CPA AI Summit
7.50 Credits
Member Price $400.00
Non-Member Price $500.00
Overview
As a finance leader, you know that artificial intelligence (AI) can create efficiencies for your organization, but mitigation of risk is also top of mind. This one-day event will take us beyond discussions about what artificial intelligence *could* do for us, by providing practical sessions that will apply CPAs and finance teams in any industry. We'll talk through the nuances of this exciting time with your peers.
Maybe you’re still working to convince staff and governance to shift to a 21st century mindset, or you need some first-hand feedback on various platforms and products. As teams jump in, you need guidance on how to craft policies to protect your organization. And once you’re moving toward implementing new technologies, you need to know how to stay on top of the next developments and opportunities/threats to future proof your organization too.
This event is brought to you in partnership with the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA).
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
CPAs and finance teams in any industry
Preparation
None
September 10, 2025
General Session
- Welcome and Announcements
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 1. Responsible AI — From Guidelines to Policies
Edwin Harvey, Your Part-Time Controller, LLCEdwin Harvey
Edwin Harvey, Ph.D., is director of AI Solutions & Training at Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, where he champions effective, responsible adoption of emerging AI technologies. Edwin has consulted across the fields of analytics, automation and business strategy, especially in the nonprofit and financial management sectors. In his current role, he researches emerging AI technologies and applies what he learns to help clients and colleagues navigate the overlap between digital tools and natural language. A passionate trainer, Edwin speaks frequently at conferences, events and webinars.
AI can boost productivity, automate tasks, make judgments, and develop strategies, and the pressure on finance teams and the organizations they serve to embrace it is growing stronger every day. This session presents best practices and lessons learned about how to use AI responsibly. We will review the core concepts of AI — machine learning, reasoning models and AI agents — and then spend the bulk of our time on data privacy, ethics and the development of guidelines and policies to govern the use of these technologies within an organization.
CPE Credit: Information Technology — 1.5
Credits: 1.5 - Information Technology
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 2. From Resistance to Readiness: Embracing AI Through Change Management
Bronach Branan, Partner, PBMares, LLPBronach Branan
Bronach Branan is a partner with a unique perspective gained from 30 years in accounting and consulting. Her career encompasses 20 years in public accounting and 10 years in private industry and consulting (in London and Ireland), across telecommunications, media technology and banking. This diverse background, combined with management consulting experience at “Big 4” firms focusing on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementations, positions her as a specialist in delivering impactful operational excellence solutions within the firm’s Risk Advisory Services practice.
Her early career in public accounting focused on providing audit and assurance services for a range of clients, including those in hospitality, construction, government contracting, nonprofit and employee benefit plan clients, including those with SEC filing requirements. However, her previous consulting experience ignited a passion for driving operational improvements, leading her to specialize in this area.
Utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, she identifies and implements improvements that streamline operations and enhance controls, to drive sustainable results. Internally, Bronach champions continuous improvement by leading firm-wide initiatives. She shares her insights through contributions to PBMares Operational Excellence AdvisoryWATCH and active participation in developing and delivering departmental training. Bronach also presents on various risk advisory and audit topics.
A committed community member, Bronach participates in several local volunteer activities. She chairs the LEAD Peninsula Alumni Network (LPAN), having graduated from the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s “LEAD Peninsula” program in 2022. She also serves on the advisory board and finance committee of both Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Peninsula Catholic High School in Newport News. Additionally, she is Treasurer of her neighborhood Homeowners Association and is a member of Impact 100 Greater Peninsula. Previously, she served as Treasurer of the Southern Children’s Advocacy Center in Tucson, Ariz.
The rapid proliferation of AI presents unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and innovation, yet it often triggers significant organizational resistance. Get equipped with essential change management strategies to successfully integrate AI into your operations, transforming skepticism into enthusiastic adoption. We'll explore common sources of resistance to AI — from fear of job displacement to concerns about data ethics — and provide actionable frameworks for proactive communication, stakeholder engagement and skill development. Drawing on practical examples, you'll learn how to build a culture of readiness, ensuring your teams are not just prepared for AI, but eager to leverage its full potential.
