Metrics for Mission Impact

NetSuite

Does your organization effectively measure progress toward its mission? Quantifying and reporting this information to constituents can be tricky. During this session, you will learn trade secrets on high performing not-for-profits using Charity Navigator’s recommended governance metrics.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how managing metrics helps build successful outcomes in nonprofit organizations.
  
• Identify the principles and mechanics of building meaningful metrics to create mission impact.
• Identify tips to ensure your organization is financially healthy and spending dollars wisely.
• Discover how dashboards can boost organizational health and mission impact. Discover how dashboards can boost organizational health and mission impact.

Your Greatest Leadership Challenge: A Look in the Mirror at Self-Leadership

Jon Lokhorst, CPA-Inactive, ACC, Lokhorst Consulting

In recent years, an increasing emphasis has been placed on the need for CPAs to improve their leadership skills. Most leadership development is focused on the leadership of others. However, effective leadership of others begins with effective self-leadership. This session offers an inside-out approach to building the leadership capacity necessary to lead in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

It's time for a breakout session, move to your belongings to the appropriate location

1. Grants, Revenue Recognition and Lease Accounting - Oh My! (A&A) (Yellow Book) 

   Elizabeth Gagnon, Financial Accounting Standards Board and Dennis Morrone, Grant Thornton

   This session will provide an overview of recently issued accounting standards including revenue recognition, leases, Not-for-Profit financial statements, pension expenses and other recent changes. It will also provide an overview of projects impacting not for profit organizations including grants and contracts.
   
   

2. Excel - Auditing Your Spreadsheets for Maximum Accuracy

   Bryan Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA, CPA Crossings, LLC

   Did you know Excel has 400-500 functions depending on your version? Did you know there are 12 different function categories? Did you know you could create your own functions? After you attend this class, you will be in the know! In this session, Bryan will focus on proofing and auditing your spreadsheets. You will learn how to build spreadsheets that validate the accuracy of your calculations and techniques to use the Data Validation feature to validate data entry. You will also learn techniques to cross-foot your data to ensure accuracy as well as how to use the various Excel Auditing Tools.
   
   

3. What We Have Learned So Far From the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017

   Rebekuh Eley, CPA, BKD, LLP and Nicole B. Fishback, CPA, BKD, LLP

   On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 (TCJA) into law, which represents one of the most significant revisions to the Internal Revenue Code in more than 30 years. This session will provide understanding of TCJA and address current developments so exempt organizations can prepare for complying with the new tax law.

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

1. ASU Implementation Issues (A&A) (Yellow Book)

   Dennis Morrone, Grant Thornton

   Hear a deep dive into the recently issued ASU on NFP financial statements. We'll provide detailed discussion topics and case study analysis on the new standard, its purpose, effective dates and implementation options.
   
   

2. Navigating the Maze for Charitable Fundraising Compliance

   Jacqueline M. Pimentel-Gannon, J.D., Faegre Baker Daniels

   Learn about the vital information concerning registration, reporting and disclosure obligations under the various states' solicitation laws. Receive info on fundraising activities and registrations, including internet-based activities such as on social media and mobile apps.
   
   

3. Multiply Your Value with Strategic Thinking Skills

   Jon Lokhorst, CPA-Inactive, ACC, Lokhorst Consulting

   Is strategic planning dead? Not likely. But traditional strategic planning alone is insufficient in today’s rapidly changing, global environment. Developing strategic thinking skills is essential to navigate change and deliver exceptional value to your organization, clients, and constituents. Learn the essence of strategic thinking, how to integrate it with traditional planning activities, and proactively build strategic thinking into your daily routine as a leader. 

Being the Culture Shift You Want to See

Judy Hissong, CLM, Nesso Strategies, LLC

How do you define your culture? What if you wanted to change it, how would you do it? Join in this conversation to get clarity on the impact you have on the climate and culture in your organization, and the steps to shift it.

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

1. Yellow Book Update (A&A) (Yellow Book)

   James Schmutte, CPA, DBA, MBA, Ball State University

   This session will review the changes in the Yellow Book. Topics include the types of engagements affected, the relationship between the Yellow Book and other standards (ethics, quality control, and peer review), as well as new and amended requirements. This course description is based on the proposed changes as reflected exposure draft. The course may be amended based on the finalized standard.

    

2. Introduction to Data Analytics and Microsoft Power BI Tools

   Bryan Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA, CPA Crossings, LLC

   Excel is the #1 data analysis tool for accountants, yet most accountants have never learned the basics of data analysis using Excel or the tools that Excel offers to help with data analysis. Those that learned to analyze data using PivotTables, soon learned there were many weaknesses in PivotTables that resulted in elaborate calculations in order to perform simple tasks. In this session, Bryan will provide an overview of the various PowerBI tools and discuss Microsoft's PowerBI Strategy. We will begin by explaining the challenges faced by many accountants when it comes to analyzing data in Excel. You will learn how each PowerBI tool reduces the challenges and improves your data analytic skills. You will also gain a complete understanding of when to use which tool.

 

3. Endowment Fund Accounting – Systematic Approach to Tracking Restricted and Unrestricted Endowment Funds

   Michael Jarvis, Endowment Solutions

   • What is endowment accounting
   • What challenges do organizations face when tracking their endowments (audits/accuracy/general understanding/reporting/donor
   • What information should be tracked for the endowment
   • What are the best practices for allocating earnings (unitized/dollar weighting) and spending calculations
   • How are organizations currently tracking and accounting for the endowment funds and endowment investment pool(s)
   • Why would organizations need a specific endowment accounting system/solution…What are the benefits
   • What challenges do organizations need to consider when selecting/implementing an endowment system/solution
   • What are the best practices for organizations looking to move to a system approach What should organizations be preparing for in the future

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

The People Problem

Gui Cozzi, Crowe LLP and Rick O'Leary, Crowe LLP

The end user is historically viewed as the weakest part of a security program. Numerous studies attribute a great portion of security incidents to human error. Security awareness training often falls to the wayside because organizations see no benefit when 'it only takes one' for an attack to be successful. Yet, are we tapping the full potential of our employees? Perhaps the real weakness is an overlooked and underestimated resource. In this talk we will explore the stigma attached to the end user, a possible paradigm shift in security awareness, and how people actually have potential to be the greatest asset to a security program.

Don't forget to turn in your CPE form at the registration desk. Look for an event survey; please give us your feedback so we can create another great conference next year!