With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day and $30 trillion in wealth transferring over the next 20 years, individuals, families, and business owners have a growing need for you, as their trusted adviser, to guide them through the complexities in the areas of tax, retirement, estate, risk management, and investment planning.

Research has shown that these clients and prospects want you, their trusted adviser, to be their primary point of contact who can integrate their full spectrum of personal finance needs throughout their lives. With your deep tax knowledge, business acumen, and unparalleled ethics coupled with your expertise in personal finance, you are perfectly positioned to provide these services in a formalized and proactive manner.

Stepping into an expanded role to add personal financial planning services to your tax offering is a meaningful venture as most CPAs find that these services provide fulfillment and value for their clients and themselves.

If you’re up for the opportunity, this workshop will give you the insights and overview you need to get underway with integrating personal financial planning with your tax services.

Note that this workshop will not include the commission-based business model since it is not widely used in the CPA profession. However, panelists that have been exposed to this model will share their experiences to guide attendees forward.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the future of services to individuals
• Determine numerous service models used by CPAs who have built practices that provide the highest client value
• Identify tips to effectively communicate with, present, and deliver recommendations to clients
• Identify compliance, technology, and practice management considerations
• Determine what you need to be successful in providing personal financial planning services from CPAs who have thriving businesses
• Identify a checklist to guide you as you take steps post workshop

The Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential is granted exclusively to CPAs with tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of personal financial planning (PFP). As a CPA working with individuals and families you naturally discuss the personal finance decisions and goals that your clients have because all areas of personal financial planning – estate, retirement, investments, insurance, education, elder, charitable, business owners – have tax implications.

Your clients need both your broad perspective and your specific knowledge that, when combined with the trust of your clients, makes you uniquely qualified to be their trusted personal advisor. Having CPA/PFS after your name and on your website shows you have the necessary experience, ethics, and expertise and opens conversations with clients and prospects about your distinctive approach to helping them achieve their financial goals.

The PFS Live! Workshop enables participants to meet the final required education and assessment for the PFS Experienced CPA Pathway. This in-person workshop, when combined with your prior PFP experience, will prepare you to take your PFS Experienced CPA Assessment by the end of Day 2 and then apply on-site for your PFS credential!

Included in the event are the following:

• 13.5 HOURS OF PFP CPE: Including a required 6 hours of on-demand online CPE prior to attendance and another 7.5 hours on-site to meet credential requirements. On-site, the instructor will preview the case studies included on the exam and apply the PFP Standards and client appropriate PFP Body of Knowledge topics.
• ON-SITE EXPERIENCED CPA ASSESSMENT: Upon completion of the CPE requirements, the PFS Experienced CPA Assessment will be administered on-site at no additional charge for attendees.

If you are a CPA and meet the PFS Experienced Pathway experience requirement of at least 7,500 hours of PFP-related over the last 7 years, we invite you to join us in Las Vegas!

Learning Objectives:

• Apply concepts from the PFP Body of Knowledge to solve the case studies.
• Determine which types of financial plans will best suit the fact patterns of each case
• Identify areas of the body of knowledge that are essential to discuss based on the fact patterns of each case.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the capabilities of ChatGPT and Gemini.
• Identify how to use ChatGPT and Gemini for accounting and finance tasks.
• Select how to integrate ChatGPT and Gemini into your workflow.
• Recall strategies for using ChatGPT and Gemini to improve your practice.

**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** Charitable giving is a key component of many clients’ lifetime and estate planning. This session will cover the basic tax rules applicable to charitable giving and, building on that foundation, explore key charitable giving strategies your clients want to know about. Join us as we unpack this key component of a tax practitioner’s tool kit.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply the charitable deduction rules to client charitable gifts.
• Distinguish how to assist clients with identifying the most impactful charitable giving strategies for their facts and circumstances.
• Compare charitable giving strategies and their suitability.

**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** Where along the road are you in your journey to quality management? This hands-on, interactive session will help you reach the goal of implementing SQMS No. 1 by December 15, 2025! Bring your Quality Management draft documents. Using the AICPA Practice Aid "Establishing and Maintaining a System of Quality Management for a CPA Firm's Accounting and Auditing Practice," along with the Example Risk Assessment template, the session leaders will address each component and help you identify the quality risks applicable to your firm and the appropriate responses.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify quality risks corresponding to the nature and circumstances of your firm’s practice.
• Determine responses to your firm’s quality risks.
• Determine how to develop your firm's quality management documents.

