ProfessionFOCUS Virtual Conference

Competitive, challenging and constantly changing — that is today’s uncertain marketplace! To survive, you need a new set of leadership strategies and a new approach to business growth. In this high-energy, power-packed session, Motivational Speaker Meridith Elliott Powell shares the strategies and lessons you need to understand today’s marketplace, master uncertainty and create your path forward.

Walk through the steps you need to develop your strategy, proactively prepare for future disruptions, standout from the competition and dominate your marketplace. You’ll leave with a personal plan of action that ensures you have what you need to stay razor-like focused, highly flexible and ready to turn uncertainty to competitive advantage.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain insight into the three phases of this crisis and the strategies you need to navigate them all.
• Receive proven techniques for keeping your team calm, motivated and moving forward.
• Learn the secrets to anticipating change and proactively preparing for disruption.
• Learn the robust techniques to understand the changing buying cycle, and how to master sales in the new normal.
• Get a quick-start, customized strategy for thriving in uncertainty.

Credit: Personal Development — 1

Advancements in technology improve our lives by offering significant benefits in terms of speed, accuracy and productivity. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics process automation (RPA) allow us to reimagine new ways to add value to the firm by transforming the way we think about our internal processes. Emergent technologies such as AI and RPA necessitate continuous learning and relearning that will have a profound effect on the accounting profession. As AI and RPA become the norm, what is the impact for skills and workforce transitions required for the future of work?

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the emerging technologies AI and RPA and how they can be applied to the accounting profession.
• Determine accounting processes that could benefit from the use of AI or RPA.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 1

Webster’s defines ethics as, “…the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation…”  but why is ethics important to your workforce and workplace culture? Employees need to not only define and apply ethical standards, but also to understand the WHY behind them, in order to shift their thinking to the personal importance of ethics and the growth benefits that being an ethical leader offers both inside and outside the organization. Uncover ethical workplace ideals that can drive personal achievement goals, as well as the creation of an ethical culture throughout the organization. Using a principles-based framework, this session explores best practices and ethical decision-making models for the cultivation of ethical leadership and the building of an ethical culture in the workplace. 

Learning Objectives:

• Compare and contrast differences between rules and principles and why they matter.
• Distinguish the WHY for shifting business ethics to a principles-based decision-making approach.
• Evaluate how personal ethics and public perception can make or break your career.
• Examine steps for defining and applying ethical principles.
• Interpret ways (un)ethical decisions impact your organization and community.
• Create keys to developing repeatable ethical strategies that propel employees from good to best.

Credit: Behavioral Ethics — 1 ****Does not qualify for the Virginia-specific ethics requirement****

In today’s climate, we need new ways to think about and talk about diversity. Leaders need to retool and reframe skills to enable equity and inclusion in the workplace that is scalable to their organization. Discuss ways to create meaningful and strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives that are solid and sustainable, which avoid common mistakes and allow companies to respond to social issues in an altruistic manner.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate and develop diversity, equity and inclusion programs for the workplace.
• Discover how to analyze current programs that need retooling.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources — 1

The session will cover recent updates and developments related to the newly-passed COVID relief deal as well as tax provisions in the CARES Act and other recent federal legislation. Additionally, the session will highlight recent updates from administrative guidance released by the IRS, the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration.

Learning Objectives:

• To provide an update on recently-released technical guidance from the Small Business Administration, the IRS and the Treasury Department relative to the provisions of the CARES Act and the $900 billion COVID stimulus package.
• To provide an overview of the key technical and risk management considerations related to the issues for which final guidance has not yet been received.

Credit: Taxation — 1

Ever had a moment when your initial thoughts took on a mind of their own and you said or did something that made you wish for a ‘do-over’ button? One of the biggest elements deterring productivity is the inability to create strategic responses to the stimuli in our environment. Skills such as self-awareness, impulse control, reality testing and empathy, among others, are paramount in creating intentional responses falling into the study of emotional intelligence. This program highlights the connection between our responses and actions and helps identify ways to improve our skills to develop more productive relationships and respond powerfully to our changing environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the impact of productive and unproductive responses.
• Explore activating events and the impact on physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Learn strategies to help you manage counterproductive tendencies.
• Connect how high-usage of emotional intelligence skills (using the EQ:i-2.0 model) can improve individual and team performance and engagement.

