During this two-day conference, you'll get the technical updates that you need to serve your clients and coworkers today, but - more importantly - you'll find out what it takes to become a "future-ready" CPA.
DESIGNED FOR
CPAs, specifically Sole-Practitioners/Smaller Firms looking to gain a leg up on the competition.
BENEFITS
“Over the next two years, as your firm grows, the issue won’t be about just keeping your costs under control. It will be about capitalizing on the
latest trends in technology and cash flow, and finding and motivating the very best people.”
~ General Session Speaker Gene Marks - The Marks Group, P.C.
During this two-day conference, you’ll get the technical updates that you need to serve your clients today, but – more importantly – you’ll also develop the skills you need to help you take your CPA practice to the next level in the coming years. Business development, improving profitability and talent pool concerns should be top of mind for small firm practitioners. This conference will set you on your way to conquering those challenges and arm you with you need to maintain your successful practice - despite drastic changes in technology, human capital, and federal and state regulations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Agenda
October 28, 2015
7:00-7:30am
Early Bird Registration
7:30-8:30am
Early Bird Session
How Much Would You Pay ($$$$) if Your Business Were Held Ransom? (SK)
Fred Holzsager - Holzsager Technology Services
Fred W. Holzsager will delve into the concepts of Cybercrime and how it can, quite possibly, close your business. We will review recent Cybercrime headlines to analyze their sources and effects, then discuss how you may avoid becoming the next victim. From there, we següe into Business Continuity and why it is so important, now more than ever. Concepts such as vulnerability, compliance, backup, disaster recovery and how to cover your bottom will be translated into reality check numbers to bring the issue “home.” A live demonstration of how a recovery system works will be given to truly convince those that “will get to it later.” By the end of the presentation, participants should recognize how to protect themselves, take necessary precautions and understand why they need to give serious consideration to these modern threats. All attendees will be provided with a Safe Computing and Best Practices Guide to enable them and their staff to maintain a stable and secure work environment for both their data and that of their clients.
8:30-9:30
Registration and Breakfast
9:30-10:45am
Opening General Session
The Future-Ready CPA: Are You Ready for the Challenge (SK)
Samantha Mansfield - CPA.com
Increasing complexity in the future will continue to challenge individual CPAs, their firms and their clients. CPA.com has partnered with the Institute for Global Futures in an effort to understand the current state of the profession relative to being "future ready." Come learn how to better anticipate change and adapt faster. Better preparedness to meet the challenges of the future is critical to tomorrow's success. Participants will receive a copy of the recently released "The Future Ready CPA" research report.
10:45-11:15am
Morning Break and Networking
11:15am-12:05pm
Breakout Sessions
1A. Best Practices and Common Issues on Pension Plans (AA)
Kenneth Bagner, CPA - Sobel & Co., LLC
We should not overlook our clients pension plan as it is an important part of their business and a common area accountants can add value to their clients. The session will discuss the common issues/deficiencies found in the operation of pension plans and what are the best practices to discuss with your clients to be sure they avoid these pitfalls.
1B. Becoming the Digital CPA (SK)
Samantha Mansfield - CPA.com
Being a Digital CPA is above and beyond the use of technology; it is about a mindset and employing technology to the point of transforming the way you interact with clients, staff and your overall business model. Are you simply using hardware and software or are you a true Digital CPA?
12:05-1:05pm
Lunch and Networking
1:05-2:45
Breakout Sessions
2A. Highlights of 2015 Federal Income Tax Changes & Rulings (TX)
Patrick J. Deo, CPA, Cr.FA - Deo, LaManna, Deo, & Co., P.C.
The program will present business and individual tax issues that impact on the preparation of 2015 income tax returns as well as planning for 2016. We will look at law changes, IRS rulings and court cases.
2B. Planning for Succession: Keys to a Seamless Transition and Valuing an Accounting Firm (CS)
Bill Carlino - Transition Advisors
The numbers don’t lie. With 77 million Baby Boomers retiring, the accounting profession is in the midst of a succession crisis. Nearly60 percent of all equity CPA firm partners are over the age of 50, and more than 70 percent of small firms with 15 or less employees have no succession plan in place. Firm owners that put off succession strategies for too long are usually faced with two options: a hastily arranged merger with unfavorable terms or closing the doors for good.
Learning Objectives:
- How to value an accounting firm – the five variables that matter.
- When you should start to plan your succession
- How to choose a successor
- How strong is your “bench” for internal succession?