**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** Utilize an individual tax return to find extraordinary opportunities by identifying additional revenue. This series guides the practitioner through planning opportunities that are in an individual tax return. This 3-hour pre-conference workshop will provide tools, strategies, and concepts to leverage in your income tax practice to perform PFP services. WORKSHOP STRUCTURE: • (45 Minutes) Goals & Objectives + Review 1040 pages to identify areas of planning opportunity. Incorporate stories to drive home ideas (what actions could have prevented unintended consequences?) • (30 Minutes) – 15 minutes of Break Out Groups and 15 minutes of sharing best ideas • (45 Minutes) – What are effective action-oriented deliverables – verbal vs written action plan (Net Worth creation, financial checklist, Family Road Map, etc.) • (30 Minutes) – 15 minutes of Break Out Groups and 15 minutes of sharing best ideas • (30 Minutes) – Questions and Answers/Best Practices

Learning Objectives:

• Identify areas of planning and implementable solutions.
• Differentiate reactive compliance work from proactive planning value and revenue.
• Recognize ways to convert your tax practice into a high value PFP advisory business.

**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** Join us for an insightful presentation featuring John Higgins, a renowned technology advisor to the CPA profession, who has assisted many firms with Microsoft 365 (M365) deployment. Discover how to leverage the M365 suite of apps to unlock new efficiencies and opportunities within your firm. Don't miss this chance to supercharge your practice with cutting-edge tools! Whether you are a solo practitioner or larger firm, this "bootcamp" will provide you with an ROI many times greater than your investment to attend. Specific topics that will be covered: * Understanding the full potential of M365 to drive efficiency in your practice. * Best practices for deploying M365 in accounting, tax and advisory firms.     * Designing your Teams app setup to meet the unique attributes of your practice.     * Using SharePoint and OneDrive to organize your files and share them securely with your clients.     * Organizing your thoughts, meeting notes and other content centrally in OneNote.     * Tracking your client engagements and internal projects efficiently and effectively with the Planner app.     * Using M365 to document processes, improve client services and increase productivity.     * Introduction to the future with Microsoft Copilot AI features     * Step-by-step guide for deploying M365 in your firm based on best practices. Ample time will be allotted to address your specific questions and concerns.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the capabilities of Microsoft 365 that enhance operational efficiency for accounting, tax, and advisory practices.
• Recognize best practices for deploying Microsoft 365 applications, with a focus on optimizing the Teams app for a practice's unique needs.
• Select strategies from a step-by-step guide to implement Microsoft 365 for process documentation, client service improvement, and productivity enhancement.

**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** This workshop class is designed for tax and accounting professionals who are looking to deepen their understanding of the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and the critical tax considerations involved in selling a business. The course will provide an in-depth analysis of the various stages of M&A transactions, focusing on identifying and navigating potential tax traps that can arise during these processes. KEY TOPICS: • OVERVIEW OF MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: Understanding the basics of M&A, types of mergers, acquisition processes, and the role of tax and accounting professionals in these transactions. • TAX CONSIDERATIONS IN M&A: Detailed exploration of tax implications in mergers and acquisitions, including corporate structure, asset vs. stock sales, and cross-border tax issues. • IDENTIFYING TAX TRAPS: Strategies to identify and avoid common tax pitfalls in M&A transactions, such as hidden liabilities, valuation issues, and unrecognized tax obligations. • TAX PLANNING FOR BUSINESS SALES: Comprehensive guidance on effective tax planning strategies when preparing for the sale of a business, including timing considerations, capital gains, and succession planning. • CASE STUDIES AND REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES: Analysis of real-world M&A scenarios and business sales, providing practical insights into applying tax strategies and avoiding pitfalls. • REGULATORY UPDATES: Latest updates on tax laws and regulations affecting mergers, acquisitions, and business sales. REASONS TO ATTEND: • ENHANCE EXPERTISE: Gain advanced knowledge in the niche area of M&A, enhancing your expertise and value as a tax or accounting professional. • STAY UPDATED: Keep abreast of the latest tax laws and regulatory changes that impact M&A and business sales. • RISK MITIGATION: Learn to identify and mitigate potential tax risks and traps in M&A transactions, protecting your clients and your practice. • NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: Connect with other professionals in the field, fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth. • PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Apply the knowledge gained through case studies and real-world examples to your practice, improving your service offerings to clients. • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Fulfill continuing education requirements and further your professional development in the ever-evolving field of tax and accounting. This session is an invaluable opportunity for tax and accounting professionals seeking to elevate their practice in the complex and dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the basics of mergers and acquisitions.
• Identify tax implications in mergers and acquisitions.
• Determine how to avoid common tax pitfalls in M&A transactions, such as hidden liabilities, valuation issues, and unrecognized tax obligations.
• Apply effective tax planning strategies when preparing for the sale of a business, including timing considerations, capital gains, and succession planning.

Meeting client expectations today is no easy feat. But the benefits of delivering an exceptional client experience are clear: higher client retention and more engaged clients, which leads to faster client lifecycles. During this session, we will look at how your firm can transform its internal workflows to give staff productivity and client satisfaction a boost. You'll learn about how streamlining workflows and improving efficiency benefits client engagement, review common roadblocks, and learn tips on how to overcome them to deliver a more efficient and effective client experience. Join us to hear from our panelists as they share their experiences and expertise around trends, lessons learned, and best practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall common processes that affect firm speed and efficiency.
• Identify your challenges from the perspectives of your business and your clients
• Recognize where your clients experience friction and how that relates to your existing workflows
• Indicate which workflows you can transform for the biggest impact for both your firm and clients.

Join David as he compares leading audit tools available today and discusses the past, present and future of audit technology. How has audit technology evolved over time? Why is this the moment to move to the cloud? How will AI change everything starting in 2024? Join us to get answers to these questions and more.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall how audit engagement software has evolved over time and what the future holds.
• Recognize how artificial intelligence will impact audit software in the next 1-2 years.
• Identify how cloud-based audit software eliminates manual tasks such as checking workpapers in and out, syncing binders, and updating software.
• Estimate the benefits of integrating audit content and methodology with your audit engagement software such as automated content customization, updates, and enhanced sign-off security.

Online betting has created a watershed moment for the gambling industry. GenAI is on the brink of being the next great turning point for our entire economy. But like the gambling industry, there were a lot of lessons that were learned early on that your firm should take note of as you embark on your digital journey. alliantDigital recently gathered 150 CPA firms for a ThinkTank, where we discussed how firms were planning to implement AI. We identified three areas of immediate benefit, and surprisingly, Generative AI was only a small part of the solution. How firms leverage their data and analytics has clear parallels to the transformation of the gambling industry, and we took what we learned to develop cutting edge solutions that can be a windfall for firms today.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how Generative AI can solve some problems but it's not the only thing your firm needs
• Determine how Intelligent Automation can immediately impact your firm without the need for GenAI
• Distinguish how advanced analytics can weaponize and revolutionize your data, similar to what the online gambling world is experiencing
• Identify how consumer trends are now leading industry

Kick off the first day of the ENGAGE 24 conference with our morning welcome session hosted by ENGAGE Chairs Marty Finn and Lindsay Stevenson. Join us as we set the stage for an exciting day ahead, packed with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive activities.

In this special segment, we'll be joined by Monday's ENGAGE Live Studio sponsor, Private Practice Transitions. Don't miss an engaging interview with Justin Farmer, Esq, CBI, Owner and Managing Broker of Private Practice Transitions. Discover more about his expertise and experience, and get a sneak peek into what Private Practice Transitions has in store for attendees this year.

Erik Weihenmayer inspires audiences to have the vision to dream big, the courage to reach for near impossible goals, and the grit, determination, and ingenuity to transform our lives into something extraordinary. Weihenmayer’s daring adventures have shattered people’s perceptions all over the world about what is humanly possible. As a blind mountain climber, he has faced one of the most arduous tasks man can attempt, with a unique impediment that turned out to be a special gift. He defines vision as “an internal compass guiding us through the storm,” and gives new poignancy to the concept of seeing.

