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Date:
August 28, 2024

Time: 
8:30 a.m.–4:35 p.m. ET

Location: 
INCPAS Learning Center, Indianapolis and Virtual Live

CPE:
8 hours

 

 


 

Take a Time Out for Trends

An unpredictable economy, shifting tax policies, growing workforce issues…and now keeping up with explosion of generative AI tools and associated ethical dilemmas — it’s too much to cover in breakout sessions at a traditional conference, so we created this new CPA Trends Forum to give you a one-stop overview on key issues impacting the profession right now.

In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration


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8:30–9:30 a.m. General Session

Going from Good to Great in Accounting & Finance

Chris Ortega, Fresh FP&A

What was good yesterday is average today and accounting and finance professionals are expected to do more than just crunch numbers. This fast-paced, interactive session will explore the growing importance of soft skills like communication, collaboration, and relationship building. Discover how honing these essential abilities can empower you to become a more valuable asset, build stronger client relationships, and advance your career.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why Soft Skills Matter: Gain a deeper understanding of why soft skills are increasingly critical for success in accounting and finance. Learn how these abilities can enhance your problem-solving, build trust with clients, and position you as a strategic advisor.
  • Mastering the Art of Communication: Develop clear, concise, and persuasive communication techniques to effectively present complex financial information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaboration is Key: Explore strategies to foster a collaborative work environment, build strong relationships with colleagues, and leverage the power of teamwork to achieve optimal results.

9:30–9:40 a.m. Networking Break

It's time to network with colleagues and visit sponsor tables.

9:40–10:55 a.m. General Session

Is It All About the Money, Money, Money?

JoDee Curtis, CPA, CSP, SHRM-SCP, Purple Ink LLC

This session delves into the intricate realm of Total Rewards, probing beyond monetary incentives. Uncover the diverse components shaping employee satisfaction, from financial incentives to non-monetary perks. Explore current market trends and learn how to leverage benefits for enhanced employee engagement and retention. We will discover the balance between monetary and non-monetary rewards for a holistic approach to workforce motivation and satisfaction.

Objectives:

  • Understand total rewards components
  • Review market trends
  • Leverage non-monetary benefits

10:55–11:05 a.m. Networking Break

It's time to network with colleagues and visit sponsor tables.

11:05 a.m.–12:20 p.m. General Session

Implementing AI in Your Organization

Karl Ahlrichs, CSP, SHRM-SCP, ExpertSpeaks

This session goes beyond theory and prepares attendees to implement AI successfully in their organization. This facilitated interaction starts by looking at the future and ends with actionable items to solve future sustainability and talent shortage issues. Hint: The answer is a mix of risk management and people strategies.

12:20–1 p.m. Lunch

It's time to have lunch with colleagues and visit sponsor tables. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees.

1–2:10 p.m. General Session

Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)

Allison McLeod, CPA, JD, LLM, The University of North Texas

As the digital asset market continues to mature, more taxpayers may be contemplating blessing their favorite charitable organizations with gifts of cryptocurrency. Beneficiaries unfamiliar with digital assets may find it challenging to properly report any of these types of donations. Likewise, taxpayers will need to ensure that they properly value and substantiate any contributions or potentially risk their charitable deductions being denied. This course will provide a brief overview of digital assets. This will be followed by a discussion of the rules regarding the documentation required when claiming a charitable contribution of digital assets. This course will also cover recent IRS publications and cases discussing taxpayers whose deductions of digital assets charitable gifts was scrutinized.

By the end of the course, the participant should be able to:

  1. Discuss what constitutes digital assets.
  2. Determine the differences between cryptocurrency and NFTs.
  3. Be able to identify the IRS forms needed to report digital asset contributions.
  4. Understand how to properly establish the value of the contribution.
  5. Know the differences in required substantiation based on the amount of the contribution.
  6. Understand the latest rulings by the Treasury Department and courts on these contributions.

2:10–2:25 p.m. Networking Break

It's time to network with colleagues and visit sponsor tables.

2:25–3:15 p.m. General Session

Cybersecurity Needs and Strategy: Navigating Cyber Insurance

Vince Shissler, The Mitchell Agency

Business owners are continuing to become more educated and engaged with the need for a solid cybersecurity strategy to keep their businesses safe, resilient, and growing profitably. Along with the implementation of cybersecurity and ongoing support/maintenance to keep organizations up-to-date and forward thinking, comes the need for the right cyber insurance policy to address the costs if/when an event should it occur. Who does what, by when, and who pays for it are starkly different questions many organizations are not prepared to answer. But understanding the needs and coverage of a policy is just another layer being added onto business owners and leaders that seems convoluted and confusing. How much coverage do I need? What tools do I need in place to qualify for the right coverage levels? This session brings clarity and definition to not only what and how the insurance is intended to be used, but also the definitions to the technical side to marry up to a complete solution right sized to your organization's needs.

3:15–3:25 p.m. Networking Break

It's time to network with colleagues and visit sponsor tables.

3:25–4:35 p.m. General Session

Navigating Tax Reform: Insights from Indiana's Legislative Tax Commission

Kevin Brinegar, Wellington Performance Partners

Join us for a deep dive into Indiana's tax landscape and the upcoming changes on the horizon. Explore the findings of the Legislative Tax Commission's summer sessions and gain insights into potential reforms affecting income, property, and other tax areas. Discover how Indiana compares with other states on crucial tax metrics and uncover the future direction of tax policy discussed by the commission.

In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration