Closing the Gap between Financial Reporting and Reality

by Thomas R. Robinson

In the wake of recent financial scandals, the gap between financial reporting and reality has become a critical issue for investors. The presentations in this proceedings address such key topics as how to identify companies that are playing fast and loose with the rules before financial disaster occurs; understanding what accounting rules actually say about pensions, intangible assets, employee stock options, and derivatives; and how accounting rules are likely to change in the future.

Paperback

Published March 10, 2003

About the author

Thomas R. Robinson is managing director of the Americas at CFA Institute - leading a cross-functional team which participates in developing global strategy, implementing the global strategy regionally and engaging with stakeholders regionally. Previously Tom served as managing director of education at CFA Institute providing vision and leadership for a 100-member global team producing and delivering educational content for candidates, members, and other investment professionals Prior to joining CFA Institute Tom had a 25 year career in financial services and education having served as a tenured faculty member at the University of Miami, managing director of a private wealth investment advisory firm and director of tax and consulting services at a public accounting firm. Tom has published regularly in professional journals and has authored or co-authored many books on financial analysis, valuation and wealth management. Tom is a CFA charterholder, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Ohio), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA). He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master's and doctorate from Case Western Reserve University.