Join us for an inspiring and engaging interview with Erik Weihenmayer, the renowned adventurer, speaker, and author who has shattered expectations and redefined what is possible. In this exclusive ENGAGE Live Studio segment, host Lindsay Stevenson sits down with Erik to delve deeper into the themes of his keynote session, "Shattering Expectations." Erik will share personal insights and stories from his incredible journeys, discussing how he harnesses adversity to fuel greatness and the importance of building a strong "Rope Team."

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the three core components of the conscious leader mindset and how they could be applied to your leadership approach.
• Select at least three specific action steps you will take to become a more conscious leader.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify recent changes to the estate, gift, and GST rules.
• Determine which estate planning techniques work best in the new higher interest rate environment.
• Recognize how to plan for a reduction in the unified credit.
• Identify estate planning techniques you can use to reduce estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes.
• Analyze how changes to the law impact how clients should think about their estate plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Choose specific actions to elevate your leadership and build the confidence to take those steps.
• Determine how to build a high performing team.
• Identify a winning culture in your organization that supports strong performance.

Our profession continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With today’s trends and predicted trends for the future, we continue to see new assurance opportunities and new risks presented. As we work together to address the opportunity, we must understand the environment, our clients’ needs and expectations, and new technology available to us. It is necessary now more than ever for us to rise to the occasion as trusted financial advisors and to continue to protect the public interest.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the trends in the environment that are impacting practice.
• Identify impact on quality.
• Analyze insights into developments that will affect practice in the near future.
• Identify new assurance opportunities.

The profession of financial advice has evolved over time, alongside the needs and expectations of clients. Sophisticated advisors enhanced their skills to accommodate the increasingly complex issues facing their clients. This session will explore some of these issues, such as state-of-the-art asset allocation, market downturns and volatility mitigation strategies, incorporating human capital in investment decisions, and approaches in generating income and their tradeoffs. The basis of these solutions is rooted in rigorous academic research based on data and evidence developed over the past few decades. Advisors will be presented practical ways to address these issues and how to implement them in their investment process.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify state-of-the-art investment approaches.
• Recognize complex client issues in the investment process.
• Recognize how to apply specific strategies in practical situations.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the value of a clearly established niche market.
• Differentiate your ideal client and discover their unique needs.
• Determine ways to incorporate a niche into a traditional firm to reach new clients.
• Identify ways to leverage a niche to grow a firm and deliver value more efficiently.

The decisions clients make in the years before and after retirement can impact whether they have a “successful” retirement. Success can be defined in many ways. Understanding how your clients define success, the planning issues to achieve success, and the monitoring to maintain success are all areas where we can help provide guidance. This session will empower you to guide your clients. Helping them anticipate the psychological aspects of retirement and find new purpose will also be an area of discussion.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify technical and planning issues affecting clients' preparation for retirement.
• Determine financial monitoring activities to keep clients on track post-retirement.
• Identify strategies for addressing the psychological aspects of retirement.
• Recognize clients' definition of success in retirement.

For most professional advisors, life insurance is usually an afterthought — something you check off the list and refer to a specialist. But there's an opportunity to bring life insurance into the financial and tax planning process as a powerful tool for delivering defined outcomes and exerting control of tax incidence. This session will make the case for life insurance as a financial product that, when illustrated conservatively and managed properly, can deliver a set of benefits for which there simply is no substitute.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the mechanics of permanent life insurance as a financial instrument.
• Recognize the ability for life insurance to control tax incidence.
• Distinguish how life insurance can integrate into a holistic financial plan.

As the landscape of the accounting profession changes and the manner in which accounting firms have traditionally conducted business evolves, firms are challenging how they operate on both a day-to-day basis and in planning for the future. To help position firms for success, Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) is developing tools designed to help firms not only identify elements of their current business model that may be holding them back but also offering solutions to help them adapt to this changing environment. Our focus includes topics such as: the importance of strategy and vision, compensation for staff and partners, types of services provided and how to bill for them, ideal client make-up, how firms are structured and make decisions, how career paths can be developed for all team members that provide a sense of belonging and purpose, and how to truly offer flexibility to integrate work and life. Learn the areas within your firm that you can address to develop or improve culture to attract, retain and develop talent to position your firm for continued success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify areas in the firm’s business model that are hindering change or success and solutions to help the firm adapt to the evolving profession.
• Determine strategies to cultivate positive organizational culture, fostering belonging and implementing flexibility to attract and retain talent.

