What's New In The Battle Against Cybercrime? - Sponsored by Helion Technologies

Oct 25, 2021 6:00am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 6:50am

Identification: AUT21ES1

Covid-19 isn’t the only thing that has caused great change over the last year. So to has the explosion in cybercrime. Today, there is a new ransomware victim every 10 seconds! According to the Harvard Business Review, the frequency of ransomware attacks have increased 150% and the cost of falling victim to a ransomware attack has increased 300%. There is no question that the frequency and severity of cybercrime are both increasing at a very alarming rate.

In this presentation, Erik Nachbahr will discuss how cybercrime is forcing a change in the cyber defenses and related technologies that dealerships need to employ to keep their data, finances and reputation safe. Additionally, Erik will discuss how the evolving cybersecurity threat is impacting the cyber insurance market and leading to some new cyber-related legislation that dealers need to know about.

• Attendees will understand the newest and most prevalent tactics used by today's cybercriminal.
• Attendees will understand the proper cyber-defenses dealers need to implement to combat today's cybercriminal.
• Attendees will understand why cyber insurance rates are skyrocketing and how to cost effectively mitigate the cyber risks dealers face. Attendees will understand how pending legislation will impact the cyber defenses strategies available to dealers.

Kick Your Tax Savings into High Gear: Depreciation and Expensing Strategies Dealers Need in TY - Sponsored by Capstan

Oct 25, 2021 6:00am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 6:50am

Identification: AUT21ES2

Covid-19 has had a major impact on 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. 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.

• Explain 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.
• Explain the implications of the CARES Act’s correction of QIP recovery period and how to incorporate retroactive CARES Act changes into past returns.
• Use various tax strategies in a strategic manner to maximize savings on dealership real estate.

State of Profession from the AICPA

Oct 25, 2021 7:10am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 8:00am

Identification: AUT2101

There have been significant changes in the Finance and Accounting profession with the ongoing transformation which have only accelerated since the pandemic. This session will provide you an update on the profession generally and will address more specifically how remote work has impacted ways of working of the CFOs office and the Auditor.

• Developing Competencies for the future for Finance and Accounting
• Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of audits and the virtual audit
• Overview of technologies being deployed

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- A Business Imperative

Oct 25, 2021 8:05am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 9:20am

Identification: AUT2102

In this session we will discuss the history of DEI and discuss the business case for diversity in the automobile industry, from increasing market share in auto sales, what brands do better than others and why.

Tech Demo: Tekion - Leverage the Power of Real-Time Data to Run Your Operations Seamlessly

Oct 25, 2021 9:20am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 9:45am

Identification: AUT21NS11

Tekion’s Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC) is the industry’s first and fastest end-to-end cloud-native platform. ARC includes all functionalities of a DMS and accompanying tech stack to run a seamless retail business. Learn how cloud technology, real-time data, Advanced Analytics and much more can bring higher operational efficiencies to your Accounting department.

• Overview of cloud-native tech and why it will help future-proof your dealership
• Improve visibility for the entire organization with one powerful platform that enables

A&A Update

Oct 25, 2021 9:45am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 11:00am

Identification: AUT2103

This course provides a practical overview of the most important issues facing most companies and their accountants. The focus is on explaining the basis behind major issues and trends in plain language, enabling professionals to understand the most important aspects of relevant standards and why any planned or potential changes are coming down the pike.

• Indicate "hot topics" in accounting and financial reporting
• Identify quality best practices when applying the new standards

CFO Panel - Ask the Experts

Oct 25, 2021 9:45am ‐ Oct 25, 2021 11:00am

Identification: AUT2104

CFOs from Mega Dealer Groups will be ready to answer your questions. Topics to be discussed include:

1. COVID-19 operational/expense structure changes that were successful and will continue
2. Pay plan ideas in changing world – From NO gross deals to MSRP deals
3. Inventory procurement tactics, especially quality used units
4. Accounting personnel development plan/process for your next CFO? Next Group Controller? Next Controller?
5. How does the CFO build dealers trust?
6. CFO insights as to areas they currently look for their CPA’s services and future needs from their CPAs
7. 2022 and beyond key initiatives.

Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got in a Digital Age

Oct 25, 2021 12:00pm ‐ Oct 25, 2021 12:50pm

Identification: AUT2105

Clients have never been better informed or had higher expectations. During the pandemic dealers implemented Digital Retailing systems in response. But most dealers continue to spend money on advertising which is not attributable, accountable or effective at a time when wasting money is now optional. So while the digital; age has modernized the industry, not every dealer is ready to fully realize the benefits. Jay Abraham has revolutionized marketing in over 1,000 industries and for over 10,000 clients. Now he is working with automotive powerhouse Brian Benstock of Paragon Honda. Together they have dove into dealership existing marketing practices with a unique perspective and approach applying Jay’s proven strategies. This has transformed Paragon into a superior digital marketplace allowing the them to reach every client with a consistent and proven approach - wherever and whenever they want. Paragon has been able to build a robust client database who are now buying and servicing their cars 24/7 while realizing exponential growth in their results. This presentation will reveal the secrets to achieving a massive improvement in marketing effectiveness and efficiencies while driving exponential growth in your results.

• Identify digital technologies that will transform your dealership
• Determine how experiential innovation can increase your bottom line

Tech Demo: PartsRec - Daily Parts to GL Reconciliation Software

Oct 25, 2021 12:50pm ‐ Oct 25, 2021 1:15pm

Identification: AUT21NS10

PartsRec by Total Dealer Solutions is an automated entry to entry reconciliation software program that allows automotive dealers to seamlessly reconcile Parts Inventory to Accounting on a daily basis helping to reduce variance to zero. Daily insight helps users to immediately pinpoint problems, correct errors, identify process improvements, and most importantly avoid large variances at month and year-end.

• Learn how zero variance is possible
• Learn how to automate your parts to GL month-end reconciliation
• Learn how to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in your parts department

Controller Top Tips for 2021

Oct 25, 2021 1:15pm ‐ Oct 25, 2021 2:05pm

Identification: AUT2107

With the ongoing issues of the pandemic, regional weather disruptions, and a shortage of employees and vehicles, 2021 was undoubtedly a challenge. However, throughout the year, the best controllers found ways to improve the efficiency of the office. This session will highlight those ways that you can boost productivity and accuracy in your dealership.

• Ways to prevent the month-end traffic jam of work
• Spot issues early before they impact gross profit