Credit: Information Technology — 1.5
Credits: 1.5 - Information Technology
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 3. GenAI, Privacy, Security & Practical Applications
Byron Patrick, TB AcademyByron Patrick
Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, is an innovator who thrives at the intersection of accounting and technology. Rejecting traditional accounting roles early on, Byron founded Simplified Innovations, an IT firm built specifically for CPAs. He expanded his impact at Botkeeper, leading the charge in adopting AI to revolutionize bookkeeping. And moved on to transform how accounting firms handle quality assurance through automated technology as CEO of VERIFYiQ. For decades, Byron has been a respected national speaker and writer, translating complex accounting technology topics into practical guidance. As co-founder of TB Academy, Byron equips accountants with generative AI skills, empowering them to become tech-enabled industry leaders. He frequently shares his insights nationwide, making advanced technology approachable and practical for finance professionals. Outside the accounting-tech scene, Byron lives on a horse farm, balancing family, dogs, horses and a passion for helping accountants redefine the profession.
Discover how AI — particularly generative AI and large language models — is revolutionizing the accounting profession. Gain insights into the latest advancements from industry leaders like OpenAI and Microsoft CoPilot, and understand critical security and privacy considerations. We will also discuss practical AI applications that enhance personal efficiency and accounting processes. Join us to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your organization leverages AI responsibly while maintaining data integrity.
Credit: Information Technology — 1.5
Credits: 1.5 - Information Technology
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 4. AI in the Accounting and Finance Function
Neil Stechschulte, Assurance, Ernst & YoungNeil Stechschulte
Neil Stechschulte, CPA, is an assurance manager at EY, where he leads and supervises teams of professionals who provide audit, assurance and advisory services to clients across various industries. He has more than six years of experience in accounting, finance and data analysis, and holds a postgraduate degree in artificial intelligence.
His core competencies include data integration, data visualization, U.S. GAAP, IFRS, Microsoft Excel and VBA. He uses these skills to enhance the quality, efficiency and value of EY’s assurance services, and to provide insights and solutions to complex accounting and business issues. Neil is passionate about applying AI and data techniques to improve audit quality and innovation, and he collaborates with other EY teams and external partners to leverage best practices and emerging technologies.
John McLain
John is the EY Americas Assurance Technology Risk AI Leader and EY Americas Assurance AI Deputy Leader.
John helps clients assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies on financial and integrated audits. He is developing AI assessment tools and frameworks to promote the responsible use of advanced technologies in finance transformation.
With a strategic focus on enterprise risk, John utilizes his extensive knowledge of IT internal controls and experience in protecting critical IT systems to help clients establish trust and confidence in the use of AI across their organization.
As an EY US Government & Public Sector (GPS) Global Client Service Partner, John previously served as the Department of Defense Subsector Leader, Business Consulting Leader and GPS Service Delivery Center Leader.
John is a graduate of the Clemson University School of Business and Behavioral Sciences. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor and Certified Defense Financial Manager.
This session is designed to you understand and evaluate practical applications of artificial intelligence within the finance function. Gain insight into emerging AI tools, explore real-world use cases, and learn how to assess opportunities for implementation in your own organization.
Credit: Information Technology — 1.5
Credits: 1.5 - Information Technology
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 5. Panel Discussion: How Organizations Have Implemented AI
Karl SpanbauerKarl Spanbauer
Karl Spanbauer, CPA, brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the forefront of accounting innovation, specializing in the nonprofit sector. With a solid foundation of five years in public accounting as a dedicated nonprofit auditor, Karl has developed a keen eye for the unique financial and operational challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. This experience laid the groundwork for his current role as Controller at the Capital Area Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the Washington DC area. Beyond traditional accounting, Karl is a fervent advocate for the transformative power of technology in finance and accounting. He is an expert in process automation, leveraging cutting-edge Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other techniques to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and foster efficiency. Karl’s passion for technological innovation is matched by his commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others in the field. He has successfully implemented advanced automation solutions in his role as Controller, significantly reducing manual workload and enabling a focus on strategic initiatives. He is also published in the journal of accountancy. As a fun fact, he used ChatGPT to help formulate this biography.
