Financial Officers Conference
November 7-8, 2022During these days of high volatility in the higher education market, the prudent counsel of the CFO is more important than ever. It’s imperative for CFOs to assist the president, board and leadership team to manage the financial side of the house well. This conference is designed specifically for that task, to sharpen your grasp important financial management issues including HR, government compliance and risk assessment responsibilities. Welcome to the journey.

Conference Pricing
Early Bird Deadline: October 1, 2022
Members (On-Site): $500 per person ($450 Early Bird)
Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $175
Non-Members (On-Site): $700 per person ($650 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $325
Virtual Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in two-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 two-day program, including Q&A
Networking/Fellowship with attendees & presenters
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Three night’s lodging at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn
7 meals & refreshments
Access to all conference resources
Program Overview
PROACTIVE FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP DURING SEASONS OF TUMULT
Presenter: Jeff Spear | Founder, CFO Colleague (FL)
Overview: The CFO is much more than an institutional financial manager — especially during these trying days of shifting markets and uncertainty. This presents a compelling call for astute financial leadership, unique to this season of turbulence in higher education. What does this mean for the CFO’s role and their counsel to the president, board, and institutional leadership team? How should a proactive CFO assist his or her colleagues as they guide the “ship” through turbulent waters? This has been the case for some time but has been magnified during the last two + and warning signs to avoid years.
- Knowing how to wisely oversee the institution’s financial vitality — numbers to watch and warning signs to avoid
- Giving wise financial counsel to the president, board, and executive team — how and when
- Taking financial steps to keep your institution’s mission vital in the face of difficult times
STRATEGIC PLANNING & BUSINESS MODEL IMPLICATIONS
Presenter: Matt Kelly | CFO, ABHE (FL)
Overview: Many executive teams are planning for likely budget cuts for the Fall. All leaders are on high alert as we emerge from the years of pandemic operations. Beyond vital data and prudent decisions, a wise CFO is carefully monitoring the impact of decisions on strategic planning and the institutional business model. Consider:
- Reviewing the assumptions within a sustainable business model
- Identifying key risk points in your business model in order to maintain institutional viability
- Managing risk within the financial organization — what tools do we possess?
- Measuring risk levels commensurate with decisions and assumptions — the what if’s
LEADING WITH FINANCIAL KPI’S & DASHBOARD DEVELOPMENT
Presenter: Jan Haas | Senior Partner, CFO Colleague (PA)
Overview: What is the art and science of compiling the relevant financial data (Key Performance Indicators) into a meaningful financial dashboard? How do you move from historical data (lagging indicators) to projections (leading indicators)? Why is timing of the essence? Give your president and leadership team the right information in a clear and timely manner.
- Defining the right KPI’s — what’s important and why
- Developing the process for timely data collection
- Establishing meaningful dashboards for financial oversight and strategic decisions
- Keeping your finger on the financial pulse of the academic enterprise
30 BENCHMARKS FOR THE RESOURCED CONSTRAINED
Presenters: Jeff Spear & Jan Haas | CFO Colleague
Overview: No one at the institution should have a better understanding of key financial ratios and relevant indices than the CFO. What are reasonable and wise benchmarks you can use to keep your institution out of financial danger? Sharpen your grasp of these issues with two veteran CFOs gleaned from financial assessment of over 140 institutions, including . . .
- Measuring academic efficiency
- Gauging the stewardship of donations
- Connecting compensation to revenues
- Showing evidence for care of physical plant
VITAL STEPS SMART CFO’S TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THEIR AUDIT
Presenter: Dan Campbell | Partner, CapinCrouse (SC)
Overview: Accredited institutions are required to secure an annual, independent, financial audit. Prudent financial leaders know what auditors expect and get their materials and financial house in order. What are the right steps to prepare both the team and information? Learn from an expert who’s processed many audit reports, observing those who are well-prepared . . . and not.
- Understanding the basic structure and nature of a sound audit
- Collecting and preparing the information auditors need
- Preparing for the auditor’s questions — knowing what to expect
- Lessons learned from audit preparations
PROTECTING YOUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN YOUR EMPLOYEE POLICIES & HIRING PRACTICES
Presenter: Mark Griffin | CEO, In His Name HR, (PA)
Overview: For many ABHE institutions, HR oversight is part of the CFO’s purview. Their guidance in employee policies and hiring practices can make all the difference in protecting the religious liberty of the institution. Consider insights from this survey of the current HR waterfront and make sure your HR policies and practices will stand the test of legal scrutiny — now more than ever.
- Surveying the current HR compliance and litigation waterfront
- Knowing what policies should be reviewed for religious liberty protection
- Training the leadership team for prudent hiring practices
- Preparing for challenges to your religious liberty freedoms
NEW WORLD DISORDER: MAKING SENSE & STAYING SAFE IN THE CRAZY WORLD OF COMPLIANCE
Presenter: Dave Moja | CEO, Moja & Company CPA, ABHE Senior Fellow, (GA)
Overview: The tales of financial weal and woe are growing as we come out of the pandemic. Now is a great time to take a fresh look at what will be expected from the regulators — from pandemic funding, student loans, tax regulations, new audit standards, and more. How significant are your liabilities? What should we know and learn from what’s happening to others? Walk through this crazy world of the compliance landscape with a regulations expert.
- Grasping the government expectations emerging from pandemic funding
- Keeping up to date on changing federal and state tax regulations
- Understanding and preparing for new auditing standards
- Seizing opportunities within the regulation’s wilderness
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL RISK: THE 3 LEVERS
Presenter: Scott Fera | Corporate Attorney, Brotherhood Mutual (IN)
Overview: It’s old news that our culture is increasingly litigious. Institutions of biblical higher education are no exception. The role of the CFO in legal risk management is vital and every challenge includes balancing the right approach from a legal, financial, and reputational standpoint. Learn from a senior legal counsel what you should know and how to manage this key area of responsibility.
- Knowing the types and nature of institutional legal risks — an inventory of the Big Rocks
- Preparing in advance for legal challenges — when to refer out to counsel, how to select counsel
- Learning lessons from current legal battles
- Using legal counsel wisely and for the right price
Conference Faculty

DAN CAMPBELL
Partner
CapinCrouse

SCOTT FERA
Corporate Attorney
Brotherhood Mutual

MARK GRIFFIN
CEO
In His Name HR

JAN HAAS
Partner
CFO Colleague

MATT KELLY
CFO
ABHE

DAVE MOJA
CEO
Moja & Company

JEFF SPEAR
CEO
CFO Colleague
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lodging included in the registration fee?
YES, for on-site attendees – 3 nights, including arrival the evening before the conference begins.
Can I request for additional hotel nights?
YES! The ABHE group rate is $110/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?
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
Director of Communications & Events
carol.dibble@abhe.org
Darby Blanchard
Digital & Administrative Services Coordinator
darby.blanchard@abhe.org