Detailed Agenda

1-5 p.m. — New Jersey Law and Ethics (4 credits, PE)

Brad E. Muniz, CPA — CliftonLarsonAllen 
Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations promulgated by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy. This course has been fully updated and fulfills the mandatory ethics requirement for the 2024-26 New Jersey triennial reporting period.

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6:30-9:30 p.m. — Registration

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7-8:15 p.m. — The Art of Storytelling (1.5 credits, PD)

Heather Sperduto and Meghan Hinck — ADP
Sharing a compelling story can help to captivate the attention of the person on the receiving end of your conversation. Your stories can contribute, both personally and professionally, to the foundation of how you are perceived in life and in business. This session will explore the art and science of telling a compelling story; the history of storytelling and how that resonates in today’s world; techniques to develop your storyboard; and how to craft an evolving message of your firm or organization that can help you attract and retain clients and talented associates.

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8:15-10 p.m. — Welcome Reception

Start your Convention experience off right with an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks and networking. First-time event attendees are encouraged to attend to meet other newcomers, connect with seasoned attendees and get their Convention experience started early.

 

7-8:30 a.m. — Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks 

Don Meyer, CAE — NJCPA

Beyond the Numbers (2 credits, SK)

Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CIA, CISA — KET Solutions
Moment to moment, each day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the public, businesses and communities. The pace of change is only getting faster and, as leaders in the accounting profession, we serve as trusted advisors across the full spectrum of the profession: public accounting, business/industry, government, nonprofit, education and consulting. Yet, in a world riddled with unpredictability, everyone faces moments of hardship and challenge — even the trusted advisor. Whether personal, professional or societal, these obstacles can profoundly impact our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. With every challenge comes an opportunity to grow, innovate and inspire. This keynote shines a light on resilience, adaptability and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

10:30-10:45 a.m. — Coffee Break

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10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Be Compelling! Listening Works (1.5 credits, PD)

Sandra Bodin-Lerner, MA — Be Compelling! LLC
What is the cost of poor listening to your workplace? A recent study showed that companies with 100 employees averaged a $500,000 loss annually due to poor listening. Imagine the losses for larger companies! When you think about the kinds of errors that cause financial loss, listening’s role makes sense. Beyond errors, poor listening has an emotional impact on clients and employees that affects the bottom line: neither clients nor employees like to work where they don’t feel heard. So, if listening is so important to business health, then developing listening skills is crucial to professional growth. Put listening on your conscious mind and understand the cost of poor listening at work, home and community (in fact, all areas of your life).

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12-1:45 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor

12:15-1:15 P.M. p.m. — Emerging Leaders Lunch
The Triple-A Plan (1 credit, PD)

Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CIA, CISA — KET Solutions
There are many paths to success. However, the ingredients are well known. Attitude, aptitude and appearance are critical ingredients, and understanding how to navigate these elements can accelerate achievement. Join fellow emerging leaders to make new connections, expand your professional network and learn more about the Triple-A plan. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to identify your areas of strength and growth opportunities.

1:45-3:25 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)

1A. What’s Going on at the FASB? (AA)
Melisa F. Galasso, CPA, CSP, CPTD, CGMA — Galasso Learning Solutions
The session will start with the Accounting Standard Updates effective in 2024 for public entities, private entities and nonprofits. We will then switch our attention to the items coming down the pike so that attendees are up to date on what they need to do to be ready for implementation.

1B. Annual Tax Refresher: Individuals (TX)
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
It’s more important than ever to understand the latest in individual tax law developments and the corresponding or responsive planning tactics available to your clients. Hear the latest developments and get the best tax-saving strategies for individuals. Topics will include legislation, case law and IRS regulations, rulings and pronouncements.

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1C. Hot Topics for CFOs and Controllers (SK)
Moderator: Zachary B. Cohen, CPA — CFGI
Panelists to be announced
In today’s corporate landscape, the office of the CFO is facing challenges now more than ever to stay ahead. Ever-changing accounting guidance and regulations, economic headwinds and evolving talent needs mean business strategies could change on a whim. For those in the finance organization, this could feel like you’re always two steps behind instead of one step ahead. Join us for a panel discussion with key stakeholders on the challenges of today and ideas and initiatives to put into action tomorrow.

