Podcast
Reporting Norms
Hosted by HighIQ.ai · EN
Reporting Norms uncovers the stories, principles & practices shaping accounting, finance & regulation. From the SEC’s creation in the Great Depression to modern challenges like digital assets & ESG, we explore the forces defining financial markets. Topics include reporting basics, governance, IPOs, regulations, industry trends & key business events. Expert guests share insights & takeaways for professionals & enthusiasts. Join us as we decode rules, share stories & spotlight the people & policies driving transparency, trust & innovation in business.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Transforming Finance with AI Powered Automation
Sep 1700:34:41Tap to summarizeWelcome 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
Transcribe →Environmental Sustainability through Golf Course Redevelopment with Jamie Cook and Jeff Schwinkendorf
Sep 900:34:41Tap to summarizeWelcome 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
Transcribe →Tokenization - Revolution or Risk? The Future of Finance Unpacked
Aug 2700:22:41Tap to summarizeWelcome 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
Transcribe →Latest Updates on Crypto Exchanges-Lines are Blurring between Trad-fi and De-fi
Aug 600:12:35Tap to summarizeWelcome 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
Transcribe →Insights on How FP&A and Accounting Collaborate from an FP&A Expert
Jul 3000:44:32Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 - and let’s dive into the discussion!Visit highiq.ai
Transcribe →Importance of Data Management: An Interview with the Head of Data & Analytics at Elastic
Jul 2300:54:28Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode of Reporting Norms, host Norm sits down with Takashi Ueki, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Elastic, for an in-depth conversation about data democratization, governance, and strategy. Takashi shares how he’s helped Elastic build a unified, governed data foundation - turning a tangled web of data sources into an asset that executives and frontline teams alike can trust. From implementing a DBT-driven data architecture supported by CI/CD pipelines to fostering a culture of transparency and aligning business stakeholders around a single source of truth, Takashi walks us through the challenges and best practices of operationalizing analytics at scale.We dig into why a “pure” single source of truth is often aspirational, the critical role of context and metadata, and how to balance data quality with the needs of fast-moving business users. Takashi also unpacks the practicalities of building governance structures, managing data certification, and making data self-service plus, he shares his unique strategies for keeping teams aligned across sales, marketing, finance, and more. As the conversation ventures into GenAI and agentic AI applications, Takashi reminds us of the foundational importance of quality and context in any successful AI-enabled data strategy.Whether you’re wrestling with data silos, charting your own data governance journey, or just looking for takeaways on scaling analytics in a modern enterprise, this episode is packed with actionable insights from someone who bridges the gap between technical rigor and business value. Stay tuned!Visit highiq.ai
Transcribe →The potential of dissolving the PCAOB into the SEC: Considerations for 2025
Jul 1100:10:34Tap to summarizeWelcome to Reporting Norms, where we dive into the financial reporting trends shaking up today’s business landscape. In this episode, host Norm Osumi unpacks the SEC’s latest cybersecurity disclosure rules and the explosive impact of generative AI in the finance back office. As cyber risk reporting moves from spreadsheets to headline news, Norm explains why every controller and CFO now needs a rapid-response breach playbook that can withstand intense public and regulatory scrutiny.You’ll learn what triggers a four-day SEC disclosure clock after a material cyber incident, how AI-driven financial operations are creating new attack vectors, and why incident response is no longer just an IT problem. With real-world scenarios and a practical framework for integrating AI risk into your compliance routine, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the crossroads of finance, technology, and regulation. Stay tuned to tighten your compliance muscles and get ahead of the new reporting norms.Visit Highiq.ai
Transcribe →Ed Kennedy: From Big 4 CPA to Digital Product Strategic Advisor
Jun 2300:47:40Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Reporting Norms, the podcast where we dive into all things financial reporting, business strategy, consulting, and the evolving world of AI in business. In today’s episode, host Norm sits down with longtime friend and accomplished business executive Edward Thomas Kennedy IV, also known as ETK4, currently the VP of Business Development at Livefront, a leading digital product consultancy.Ed shares insights from his impressive career journey, which began in accounting at PwC, spanned transformative leadership roles at Slalom Consulting, IBM, and Scient, and led him to the cutting edge of digital product development and AI-driven innovation. Together, Norm and Ed explore themes like building authentic client relationships, the art of storytelling in consulting, and how the digital landscape - including remote work and generative AI is reshaping customer expectations.You’ll also hear Ed’s personal reflections on effective leadership, industry change, and the crucial role of trust, curiosity, and empathy - whether you’re managing teams or designing digital products people truly love. Stick around as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, and don’t miss Ed’s thoughts on using technology for good, learning from mentors, and always staying one step ahead in business.Visit highiq.ai
Transcribe →Circle's Successful IPO A New Era in Auditing and Digital Currency
Jun 1100:07:41Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Reporting Norms, host Norm Osumi breaks down the headline-making IPO of Circle, a major player in the cryptocurrency and stablecoin market. Circle’s public debut on the NYSE didn't just turn heads with its soaring share price and $8 billion valuation—it marked a pivotal step forward for digital finance and set new standards for transparency and compliance in the industry. Norm unpacks how Circle is shifting its business model from earning interest on reserves to tapping into the $2 trillion global payments sector, fueled by robust regulatory developments and a strategic embrace of AI to tighten compliance and efficiency. Whether you’re trying to understand the evolving landscape of digital asset reporting, or curious about how stablecoins are bridging the worlds of TradFi and DeFi, this episode offers timely insights into the future of finance and what Circle’s IPO means for the market.
Transcribe →Material Weakness vs. Financial Restatement Explained
Jun 400:13:22Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Reporting Norms, the podcast where we break down complex accounting issues with clarity and practicality. In this episode, host Norm Osumi dives into the world of financial restatements and material weaknesses - a topic crucial for anyone involved with publicly traded companies. Norm unpacks the most common causes of financial restatements, from errors in equity classification and accounting for financial instruments, to the misstatement of expenses and costs. He explains why these mistakes happen so frequently, emphasizing the roles of complexity, judgment, and the shortage of specialized accounting expertise.Norm also tackles a key question: does every financial restatement mean a company has a material weakness in its internal controls? You'll find out why the answer isn’t always yes. Plus, the episode explores how AI and automation are starting to transform accounting functions, potentially preventing errors before they reach auditors. For investors, Norm outlines the serious implications when companies disclose both a restatement and a material weakness at the same time - and why this double hit can seriously shake market confidence.Whether you're in finance, investing, or just curious about the backbone of corporate transparency, this episode delivers actionable insights and practical takeaways. Stay tuned for more - and remember, you can always get further updates from Norm’s newsletter at reportingnorms AI. Tune in to learn more! Visit highiq.ai
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