Construction Industry Virtual Conference
Overview
Construction is a fluid business, impacted by a variety of economic, regulatory and technological influences.
The VSCPA is partnering with the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) to bring you the Construction Industry Virtual Conference for both new and seasoned professionals. Look forward to a great mix of CPAs from both private and public accounting firms, as well as construction industry leaders, providing you with diverse industry perspectives. Whether you're a CPA in public or private practice, a CFO, controller, attorney, contractor or construction industry specialist, this year's conference will offer cutting-edge information and best practices to help prepare you for 2026 and beyond.
We are dedicated to providing you with the information and tools you need to succeed! We invite you to roll-up-your-sleeves and prepare for a full day of learning, discussion and engagement in the specialized field of construction accounting.
You will receive your certificate of attendance from FICPA.
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
CPAs and other financial professionals with an interest in the construction industry
Objectives
To establish a strong foundation in the basics of construction industry accounting, auditing and taxation
Preparation
None
General Session
- 1. State of the Construction Industry
Michele DaughertyMichele Daugherty
Michele Daugherty is the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Florida Chapter. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction association representing more than 22,000 members nationwide. Michele helps members develop their people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work and live.
Michele has spent the past two decades focused on creating career & advancement pathways for others. Prior to leading ABC Central Florida, she spent 17 years as the President/CEO of the ABC Northern California and Nevada Chapters. Under her leadership ABC has continued to grow as a workforce development leader expanding state and federally approved Apprenticeship and Craft Training programs across the country. Michele is committed to educating the current and future workforce and values the importance of educating today’s youth on the benefits of careers in construction.
Michele is a certified Master Trainer for the National Center for Construction Education and Research. She was formerly the Director of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Advising Center and was appointed for multiple terms to the State of Nevada Apprenticeship Council. Fun fact - Michele got her start working in a Gold Mine. Michele resides in Orlando with her husband of 18 years and is the proud mother of two boys Seventeen and Eleven. One of Michele’s favorite sayings is, “I put on my boots and broke concrete to break the glass ceiling!”
This presentation will review construction-related economic data and trends, such as construction backlog, local and federal data on construction spending, material inflation, employment, job openings, GDP and the producer price index.
Credits: 1.5 - Business Management & Organization
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 2. Sales Tax in Construction
Richard Hedley Jr., Partner, Brown Edwards, LLPRichard Hedley Jr.
Richard is a tax services partner in the Roanoke office of Brown Edwards & Company LLP and has over 25 years of experience providing tax planning, compliance and advisory services. Prior to joining Brown Edwards, Richard was a partner in one of the top 20 firms in the nation where his areas of expertise included high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed business, pass-thru entities, and tax controversy.
Richard has served a wide variety of clients in residential and commercial construction, manufacturing, hospitality, closely-held entities, S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and individuals. In addition, he has experience with representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service.
Richard provides leadership to the firm’s state and local tax group that assists businesses of all sizes with planning and compliance in connection with both state sales and use tax and income tax requirements.
James Sutton Jr.
James Sutton has 35+ years of experience working in State and Local Tax (“SALT”). Since 2002, Mr. Sutton has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law teaching State and Local Tax and Accounting for Lawyers. Mr. Sutton ventured into the realm of construction as part owner, CFO, and in-house counsel for two construction companies, one residential and one commercial, giving him the opportunity to experience the “big picture” with all aspects of business and an improved ability to see things from a business owner’s perspective. Mr. Sutton was also the Chairman of the FICPA State Tax Committee 2022 to 2024 and now dedicates his time defending companies and individuals against the aggressive tactics of the Florida Department of Revenue.
This session focuses on the sales and use tax implications for the construction industry with a focus on both Virginia and Florida.
Learning objectives:
- To understand the difference between real property contracts and the sale of tangible personal property.
- To understand the dangers of Florida Public Works Contracts.
- To learn variations in sales tax in Virginia vs. Florida.
Credits: 1 - Business Management & Organization
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 3. CPA Monetization: Strategies for Firm Growth Through the Implementation of Specialty Tax
Cindy Blumenfeld, Engineered Tax ServicesCindy Blumenfeld
After receiving her BA from Farmingdale University in New York, Cindy went on to build a strong foundation in finance and real estate which compliments her role as Sales Director for Engineered Tax Services, a company that specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions. Ms. Blumenfeld is devoted to the conservation of resources and Green Building Environment and works closely with the dedicated team of ETS professionals skilled in engineering, architecture and accounting to deliver cost segregation studies, energy tac credits, Green Building and LEED building engineering services nationally.
Cindy is committed and focused on educating the CPA, Financial advisor and Real Estate Investor Community on engineered accounting services and the related tax consequences of these services. As an expert in her field, she seeks to local AIA and FICPA chapters on cost segregation studies, green construction and the emerging energy tax programs and has produced articles for many CPA and Real Estate Investment Publications nationally.