1D. One Pipeline, Many Directions (PD)
Moderator: Matthew Mojica, CPA — Prudential
Panelists: Philip Sookram, CPA — St. Peter's University
Rachel Suntag, CPA — Deloitte
Kaitlin N. Vinch, CPA, MS — Johnson & Johnson
Everyone has a unique journey to share about becoming a CPA or an accounting professional, taking the road less traveled or following a mentor’s advice. Learn about different pathways this panel of emerging leaders have taken in their careers. In this interactive session, discuss career challenges, mentoring and making a difference in and out of the office. Network and learn from other attendees in short breakout sessions and during the Q&A. What’s your story? Be part of the discussion!
Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Interest Group

1E. Board of Trustees Meeting

3:25-4:05 p.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break

4:05-5:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)

2A. What's Going on at the AICPA? (AA)
Melisa F. Galasso, CPA, CSP, CPTD, CGMA — Galasso Learning Solutions
The AICPA's Auditing Standards Board (ASB) has several large projects that will be impacting entities in the near future. We'll take a deep dive into the changes related to quality management as well as group audits. This session will keep auditors up to date on the work of the ASB.

2B. Annual Tax Refresher: Corporations and Partnerships (TX)
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
Keep abreast of tax changes affecting business clients and employers. Explore the latest updates related to pass-through entities and focus on tax-planning strategies and techniques related to S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and LLPs. Topics will include new tax legislation, case law and the most recent IRS regulations.

2C. Cautiously Demystifying Fear of Disruption: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Finance (SK)
Melissa A. Dardani, CPA, CFE, MAcc — MD Advisory Services
Explore data analytics intelligence technologies, tracing the developmental history of artificial intelligence (AI) and examining its significant role in driving business performance. Delve into the utilization of diverse data types, encompassing internal (endogenous) business data, external (exogenous) sources and a unique hybrid known as pseudo-endogenous data. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating the value of these data types within AI analytic models, particularly in enhancing financial decision-making, supported by industry examples. Importantly, this session will address and dispel certain fears associated with AI while discussing the prevalent concerns about fair and safe use and development.

2D. Developing and Enhancing Your Technical Skills (PD)
Jerry Maginnis, CPA — Centri Consulting
Our knowledge and skills as CPAs must be constantly fine-tuned to stay on the leading edge of an economy and profession being rapidly transformed by technology. Learn how to leverage CPE as a strategic advantage versus a compliance activity.

2E. NJCPA Leader Training
This session will provide practical, easy-to-follow how-tos to help NJCPA leaders successfully carry out their responsibilities. Learn how to be a responsible board member or how to operate a chapter or committee. NJCPA staff and 2024/25 President June M. Toth, CPA, will provide the guidance leaders at all levels need. Topics will include motivating volunteers, communicating more effectively, sharing best practices and handling challenges. This session is required for all 2024/25 NJCPA leaders.

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5:45-7 p.m. — Reception

Head back to the Expo Floor to network with attendees, sponsors and exhibitors while enjoying food and drinks.

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9-10:30 p.m. — After-Dinner Drinks

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7-9 a.m. — Breakfast with Sponsors & Exhibitors

8-9 a.m. — Shaping a Bright Future for New Jersey CPAs (1 credit, SK)

Speakers: Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM — NJCPA CEO and Executive Director
June M. Toth, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA — WilkinGuttenplan and 2024/25 NJCPA President
Jeffrey Kaszerman — NJCPA Government Relations Vice President
Evelyn A. McDowell, CPA, CGMA, Ph.D. — Rider University
Brigid D’Souza, CPA, M.B.A. — Saint Peter’s University 

How do we ensure that there is a pipeline chock full of accountants for generations to come? Panelists will discuss some of the barriers we currently face in New Jersey and then share what the NJCPA and its partners are doing to reverse a drying pipeline. Hear real-life examples of pilot programs, advocacy for accounting education and initiatives focusing on underserved communities. This session is designed to be more than informational. It’s a call to motivate every one of us to do what we can to support student accounting programs and CPA advocacy from the state down to local levels.

9-10 a.m. — AI Revolution: Unleashing Opportunities and Navigating the New Frontier (1 credit, SK)

Join us for an engaging session as we dive into the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in the accounting profession. Discover how AI is reshaping the world of CPAs in the various roles we fill, unlocking exciting opportunities and guiding us through a world of change. From transforming accounting, auditing and tax functions to enhancing advisory services, AI is altering the dynamic world of accounting and finance.

10-10:40 a.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break

10:40-11:40 a.m. — State of the NJCPA (1 credit, SK)

The NJCPA Annual Business Meeting will help you stay abreast of the status and health of the organization, learn about new business developments and introduce you to the 2024/25 Board of Trustees, chapter board members and leaders of committees and interest groups.

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11:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m. — The Power of Storytelling in Business (1 credit, PD)

Storytelling is the number-one business skill necessary to connect, motivate and lead people in today’s world. Stories compel us to engage in experiences, learn lessons and define our values and ourselves within our organization. Matthew Luhn, a 20-year Pixar story veteran, brings his experience creating and developing 10 blockbuster films at Pixar and provides practical strategies that teach and inspire people and teams to connect more effectively with audiences on an emotional level. Matthew uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between business and heart, driving your story toward one unforgettable selling point.

