Strategy & Operations
CEO confidence rebounds, but layoff plans increase for third consecutive quarter
The latest Business Roundtable survey shows that confidence among CEOs of major U.S. companies rose this month, but employment plans have trended toward contraction for three consecutive quarters, with the willingness to lay off workers reaching its highest level since the Great Recession. Expectations for sales and capital expenditure improved slightly, and labor costs are regarded as the primary factor in inflation. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points on the same day, with internal disagreements over inflation and employment risks.
Costco CFO: AI and Technology Applications Effectively Offset Rising Healthcare Costs
During Costco's fiscal 2026 first-quarter earnings call, the company revealed that stores using pre-scanning technology have seen checkout speeds improve by 20%, and AI is being used for prescription drug price comparison and automated inventory replenishment. The CFO said efficiency gains from technology have fully offset wage and labor hour costs, but rising medical expenses continue to weigh on SG&A performance.
MoneyGram hires Wells Fargo senior executive as CFO
MoneyGram International announced the appointment of Marc Winniford as CFO, who spent 17 years at Wells Fargo and served as CFO of the corporate and investment banking division since 2022. The appointment comes at a critical time as the company advances its digital transformation following privatization.
From Cost Center to Growth Engine: Reconstructing the Strategic Value of Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable has long been viewed as a back-office burden, but in the current environment, it is becoming a strategic bottleneck constraining enterprise growth. Harlan Boyles, Senior Business Director at Capital One Trade Credit, points out that large enterprises often have 15% to 25% of their balance sheet assets trapped in accounts receivable. Through integrated, pre-financed modern AR solutions, enterprises can obtain sales funds within 24 to 48 hours, significantly reduce DSO, improve balance sheet efficiency, and enhance investor confidence. The article also cites real-world cases, including a retailer that achieved a 95% improvement in instant decision rates and another enterprise that reduced its DSO from 65 days to 2 days.
US Treasury and OECD race to finalize global minimum tax agreement by year-end
The Trump administration opposes the 15% global minimum tax and demands that countries exempt US companies by year-end, creating uncertainty for multinational corporations' tax planning.
The Future of Fleets: Why CFOs Should Treat Mobility as a Strategic Asset
Mobility is rapidly becoming an engine for corporate transformation. Advances in electrification, automation, and intelligent connectivity are reshaping how organizations move people and goods, and how these flows impact the balance sheet. According to the white paper "The Great Mobility Shift," traditional fleet ownership is giving way to connected, data-driven ecosystems, where mobility is no longer a back-office cost but a strategic tool that can drive profitability, sustainability, and long-term value creation. This article explores trends such as electrification, automation, AI and connectivity, embedded and on-demand mobility, and how CFOs should integrate mobility transformation into their financial strategies.
New York State Will Not Immediately Switch to New CPA License Regulations: Detailed Follow-up Arrangements
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill providing an alternative pathway to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, but the new regulations will not take effect until November 21, 2026. During the transition period, the industry will clarify course details for the 120-credit pathway and address student concerns. Currently, 24 states across the country have implemented similar reforms.
New York Governor Hochul Signs CPA License Reform Bill, Adding 120-Credit Career Path
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed state legislation A7613B on Friday, officially establishing a 120-credit alternative path to CPA licensure. The bill allows candidates to qualify for practice after completing a bachelor's degree (typically 120 credits), accumulating two years of professional experience, and passing the CPA exam, without needing to meet the traditional 150-credit requirement. Calvin Harris, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, called this "one of the most significant pipeline reforms in a generation."
CFO compensation grows steadily, but hefty signing packages level off
Headhunter and compensation data show CFO pay continued to rise steadily in 2025, but the previously common 50% premium signing packages have notably declined. CFOs in the financial services sector earn the highest average annual salary at $1.5 million, while those in retail earn the lowest at around $800,000. Companies increasingly value operational and financial planning skills, with cash incentives replacing perks like remote work as the mainstream.
McKinsey executive: CFOs focus on downside risk protection during budget season
Kevin Carmody, senior partner at McKinsey, said that CFOs are placing more emphasis on downside risk protection when formulating 2026 budgets, including prudent investment, setting realistic goals, and addressing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.