As firms are challenged to evolve during these uncertain times, one thing became clear: cloud-based technology is essential, and the age of automation is here. By strategically aligning technology and automation with client accounting advisory services (CAS), firms can save time on traditionally manual processes, and focus on helping clients improve inefficiencies and grow their businesses.

Not only does technology and automation add value to your services, it provides new revenue opportunities.

When you look at the adoption of accounting technology automation on a curve of evolution, where do you stand now, and how will you reach maximum efficiency?

In this session, experts will showcase what a “highly automated firm” looks like, discuss the journey to get there, and help you understand:

• The value cloud-technology brings to you and your clients

• The three different levels of the automation curve

• How to develop a plan to get ahead of the curve, and on the path to a successful, profitable, and efficient CAS practice

This session will take you thru the mechanics of a 7508A filing delay to preparing returns for taxpayers with casualty losses. This session will also provide the participants with an update and review of the necessary information for CPAs to prepare returns for taxpayers affected by natural disasters and assist clients with other recovery matters.

Major Topics include:

1. Code Section 7508A and how it affects returns
2. Personal Casualty Losses
3. Business Casualty Losses
4. Involuntary Conversions
5. 121 Exclusions
6. Personal Property

This session will cover all of the updates to international tax that you need to know about. this includes any recent legislation, regulations and case law as well as proposed legislation impacting International Tax.

Opportunities and obstacles presented by recent legislation and the 2021 final regulations governing partnership and partner §163(j) business interest expense will be covered during this session -- including tactics involving aggregation of gross receipts, trading partnerships, self-lending, debt-financed distributions, tiered partnerships, guaranteed payments, electing real property trades or businesses, relief for BBA partnerships, and CARES Act benefits. We will discuss strategies for carried interest holders to avoid being inadvertently trapped by the TCJA three-year holding period rule in light of the 2021 final regulations -- including ensuring relief for partnership capital interests, avoiding the look-through rule for dispositions, and understanding the special rule for transfers to related parties. In addition, we'll cover tax advantages of converting partner loans to a partnership interest rather than modifying the loan, along with distinguishing debt from equity.

Do you ever feel stuck? As if you can't break through to the next level? Chances are you are holding yourself back. Don't let fear and doubt take control. Once you learn how to expand your comfort zone, you will be able to achieve your maximum potential. 

Many accountants think they face one of two paths in their professional life: working at a public accounting firm or getting a corporate accounting job. Join this session to learn about a third path as Lance CPA Group founder Joshua Lance shares his experience founding a firm of his own. Whether starting your own business or building a niche within a larger firm, your entrepreneurial passion may be the key to a fulfilling career.

Many firms are working harder than ever, but aren't being fairly compensated for their knowledge and strategic work.

If you're charging for your time and labor, but feel like you're giving away your "expertise" for free, that could indicate your client roster is misaligned.

This session will cover exactly how you can optimize your client roster through better client management - landing and keeping the right clients while firing or reorganizing the rest.

Applying the strategies in this session will allow you to:

• Significantly increase your cash flow by matching the right service level with the right clients.
• Reveal how to simplify your workflows so you can stress less and focus your time on work that matters.

Join four experienced CPA Firm Managers as they provide an overview of the top operational issues facing accounting firms post pandemic. Daniel Gregory, PAFM, firm administrator with Genske Mulder & Company, LLP and Alan Alexander, CPA, PAFM, chief operating officer with Jackson Thornton will review the issues those managing the day-to-day operations of a firm will need to deal with going into 2022. The issues include the “new” work model, staffing, wellness and managing the remote worker. While several of these have continually appeared on top issues survey results, each will need to be re-examined with strategic plans and current firm initiatives retooled by the firm’s leadership post pandemic. Kristine Latchaw, CPA, PAFM, director of administration with Maner Costerisan and Kim Fitzgerald, PAFM, director with Squire Lemkin & Company will review how the CPA Firm Management Association will be addressing these issues and supporting today’s firm manager. From collaborative work sessions to in-person education, firm managers will learn the proactive approaches to turn these challenges into results-oriented success stories. At the end of the session, the CPA Firm Management Association’s Firm Manager of the Year Award will be presented.

Knowing how to make the most impact when networking in a digital space has never been more important. However, the idea of networking digitally can feel impersonal, awkward, and inorganic without a clear approach on how to make the most of your online connections. Building great business relationships virtually takes practice, intention, and a willingness to give your network in a generous and reciprocal way. In this session, we will share best practices for networking online, discussing everything from building an authentic presence to attracting and building genuine relationships with the people you truly want to connect with most.

This session will review the challenges and opportunities that confront debtors and creditors in an insolvent or bankrupt setting.