Client accounting services/CFO advisory services (CAS) is a diverse and growing area of practice for all sizes of CPA firms. Each CAS engagement may include a variety of services with differing degrees of complexity and strategic value to the client. Growing your CAS practice increases professional liability and risk. Firms need to recognize, understand the risks in order to establish protocols to mitigate them. This course will discuss day-to-day risk management protocols related to providing CAS services as well as provide tools that CPA firms can leverage to help manage their risk.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how malpractice claims arise related to the delivery of CAS/CFO advisory services by CPA firms.
• Apply risk management tools and techniques related to firm practice management to help reduce the potential for a client dispute.
• Identify practices to incorporate during the delivery of CAS/CFO advisory services to help mitigate the risk of a malpractice claim.
• Determine practical risk management tools and techniques to implement based on your firm’s unique characteristics.

Keeping pace with technology has never been more crucial, and K2's Tech Update is your key to staying informed and ahead. This comprehensive session is tailored for accounting professionals seeking to understand the landscape of technological advancements. You will gain insights into the latest developments and how they impact the accounting sector. Our expert-led program will delve into the newest Software and Hardware innovations, the evolving role of AI and machine learning in accounting, and the burgeoning impact of technologies like quantum computing and blockchain. This course guides you through the advantages and challenges of these technologies and helps you craft a technology strategy that aligns with your business goals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and assess the impact of AI and machine learning on accounting practices.
• Recognize the potential applications and implications of quantum computing in finance.
• Recognize the evolving role of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in financial systems.
• Distinguish the practicality and benefits of the latest software and hardware tools in the professional environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall how new types of attest services have been developed through history.
• Recognize factors in the current environment that will impact the future of SOC and third-party reporting.
• Distinguish how practitioners can prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities with SOC and third-party reporting.

Kick off the first day of the ENGAGE 24 conference with our morning welcome session hosted by ENGAGE Chairs Marty Finn and Lindsay Stevenson. Join us as we set the stage for an exciting day ahead, packed with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive activities.

In this special segment, we'll be joined by Monday's ENGAGE Live Studio sponsor, Private Practice Transitions. Don't miss an engaging interview with Justin Farmer, Esq, CBI, Owner and Managing Broker of Private Practice Transitions. Discover more about his expertise and experience, and get a sneak peek into what Private Practice Transitions has in store for attendees this year.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall commonly held beliefs surrounding leadership traits and skillsets.
• Distinguish the impact of varying people management behaviors.
• Identify skills that empower effective development strategies and harmonious balance.
• Select action steps with tools, resources, and inspiration.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the current environment to think more strategically as an investor.
• Differentiate the factors that matter most during moments of market uncertainty.
• Identify the relationship between US elections and market returns.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare sophisticated estate and gift tax planning techniques for the surviving spouse.
• Identify dilemmas and pitfalls in estate and gift tax planning for the surviving spouse.
• Analyze trust designs for the surviving spouse.

Whether advising clients before, during or after marriage, professional advisors should be aware of important tools, techniques and other considerations in order to advantageously position their clients in the event of divorce. With the increasing overlap among professional disciplines, advisors have much to gain from having cross-disciplinary fluency. Topics include: * Powerful new tax considerations; * A hidden asset in prenuptial planning that could be worth millions;     * Asset protection trusts: A potentially powerful premarital option;     * “Quiet” Trusts, with the ability to restrict beneficiary access to trust information;     * Lifetime planning considerations;     * Documents that require immediate review in light of divorce;     * Significance of credit solutions in divorce;     * Attacking and defending trust assets in divorce;     * Compelling options to potentially change otherwise irrevocable trust terms;     * Key considerations regarding the use of life insurance; and     * Recent developments regarding stored genetic material. Drawing upon the latest judicial and legislative developments, this presentation will raise awareness of some of the estate planning, tax, and family law issues that need to be considered to better position professionals to advise clients before marriage, during their marriage, and before a divorce is finalized.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what estate planning is advisable before, during, and after divorce.
• Analyze trust provisions to determine how vulnerable trusts are to attack in divorce.
• Recognize significant recent law changes in the divorce context and how they impact clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze changes in the law that impact the filing of estate and gift tax returns.
• Recognize developments regarding federal estate and gift taxes
• Use transcripts and historical Forms 709 to properly prepare returns.
• Determine when and how to request issuance of IRS Letter 627, also referred to as an estate tax closing letter

