FEISV Chapter Newsletter | May 08, 2026

FEI Silicon Valley Events

05/12 - Unlocking QSBS: Tax Advantages and Valuation Considerations (Virtual) | Andersen
05/20 - An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience | Acrisure
05/26 - Not All Spend Is Equal: Why Vendor Spend Is the CFO’s Biggest Lever for Margin and Risk Control | Zip
06/02 - IPO and Audit-Ready Finance: Controls, Metrics, and the Story Investors Will Scrutinize | PwC
06/04 - 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Hosted by Robert Half & FEISV
06/24 - Financial Officers Forum (Virtual)
08/19 - FEISV TopGolf & Social

Partners & Other Chapter Events

05/12 - How CFOs Use AI and Precision Care to Manage Spend (Virtual) | FEI New York
05/12- The CFO's Cash Modeling Playbook: Moving from Static Forecasts to AI-Powered Scenario Planning (Virtual) | FEI
05/13 - Developing Leadership Excellence through the Leader Maturity Model (Virtual) | FEI
05/17 - 05/19 - 2026 Financial Leaders Forum (San Antonio) | FEI
05/19 - AI Part 4: Auditing AI-Enabled Processes (Virtual) | FEI
05/21 - The Future of Finance and Accounting: AI, Automation, and the New Operating Model (Virtual) | FEI
06/04 - Preparing for IPO: Financial and Valuation Risks for Life Sciences Companies and How to Address Them (Virtual) | BPM

Latest Trends in FEI

Join us virtually this Tuesday for a focused virtual session that goes beyond the basics of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and into where it really matters: Real-world decision-making.

This discussion is built for finance professionals who want to better understand how QSBS planning plays out in practice, especially in moments that can significantly impact tax outcomes, like entity structuring, equity events, and asset contributions. Rather than just covering the rules, we’ll explore how those rules play out in real planning scenarios and where opportunities are often missed.

You’ll gain clarity on both corporate and shareholder requirements, along with a sharper lens on valuation, particularly how the gross assets test is applied and why establishing QSBS basis correctly can make or break eligibility.

What sets this session apart is the perspective of the speakers. Petra Loer, a valuation specialist with deep experience across industries and complex asset types, brings critical insight into how valuation decisions directly influence QSBS outcomes.

Alongside her, Jaskirat (Jason) Sandhu adds a tax practitioner’s viewpoint, grounded in advising high-growth and pre-IPO companies on structuring, compliance, and QSBS planning strategies.

Together, they bridge the gap between technical rules and practical execution, giving you guidance you can immediately apply when advising clients or structuring deals.

Unlocking QSBS: Tax Advantages and Valuation Considerations will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 12th, from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm Pacific.

FEISV Members & Partners, and Other FEI Members: Free | Registration: Here

How CFOs Use AI and Precision Care to Manage Spend

Health insurance remains one of the most volatile and least transparent line items on a company’s income statement — yet many organizations continue to manage it reactively.

Join FEI New York for a virtual session where their experts will challenge the traditional model and introduce a more disciplined, data-driven approach to managing employer-sponsored healthcare. By combining artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data strategies, and precision care models, finance leaders can move from cost shifting to true cost control.

Through practical examples and real-world applications, you’ll learn how forward-thinking organizations are proactively managing risk, improving outcomes, and reducing unnecessary spending without cutting benefits.

How CFOs Use AI and Precision Care to Manage Spend will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 12th, from 9:00 am - 10:00 am Pacific.

FEISV, FEINY, and Other FEI Members: Free | Registration: Here

Play In A Scramble Golf Tournament for a Good Cause: No Experience Needed!

A scramble tournament is golf’s most beginner-friendly format, and it’s built for fun, teamwork, and conversation—not scorekeeping anxiety. Join in on a time-honored tradition and a fun day of golf at the 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, presented by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley!

Everyone in your foursome hits a shot, the group picks the best ball, and then you all play from there, repeating that process until the hole is finished. That means you’re never “holding anyone back." The team always moves forward from the strongest shot, and newer golfers can relax, enjoy the day, and still contribute.

Scrambles are a staple for charity and corporate outings because they create an easy, social environment where players of all levels can participate on a level playing field.

For finance executives, that format is ideal. You get a few hours outside the boardroom to build relationships, talk shop between shots, and experience your peers in a more human, low-pressure setting. Because the structure is collaborative, you can learn the rhythm and etiquette of golf in real time, without the spotlight on every swing.

If golf has ever felt like a “missing skill” for future business deals or client entertainment, a scramble is the perfect way to learn the game, quietly build confidence, and start saying yes to more invitational rounds. By the end of the day, you’ll have stories, new connections, and a stronger golf comfort level you can carry into future networking and deal-making.

The 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley, will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at the Coyote Creek Golf Club in Morgan Hill.

FEISV Members & Non-Members Round of Golf: $275 (+The Deal: $390) | Foursome (Value $1,100): $1,000 | Registration: Here

Pre-Tournament Ladies Golf Clinic

Join fellow women golfers for a fun and supportive clinic series designed to prepare for the FEI Annual Golf Tournament on June 4th, and any tournament thereafter!