Credit: Personal Development — 1

Not long ago a handshake allowed us to make a first impression at networking events, establish trust with a client and even seal a business deal. With the vast majority of our professional interactions now taking place in a virtual space, we will examine our ability to make stellar digital first impressions, communicate and build business rapport all from “a distance.”

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the new rules of video conferencing, telephone, social media etiquette, as well as how to "email like a boss."
• Refine your digital brand.

Credit: Communications & Marketing — 1

Examine the latest updates around the topic of compilation, preparation and review. Next, take a dive into the most recent Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) 25 from the AICPA and its explicit requirement on the determination of materiality — and we finally have a definition of limited assurance.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what the new changes to review engagements will be necessary with the issuance of SSARS25.
• We are now more than five years into SSARS 21. What have we learned?

Credit: Auditing — 1

** Attest & Compilation Credit

How has investment theory has changed over time? How have our notions of diversification changed over time? What is factoring? What are some of the main factor models? Where is investing going in the future?

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the contributions of Hary Markowitz to Modern Portfolio Theory.
• Recognize how the concept of diversification has changed over time.
• Distinguish between the major factor investing models.

Credit: Finance — 1

If someone told you there was a path to higher quality work and sales and 59% less turnover — you’d take it — right? The numbers speak for themselves but what can create those results? Employee engagement. Discover the power of engagement and craft a plan for creating those benefits at your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Two things you can do tomorrow to improve your employee engagement scores that cost nothing.
• One blind spot you probably have as a manager of people that can be fixed.
• You will be reminded of the compelling vision and responsibility of our roles as leaders of people.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources — 1

How has the pandemic impacted estate planning? What issues do advisors face — such as getting documents signed and gaining access to residents in care facilities — and how are the traditional health care directives impacted by COVID-19? Get answers to these questions and more in this informative session that provides new ideas and answers to incorporate in your practice during and after the pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the essential documents in any estate plan.
• To understand the challenges and ways to address the challenges in executing documents.
• To understand the need for language in a health care directive document which is appropriate for COVID.

Credit: Taxation — 1

Microsoft’s Excel makes analytics easy with tools such as Scenario Manager and PivotTables. Scenario Manager allows you to play "what-if" analytics for forecasts, financial planning and many other uses — save time by creating and saving scenarios. PivotTables summarize finances, revenue, expenses and other monetary tracking from big financial tables. PivotTables concisely illustrate our financial picture and results. We’ll also learn charts and take a deep dive into creating and editing effective visual graphics. Let’s learn and have fun with Microsoft Excel’s excellent analytical tools.

Learning Objectives:

• Create and edit Excel's PivotTables with ease.
• Manipulate financial information in data tables through filtering and sorting.
• Use and save financial scenarios with Scenario Manager.
• Build effective Pivot Charts and other charts in Excel.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 1

In today’s “new abnormal” COVID environment, waves of changes are pushing at each of us from all sides and forcing us to adapt. What works? What fails? How can we adapt faster? The topic is explained from both the human capital viewpoint and from the operational side of the manager’s desk. Build the skills and processes needed to manage others through change — either coworkers or clients. The overall goal is an adaptable, resilient workforce that is comfortable with continuous change, and a personal style of behavioral flexibility.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the four steps of processing change.
• Define at-risk personality traits as they relate to change resistance.
• Devise techniques for managing personal transitions.
• Assemble methods for coaching and modeling these behaviors to those around you.