Understanding a company’s systems of internal controls is essential to any audit. A well-structured internal control framework promotes accountability, prevents fraud, and ensures the integrity of the reported information. Join this session for a fireside chat about the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework and how its use enhances the quality of audits and the quality of reporting in the financial statements and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of the COSO framework and how they contribute to a comprehensive internal control system.
• Recognize the importance of internal controls in mitigating the risk of material misstatements, including fraud risks.
• Distinguish how robust controls can streamline the audit process and improve audit efficiency.
• Identify real-world applications that demonstrate the impact of internal controls on the audits of financial statements and other subject matters (e.g., sustainability).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of audit methodology and how to effectively integrate technology and methodology.
• Recognize elements of a tech stack that support audit transformation.

Join us to discover how a mix of classic and fresh marketing strategies can organically expand your firm. This session isn’t just about shaking hands; it’s about blending trusted techniques like community events, direct mail, and strong referral programs with the right amount of digital savvy. Our expert speakers will guide you through creating a marketing blend that builds deep connections and attracts new business. You'll leave with practical tips on how to use these strategies to grow your client base and enhance your firm’s presence in the market without needing to buy your way in.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine to blend modern digital strategies with classic, in-person marketing approaches to create a dynamic marketing mix that drives business growth and enhances client engagement.
• Calculate how to develop and execute a marketing plan that focuses on organic growth, enabling their firms to expand through increased client retention and new client acquisition without relying on firm mergers or purchases.
• Identify effective traditional marketing strategies, such as direct mail, referral programs, and community involvement, and understand how to implement them to strengthen client relationships and build community presence.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the relationship between practice management elements and autonomous decision making.
• Apply practical insights to making decisions that align these elements with future thinking.
• Analyze the strategic implications of effective practice management in achieving long-term goals.

This session will primarily focus on the rules for complying with the Schedules K-2 and K-3 requirements which apply to partnerships with items of international relevance. The speakers will discuss relevant IRS guidance for completing Schedules K-2 and K-3, common reporting issues, and discuss practical examples of challenges that taxpayers may face.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize when Schedules K-2 and K-3 are required to be completed.
• Identify common reporting issues and relevant IRS guidance for compliance.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply practical solutions to tackle the unique challenges faced by tax practitioners today.
• Identify methods to manage stress, avoid burnout, and encourage a healthy work environment for sustained productivity.

A powerful combination of technologies is currently fueling the next iteration of the internet and will significantly impact the way firms operate and conduct business, both internally and with customers. Sometimes referred to as Web 3, it will soon be the primary driver of accelerated digital transformations across our profession. Attend this session to prepare your firm and team for the digital firm of the future.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the evolution of the web and the technologies that drive it, and how Web3 will impact CPAs and accounting firms
• Estimate the implications of evolving to decentralized data networks, digital identity ownership, and digital trust.
• Identify new and emerging privacy and security challenges.
• Identify how new technologies will reshape business models both in the accounting profession and across your clients' industries. and across your client’s industries

The AICPA SOC School program has been a key point of interaction for SOC practitioners--from new associates to senior partners--across the globe. SOC School instructors get an invaluable glimpse into the common questions among practitioners and the areas of guidance that are often unknown or misunderstood. Hear from the instructors as we revisit highlights from SOC School and provide an opportunity to ask and discuss the questions that arise most often in your own practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall highlights from the SOC School program.
• Identify common challenge areas in the delivery of SOC attestation services.
• Identify key portions of SOC attestation guidance that address common topics.

Join us for an engaging and insightful Q&A session with leadership expert Ken Warman. In this segment, Ken will delve into the key principles of building and leading a high-performing team. Drawing from his extensive experience and expertise, Ken will share practical strategies, actionable advice, and answer your questions on fostering a culture of excellence, motivating team members, and driving organizational success. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and enhance your leadership skills.

