Fueled by rapid technological innovation, the world is changing at unprecedented speed – with significant implications for the accounting profession. Cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies all have the potential to transform our work. AICPA Vice Chair Bill Reeb, CPA, CITP, CGMA, provides insight on the forces shaping the future of accounting and the numerous AICPA initiatives to keep the profession ahead.

While Blockchain continues in an early adopter phase, increasingly, mature firms in the manufacturing sector are reaching out for information on applicability to this sector. This session will provide the participant some information regarding how Blockchain works but more importantly it will provide information regarding the applicability of Blockchain for the next two years and beyond.

• Explain how Blockchain works
• Discuss current applicability of Blockchain solutions to the Manufacturing Industry
• Identify how Blockchain may apply to the Manufacturing Industry in the future.

This session will provide a high-level regulatory, A&A and SEC overview update as well as review key tax regulatory changes and related impacts.

• Learn about the latest updates from the SEC, FASB and PCAOB, particularly those with implications for 2018 year-end reporting.
• Review significant tax changes and their implications for 2018 reporting and tax return preparation.

Most finance professionals seek to add strategic value to their organization both individually and as a function. Yet, in many cases fall short because many traditional finance practices are inadequate for today’s 21st Century world. Simply stated, “It is time for finance to stop doing dumb stuff!”

It is not about trying harder or doing better. The focus needs to be understanding why long used practices like standard costing, individual incentive bonuses, annual budgets, and monthly variance explanations lead to frustration and exhaustion. This session will explain seven finance practices that are no longer fit for purpose and what you can replace them with to add the value your organization needs.

Come see how you can help your organization Live Future Ready.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine why many traditional finance tools are no longer fit for purpose in today’s 21st century environment. Understand why the typically fail regardless of how diligently teams prepare them.
• Explore advances practices that have been discovered that overcome the critical weaknesses in traditional tools to see how leading edge companies are overcoming the traditional problems
• Evaluate what your finance organization needs to do to help your company to Live Future Ready even though uncertainty remains

This session will be a detailed review of the changes brought about as a result of the new revenue recognition guidance within ASC 606. The presenter will share his company's approach to implementing the new standard.

• Gain familiarity with the accounting guidance related to the new revenue recognition standard.
• Observe examples of one company's approach to implementing and complying with the new standard.
• Review the standard's reporting disclosure requirements.

Update on how automation, robotics and AI are changing the business platforms/services/processes within organizations and functions.

Leadership skills that leaders of tomorrow will need to increase the organization's strategic advantage and deliver profitable results in a time of rapid strategic change.

How will Finance and Accounting leaders need to change?

The strategic and organizational questions that executive leaders need to be considering now.

• How process automation and platform disruption are creating risks and opportunities for today's leaders
• Key leadership skills for today's and tomorrow's leaders

Update on recent developments in income taxes, including accounting for income taxes considerations.

• Participants will obtain an understanding of recent developments in tax law, including consideration of IRS proposed regulations on many tax reform related matters.
• Participants will obtain an understanding of the accounting for income taxes considerations of the recent legislative developments, including the appropriate financial reporting impact for year-end and the appropriate time to reflect the impacts within the financial statements.

The speaker will outline a framework to drive positive change as well as provide relevant examples and tools

• Familiarity with a proven change management framework
• Practical examples will enhance learning and support goals
• Audience insight will ensure a broad and balance view of key concepts

Employers are beset by rising health care costs amidst an increasingly competitive war for talent. Discover the creative approaches they are employing to address these conflicting demands.

• How employers are addressing rising health care cost trends without simply shifting additional costs to the backs of employees 
• The current state of health care reform and anticipated changes in light of the current political environment
• A discussion of the pros and cons of both the private and public exchange markets