For those that have started a Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAS) practice you have come to realize there is tremendous value to a client in performing a Client Assessment. This is far more than a qualification process, but one to identify areas the client most needs improvement for the longevity of their business. Yet many firms are still working on what a good method and format to deliver this this service to clients. In this pre-conference workshop learn from an experienced practitioner that has been perfecting this particular services for nearly a decade.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the details of what you are assessing.
   
2. Explore how to perform a complete assessment in hours and days in stead of weeks.

Advisory services are the fastest growing in firms today, and a particular area clients are in need of input is their cybersecurity strategy. In this session, the attendee will learn how to monetize their practice from a cybersecurity perspective. These seasoned practitioners will share best practices in this space, including how to identify and offer cyber advisory and attest services. Both presenters have years of experience in this space, providing these types of services to their clients.

Learning objectives:

1. Obtain knowledge on how to monetize cybersecurity services in the CPA firm
   
2. Obtain best practices on selecting which cybersecurity services to offer

Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA, CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, will provide a professional issues update including an overview of the major forces driving change for the accounting profession.

The future relevant accounting firm requires strong technical knowledge to maintain compliance, quality advisory skills, industry specialties, technology prowess... So where do you find this super professional? It is time to innovate in our recruiting methods, and identifying the profile of the idea staff member. Join this session for discussion and ideas on what to recruit for, where to look, and how to identify the next contributor.

Learning Objectives:

1. Overview of skills to recruit
   
2. Discuss ideas on where to find future ready team members

The possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) are exciting. In fact, we are likely interacting with AI more than we realize on a daily basis. To ensure we harness the power of this emerging technology, we need to be purposeful in our interactions so we don't create biases. Join this session of subject matter experts to hear strategies that will enable your firm to build upon powerful tools that you can trust.

As client accounting advisory services (CAS) mature more questions are arising:

1. How do we differentiate?
   
2. How do we continually improve our service and not become complacent with past success?
   
3. How do we get faster with assessments, onboarding and managing projects?
   

The co-founder of NetFlix shared with the Digital CPA Community in 2017 that we need to have continual iteration in our businesses to build on success and stay ahead. The team at Moss Adams borrowed a process from technology developers, called Agile, to differentiate their services which aided them in winning a large client. In this session, hear how this team is innovating and creating new successes in this growing CAS practice area.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define what Agile is and how it can be applied to services
   
2. Review the opportunities Agile creates and the impact on your clients

As Blockchain technology moves into the present, our speakers will present a series of case studies illustrating who this emerging technology is impacting and what you can do to be ready for it.

A strong business case contains sustainable growth models including viable market entry strategies, bottom-line impact, and highlights for the increased clients’ needs for a part-time CFO and/or on-demand services. On-demand services can vary based on client’s needs from managing daily accounting operations to answering key questions that are critical to run a business. In this presentation, we will examine these key components in detail and discuss best practices for developing a strong business case for your firm.

Individual tax engagements are expanding beyond compliance to include personal financial planning for clients. Their financial strategy is one that needs to be more than their tax strategy. Firms are fulfilling their role as the trusted advisor to help clients develop a full financial summary and achieve their goals. In this session, hear about tools and ways to mine your 1040 tax client database to find those clients that would most benefit from your leadership in having financial piece of mind.

Many professional accountants are not taught project management skills, yet they are required to manage the implementation of new technology, onboard new clients, build new service areas and more. It is time to share project management techniques with the profession to ensure timeliness, accuracy and peace of mind the initiative is running smoothly. In this session, hear how to apply basic project management methodologies to yield successful project outcomes.