Post on 28-Jun-2018
April 21-22, 2016
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Event Code: 13005 | LS13005
The Georgia Society of CPAs
Decision MakersConference
April 21-22, 2016 | Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Event Code: 13005 (both days) | LS13005
13006 (Thursday only); 13007 (Friday only)
16 hours of CPE credit with a possible 8 hours of A&A
Decision MakersConference
CPAs in leadership and management positions make critical decisions
every day that directly affect their company. The continually-changing
environment of the CPA profession adds challenges to daily responsibilities.
The GSCPA Decision Makers Conference provides two days of the latest in
industry trends and changes that you need to conquer these challenges.
Who Should Attend: CPAs in management and leadership positions,
CFOs, CEOs, and other financial professionals.
Live stream allows you to attend the conference from your home,
office or anywhere you can access the Internet. You view the sessions
in real time as part of the audience and have interaction with other
attendees via chat areas. Live streamed sessions are indicated with
the following symbol:
For more information or to register, visit olc.gscpa.org or call404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
LIVE STREAM ATTENDANCEEvent Code: LS13005 (both days);LS13006 (Thursday only); LS13007 (Friday only)16 hours of CPE credit including 5.5 hours of A&A
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
JENNIFER F. LOUIS, CPASurgent McCoy CPE, LLC, Devon, Pa.
Jennifer F. Louis, CPA, has over 20 years of experience
in designing and presenting high-quality training
programs in a wide variety of technical and “soft skills”
topics needed for professional and organizational
success. In 2014, she joined Surgent McCoy CPE, LLC, as the director of audit
product development. Most recently, she was the president of Emergent
Solutions Group, LLC, a company she founded in 2003, dedicated to
developing and delivering accounting and auditing training services. Prior
to that, she was executive vice president/director of training services at
AuditWatch, Inc., a highly respected training and consulting firm serving the
audit profession.
Before joining AuditWatch, Ms. Louis was the financial/operational audit
manager at AARP. Ms. Louis was also an audit manager for Deloitte and
Touche, LLP. During her years in that firm’s Washington, D.C. office, she served
as an instructor for the firm’s national “Train the Trainers” program.
KARL J. ALRICHS, SPHR, SHRM-SCPBusiness Learning Institute, Towson, Md.
Karl Ahlrichs helps CPA firms and financial teams
achieve high performance and sustainability by guiding
their human capital strategy. He is a business writer and
has started two successful consulting practices.
Karl is on the staff of Gregory and Appel, a benefits and
risk management consulting firm. Earlier, he was director
of business development in the Indianapolis office of Marsh & McLennan, and
vice president of Right Management Consultants, an international human
resources consulting and outplacement firm. At those firms, his clients included
Roche, Boeing, Apple Computer, Anthem, and Frito Lay.
He was named the SHRM Human Resource Professional of the Year for the
State of Indiana, and he has presented at the SHRM Annual Conference for 17
consecutive years. As an SPHR (Senior Professional, Human Resources) and
SHRM-SCP, Mr. Ahlrichs is qualified to administer many assessment tools and
has a strong background in hiring, training, and communications.
7 - 8 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 - 8:05 a.m.
Welcome and Announcements
8:05 - 9:20 a.m.
A - The Art of Discipline and Getting Things Done
Jennifer Louis, CPA, Surgent McCoy CPE, LLC, Devon, Pa.
Discuss tips to ensure the most important behaviors and actions critical to achieve
an entity’s operational and strategic goals are achieved, including creating a culture
of disciplined entrepreneurship; managing the change curve on project-specific and
larger initiatives; and encouraging creative thinking for better problem solving.
9:20 - 9:35 a.m.
Break
9:35 - 10:50 a.m.
B - Auditing Your Technology: Does Your Company’s Technology Make the Grade?
J. Carlton Collins, CPA, ASA Research, Norcross, Ga.
A technology audit should focus on a company or firm’s computer infrastructure
and applications, as well as how those technologies help the company or firm best
achieve its’ objectives and establish efficient operations. Learn the processes for
conducting a technology audit, and receive abbreviated versions of questionnaires,
survey forms and checklists to help you self-audit your company’s own technologies
in order to identify shortcomings.
10:50 - 11 a.m.
Break
11 - 11:50 a.m.
C - How to Audit Your Auditor
Jennifer Louis, CPA, Surgent McCoy CPE, LLC, Devon, Pa.