We take pride in partnering with CPAs to help maximize tax incentives for their clients, driving business growth through best practices and strategic use of the ever-changing tax code for property owners and developers. Discuss:
- Engineered cost segregation studies 100% bonus depreciation.
- 179D energy tax deductions.
- R&D tax credits.
Credits: 0.5 - Auditing
Credits: 0.5 - Accounting
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 4. Tariffs & Recent Developments
Michael Cornett, Forvis Mazars, LLPMichael Cornett
Mike is a managing director in the Forvis Mazars Washington National Tax Office. He has more than 40 years of experience in federal taxation, including 37 years in international taxation. In his role with WNTO, he handles international tax, tax legislative policy, and trade policy.
Mike has worked with several major law firms and the national offices of two international accounting firms. He was a special counsel to the associate chief counsel (international), where he advised on regulations, revenue rulings, and PLRs.
Mike is a graduate of University of Notre Dame, Indiana, with a B.S. degree in accounting; a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a J.D. degree; and a graduate of Georgetown Law, Washington, D.C., with an LL.M. degree.
Obtain a basic overview of tariffs and strategies companies are considering to reduce tariffs. We'll also address recent developments including the recent case in the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on reciprocal tariffs.
Learning objectives:
- Basic understanding of tariff concepts.
- Basic understanding of tariffs mitigation strategies.
- Discuss recent case on tariffs and what will happen at the Supreme Court in November.
Credits: 0.5 - Auditing
Credits: 0.5 - Accounting
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 5. A&A Update
Mari HuffMari Huff
Mari Huff is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. She holds a Florida CPA license as well as a CVA license issue by NACVA. She founded the Firm in 2007 and specializes in the construction audits, reviews, and tax services. She also offers Business Valuation and Litigation Support Services across most industries, including construction. She is a former board member and current finance committee member of the Treasure Coast Builders Association (TCBA); the treasurer (and 18-year Board member) of the Sailfish Chapter of the FICPA; a member of the Indian River State College Business Advisory Board; and the treasurer of the Housing Solutions Council.
This course will cover updates and current standards and best practices when providing accounting and attest services to construction clients and within the construction industry.
Learning objectives:
- Updates on how to properly account for construction contracts on your financial statements.
- Updates on the most common disclosures seen in CPA prepared financial statements in the construction industry.
- Updates on important financial analytics related to construction accounting.
Credits: 0.5 - Accounting
Credits: 0.5 - Auditing
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 6. Key Elements of Valuing a Construction Company
Billy Robinson Jr., Director, Brown Edwards, LLPBilly Robinson Jr.
Billy is a Partner and the Firm Coordinator of Construction and Business Valuation Services in our Kingsport, Tennessee office. He has extensive experience with construction companies and ESOPs, including general contractors, heavy highway, and specialty trade. Billy has provided assurance and consulting services to construction and ESOP companies ranging in size from $1M to $650M in annual revenue.
This session offers a comprehensive look at how construction companies are valued in today’s market. Designed for industry professionals, the presentation demystifies the valuation process and highlights how financial performance, risk, market conditions and operational factors influence company value.
Learning objectives:
- Identify key elements of strategic planning, financial discipline, and risk management that directly impact company value.
- Explain core valuation concepts and their role in guiding informed business and investment decisions.
- Apply valuation principles to evaluate strategies that support long-term organizational success and resilience.
Credits: 0.5 - Auditing
Credits: 0.5 - Accounting
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- 7. Live Panel Discussion — Best Practices in the Construction Industry
Robert Nevill, Audit Senior Manager, Berman Hopkins Wright & Laham, CPAs & Associates, LLPRobert Nevill
Robert Nevill is a Partner in the Orlando office of Berman Hopkins and is in charge of the firm’s construction practice. He brings a wide variety
of accounting experience in both public and private sectors to the firm.
Robert has been recognized for enhancing client business processes. His experience in the private sector includes being responsible for all
accounting activity at a multi-tiered real estate development company with an international parent and helping a company raise capital through new equity and primary debt facilities. Robert has spent several years in public accounting where he has worked on a wide variety of engagements including numerous audits for construction,
real estate, not-for-profit, government, healthcare, and SEC clients. He is also the author of several construction-related articles which have been
published in national magazines.In addition to helping clients, Robert is known for presenting on a variety of topics. His speaking engagements have covered topics including fraud; employee benefit plans; construction-related matters such as the state of the industry, cost shifting, bid/spread analysis and underbilling issues; nonprofit communications; the top 10 auditor pet peeves; and OMB A-133 testing and sample size.
Nathan Reich
Nathan studied Business at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He was a financial analyst out of college for Novitas Solutions and later joined the Florida Surety Bonds in 2015. Nathan is an experienced financial analyst and has successfully completed the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) Surety School for underwriting training. Nathan provides valuable financial analysis to our staff and clients.
Panel members with a variety of professions within the construction industry field topical questions and provide current and real-world answers.
Credits: 0.75 - Accounting
Credits: 0.75 - Auditing
This session is available to registrants only.
Non-Member Price $670.00
Member Price $520.00
Registration for this event is closed.