Virtual Technology Conference

Staying up to date with advances in today's technology has never been more vital, this update equips you with the knowledge to stay ahead of the rapid pace of innovation. This comprehensive session is designed for accountants who want to understand the evolving technological landscape and its implications for the accounting profession.

Major topics:

• Trends in AI and machine learning.
• Applications of quantum computing in accounting and finance.
• The growing role of blockchain and digital currencies in accounting.
• Innovations in software and hardware

Credit: Information Technology — 2

If you work in a public accounting practice, this session is a must to understand how technology developments will change how you and your team operate.  

Major topics:

• Emerging trends like changes in client expectations, supplier strategies, and competitive dynamics.
• AI and advanced software innovations with tailored solutions for service lines like tax, audit, advisory and niche industries.
• Next-gen automation tools, including the role of machine learning, RPA, and advanced analytics in streamlining operations.
• Optimal technology stacks to enhance firm productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Cybersecurity advancements. Proactive approaches to safeguarding client and firm data.

Credit: Accounting — 2

If you want to improve financial and operational reporting, now is the time to take a fresh look at Teams! Many recent enhancements make this tool even stronger and easier to use.

Major topics:

• How Teams got to where it is today.
• Major components in Teams.
• Collaboration options.
• Extending Teams functionality 

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2 

There is more to Microsoft 365 than Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Participate in this session to learn about the many productivity-enhancing apps and services included with your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Major topics:

• Enhancing communication and collaboration: Shared Mailboxes, Groups and Places.
• Optimizing task and project management: Planner, Lists and To Do.
• Streamlining training and workflow automation: Stream, Viva Learning, Forms, Bookings and Approvals.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2

Team member expense reporting can be a tiresome and error-prone task that no one likes to perform. In this session, you will learn best practices for expense report automation to ease the pain of this process.

Major topics:

• An overview of selected expense and corporate credit card reporting and management platforms.
• Major fraud schemes associated with expense reporting.
• Extracting and importing transaction data from bank feeds and matching to receipts

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2

Effective collaboration tools are needed more today than ever! In this session, you will learn about the best tools, platforms and strategies needed to collaborate effectively. 

Major topics:

• The primary drivers of collaboration.
• The leading collaboration technology providers.
• Why collaboration sometimes fails.
• Best practices to facilitate collaboration.
• Today’s leading collaboration providers and tools.

Credit: Information Technology — 2

The need to automate business processes continues to expand rapidly. In this session, you will learn how to use Microsoft’s Power Platform to facilitate your automation efforts.

Major topics:

• Explanation and demonstration of the use of a wide range of automation tools with a focus on “low-code/no-code."
• Practical examples of real-world applications for Power Platform tools, such as Power Apps and Power Automate, as well as integration into Microsoft Fabric and other solutions.
• Challenges and risks of automating business processes.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2

Keep up with the latest features, functions and tools added to Excel by participating in this session. Learn today’s best features in Excel.

Major topics:

• New features and functions in Excel.
• How to improve efficiency and effectiveness when working in Excel.
• Taking advantage of Copilot integration with Excel.
• Better ways of creating and working with formulas.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2

If you work in a public accounting practice, this session is a must to understand how technology developments will change how you and your team operate.

Major topics:

• Understanding the differences between data security and data privacy.
• The major types of security and privacy breaches.
• Key steps you can take to mitigate your risks of becoming another victim.

Credit: Information Technology — 2

Client Accounting Services (CAS) remain a strong revenue driver for many CPA firms. In this session, you will learn how to succeed by growing this business sector.

Major topics:

• CAS overview to understand the service offerings, client needs, and market opportunities.
• Selecting technology tools in CAS for accounting, workflow and client collaboration.
• Designing Service Delivery Models that are scalable and efficient processes for CAS.
• Managing client relationships and setting expectations to deliver consistent value.
• Evaluating pricing strategies, including fixed fee, subscription, and other pricing models.
• Ensuring governance and meeting regulatory standards for data security and compliance.
• Adapting to emerging technologies and evolving client demands to future-proof the practice.

Credit: Accounting — 2

CRM systems can be an extremely valuable asset for automating customer contacts and interactions. In this session, you will learn how you can transform numerous business processes using CRM technologies.

Major topics:

• An overview of CRM functionalities tailored to accounting, including customizations and integrations.
• Integrated tools that leverage CRM data for automating tasks and improving efficiency.
• Strategies for successfully adopting a CRM platform and solutions to overcome common challenges

Credit: Information Technology — 2

If you want to improve financial and operational reporting, now is the time to take another look at Power BI! Many recent enhancements make this tool even stronger and easier to use.

