Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Course Description
Participants will learn how to apply LEAN and LEAN Six Sigma concepts to the finance function—streamlining processes, eliminating non‑value‑added work, and enabling better decision support—while understanding the impacts of ERP/RPA and related technologies. Participants will practice with finance‑relevant tools (e.g., SIPOC, value stream mapping, 5S, Poka‑Yoke, A3/Kaizen, balanced scorecards) to design practical improvements without weakening internal controls.
Topics include:
- Introduction to LEAN Finance: challenges of the finance function; LEAN vs. LEAN Six Sigma; history, Toyota principles, GEMBA, and the five LEAN management principles.
- Foundations & mapping: APQC process framework; value‑chain alignment across sectors; SIPOC and value stream mapping; visual management and standardization; linking value chain → process mapping → KPIs → balanced scorecard.
- Tools & techniques: nine sources of waste; 5S, A3/Kaizen, and Poka‑Yoke types; finance‑specific efficiency ideas.
- LEAN accounting/finance & budgeting: distinctions, rolling forecasts, technology enablers (RPA, apps, approval flows), and internal‑control considerations.
- Managing change: fundamentals of change management; creating a continuous‑improvement culture and sustaining LEAN initiatives.
- Wrap‑up & resources: reflection activities and suggested readings.
NOTE: This course description has been revised and reflects updates for 2026. If you have any questions, please contact pdevents@cpaontario.ca.
Schedule
- March 15, 2027, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- March 17, 2027, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Explain LEAN foundations (history, principles, and the Toyota Way) and translate them to finance operations.
- Map finance processes and value chains (APQC model), identify wastes (MUDAs) in support functions, and prioritize improvements.
- Use core LEAN tools—SIPOC, value stream mapping, 5S, visual management, Poka‑Yoke, and A3/Kaizen—to standardize and simplify workflows.
- Align performance measures and dashboards with strategy using balanced‑scorecard thinking, and leverage ERP/RPA to automate routine activities.
- Recognize control and risk implications of LEAN and automation and integrate appropriate safeguards into process changes.
Who Will Benefit
- Finance leaders, controllers, and managers who want a practical LEAN toolkit for the finance function.
- Professionals in risk, governance, or operations who partner with finance on process improvement and automation initiatives.
Prerequisite(s)
- Familiarity with core finance processes (e.g., O2C, P2P, budgeting).
- Interest in process improvement and basic exposure to dashboards/KPIs.
How to Access the Course
This course is delivered as a live webinar. To receive verifiable CPD hours, you must attend the session live. We recommend joining at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. For the best interactive experience, please use a computer equipped with a camera and microphone.
A reminder email with the Zoom link and course details will be sent two business days before the session. If you do not receive it, please check your spam or junk folder.
The same information, including any available materials, will also be posted in advance on our Blackboard LMS.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
Melanie E. Russell, CPA, CA, CBV, CFE, CIM, CFF, ABV – her current practice focuses on business valuations, litigation support and dispute analysis, financial/forensic investigations, corporate finance and education. She has qualified as an expert witness in the areas of valuation, forensic accounting, income analyses and loss of income calculations in a number of cases in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court and the Federal Court of Canada. She has also acted as an accounting expert in arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings (e.g., collaborative family practice), and negotiated a number of buy/sell transactions. She has taught at various institutions, authored various articles and professional material, and has had a number of years marking, authoring and co-ordinating professional examinations including the CICBV Membership Qualifying Examination.