Centralized Accounting Office - Best Practices for Consolidation

Oct 27, 2022 10:50am ‐ Oct 27, 2022 11:40am

Identification: AUT2204

As dealerships continue to expand, the complexities of handling processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow, billing and payroll can become challenging and costly. More multi-store dealers are transitioning away from location-specific accounting functions in favor of a centralized service model.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the benefits that a centralized accounting model can offer, including: improved efficiency and accuracy in reporting, strengthened internal controls, appeal to potential buyers in a dealership sale and more. We will also address challenges that groups face during the consolidation process.
  • Recognize best practices and questions to consider before moving towards a centralized model.

Tax Update for Dealership CFO's and Non-Tax Professionals

Oct 27, 2022 12:40pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 1:55pm

Identification: AUT2205

In this session, we'll overview several key tax issues impacting the dealer industry for upcoming tax filings, changes to Sec. 163(j) interest limitation calculations, business meals, and bonus depreciation. The session will also share updates on current legislation impacting potential LIFO recapture relief for dealers.

Learning Objectives:
  • Recognize key tax issues affecting the dealer industry
  • Identify current legislation impacting dealer tax positions

Benchmarking and Department Reporting (Best Ideas from 20 Groups)

Oct 27, 2022 12:40pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 1:55pm

Identification: AUT2206

NCM Associates originated the automotive 20 Group peer collaboration model in 1947 and its effectiveness has been proven time and again over the years. The concept is smart and simple: using Benchmark data [https://www.ncmassociates.com/...] as the foundation, we bring together similar, non-competing business owners from a broad cross-section of the country to exchange best practices, experiences, ideas, and strategies. This session will discuss both benchmarking and the importance of accurate departmental reporting within the automotive industry.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify measurable key performance indicators impacting your dealership.
  • Analyze reports from each department to assess overall dealership health.

TECH DEMO #2 - Tekion Pay: Payments the Unified Way, presented by Tekion

Oct 27, 2022 2:00pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 2:25pm

Identification: AUT22TD2

Unify payments across all channels, on one platform. Learn how to eliminate manual payment entry to reduce errors and enable seamless reporting automation.

Learning Objectives:
  • Manage all sales and service invoices with an integrated terminal solution
  • Simplify reporting and reconciliation with one platform, making processes more efficient and streamlined.
  • Eliminate the need for a third-party processor to improve accuracy while reducing unneeded work.

Accounting & Auditing Update

Oct 27, 2022 2:25pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 3:40pm

Identification: AUT2207

Explanation and discussion of newly issued accounting pronouncements, with particular focus on those of greater impact to dealerships. Focus on auditing standards that are relevant to those working with retail dealerships, including consideration of matters critical to both audit and review engagements. These matters will also be discussed from the viewpoint of the dealership, ensuring those not in public practice can utilize the sessions materials to enhance their internal financial reporting and better interact with the public accountants they work with.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify relevant accounting and auditing standards impacting dealership financial reporting
  • Assess key matters and industry nuances the practitioner encounters in the Dealership accounting environment
  • Distinguish the impact and time requirement of implementing recently released accounting and auditing standards

CFO Panel: Ask the Experts

Oct 27, 2022 2:25pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 3:40pm

Identification: AUT2208

This Q&A panel format will cover issues that CFO's in automotive are focused on today. What keeps them up at night, where do they see profit potential in the challenges, and how are they planning for the numerous disruptions in the industry.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify profit potential in industry changes
  • Recognize opportunities for cost savings

Building a Dealership Group That Will Thrive in the Future

Oct 27, 2022 3:50pm ‐ Oct 27, 2022 4:40pm

Identification: AUT2209

For more than 100 years, there has been speculation that the auto retail industry would change, and dealers would suffer from the myriad of threats. Dealers have always shown they are highly resilient and the change to the auto retail industry happening today is testing that resiliency once again. They have experienced record profits yet there are growing threats on the horizon. Consolidators have built massive market share, new entrants continue to emerge, OEMs forcing “The Agency Model” and EVs. These threats combined with high valuations have dealers exiting the business completely. The future of automotive retail is reliant on dealers who want to grow and compete over the long term. This requires building a world-class organization and incorporating operational and organizational best practices. Session attendees will gain insights into where dealers can invest the right capital and time to maximize the value of their business to compete long-term.

Learning Objectives:
  • Formulate an acquisition strategy to grow and offer all the products for customers in their areas
  • Evaluate techniques to attract and retain the best talent in the business at the junior level, as well as providing equity ownership for General Managers
  • Reconstruct traditional retail practices toward being more consumer-friendly and more cost-effective for dealers

Dealer Accounting on The Cloud, presented by Tekion

Oct 28, 2022 7:00am ‐ Oct 28, 2022 7:50am

Identification: AUT22SS04

Modernize your operations with true cloud technology. In this session, we will explore the complexities of doing business in today’s environment and how increasing accessibility and visibility to the entire organization will help you improve efficiencies and performance.

Learning Objectives:
  • Analyze the difference between cloud-hosted vs. cloud-built technology
  • Identify how to grow at scale through accessibility - do more with less resources
  • Apply improved visibility - bridge the gap between CPA spreadsheets and owner interpretation of data

Gear Up for Tax Savings: What Dealership Professionals Must Understand for 2022, presented by Capstan

Oct 28, 2022 7:00am ‐ Oct 28, 2022 7:50am

Identification: AUT22SS05

The aftereffects of the Covid pandemic are still being felt by auto dealerships, and everyone is looking to improve cash flow. Many dealers are propping up the bottom line by decreasing their real estate tax burden. This session will explore a variety of tax savings strategies that fully leverage current legislation, and the significance of strategic timing will be discussed. Cost segregation, bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, and several other strategies will be reviewed, with a focus on the interplay between strategies. Several real-life examples will be presented to indicate the scope of potential savings.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify how strategies like Section 179 Expensing, Bonus Depreciation, the Tangible Property Regulations (TPRs) and Energy Incentives all contribute to a comprehensive dealership real estate tax strategy.
  • Recognize that project timing is crucial to maximize savings as bonus rates begin to decline, and understand how to avoid crossing into the next calendar year whenever possible.

Opening Remarks | Inclusion is Good for Business

Oct 28, 2022 8:00am ‐ Oct 28, 2022 9:25am

Identification: AUT2210

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not a new concept. As a matter of fact, we have been talking about it for years yet. Progress is being made but there is more we can do to promote long term, meaningful, progress. Inclusive leadership must be an organizational design principle that is deeply woven across the various business units. As a result, leaders must reinforce their team building skills to maximize diversity of thought and innovation. The benefits of business growth, revenue, and team/customer retention can’t be overstated. Join this session with Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CEO of KET Solutions, LLC and Chair of the AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion to

  • Identify the business imperative of inclusion
  • Learn change management techniques to enable intentional progress
  • Learn ways to empower team members to be the best version of themselves
  • Grow and expand business opportunities
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the business imperative of inclusion
  • Recall change management techniques to enable intentional progress
  • Recognize ways to empower team members to be the best version of themselves
  • Indicate ways to grow and expand business opportunities