Tariffs continue to create uncertainty for industrial manufacturers as court rulings, trade investigations and refund developments reshape the global trade environment. Recent changes related to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs, refund eligibility and enforcement activity have left many manufacturers questioning how these developments impact their tax position, financial reporting, and long‑term planning.

On this episode of the Industrial Manufacturing Podcast, Luis Reyes, Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Leader, is joined by Nelson Yates, International Tax Leader, to discuss the current tariff landscape and what manufacturers should be considering now. Together, they provide practical insight into refunds, ongoing tariff exposure and strategies manufacturers can adopt as tariffs remain a persistent business reality.

This conversation includes:

• An overview of the current tariff landscape, including recent court rulings, investigations and refund developments
• Practical considerations for manufacturers evaluating IEEPA tariff refunds
• Key tax, accounting and financial implications associated with potential refunds
• Best practices manufacturers can implement to manage ongoing and future tariffs amid regulatory change
• How Cherry Bekaert helps manufacturers navigate tariff complexity and risk

Related insights:

• U.S. CBP Files Update on IEEPA Tariff Refunds | Cherry Bekaert
• Amended IEEPA Order: Steps to Take for Final Liquidated Entries | Cherry Bekaert

In the final episode of the Working Capital Optimization series, hosts Mike Piotrowski and Corey York explain how cash management acts as a strategic lens for CFOs. They explain how the cash conversion cycle (triple C) reveals where cash is trapped in a business and can help unlock significant liquidity without raising equity, taking on debt or cutting headcount.

Through practical examples, benchmarking and a five-step framework, the episode guides listeners on diagnosing cash flow bottlenecks and implementing cross-functional improvements for lasting financial agility

Listen to learn more about:

• What the cash conversion cycle is and why it matters
• How triple C reveals where cash is trapped across receivables, inventory, and payables
• Benchmarking triple C performance
• Trade-offs and mitigation strategies for improving accounts receivable (AR), inventory and payables
• How to operationalize triple C across the organization for competitive advantage

Related Insights

• Article: Working Capital Strategies: 7 Steps To Improve Cash Flow in Manufacturing Businesses
• Podcast: Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Podcast: Working Capital Optimization Explained

In this episode of the Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods podcast, host Corey York, along with finance transformation specialist Mike Piotrowski, explores accounts payable (AP) optimization, a critical yet often overlooked driver of working capital and business health.

They discuss why AP is more than just paying bills, as well as the risks of inefficient processes and practical strategies to transform AP from a cost center into a strategic advantage. Listeners will gain actionable insights to improve cash flow, strengthen supplier relationships and leverage technology for smarter operations.

This is the fourth episode in a five-part series on optimizing working capital. Stay tuned for more actionable insights!

Listen to learn more about:

• The role of accounts payable in working capital
• Common red flags in AP processes
• Four key areas for AP optimization
• How to balance strategic AP practices with maintaining strong supplier relationships
• Industry benchmarks and how they guide achievable AP performance targets

POCs
Mike Piotrowski, Senior Manager, CFO Advisory
Corey York, Senior Manager, CFO Advisory

Related Insights:

• Article: Working Capital Strategies: 7 Steps To Improve Cash Flow in Manufacturing Businesses
• Podcast: Industrial Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Podcast: Working Capital Optimization Explained