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Thought Leadership

The CFO’s Reality Check on AI In SOX: What’s Working Today and What to Pilot Next

CFOs at high-growth companies are caught between vendor promises of "autonomous compliance" and the reality of what AI can actually deliver in SOX environments today. This Connor Group perspective cuts through the hype to provide a practical roadmap for finance leaders navigating rising audit expectations with leaner teams and increasingly complex systems. This guide addresses a fundamental challenge: SOX's non-prescriptive, judgment-based nature makes it inherently resistant to plug-and-play AI solutions. Unlike rules-based compliance frameworks, SOX requires deep contextual understanding of how controls actually operate—knowledge that today's AI tools simply don't possess.

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Understanding ASU 2024-03: Why Public Companies Need to Prepare for Expense Disaggregation Now

A fundamental shift in financial reporting will reshape how companies present their performance to the world. The FASB has issued (ASU) 2024-03, a new standard focused on the Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE). The complexity of reconfiguring data capture and reporting systems means that proactive planning is essential to avoid costly disruptions and compliance failures down the line. In this detailed analysis, we unpack exactly what the new standard requires and provide a strategic guide to navigate the transition smoothly.

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From Private to Public: The IPO Readiness Guide 2026

A successful IPO is a fundamental shift in a company's operations, culture, and accountability. The most critical factor for sustained success is the groundwork done before the offering. The guide is a proactive, strategic plan to prepare your entire organization for the demands of the public markets. It helps companies anticipate common challenges, build investor confidence, and create an internal structure capable of long-term high performance.

Thought Leadership

From Private to Public: The IPO Readiness Series - IPO Overview

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) marks a company's pivotal transition from private to public ownership, providing access to capital markets and enhanced brand visibility. It is an intricate and demanding process requiring meticulous preparation and a strategy built on transparency and discipline. Long-term success depends on thorough readiness preparation.

Thought Leadership

From Private to Public: The IPO Readiness Series

Internal controls are often viewed in binary terms – either you have them, or you don’t. However, the reality is far more complex, with controls existing on a graduated scale of effectiveness and integration, particularly when looking ahead to the public markets.

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SOX 404(a) to 404(b) - Strategies for Compliance Success

Moving from SOX 404(a) to 404(b) can be challenging, but with a structured approach, companies can meet regulatory expectations while enhancing operational efficiency. Know the obstacles, and the actionable steps to ensure smooth and successful adoption.

Thought Leadership

How Many Employees Do You Really Need?

The right-sized finance team ensures smooth operations, accurate reporting, and strategic financial planning that drives business success. Read about the essential data points and frameworks you need to determine your optimal finance team size.

Thought Leadership

From Private to Public: The IPO Readiness Series

Companies preparing for an IPO face intensified scrutiny, making proactive management of accounting complexities and technical details absolutely crucial. Failure to properly address these areas can force companies to withdraw their IPO entirely. To mitigate these significant risks, companies must conduct thorough technical analyses in six essential accounting areas before going public

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Mastering Vendor Risk

Outsourced processes don’t mean outsourced responsibility. Learn how to effectively manage third-party risks and ensure the integrity of your financial data.

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Six Critical ASC 606 Misconceptions: Unravel Revenue Recognition Complexities and Reduce Risk

The intricacies of revenue recognition can be complex and confusing. One of the biggest challenges is understanding ASC 606. Let’s examine common misconceptions about revenue recognition, as well as the realities and strategies to mitigate potential issues.

Thought Leadership

Building Momentum: The State of AI in Finance and Accounting

In Connor Group’s latest AI Adoption Survey, we surveyed 146 professionals from various company sizes and industries, including 43 executive leaders, to understand how finance, accounting, IT, and compliance teams are leveraging (or not leveraging) AI to their advantage.

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7 Habits for a Successful Close

This article identifies seven essential habits that can significantly enhance your team’s close process. By incorporating these practices, you can transform your approach.

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About Connor Group

Connor Group is a specialized professional services firm of Big 4 alumni and industry executives. We help financial executives with their most complex and significant matters.

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AI in Action: How Companies Are Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work

In Connor Group’s AI Adoption Survey, we surveyed 110 professionals from various company sizes and industries, including 37 executive leaders, to understand how finance, accounting, IT, and compliance teams are leveraging (or not leveraging) AI to their advantage.

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A Guide to Public Market Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Finance Executives

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps in selecting, managing, and leveraging KPIs tailored to your company’s unique objectives, industry standards, and investor expectations.

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Navigating SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules for Financial Executives

As financial executives and CFOs, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Learn more about safeguarding your organization’s financial assets, intellectual assets, and reputation.

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Getting Ready for the AI Revolution:

A Strategic Guide for Finance and IT Executives

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Navigating Wall Street’s Metrics

Selecting the Right KPIs for Public Companies

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Automation & Analytics

Empowering Business for Finance and Operations Decisions

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Quo Vadis?

The Art of Forecasting

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Elevate Your Finance Team

How High-Growth Companies Leverage Leading Practices to Reach their Maximum Potential

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Grow. Control. Optimize.

Control and Compliance for High-Growth Companies

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Exit Advice

How Connor Group can Help Sell your Business

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Diligence Insights

The Importance of Performing Financial Due Diligence on a Hockey Stick Growth Curve

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The A.R.T of the Close

Creating an accurate, reliable, and timely close for high-growth companies

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Digital Solutions

Powering Technology Modernization for Finance and Operations

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Convertible Bridge Notes

Technical Accounting in Simple Terms

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