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12:40-2 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor

2-3:15 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

3A. Audit Engagement Walk-Through (AA)
Frank R. Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, ABV — Withum
Brad E. Muniz, CPA — CliftonLarsonAllen
Using their unique spin on things, the speakers will walk through an entire audit engagement starting with client acceptance considerations, engagement team brainstorming discussions, client interviews, workpaper preparations, to getting through EQCR, issuing statements and getting paid. This never-before type of session is sure to enlighten and entertain auditors at all levels.

3B. Charitable Contribution Documentation Requirements (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
The IRS has been winning cases in the courts and on exam where the taxpayer is unable to meet the charitable contribution documentation requirements. Learn why strict compliance with most of the rules is mandatory, and review cases that illustrate how taxpayers have lost large charitable contributions due to what appear to be relatively minor errors.

3C. Measure What Matters to Customers/Clients: Key Predictive Indicators (SK)
Ronald J. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute and Radio Talk Show Host
In the 16th century, a new word appeared in English dictionaries — pantometry — which means universal measurement. Ever since, humans have been obsessed with counting things, from people and sheep to the number of McDonald’s hamburgers served. The problem for pantometrists is the same one facing businesspeople today: what should be measured? This session will explain how facts and figures do not provide context or reveal truth. Learn how to determine the difference between a leading, coincident and lagging indicator; recognize why the traditional metrics of efficiency — which are over a century old — are no longer relevant to measuring the effectiveness of intellectual and human capital; identify the critical difference between a key performance indicator and a key predictive indicator; and develop and test KPIs for your organization that have predictive power.

3D. Unlocking Leadership Excellence: The Vital Role of Enhanced People Skills (PD)
Thomas Metelski, CPA, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP — Jump Coaching Connections, Inc
Join us for an illuminating exploration into the pivotal role of enhanced people skills (EPS) and its profound impact on leadership development and organizational culture. Delve into the multifaceted components of EPS — the values framework, transformational skills and transactional skills — meticulously intertwined to sculpt the bedrock of transformative leadership and a thriving organizational ethos. Discover how EPS is the cornerstone of contemporary leadership strategies, empowering individuals to navigate the competitive landscape with grace. Equip yourself with the indispensable toolkit needed to not just lead but inspire and empower.

3E. Leveraging Generative AI: A Deep Dive on ChatGPT (SK)
John Higgins, CPA.CITP — Higgins Advisory, LLC
Leverage the power of ChatGPT through the demonstration of practical applications. We will review examples of using ChatGPT for tax, accounting, audit and financial advisory services. A roadmap for how to integrate this powerful technology into your work will be presented. Stay ahead of the curve with this engaging and practical session.

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3:15-3:30 p.m. — Break

3:30-4:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

4A. Implementation Issues with the Lease Standard and Other Hot A&A Topics (AA)
Michael S. Kaplan, CPA — Smolin, Lupin & Co.
Jay L. Levine, CPA — Prager Metis CPAs
Ryan E. Levin, CPA — Withum
This session will cover ongoing issues with implementing the lease standard, auditor responsibilities for a client’s noncompliance with laws and regulations and more.
Hosted by the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

4B. New Tax Practice Standards: The Key Additions Found in the Revised Statements on Standards for Tax Services (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
The year 2024 ushered in a revised set of Statements on Standards for Tax Services. In this session, we'll look at the newly added rules found in these standards, including specific responsibilities a CPA in tax practice has for data security, the proper use of various tools (e.g., tax preparation software, tax research software) and new provisions related to the representation of taxpayers in tax disputes.

4C. Be Ready for Whatever Comes Next (MT)
Heather Sperduto and Paul Epperlein — ADP
The business world is changing, and it’s impacting how, when and why things get done. Businesses are looking for help with simplifying processes, generating more revenue and managing costs. The ever-changing landscape of compliance continues to add complexity. Business owners must keep up with changing federal, state and local requirements that affect the way they hire, pay and provide benefits to their employees. Now is the time to advise on the right policies and procedures to protect businesses and employees. Join us and get critical insights into key trends affecting the workplace, including remote work and multistate compliance, pay transparency and more.

4D. Ethics: How CPAs Can Lead by Example (PE)
Michael Gregory, ASA, CVA — Michael Gregory Consulting, LLC
You are evaluated on everything you do and say. With a focus on ethical leadership, this session will explore guiding principles that allow leaders to lead with a moral compass. Discover how to bring the best out in others by focusing on positive intent and impact. Learn how leading with the greater good in mind can promote a vision for the future for ethical change. You’ll be challenged to think beyond the rules of professional conduct and dive deeper by reflecting on personal, professional and organizational applications based on guiding principles.

