve implementation success and ongoing system effectiveness.

Preparation

None