The audit is in an era of transformation. We understand how important a role technology, data, processes and human capital will play in your firm's success. In this session, we'll demonstrate the collective value of moving all aspects of your firm to one cloud-based platform that hosts robust engagement and practice management apps. Join our session and get a sneak peek into the OnPoint suite for audit and assurance (DAS, EBP, PCR). From client collaboration and intelligent workflows to powerful analytics, modernized quality management and reporting, you'll learn how integrated technology, data and collaboration can empower you to deliver more efficient, high-quality services to your clients and staff.

Join us for an engaging and insightful Q&A session with senior strategist John Tousley as he continues the conversation about exploring the global macroeconomic landscape and market outlook. Engage with John as he addresses your questions and offers insights to help navigate the complexities of today's economic environment. This is a must-attend session for anyone looking to stay informed and ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify who is stuck in the middle.
• Analyze situational awareness — how your perspective on the situation can change everything.
• Determine how accountability fits into successfully leading from any position.

Join us for an engaging session that delves into the impact of recent legislation affecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and explore strategies to drive lasting change. It's imperative for organizations and advocates to understand the implications and adapt their approaches accordingly.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify insights into leading practices around inclusion the workplace.
• Identify practical strategies and best practices for advancing DEI goals.
• Determine an understanding of the evolving legal framework and its intersection with DEI efforts.

Have you tried to lead innovation in your practice or business and run into roadblocks with the people who need to embrace change? You aren’t alone. People feeling scared or intimidated by change are a common inhibitor to transformation that we face. This shared experience of trying to successfully innovate can depend on the level of human connection we create in the process. This panel of experts will cover the different innovation models for leading change in your firm or business. Our presenters will share stories of technology and process change management, including what went wrong, what went well, and how they were able to help others work differently by finding ways to accomplish the vision. Learn how to turn fear into growth, foster a culture of innovation, and operationalize new technology to ensure you are successful in improving the human experience with your internal teams and clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify best practices for implementing digital tools and technologies, including change management strategies.
• Recognize how to create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your firm.

If you are a new Partner, looking to become a new Partner or you are looking to add a new Partner, this is the session for you. In this session we will interview new and seasoned Partners and discuss the conversations they wish they had before signing the Partnership agreement. We will explore the effect that unclear expectations can lead to discord within the Partner group. In addition, we will explore how the partner group can better communicate to new or younger partners to share the WHY in WHY things are done a certain way and how the existing partners must be willing to hear new ideas and processes from the new partners. We will also share some best practices for firms to deliver their expectations, training and onboarding of new Partners into an existing Partnership structure.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how younger partners perceive their new role in an existing partnership.
• Identify the topics that need to be included in the partnership agreement prior to signing.
• Recognize the value of a Partner in Training program.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize generative AI as it relates to the profession.
• Identify tasks in the profession that are ripe for disruption.
• Recognize what firms are doing today with generative AI.
• Identify developing generative AI advances that may benefit for firms.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the history, evolution, and growth of family-led entities and family offices in the US.
• Identify the catalysts driving families to seek family offices and other shared family wealth structures.
• Recognize legal structures used to manage shared family wealth including: A trusts, single family offices, single family offices with profits interest, private trust companies, pooled investment vehicles (including tax and regulatory considerations), and private foundations.
• Analyze key decisions/considerations families make regarding structure, approach to services, staffing and compensation, operational issues, and costs.
• Identify key governance considerations, including challenges to family wealth and proactive practices of successful families.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze suitability of a business interest to fund a charitable gift.
• Determine the deductibility of a business interest gift.
• Differentiate the tax consequences arising from gifts of diverse business structures.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the penalties that can be applied to estate and gift tax returns
• Recognize the defenses to each of the identified penalties.
• Analyze recent case law impacting the application of and liability for penalties.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the business value of storytelling in finance and accounting.
• Recall how to find the stories hidden in the numbers.
• Identify a simple process to craft financial presentations with storytelling techniques.
• Recognize tips and tricks to make your presentation decks more visually compelling.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the risk assessment process.
• Determine effective forms of documenting a system of quality management.
• Identify ways to get from the current requirements to the new requirements.