- Alternative deal structures - how to maintain control and autonomy
- Keys to client retention
2:45-3:00pm
Afternoon Break and Networking
3:00-4:15pm
Closing General Session
Growth & Opportunities - The Next Two Years (SK)
Gene Marks - The Marks Group, P.C.
The recession is over. Unemployment is down. You know this. Your employees know this. And over the next two years, as your company grows, the issue won’t be about just keeping your costs under control. It will be about watching what’s going on in Washington, taking advantage of new opportunities and being smart about your investments. It will be about capitalizing on the latest trends in technology, cash flow and how to find and motivate the very best people. So what do you do now to navigate your company through the next two years? Hear these topics and more in this closing keynote presentation.
Session brought to you by:
October 29, 2015
7:00-7:30am
Early Bird Registration
7:30-8:30am
Early Bird Session
Working with the State of New Jersey (TX)
Joyce Olshansky and Alexis DeRosa - New Jersey Division of Taxation
This presentation will provide participants with 2015 Tax Updates from the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Updates will include recent sales and use tax issues. Learn about recent changes and industries that are impacted. It will also cover new developments in corporate taxation.
Topics to include:
- Corporate Business Tax Updates
- Sales Tax Updates
- Income Tax Updates
- Court Case Decisions
- Projects and Notices
8:30-9:30am
Registration and Breakfast
9:30-10:45am
Opening General Session
Economic Update (EC)
G. Scott Clemons, CFA - Brown Brothers Harriman
It has been seven years since the darkest days of the 2008 financial crisis and recession. Whereas the economy appears to back on solid footing, challenges linger both domestically and abroad. How durable is personal spending? What is the likely impact on our economy of developments abroad? Will politics play a role as the 2016 election draws nearer? How is the Federal Reserve likely to respond to all of this, and when? This session will provide an overview of the current state of the domestic and global economy, and explore the implications for businesses and investors.
10:45-11:15am
Morning Break and Networking
11:15am-12:05pm
Breakout Sessions
3A. Saavy Social Security Planning: What Baby Boomers Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income (TX)
Eleanor Galt-Lin, CFP - Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
The Social Security system is overwhelming. Learn about when it makes sense to delay benefits – and when it does not. Examine various collection scenarios and their effect on retirement income. Finally, learn about how to coordinate benefits with your spouse and how to create collection strategies that will help you to maximize your joint lifetime income.
3B. Identify Theft: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Clients (CS)
Special Agent Robert Glantz - Internal Revenue Service
This session will provide attendees with the knowledge necessary for protecting themselves and their clients from identity theft and scams.
12:05-1:05pm
Lunch and Networking
1:05-2:45pm
Breakout Sessions
4A. Accelerating Client Growth and Maximizing Client Retention Within Your Firm (CS)
Heather Sperduto - ADP
This hands on workshop provides an overview of selling skill techniques to help you grow your practice. Learn ways to identify and cultivate new relationships to help you successfully on board new clients to your firm. Identify ways to effectively run a sales call including building rapport, setting an agenda to establish control and providing your firm overview. Gain insight into asking thought provoking analysis questions and present your solutions in a way that make it appealing to close the deal.
Equally as important is maintaining your existing client base in this ever changing innovative culture that surrounds us. Evaluating why clients leave a firm can help you avoid common pitfalls in your practice.
What are you doing to create an engaging environment to secure continued commitment from your clients?
4B. Technology Issues for Small Firms (SK)
Marc Mintz, CPA, CITP, CGMA - Marc Mintz & Associates, LLC
Attend this fast paced technology briefing and receive a comprehensive overview about critical issues facing CPAs. Topics will include the latest trends in computers and mobile devices. Internet based computing and what moving to the cloud means to you and your business. Explore the current state of software, Apps and Software as a Service (SaaS), including the transition to subscription based pricing. Learn about the important elements of Cyber Security and how to evaluate exposure and minimize risk. Also explore the Internet of Things (IoT) and the new science of Data Analytics.
2:45-3:00pm
Afternoon Break and Networking
3:00-4:15pm
Closing General Session
Developing Your Personal Brand
Rachael Bell & Don Meyer - New Jersey Society of CPAs
Learn how to leverage social media and business networking to develop new business and a name for yourself.
COURSE LEVEL
Basic
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Nonmember fee includes NJCPA Membership.
E-Materials will be available online 1 week before the event.
Walk-in Registrations will be accepted onsite.