Review important considerations and questions when evaluating the quality and
efficiency of the services provided by your financial statement auditor, including:
Does your auditor apply efficiency best practices to both manage fees and enhance
the ability to be a better business advisor? Is your auditor at risk of violating
quality control standards, such as the issues identified through the PCAOB’s 2015
Inspections? Does your auditor provide value-added services, such as corporate
board education, competitive intelligence?
11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Lunch
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
12:50 - 2:05 p.m.
D1 - Excel for CPAs: Tips, Tricks and Traps
J. Carlton Collins, CPA, ASA Research, Norcross, Ga.
Receive detailed explanations of the top 50 tips and tricks for using Excel, with
demonstrations on as many as possible. Selected tips include: creating elbows;
transposing data; default settings; issues with the 1904 date system; referencing
PivotTables to dynamic table sources; using the aggregate function; sorting data
left to right; mixing formats in a single cell; navigation tips; creating links by
dragging data; creating formulas in PivotTables; and enabling formula auditing
tools.
D2 - FASB Update for CPAs in Industry (A&A)
Cecil “Pat” Patterson, Jr., CPA, MBA, CPE for CPAs, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Examine selected current issues from the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) that may impact CPAs in industry. These issues may be new issues, updates
to older issues, and/or changes expected to face the profession in the future. Every
FASB accounting standards has changed or been modified since July 2009 when
the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) took place. Since 2009 there have
been over 113 new standards either issued or modified. Who, what, when, and
where will be examined on selected, important changes for the professional.
2:05 - 2:20 p.m.
Break
2:20 - 3:10 p.m.
E1 - Excel Budgeting and Financial Reporting (A&A)
J. Carlton Collins, CPA, ASA Research, Norcross, Ga.
CPAs will learn how to use Excel’s linear and exponential regression to create
budgets based on prior year actual data. The case study starts with data exported
from QuickBooks and Dynamics GP (Great Plains), and ends by generating a
consolidated, seasonally adjusted budget, including balance sheet and cash
flow projections. Included is coverage of 15 important measures to improve your
reporting function, and making your reports more readable, informative, and
beneficial to your organization.
E2 - Top 10 A&A Issues for CPAs in Industry (A&A)
Cecil “Pat” Patterson, Jr., CPA, MBA, CPE for CPAs, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Explore hot topics from the most recently issued FASB Updates, the AICPA’s
Clarity Project and its impact on industry, and the SSARS 21 changes for financial
statements that are prepared, compiled, or reviewed. Also covered will be the
ongoing impact of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the
convergence of international standards into the accounting and auditing principles
of the U.S. The COSO revisions will also be discussed, including the aspects of
cloud computing on industry.
3:10 - 3:20 p.m.
Break
7 - 8 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 - 8:05 a.m.
Welcome and Announcements
8:05 - 9:20 a.m.
G - Scary Trends, Ethics and Uncommon Sense
Karl Ahlrichs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.
Where are we going, who will we be working with, and what do we need to know when we
get there? As we move forward, it is helpful to look beyond the basics and take a strategic
view of the world of Human Capital. This fast-paced session offers multiple viewpoints
on ethics, leadership and the generations and shares skills you will need to maintain your
competitive advantage. Engage in a strategic discussion, offering the view from 35,000
feet with occasional dips to ground level.
9:20 - 9:35 a.m.
Break
3:20 - 4:35 p.m.
F1 - ACA Reporting for Employers
Ashley Gillihan, Esq., Alston and Bird, Atlanta, Ga.
Revisit the reporting requirements established by the Affordable Care Act for
employers. The ACA created two new Internal Revenue Code Sections—Sections
6055 and 6056—that require certain employers to report information regarding the
health insurance they offer to employees and former employees. The requirements
are complex. Fortunately, the IRS is taking it easy on employers with respect to
2015 reporting but stricter standards may apply for 2016. The goal is to be able
to more easily identify which employers must report and what it is that they are
required to report.
F2 - Financial Statement Analysis (A&A)
Cecil “Pat” Patterson, Jr., CPA, MBA, CPE for CPAs, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Financial statement analysis is a method or process involving specific techniques
for evaluating risks, performance, financial health, and future prospects of an
organization. Various methods of financial statement analysis will be discussed
and commented on for appropriate usage, including fundamental analysis; DuPont
analysis; horizontal and vertical analysis. Financial ratios—liquidity, profitability,
activity, and leverage ratios—will be discussed and are typically analyzed over time
and across competitors in an industry.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
9:35 - 10:25 a.m.