4E. Social Security Success Stories (SK)
Ash Ahluwalia, CFP, M.B.A., NSSA, CSSCS — OneTeam Financial
This program will highlight success stories that illustrate how single, married, divorced, widowed and filers with minor children can enhance their retirement income through Social Security filing strategies.

4F. Strategy and Positioning for Profitability (MT)
Ronald J. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute and Radio Talk Show Host
You can’t strategize without planning or plan without strategizing. Learn how your organization can strategize for growth and profitability the right way. The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do. A strategy is not selected; it is designed. It is not a plan, as a plan is predictable. A strategy is a theory that must be tested in the marketplace. Learn the five most important questions for any organization; how to craft a positioning strategy that thrives on strategic tradeoffs, ensuring your organization's focus is precisely aligned with its growth objectives; why narrowing your focus creates more value for customers/clients and profit for you; and how to recognize the defining essence of your organization through the products and services it intentionally excludes and the customers/clients it strategically avoids serving.

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Bar sponsors:

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Closing Dinner and Entertainment

Enjoy fine cuisine and toast the NJCPA’s incoming leaders. Then, head to Borgata’s Premiere Nightclub where live music from The Barnstorm will rock your NJCPA Convention experience!

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7:30-8:15 a.m. — Breakfast

8:15-9:15 a.m. — The State of the Economy and Markets in 2024 (1 credit, EC)

Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
The biggest surprise of 2023 was the recession that didn’t happen, despite the expectation that the economic hangover following unprecedented pandemic spending would be painful. Have we escaped the worst? Will we enjoy a rare soft economic landing? What is the future of inflation and interest rates in this election year, and what does it all mean for financial markets? Join us for a presentation and conversation on the state and future of the economy and financial markets in 2024 and beyond.

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9:15-10:30 a.m. — New Jersey Economic and Business Roundtable (1.5 credits, EC)

Moderator: Jeff Kaszerman — NJCPA Government Relations Vice President
Panelists: Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Anthony Russo — Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey
Stacie Sherman — Bloomberg News 
Our panelists will discuss key economic issues facing businesses and individuals in New Jersey. Find out what the public and private sectors need to do now in order to make New Jersey an attractive place to live and do business.

10:30-10:45 a.m. — Break

10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

5A. Accounting & Auditing Update for Nonprofit Entities (AA)
Alexander K. Buchholz, CPA, M.B.A., CGMA — PKF O'Connor Davies
Learn about recent accounting and auditing developments that will impact nonprofit organizations. This session take a deeper dive into new and proposed accounting and auditing standards and will also discuss future audit considerations for accounting firms, such as changes to staffing on engagements, the influx of non-CPAs and an increase in quantitative/statistical work.

5B. Estate and Gift Tax Update (TX)
Glenn Henkel, CPA, J.D., LL.M. — Kulzer DiPadova
Rich Greenberg, Esq. — Greenberg & Schulman
Learn about recent cases, regulations, IRS pronouncements, trends and hot topics in the gift and estate tax arena. While the New Jersey estate tax is currently repealed, the New Jersey inheritance tax remains. Whether you are deep into estate planning and estate administration process, or only slightly involved in your clients’ or organization’s planning, this session will be a worthwhile program to attend.

5C. Blockchain and Cryptoassets: Updates and Trends for the Profession (SK)
Dr. Sean Stein Smith, CPA, CMA, CFE, CGMA, DBA — City University of New York
Hear an update on emerging technologies and the impact they are having on the accounting profession. Learn about the regulatory, business and accounting-related changes that have come to the blockchain and cryptoassets market over the last year. Additionally, review and analyze AI tools — especially ChatGPT — as well as the implications that tools of this kind have for accountants. Real-world examples and resources will be incorporated into the discussion.

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5D. How Hackers Attack: An Inside Look into a Hacker’s Toolkit and How to Protect Your Company (SK)
Kai Pfiester — Protexity
Learn what hackers are after, the methodology they use to attack companies and the tools they use to do it. See a legal hacking demo, and most importantly, learn what you can do to protect yourself and your company.

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5E. How to Build an Incredibly Successful Referral-Based Business (MT)
Marc Demetriou, CLU, ChFC, CDLP — Guaranteed Rate
Become a “brand” and be positioned as the expert in your field. Learn how to build mutually beneficial strategic alliances and get referrals from friends, family and colleagues. Understand how to prepare the proper business plan to build a referral-based business and become a top producer.