Coach Rena will lead these 90-minute sessions focused on key areas of the game—from long drives to precision putting—helping golfers of all skill levels build confidence and consistency.

Pick the class dates that work best for you, or join all six to sharpen your skills. Classes are intentionally small (4–8 participants; on-course class is limited to 6) to allow for personalized instruction.

Registration: https://evite.me/9Nz38xKzmG

Location:
Silicon Valley Golf at Shoreline Golf Links
2940 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043

Questions?
Contact: Lanea Riley | (650) 468-4158 | [email protected]

Select Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available: 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

A heartfelt thank-you to all of our 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsors for your generous support. We truly couldn’t do this without you. Your partnership not only makes this event possible, but it also strengthens our shared mission to support the future of finance through education and opportunity.

Please join us in acknowledging our current list of sponsors:

Tournament Sponsor: Robert Half
Special Gift Sponsor: Janice Berthold | Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Beverage Cart Sponsor with Foursome: SOAProjects
Swag Bag Sponsor with Foursome: Alliant Insurance Services
Air Cannon Sponsor with Foursome: RSM
Closest to the Pin Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
Casino Hole: Insperity
Hole Sponsor: Andersen
Hole Sponsor: Cellotape
Hole Sponsor: Corpay
Hole Sponsor: USI
Foursome Sponsor: Bakertilly
Foursome Sponsor: Bespoke People
Foursome Sponsor: Flagstar
Foursome Sponsor: Forvis Mazars
Foursome Sponsor: PwC

THERE ARE STILL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. See the attached document to support a great cause while building awareness for your company.

Now celebrating its 27th year, this time-honored event blends great golf and great company with an even greater purpose: Supporting the next generation of talented students pursuing finance and accounting degrees at California State University East Bay, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, and Menlo College.

To date, this longstanding tradition has provided $774,000 in scholarships to remarkable individuals recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and drive to make a difference in the financial world.

Every contribution, from tournament sponsors to hole and prize sponsors, helps continue this proud FEI Silicon Valley tradition. Together, we’re driving real impact for the next generation of financial leaders while enjoying a day of connection, competition, and community.

The 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by Robert Half & FEI Silicon Valley, will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at the Coyote Creek Golf Club in Morgan Hill.

FEISV Members & Non-Members Round of Golf: $275 (+The Deal: $390) | Foursome (Value $1,100): $1,000 | Registration: Here

An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience

Please join us for a wine tasting experience, hosted by Acrisure in partnership with Vintage Wine Merchants. This curated experience will feature a selection of premium wines, thoughtfully chosen to complement an evening of meaningful conversation and professional connection.

Guests will have the opportunity to engage with peers in a relaxed, refined setting while enjoying guided tastings. Whether you are looking to expand your network, exchange insights, or simply unwind with exceptional wines, this event offers the perfect balance of sophistication and connection.

Vintage Wine Merchants, a premier retail wine shop and tasting bar located in Santana Row, will guide guests through a thoughtfully selected portfolio of wines, offering insights into flavor profiles, origins, and pairings – creating a truly immersive and educational tasting experience.

An Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience will be held at Acrisure in San Jose on Wednesday, May 20th, from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Pacific.

FEISV Members & Partners: Free | Non-Members: $50 | Registration: Here

Financial Planning After a Liquidity Event: What to Prioritize First

A liquidity event can be a defining moment in your financial life. Whether you’ve sold your business, received a large inheritance, or completed an IPO, the decisions you make in the following months can shape your financial future for decades.

When you’ve just experienced a liquidity event, one of the wisest first steps is to pause. Park your funds in a secure account while you consider what truly matters to you.

Before moving forward, understand the structure of your payout. Are you receiving a lump sum, or will proceeds come through an earnout or phased payments? Each structure carries different implications for cash flow, taxes, and investment timing. Your post- liquidity financial landscape may look quite different from the steady income you relied on while running your business.

Learn more. Read Financial Planning After a Liquidity Event: What to Prioritize First via our Gold Partners at BPM.

FEISV Member of the Week

Audie Chang

Audie Chang has over 30 years of financial management experience working with public and private companies in SaaS, biotech, semiconductor, wind energy and consumer electronics as CFO, Corporate Controller and Consultant.

He served as a finance and accounting consultant with pre/post IPO companies Velodyne Lidar, Livongo Health and Pattern Energy, all had successful public offerings at billion-dollar valuations. Audie holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and became a licensed CPA while working with Deloitte Touche in New York City.

Significant consulting experience at technology companies includes eGain, CareDx, Broadvision, Aliph/Jawbone, Silicon Image, Micrel Semiconductor, Lyris, Fly Leasing, Electronic Arts, and Western Digital (Komag).

Audie earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and Theater at Binghamton University. He received an MBA in Finance and Accounting from NYU Stern School of Business.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/audie-chang-a7736b/

FEISV Partner of the Week

BPM, the largest California-based accounting and consulting firm, offers tax, business consulting, wealth management, and audit services across a wide spectrum of industries, from offices in San Francisco, Menlo Park, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Stockton, and Santa Rosa, in Northern California. BPM also has offices in Southern California, Washington, and Oregon. The Firm has over 500 professionals and is locally owned, with a strong foundation of environmental, social, and philanthropic stewardship.