Reporting Norms

Transforming Finance with AI Powered Automation

Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In today’s episode, host Norm is joined by Wayne Robinson, a senior program leader with over two decades of experience driving transformation in finance for industry giants like Salesforce, Visa, Cisco, KPMG, and more. This episode dives deep into one of the hottest topics reshaping the finance world: how Generative AI is transforming the CFO function. Wayne and Norm unpack the very real shift happening right now in finance teams, where AI is slashing manual work, speeding up processes like financial close, and allowing teams to move from number-crunching to truly strategic roles within the business. From automating variance analysis in FP&A, to drafting and validating SEC reports, to harnessing AI-powered OCR for AP/AR automation, the conversation is packed with specific use cases, industry data, and practical advice. They also touch on the essential role of data quality, the importance of having strong organizational AI strategies, and how a maturity model can guide companies along the path to AI adoption. Whether you’re a CFO, controller, or just AI-curious, this episode is loaded with insights you can apply no matter where your organization is on its Gen AI journey. Stay tuned as Norm and Wayne break down the latest trends and real-world applications, showing just how transformative Gen AI can be for finance and accounting teams everywhere. Visit highiq.ai [http://highiq.ai]

Environmental Sustainability through Golf Course Redevelopment with Jamie Cook and Jeff Schwinkendorf

Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In this episode, hosts Norm Osumi, Jamie Cook, and Jeff Schwinkendorf dive into the innovative world of golf course redevelopment with a sharp focus on sustainability, profitability, and forward-thinking land use. We’ll hear the fascinating backstory of Green Lake Golf, a new company founded by industry veterans Jamie and Jeff, who are on a mission to help golf course owners modernize their properties while addressing critical environmental concerns, especially water conservation in the arid Southwest. Join us as we uncover how Jamie and Jeff’s shared mentorship and deep experience in finance, project management, and golf course construction led to a unique, integrated approach. They break down the numbers - quantifying water savings, cost reductions, and the potential benefits of repurposing parts of golf courses for residential and community use. We’ll also get insights into Arizona’s groundbreaking water regulations, the evolving preferences of golfers, and the complex legal, real estate, and design challenges behind these transformative projects. Whether you’re an accounting pro, a finance enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable business, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of golf, and the creative solutions shaping it. Tune in for practical takeaways, industry trends, and a peek into the next era of golf course management and redevelopment. Visit highiq.ai [http://highiq.ai]

Tokenization - Revolution or Risk? The Future of Finance Unpacked

Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In this episode, host Norm Osumi dives into the rapidly evolving world of tokenization, where real-world assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate are transformed into digital tokens on the blockchain, making them tradable 24/7 across the globe. Norm breaks down what tokenization means, why it’s generating so much buzz on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, and how it’s challenging the traditional finance (TradFi) system. We’ll explore the benefits, like increased liquidity and faster settlement, and the risks, including regulatory uncertainty and potential fraud. Norm also spotlights major developments in crypto regulation, such as the SEC’s actions against Ripple and Terraform Labs, and unpacks two landmark pieces of U.S. legislation: the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act, both pivotal in shaping the future of digital assets. Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, a TradFi loyalist, or just curious about the next big shift in finance, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the opportunities and challenges at this crossroads of technology and regulation. Tune in, and stay transparent! Visit highiq.ai [http://highiq.ai]

Latest Updates on Crypto Exchanges-Lines are Blurring between Trad-fi and De-fi

Welcome to Reporting Norms, the podcast where finance, regulation, and reality collide. In today’s episode, host Norm Osumi takes us deep into the world of crypto exchanges, examining why giants like Kraken, Coinbase, and Robinhood are commanding eye-popping valuations worth over $200 billion combined. We’ll explore how each of these players is rapidly evolving beyond just trading platforms - diving into everything from derivatives to DeFi partnerships, and disruptive banking features. Norm unpacks the shifting regulatory climate in Washington, developments at the SEC, CFTC, and CFPB, and what these changes mean for everyone from retail investors to corporate CFOs. Whether you’re a crypto skeptic or a true believer, this conversation will help you understand not just the numbers, but the strategies, the risks, and the seismic shifts shaping the next era of finance. Plug in for an insightful breakdown, packed with practical takeaways for investors, professionals, and anyone trying to keep pace with crypto’s wild ride. Visit highiq.ai [http://highiq.ai]

Insights on How FP&A and Accounting Collaborate from an FP&A Expert

Welcome to another episode of Reporting Norms! In today’s show, host Norm welcomes Sarah Schlott, an accomplished finance leader and strategic consultant with over 18 years of experience in financial planning, corporate finance, and systems integration. Sarah, currently Senior Director of Finance at Trey and principal owner at The Schlott Company, has spearheaded financial transformations across industries, leading everything from M&A integrations to large-scale ERP implementations. In this episode, Sarah shares hard-won insights on building effective budgeting and forecasting processes, the often-overlooked art of stress-testing assumptions, and the critical importance of aligning accounting and FP&A for organizational success. She also dives into best practices for system integrations during periods of high growth and change - plus, the real-world lessons learned from rolling out compensation plans that actually unite and motivate teams. If you’re interested in practical strategies for financial leadership, transparent planning, and building teams that win together, you won’t want to miss Sarah’s thoughtful approach and candid advice. Be sure to check out her work at theschlottco.com [http://theschlottco.com] - and let’s dive into the discussion! Visit highiq.ai [http://highiq.ai]