Financial Leaders Conference
October 30 - November 1, 2023At the right hand of every effective president stands a wise and effective financial officer. This leader has a constant and accurate grasp of the financial reality of the institution and helps see the path forward for institutional flourishing. Not an alarmist but knows when to sound the alarm. Has a clear assessment of imminent risks and whose voice informs all major decisions. Enhance your financial leadership with experienced and distinguished financial leaders. Lean forward to guide your institution toward continued viability and flourishing.

Conference Pricing
Early Bird Deadline: September 29, 2023
Members (On-Site): $400 per person ($350 Early Bird)
Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $150
Non-Members (On-Site): $600 per person ($550 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $250
Virtual Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in 1 1/2-day program, including Q&A
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Access to all conference resources
On-Site Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in 1 1/2-day program, including Q&A
Networking/Fellowship with attendees & presenters
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Two night’s lodging at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn
6 meals & refreshments [Begins with dinner on 10/30, ends with lunch on 11/1]
Access to all conference resources
Program Overview
FINANCIAL LEADERS IN CRISIS — DEPLOYING A SOUND BUSINESS MODEL
Presenter: Jeff Spear, Founder | CFO Colleague
Overview:Being the financial leader for a small educational institution is a daunting task. The current season of tumult in higher education is fraught with outcome variability risk against a backdrop of historic lows in operational reserves. This difficult mix calls for the entire leadership team embracing data-infomed management along with careful forecasting and planning. It’s vital to grasp what a CFO should know, understand, and the counsel that the CFO should provide. Think through these issues and lead well.
- Understanding insights from Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) — data and ratios
- Staying on top of the most essential metrics — knowing when the lines of viability are crossed
- Resisting a reliance on growth for budget balancing — doing the hard work BEFORE the year starts
- Assisting institutional leaders and boards to make wise decisions that drive healthy financial outcomes — protecting the future
INTERPRETING THE INSTITUTIONAL AUDIT — KNOWING WHAT YOUR AUDIT IS SAYING
Presenter: Dan Campbell, Partner | CapinCrouse
Overview: There are basic points of information that every CFO, president, and board should get from their institutional audit. But the audit and auditor have so much more insight to give. Prudent CFO’s tap the resources of this relationship to enhance their understanding of the financial status of the institution and in turn strengthen their counsel to institutional leaders.
- Conducting a general review of the annual audit — the basics
- Understanding the implications of changes in the institution’s financial position
- Providing wise counsel to institutional leadership from audits insights
- Cultivating the right relationship with your auditor — sage advice
SAFEGUARDING YOUR INSTITUTION FROM COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS & AUDITS
Presenter: Dave Moja, Founder/CEO | Moja & Company
Overview: In most institutions, the CFO bears the point responsibility for financial regulation compliance. While this may be a team effort, the cost for violations can be severe, even putting the institution in jeopardy. Walk through a compliance audit check list with an expert and make sure your policies and protocols are keeping you well within the guidelines for regulatory requirements.
- Surveying the range of federal and state regulatory requirements
- Conducting an institutional compliance audit — a wise risk assessment
- Keeping abreast of ever-changing regulatory requirements — thinking forward
- Responding to an compliance audit or violation — learning from others
PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS
Presenter: Ethan Kelly, VP of Business Affairs | Wesley Biblical Seminary
Overview: CFO’s bear the fiduciary responsibility of managing the financial resources of the institution with wisdom and integrity. What does this mean? What are the responsibilities and requirements for the CFO, the president, and the board? How does the CFO provide vital counsel to keep resources safe and productive?
- Getting a comprehensive view of institutional investment management
- Knowing the roles of key decision makers
- Drafting the right investment policies and strategy
- Tools for evaluating current and prospective investment managers
THE ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF TODAY’S FINANCIAL LEADER IN BIBLICAL HIGHER EDUCATION
Presenter: Jan Haas, Senior Partner | CFO Colleague
Overview: Serving as an institution’s financial leader has always been a good challenge. Resources are almost always scarce, staff underpaid, maintenance deferred, and enrollment uncertain. Serving the president as a direct report has a unique role along with serving the entire staff and faculty. Beyond these immediate responsibilities lies the highest fiduciary responsibilities in reporting to the board of directors. How should all this work, especially in today’s environment of tumult across higher education? Review your role and enrich your service with wisdom from an experienced financial leader who has served a number of our institutions
- Knowing the fiduciary responsibilities for a chief financial officer
- Serving the institutional team well — at all levels for short and long-term financial strength
- Providing accurate & timely reports — to the board, the president, the executive team and the public
- Responding to institutional financial duress — addressing issues and providing solutions/options
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Overview: Discuss the most pressings financial issues you are facing with both the panel of presenters and attendee affinity groups. Create a draft of your Personal Action Plan based on the most significant and urgent issues you should address following the conference
Conference Faculty

DAN CAMPBELL
Partner
CapinCrouse

JAN HAAS
Partner
CFO Colleague

ETHAN KELLY
VP/Business Affairs
Wesley Biblical Seminary

DAVE MOJA
Founder/CEO
Moja & Company

JEFF SPEAR
Founder/CEO
CFO Colleague
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lodging included in the registration fee?
YES, for on-site attendees – 2 nights, including arrival the evening before the conference begins.
Can I request for additional hotel nights?
YES! The ABHE group rate is $120/night. You can qualify for our group rate three days prior and three days post conference. You can request and pay for your additional hotel nights during the registration process. All reservations must be made and managed by the ABHE office as it is part of a group reservation. This includes changes to existing reservations. Email conferences@abhe.org with any questions or updates to existing reservations.
Is airport shuttle service available?
YES! Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). To request the complimentary shuttle to the Hilton Garden Inn:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-240-3725
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Where is the hotel located in relation to the ABHE Conference Center?
The Hilton Garden Inn is directly across the street from the ABHE Weber Center (located in the Citadel I Building – Suite 130).
Are meals included in the registration fee?
YES for on-site attendees, including 6 meals and all snacks/beverages.
Are scholarships available?
YES for on-site attendees – limited scholarships are available. Please email your request to conferences@abhe.org with an explanation of your financial need.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
In the event of either virtual or on-site registration cancellation, fees paid in advance are refundable – less a $50.00 service charge per person, provided written notice is received by ABHE no later than three weeks prior to the event. No refunds will be granted after that date. E-mail notification will suffice. Please e-mail conferences@abhe.org to request a refund. There are no refunds provided for no-shows.
How do I CANCEL a person on my registration?
Growing institutions are led by growing leaders. Consider engaging in the Executive Training Program specifically designed for CFOs in ABHE. Delivered over two years including over 36 workshop presentations in seven areas of leadership competency and capacity. You can review the certification program details HERE. Enroll in the program today!
Questions regarding the certification program can be directed to David Medders, Executive Vice President.
For those attending the Conference On-Site, the ABHE staff will make a hotel reservation for you. Please indicate your room type/preference when you register for the conference.The Hilton Garden Inn is located 1 mile from the Orlando International Airport.
Hilton Garden Inn – Orlando Airport
7300 Augusta National Drive
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 240-3725
Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Hilton Garden Inn. To request complimentary shuttle service:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – (407) 240-3725
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Conference Staff
David Medders
Executive Vice President
david.medders@abhe.org
Carol Dibble
Chief of Staff & Director of Communications-Events
carol.dibble@abhe.org
Darby Blanchard
Digital & Administrative Services Coordinator
darby.blanchard@abhe.org