Credit: Business Management & Organization — 1

Ethics is often described in terms of doing the right thing and having integrity. The Acts Discreditable Rule of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct is the shortest and simplest of all rules, and the only rule that applies to retired or nonworking CPAs. It is also the most all-encompassing of all the AICPA ethics rules. But is it even "ethics" as such? This workshop explores the idea of ethics in the context of this simple rule.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize differing objectives of ethical rules and principles.
• Differentiate between rules-based ethics (such as the AICPA Code of Professional Responsibility) and principles-based ethics (such as the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants).
• Develop a broad perspective of what it means to discredit the accounting profession.
• Analyze a case that raises questions about what acts actually discredit the profession.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics — 1 ****Does not qualify for the Virginia-Specific ethics requirement****

“Hindsight is 20/20” has more meaning in 2020 than before. Many businesses were left scrambling trying to adapt to the massive amount of change in order to stay afloat during COVID-19. This session walks you through workplace issues that helps protect your company and your employees including COVID-19 issues like testing, handling leaves, government programs, unemployment, remote work, coping with employee stress, and keeping current with compensation and benefit trends.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand employer roles and responsibilities to deal with COVID-19.
• Employee concerns related to COVID-19 including parental challenges and mental health.
• Alternative work arrangements.
• Market changes with pay and benefit programs.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources — 1

Discuss managing client expectations, planning during current events, tips for educating your clients, risk tolerance, managing assets, market volatility and reemphasizing modern portfolio management.

Credit: Finance — 1

We are well into the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process and there are still inconsistencies present in SBA rules and how banks are handling the process. Get the latest update from a practicing CPA who not only is assisting his clients with the process, but has also provided over 20 updates on this issue since the CARES Act was passed. The latest forms will be covered, as well as any updates related to tax deductibility or automatic loan forgiveness that may be passed at this point.

Learning Objectives:

• Review new requirements and rules from the SBA regarding loan forgiveness.
• Get tips for optimal loan forgiveness.
• Review tax and financial reporting issues related to the PPP loan program.

Credit: Taxation — 1

This session focuses on specific methods for inspiring and instilling team spirit into remote work teams. How can we break the barriers of isolationism and make our teams feel bonded? Learn over a dozen ideas to implement on a scheduled basis so your team has remote "social events" to look forward to, keep everyone connected and happy!

Learning Objectives:

• Help your team avoid working depression and burnout.
• Help your team feel more connected, motivated and instill team spirit.
• Learn over a dozen ideas for remote team "social events."

Credit: Personal Development — 1

While no one can accurately predict market movements and the timing of the economic cycle, we know that an eventual recession is inevitable. This session examines practical techniques for recession proofing your business. We look at helping clients perform a financial gut-check including evaluating CAPEX timing, human resources, tightening budgets and eliminating unnecessary expenditures. Learn how to serve your clients with in-depth knowledge of how to not only survive a recession but to prepare to capitalize on the opportunities they present. Special attention is paid to what companies can do during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall tips to examine your business to prepare in case of a recession.
• Apply advice for funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Credit: Finance — 1

2020 was a year of change and disruption. At times it felt a bit overwhelming. Let’s start 2021 off with a fast-paced update on where we currently stand and what’s happening right now in accounting and audit. We will cover key topics that require your attention, current pain points for the industry, and where we’re heading next for all things A&A. No deep dives here… just a heads up on what’s out there so you can be in the know.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current trends in accounting and auditing.
• Recognize key pain points in the industry.

Credit: Accounting — 0.5; Auditing — 0.5

***Attest & Compilation Credit

With extensive professional services expertise, particularly from working with and for CPA firms, this session addresses how to motivate, inspire and lead across generations. Communicating and addressing challenges differently, with flexibility, to ensure retention and success in recruiting, benefits all firms. Growth is generated from all professionals who know how to gain and retain clients, this session provides a framework for all ages to do so.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze what makes each generation in the workforce unique.
• Apply communication and motivation techniques that inspire and lead across generations.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources — 1

It’s 2021 but the impacts of 2020 are still clinging to all of us. So what better way to begin a new year than by answering the most burning questions regarding the latest coronavirus response and relief provisions? We cover who qualifies for PPP round two, what additional expenses are eligible for loan forgiveness, how will the retroactive changes to the employee retention credit be applied and how will the calculation methodology change in 2021 along with so much more.

Credit — 1