ATDChi News

VP, Programming, ATDChi 

ATDChi had yet another successful networking event and clinic in February when Mark Robilliard from Color Accounting International presented quick and easy-to-follow instructions on how to read organizational financial statements and how to convert financial information into a business story. Color Accounting International is a publishing company and training provider, which develops and distributes the Color Accounting learning system. The system uses a graphical representation of the Balance Sheet and Income Statement - the BaSIS Framework™ - to present financial information. “Seeing” how accounting works makes it much easier to understand. Color Accounting International also emphasizes language: it defines important concepts with simple words that make sense. 

The beauty of this particular event was the fact that it allowed us to learn a skill and gain knowledge outside of our immediate professional scope. However, it is a skill that affords us a seat at the table with decision makers. Here are a few key messages from Mark’s presentation: 

• We often confuse equity with assets. As a result, some business owners fail to see themselves as separate entities from their companies. It is important that we see equity as an obligation to the owner when we look at our business from the company’s point of view, and not the owner. 

• Income generates value, but it is NOT a value on its own. 

• Generated equity becomes a profit; it is the “good” obligation to owners that the business wants to grow. 

• We often overlook the intangible assets – such as employees’ knowledge, experience, or service. These intangible assets are the ones whose value needs to be clearly seen, estimated, measured and communicated to by the L&D professionals at the table. 

Overall, this session was an eye-opening experience. We looked at the structure of organizations and their finances from the position of a stakeholder, which many of us in the L&D profession may not necessarily realize we hold. Mark Robilliard was diligent in making sure we understood and remembered the key financial language. We now can appropriately utilize the key concepts in conversations about finances with the decision makers in our organizations. 

Mark’s fantastic presentation was accompanied by great catering services provided by our new partner Loyola University Water Tower Campus, located in the gorgeous historical Water Tower district of Downtown Chicago.