Major topics:

• Getting started with Power BI.
• Creating effective visualizations in Power BI.
• Publishing Power BI reports to dashboards.
• Optimizing dashboards for viewing on mobile devices.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 2

The entire QuickBooks product family continues to evolve at a very rapid rate. Participate in this session will learn about the major changes affecting QuickBooks Desktop, Online and Enterprise Solutions users.

Major topics:

• Licensing issues.
• Pricing updates.
• New and improved features.
• Transitioning from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 1

In this session, you will learn how to enhance security and privacy when working with AI.

Major topics:

• Components of effective AI prompts.
• The pros and cons of a single large prompt versus multiple small prompts.
• Using prompts to format AI-generated output.

Credit: Information Technology — 1

Home networks can range from very simple implementations (often with few security features) to more sophisticated deployments designed to minimize downtime and maximize security. In this session, you’ll learn which type of home network is ideal for you and how to implement it.

Major topics:

• An explanation of common network services such as file sharing, VPNs, media servers and network isolation using multiple SSIDs.
• Hardware options and examples of solutions for every budget.
• Tips and tricks for rebuilding your home network to meet your needs today and into the future.

Credit: Information Technology — 1

The QuickBooks ecosystem is changing. Learn about important shifts in small business accounting software and alternatives to QuickBooks.

Major topics:

• Transitioning from QuickBooks Pro and Premier — challenges and opportunities.
• An overview and comparison of leading accounting software solutions.
• Implementation strategies and best practices for modern accounting platforms.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 1

AI usage is spreading quickly! Is your organization doing everything necessary to address security and privacy issues? In this session, you will learn how to enhance security and privacy when working with AI.

Major topics:

• Major provisions of security and privacy policies.
• Key risks associated with using commercial AI tools.
• Steps to take to mitigate AI security and privacy risks. 

Credit: Information Technology — 1

PDF documents are a staple of the business community, yet most users don’t know how to take advantage of this technology. Participate in this session to learn 10 valuable tips to help you get more from your PDFs.

Major topics:

• Converting documents to the PDF format.
• Editing PDF documents.
• Securing PDF documents.
• Extracting data from PDFs.

Credit: Computer Software & Applications — 1

Technology changes facilitate new forms of cybercrimes and fraud. In this session, you will learn how the crooks used technology to reap their ill-gotten rewards.

Major topics:

• Common security weaknesses that occur with hardware and software at home and in the office.
• Malware, ransomware, data breach and incident response tips.
• Internal control failures which result in the theft of assets or unauthorized manipulation of data.

Credit: Information Technology — 2

Attend this on-demand ethics course on your schedule at no additional charge.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, including accounting, with profound implications for professionals and firms. This Virginia Board of Accountancy-approved ethics course on responsible AI for the accounting profession explores the integration of AI in accounting, emphasizing ethical principles like transparency, accountability, privacy and fairness. The course offers a comprehensive overview of AI technologies, their applications in streamlining processes, and improving decision-making within the profession. It also addresses the challenges of regulatory compliance, data privacy and mitigating risks such as bias and security breaches. Through real-world case studies, you will gain insights into resolving ethical dilemmas, ensuring responsible AI usage, and fostering trust with clients and stakeholders.

By completing this course, you will develop strategies to navigate the complexities of AI governance and regulation, create robust frameworks for ethical decision-making, and adopt sustainable practices to balance innovation with responsibility. Designed for accounting professionals at all levels, this course equips learners with the tools to harness AI's potential while upholding the profession's ethical standards, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, and contributing to a more inclusive and accountable AI future.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics — 2

Attend this on-demand ethics course on your schedule at no additional charge.

The CPA profession in Virginia, like in many other states, is governed by a complex framework of laws, regulations and ethical standards. As a CPA, you are expected to adhere to these guidelines, maintain the highest level of professional integrity, and act in the public interest.

This Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA)-approved ethics course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and ethical landscape of the accounting profession in Virginia. We will explore the key principles of professional ethics, the role of the VBOA, and the specific regulations that govern the practice of public accounting in the state.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics - 2

Attend this on-demand ethics course on your schedule at no additional charge.

This Virginia Board of Accountancy-approved ethics course provides a thorough exploration of ethical principles, challenges and best practices essential to the accounting profession. You will gain a deep understanding of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, including its guiding principles of integrity, objectivity and independence. The course highlights key ethical frameworks, such as managing conflicts of interest, safeguarding client confidentiality, and responding to noncompliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR). Explore real-world scenarios and case studies that illustrate common ethical dilemmas accountants face, and obtain practical strategies for navigating these situations while upholding professional standards.

You will also learn how to apply professional skepticism, maintain independence when providing non-attest services, and manage risks associated with ethical conflicts. The course emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of ethics within firms and explores updates to tax standards and reporting requirements. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to address ethical challenges effectively, ensuring your practice aligns with professional expectations and public trust.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics — 2