Sessions from 2017
9:00 am ET
Ethical Decision Making
Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics
Qualifies for CE credit
Sponsor: Core - BQE
Speakers: Mark Koziel, Caleb Bullock, Greg LaFollette
In this session we will discuss developing and enforcing a code of conduct for staff in client-facing situations. Our focus will be on ethical and professional conduct as it is coupled with providing advice to clients regarding tax-saving measures and reporting guidelines, and defining the penalty-of-perjury attestation as it applies to signing tax returns. In addition, we’ll cover record keeping requirements and related ethical procedures that need to be in place when accountants are transitioning to a new business arrangement.
10:00 am ET
Creating Great Customer Experiences
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Sponsor: Intuit ProConnect
Speakers: Jorge Olavarrieta, Marty McCutchen, Jean Caragher, Mitch Reno
Our discussions and our training sessions are usually focused on the services we provide, the skills we possess, the software we use, the efficiencies we offer – the concept of the customer experience is often left out of the discussion. But when you’re the customer, whether you are making a purchase in a store or online, or trying to get the answers to questions, or requesting services from an expert – how you feel about the experience plays a part in your opinion of the quality of the transaction, and it certainly translates into whether you’ll recommend the experience to others or whether you’ll continue to use that service provider in the future. How can we as accountants make sure our customers are having an exceptional experience along with getting the best service we can provide?
11:00 am ET
Accountants as Technology Experts - Is This the Role You Want?
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Sponsor: AbacusNext
Speakers: Tomas Suros, Jim Bourke, Garrett Wagner, John Higgins
Not all accountants are able to advise on the latest technology trends or keep up with the options that are available, or even know how to find the best technology tools for their clients. But so many of the technology solutions that businesses use impact the financial reporting process. Therefore, defining the role of accountants as it pertains to technology is crucial – but what does that entail? And if that doesn’t describe you, what are your options for being an outstanding advisor but maybe one without the best technology skillset? This session’s panel will discuss what you need to know about technology in order to best serve your clients, ways in which you can get that knowledge, and how to make the technology connection with your clients when you yourself aren’t the technology guru they might be expecting.
12:00 am ET
Business Model Transformation: Why and How?
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Sponsor: Sage
Speakers: Jairam Padmanabhan, Ed Kless
Join Ed Kless and Jairam Padmanabhan as they discuss the challenges accountants face as they look at traversing a journey to transform their business and move from being irrelevant to being invaluable.
1:00 pm ET
Productivity: Apps We Love
Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications
Sponsor: Receipt Bank
Speakers: Damien Greathead, John Higgins, Garrett Wagner
Do you ever feel like you’re not as productive as you could be? And that maybe technology is actually standing in the way of your productivity instead of fostering it? This session focuses on productivity pain points within an accounting practice as well as productivity-related friction between accountants and their clients. We’ll discuss the causes of these problems, how to search for and choose solutions, and how to know when to let go of apps that aren’t providing the best solutions. We’ll discuss best practices for identifying the types of apps that can make our lives easier, and our panelists will share their favorite productivity apps.
2:00 pm ET
How to Help Clients Manage Sales Tax Risk
Field of Study: Taxes
Qualifies for CE credit
Sponsors: Avalara, YETTER and The Sales Tax Institute
Speakers: Diane Yetter, Ray Bigley
This session will include updates on federal legislative actions impacting sales tax and nexus issues, as well as these topics:
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Nexus
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Taxability and exemptions
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Calculation and remittance
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Tools to help make the sales tax process more efficient
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How the SMB marketplace looks to the accountant for advice and counsel
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Bringing in the right people to help
3:00 pm ET
Thoughtfulness, Trust and a Proactive Strategy as a Path to an Inclusive Firm
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing
Sponsor: Xero
Speakers: Amy Vetter, Carlos C. Lopez, Yasmine El-Ramly
It's not always obvious what traits in a person give them a different and fresh perspective on the ordinary. And diversity is not about quotas or a problem to be solved. Creating an inclusive firm means being vigilant about creating trust in an environment that actively promotes differing perspectives and ideas. In this session Amy Vetter, Chief Relationship Officer at Xero and Carlos C. Lopez, EA, CEO at Latino Tax Professionals Association will share personal experiences and lessons learned navigating entrepreneurship, tax practices large and small and the accounting industry in general. In addition, Yasmine El-Ramly, project manager with the AICPA, will discuss ways in which our national association is fostering inclusiveness amongst its members.
4:00 pm ET
Tax Update: What to Tell Your Clients
Field of Study: Taxes
Qualifies for CE credit
Speakers: Jackie Meyer, Mike D’Avolio
Whether we have had new tax legislation during 2017 or new tax legislation is imminent in 2018, this year-end tax update will address the changes, the latest rules, and the questions you can expect from your clients regarding the latest U.S. tax laws.
5:00 pm ET
Hiring the Right People for Your Accounting/Auditing/Tax Preparation Practice
Field of Study: Personnel Human Resources
Sponsor: SurePayroll
Speakers: Sharon Lukich, Geni Whitehouse
Recent (ADP) survey results how that nearly half of hiring managers underestimate the complexity of the hiring process and 65% of respondents cited problems with their hiring process. In this session you’ll learn several ways in which businesses can address deficiencies within their hiring process and minimize the risks of making a bad hire.
6:00 pm ET
Tax Resolution Situations and Solutions
Field of Study: Taxes
Qualifies for CE credit
Sponsor: Canopy Tax
Speakers: Kurt Avarell, Jackie Meyer, Aaron Borden, Tanya Baber
Tax preparers and advisors are the first line of defense for taxpayers in need of tax resolution. In this session we will discuss various types of resolution situations and best practices for methods of resolution that help the taxpayers meet and resolve their tax obligations with the IRS and other taxing authorities.
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