H – Risks to the Economic Outlook
Thomas J. Cunningham, Ph.D., Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta, Ga.
Address the outlook for the overall economy and Metro Atlanta with an emphasis on the
risks to that outlook, both for the macro economy and more specifically for the Metro.
10:25 - 10:35 a.m.
Break
10:35 - 11:50 a.m.
I - CFO Versus HR: Thinking Inside the Box
Karl Ahlrichs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.
As CFOs rise in power within organizations, the rest of the company can become puzzled
by the mindset and decision style of the financial leader. These departments, through solid
metrics and a strategic alignment with the bottom line, can make a significant impact on
the organization. Build your understanding and communication patterns needed to help
other departments understand the CFO, and give the CFO data to better communicate.
11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Lunch
Outstanding Member in Industry Award Presentation
12:50 - 2:05 p.m.
J1 - The Latest News from the World of Federal Tax
Charles L. Webb, CPA, Habif, Arogetti and Wynne, LLP, Atlanta, Ga.
Get caught up on the latest news from the federal tax world and how it will impact your
business. Learn about the new changes to the tax code from the Protecting Americans
from Tax Hikes Act, including the R&D Tax Credit being made permanent and more. Hear
about recent court cases and current legislation, and get tips on how to deal with the
cash-strapped IRS. You’ll walk away from this presentation with a better understanding of
the current state of the tax world, how your company will be affected for better or worse
and what you can do to make the most of the current tax environment.
J2 - What the Finalized Leasing Standard Means to Leases (A&A)
Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
The FASB has decided that most leases, predominantly commercial space and equipment
leases, must be reflected on GAAP basis balance sheets in 2019-2020 (with early
implementation available immediately). This pronouncement is expected to have a trillion
dollar impact on balance sheets of U.S. companies, not to mention the additional work
accountants in public and private practice must perform to make this “concept” a reality.
This presentation approaches the new leasing standard from the perspective of a lessee
and the lessee’s external accounting advisor.
2:05 - 2:20 p.m.
Break
2:20 - 3:10 p.m.
K1 - Cost Transformation and Management
Nancy Marc-Thrasybule, CPA, CGMA, AICPA, Durham, N.C.
Companies need strategies for cost competitiveness to survive in the long
term, including the sustained identification and reduction of waste across the
organization, while freeing up resource to invest in customer focused innovation
that will drive future value for stakeholders. A variety of tools, techniques and
frameworks are available to management accountants to help them manage
costs and attain sustainable cost efficiencies. Receive an overview of several
tools and frameworks, explore case studies and discuss good practices.
K2 - Internal Controls (That Work) for Small Business (A&A)
Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
The emphasis of this discussion is to provide CPAs with some real world
guidance as to effective and efficient internal controls that can be implemented
by your client without hiring additional staff. Be a hero to your client by helping
them increase internal control without increasing costs.
3:10 - 3:20 p.m.
Break
3:20 - 4:35 p.m.
L1 - A Cyber Firestorm is Brewing: Cyber, Network, Data, Breach -
Is Your Company Next?
Ralph A. Pasquariello, CLCS, Snellings Walters Insurance Agency, Atlanta, Ga.
Join us as we take a deep dive into cyber risks. Discussion will focus on: how to
protect your company; how much a breach costs; whether or not crime policies
help; how to detect a breach; whether a cloud service will help; what to do
after you’ve been breached; who is responsible to pay what damages; is HIPAA
compliance enough?; what size companies are at risk; types of information
insurance covers; critical controls; how to determine if you are covered for
criminal cyber activities; and how you can be compliant and still negligent.
L2 - Small Business Fraud: The Lesson Behind the Stories (A&A)
Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, financial statement
fraud, combined with misappropriation of assets, costs businesses 5-6 percent
of their top line each year. While some can debate the exact amount, no one
can deny the extensive existence of fraud in the workplace. Explore a multitude
of methods by which financial statements are intentionally misstated and
assets are misappropriated, and procedures that internal or external auditors or
management can employ to detect and/or prevent them.
CALL GSCPA CPE Department at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3 to place
a credit card order
FAX a completed registration form with credit card information to GSCPA at 404-237-1291
INTERNET registration available at www.gscpa.org
MAIL your completed registration with credit card information or check made payable to
The Georgia Society of CPAs to:
The Georgia Society of CPAs
Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
REGISTER TODAY!