Tricia Katebini
Tricia Katebini has spent her career in public accounting, specializing in the nonprofit sector since 2007. As an audit partner, she is in charge of and responsible for the planning and managing of financial statement audits and Single Audits, when applicable. Ms. Katebini has served a range of nonprofit clients including charities, foundations, private schools, and associations, and has presented results to management and the board of directors. Ms. Katebini also advises organizations on internal control best practices, as well as other accounting and operational areas critical to the organization’s financial health.A seasoned speaker on technical accounting and tax topics affecting nonprofits, Ms. Katebini has presented at AICPA, MACPA, GWSCPA, and other accounting and nonprofit industry conferences. She has built a strong reputation for serving as a key advisor to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas. Her nonprofit audit experience includes proficiency in technical accounting issues and the requirements of Uniform Guidance. She also provides valued guidance to clients on new accounting pronouncements. In addition to audit and assurance, Ms. Katebini’s background also includes knowledge of technical tax issues for nonprofit organizations including unrelated business income and state nexus issues. Her work across a wide range of accounting, tax, and compliance concerns allows Ms. Katebini to bring clients a holistic view of their operations. Ms. Katebini currently serves on the AICPA’s Joint Trial Board, a well-respected position within the CPA community. She was also named a 2021 Woman to Watch and received the Maryland Association of CPAs’ 2022 Max Teichmann Award. Ms. Katebini is a proud member of GRF’sWomen on the Move, the firm’s women’s leadership initiative.
Holly Blanchard
Holly Blanchard is a transformative CFO and executive advisor with more than 20 years of C-suite experience, including 18 years as a CFO—spanning the consulting, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Focusing on results, clarity, and cross-functional leadership, Holly helps organizations navigate complexity and accelerate performance across finance, technology, HR and operations—enabling them to unlock funding and deliver sustainable results, especially in moments of disruption or growth. As founder of Clark Consulting, Holly partners with CEOs, boards, and senior teams to align finance, operations, HR, and technology. She is known for her long-standing operational discipline—achieving 11+ consecutive years of positive net income and 10 consecutive years of clean federal and financial audits with no findings or adjustments. She has led $50M+ in net income improvements, managed $75M in diversified investments, tripled cash reserves, and negotiated strategic capital structures that fueled long-term growth. Holly has also led enterprise technology transformations, implementing modern financial, HR, and IT systems across multiple organizations—often delivering 25–35% cost savings through strategic vendor negotiations and system redesigns. She brings grounded, realworld experience to technology decisions, with a focus on business solutions, multi-year ROI, usability, and reducing complex risks. She also incorporates the human lens into transformation. Holly has built and retained high-performing teams with 95%+ retention, delivered 45% savings in benefits plans while maintaining employee satisfaction, and integrated technology to support smarter, more responsive HR operations. Her approach to AI and digital tools goes beyond automation—it’s about magnifying human and team potential. A former CFO of the Year, Holly brings practical insight from both executive trenches and global thought leadership networks—including the MIT AI and COO Leadership programs— where she collaborates with innovators shaping the future of AI, technology innovation, leadership, operations, and finance.
This panel discussion will explore how various organizations have successfully implemented AI. We’ll delve into real-world examples and practical strategies. Learn from their unique experiences, discover how they’ve overcome common implementation challenges, and gain valuable insights for your own AI initiatives.
Credit: Information Technology — 1.5
This session is available to registrants and their guests
Optional Session
- Reception
This session is available to registrants and their guests
Non-Member Price $500.00
Member Price $400.00
Registration for this event on this date is closed. See above for alternate dates.