Modernization: What It Means for Your Organization

Ann Hirschfeld, Leaf Software Solutions

With constant innovation taking place in today's technology solutions, this session takes a pause to look at what modernization really means for businesses. We look at the top technology trends across the accounting and business landscape and discuss the benefits that can be reaped by embracing these current trends. We'll also discuss the disrupting technologies on the horizon.

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

A&A Update (A&A)

Melisa Galasso, Galasso Learning Solutions

This course will review the ASUs effective this year for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. We’ll also provide a high-level overview of the audit standards that will be implemented in 2023 so auditees will know what changes to expect in their current year audits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ASUs effective in the current year.
• Describe the key financial reporting changes of the leases and financial instruments standards.

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

From Diversity to Belonging: Empowering Gen-Z & Millennial CPAs in the Workplace

Doneisha Posey, Doneisha Posey Consulting

As the CPA industry evolves, it is crucial for firms to attract and retain top talent, particularly from the Gen-Z and Millennial generations. These generations make up the largest segment of the workforce and are seeking companies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their workplace culture.

Almost 75% of the CPA workforce met the retirement age in 2020, as estimated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This demographic shift highlights the importance of attracting younger talent to the industry to ensure its longevity. Research also shows that Gen-Z and Millennial employees are more likely to leave a job due to a lack of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In fact, a 2022 study by Ernst and Young found that 76% of millennials said they’d leave an employer if DEI initiatives were not offered.

In this presentation, we will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that Gen-Z and Millennial CPAs bring to the table. We will discuss the importance of DEI in the recruitment and retention of these generations and provide practical strategies for creating a culture of belonging.

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

Managing Change in an Ever-Changing Profession

Melisa Galasso, Galasso Learning Solutions

Change is all around us. Those who can effectively manage change will be the future leaders of the profession. The pace of change continues to skyrocket. As organizations and the CPA profession continue to evolve, CPAs will need to have the ability to be resilient and thrive in an ever-changing world. This course will look at practical ways CPAs can not only accept change but manage change in an effective and efficient manner.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will be able to:

• Identify skills needed in the change management process.
• Describe change models.

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

The ABCs of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

Paul Perry, CPA, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, FHFMA, Warren Averett

This session provides an overview of what ESG is for a company and how they need to be prepared for and respond to questions regarding sustainability. We will explore updates to the universe of ESG and dive into the different frameworks used by companies to gather and report on their responses to ESG. We will walk through what ESG looks like as a department or strategy for a company. Finally, we will also explore the response to ESG by regulatory bodies including the SEC, AICPA and the European business community.

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

Exploring Ethical Considerations in the Age of Emerging Technologies (Ethics)

Cory Campbell, Indiana State University

Although there are significant complexities and challenges that must be addressed, the potential benefits of emergent technologies are unmatched. The rapid diffusion of emerging technology is akin to a freight train, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the accounting profession worldwide. As accountants seek to comprehend the impact on the various sub-disciplines of the profession, they must also consider the potential ethical implications. The incorporation of technology has the potential to alter perceptions of professional skepticism and may create expectation gaps among stakeholders.