REGISTRATION
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations/Transfers made up to three weeks before the seminar or conference will not incur an administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made during the Standard Fee time frame are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made within three business days are subject to a $100 administration fee for members; $150 for nonmembers. Cancellations/No shows on the date of the event forfeit the entire registration fee. No refunds or transfers of course fee will be made after the date of the event.
Event Code: 13005, 13006, 13007
Turn Form Over for Breakout Session Selections & Payment Information
Name MI Last Member #
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Address
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Registration Confirmation: Mail OR Email
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PRICING INFORMATIONCourse Number Member
Early FeeMember StandardMember Late Fee
Nonmember Early Fee
Nonmember StandardNonmember Late Fee
13005 - Both Days $365 by 3/31$425 from 4/1-15$465 after 4/15
$465 by 3/31$525 from 4/1-4/15$565 after 4/15
13006 - Thursday Only $255 by 3/31$315 from 4/1-15$355 after 4/15
$355 by 3/31$415 from 4/1-4/15$455 after 4/15
13007 - Friday Only $255 by 3/31$315 from 4/1-15$355 after 4/15
$355 by 3/31$415 from 4/1-4/15$455 after 4/15
LS13005 - Both Days $365 by 3/31$425 from 4/1-15$465 after 4/15
$465 by 3/31$525 from 4/1-4/15$565 after 4/15
LS13006 - Thursday $255 by 3/31$315 from 4/1-15$355 after 4/15
$355 by 3/31$415 from 4/1-4/15$455 after 4/15
LS13007 - Friday $255 by 3/31$315 from 4/1-15$355 after 4/15
$355 by 3/31$415 from 4/1-4/15$455 after 4/15
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Card Number Expiration Date
Name as it appears on card
Signature
Use Money on Account
Check for $___________ made payable to The Georgia Society of CPAs
Amount to charge credit card $___________ Personal Card OR Company Card
Discover MasterCard AmEx Visa
BREAKOUT SESSIONSTHURSDAY, APRIL 21
12:50 - 2:05 p.m.
D1 - Excel for CPAs: Tips, Tricks and Traps
D2 - FASB Update for CPAs in Industry (A&A)
2:20 - 3:10 p.m.
E1 - Excel Budgeting and Financial Reporting (A&A)
E2 - Top 10 A&A Issues for CPAs in Industry (A&A)
3:20 - 4:35 p.m.
F1 - ACA Reporting for Employers
F2 - Financial Statement Analysis (A&A)
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
12:50 - 2:05 p.m.
J1 - The Latest News from the World of Federal Tax
J2 - What the Finalized Leasing Standard Means to Leases (A&A)
2:20 - 3:10 p.m.
K1 - Cost Transformation and Management
K2 - Internal Controls (That Work) for Small Business (A&A)
3:20 - 4:35 p.m.
L1 - A Cyber Firestorm is Brewing: Cyber, Network, Data, Breach - Is Your Company Next?
L2 - Small Business Fraud: The Lesson Behind the Stories (A&A)
Choose one session per time slot
In-Person Attendance OR LiveStream Attendance
MATERIALS Download eMaterials No printed materials provided at the conference
Printed Materials Will receive printed materials at the conference
Choose how you wish to receive conference materials
Live Stream Attendees will receive eMaterials
If you have a specific dietary or other need, please contact the CPE Department at least one
week prior to the conference at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
If you have special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please attach a
written description or call 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
ITEMS TO NOTE
TASK FORCECHAIR:Jan H. Rowell, CPA, Rollins, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
VICE CHAIR:R. Dale Cooper, CPA, MTX, Georgia Transmission Corporation, Tucker, Ga.
MEMBERS:Lisa G. Killinger-Farmer, CPA, L2 Finance and Accounting Solutions, LLC,
Atlanta, Ga.
Carol F. Lindberg, CPA, Sandy Springs, Ga.
FACILITYCobb Galleria Centre2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30339
770-989-5095
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/cobbgalleria
HOTELRenaissance Waverly Hotel2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30339
770-953-4500
Website: www.renaissancewaverly.com
*GSCPA does not have a room block established at any hotel
PHOTOGRAPHYBy attending this event, you are demonstrating your permission to allow your photo
to be taken and published in GSCPA marketing, promotional and web materials.