In this session, participants will learn about the challenges in determining whether a financial instrument should be classified as a liability or as equity. The session will address situations where legal form equity must nonetheless be presented as debt in the balance sheet. The session will also describe the GAAP guidelines around classifying equity-linked contracts as either liabilities or equity.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the effect of redemption features on the classification of legal form equity instruments
• Apply the requirements in GAAP to determine whether an equity-linked contract should be classified as a liability or equity

This session provides interesting information about the Peer Review Program, including the most common errors identified by peer reviewers and how to best prepare for your firm’s next peer review.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common errors identified by peer reviewers.
• Identify best practices to hire a quality peer reviewer.
• Determine the most effective ways to prepare for your firm's next peer review.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the four questions every strategy must answer.
• Recognize the two factors that determine how an investor answers each question.
• Use techniques to apply this framework in client conversations regarding portfolio design and investment performance.

In the complex landscape of international taxation, understanding the nuances of US inbound and outbound transactions is crucial for taxpayers aiming to optimize their tax strategies. Through four detailed case studies focusing on real-world, cross-border scenarios, we will explore the tax implications for foreign persons entering the US market (inbound transactions) and for US entrepreneurial shareholders/owners of US entities as they expand their businesses into a foreign market (outbound transactions). These scenarios will highlight key considerations such as the selection of appropriate entity structures, e.g., branches or subsidiaries, each with its distinct tax considerations. We will review the US estate tax considerations of non-US persons investing in US real estate. The tax challenges and opportunities for Americans living outside the US (CFC and GILTI) will also be analyzed. By dissecting real-world examples, this session aims to provide practical insights and guidance on navigating the intricate web of tax obligations and opportunities in cross-border business and investment activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the tax challenges facing high net worth US citizens residing outside the US with respect to operating their professional practices or businesses in a foreign jurisdiction (CFCs).
• Recognize the tax implications of different entity structures such as trusts and branches versus subsidiaries for both inbound and outbound investments. Identify how each structure impacts tax liabilities, operational flexibility, and compliance requirements in different jurisdictions.
• Identify the knowledge needed to navigate the U.S. tax implications and filing requirements for mixed citizenship couples living abroad, including understanding the filing statuses available, the potential benefits and drawbacks of electing to file jointly with a non-U.S. citizen spouse, and how to utilize QDOTs to defer US estate tax on the death of a US spouse.
• Identify the US estate tax implications for non-US persons investing in US real estate. This objective includes identifying the basis of US estate taxation, key exemptions, applicable rates, and potential tax liabilities that arise upon the death of a non-US investor.
• Indicate strategic planning tools such as the use of ownership structures (e.g., holding companies, trusts) to mitigate exposure to US estate taxes, ensuring that participants can advise on or make informed decisions about estate planning to protect international investments in US property.

Retiring overseas is a strategy that can help your clients achieve their retirement dreams, including retiring early and retiring well even on a limited income. In this session, we'll detail the factors your clients will need to consider and plan for in order to make a successful move overseas in retirement: residency, health care, taxes, banking, administration, and financial considerations. We'll examine these factors for both the capital costs of the move and the ongoing cost of enjoying a rich, fulfilling retirement in another country.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the benefits, financial and personal, of retiring overseas.
• Identify the clients for whom retiring overseas makes sense.
• Recognize the ongoing support needed for your overseas clients.
• Identify the steps required for a successful retirement move to another country.

Take a journey through the latest individual income tax developments with Damien Martin, partner in the Private Tax practice within the Financial Services Organization at EY, as he shares insights from key court decisions, tax guidance, and more.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall recent individual income tax developments.
• Recognize potential tax planning and reporting opportunities.
• Identify key areas of focus for individual income tax returns for extension and the 2024 tax seasons.

As multiple compliance “frameworks” continue to emerge, learn about the different options available to provide additional assurance over these frameworks under the AICPA attestation standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze different types of attest engagements and how they can be used to provide assurance over other frameworks.
• Apply AICPA attest standards to providing assurance over other compliance initiatives.
• Identify practical approaches to providing assurance on other subject matter.
• Identify how to advise clients on the pros and cons of the various options available.
• Analyze real-world scenarios where organizations sought additional assurance over compliance frameworks and how AICPA attestation standards were applied in these cases.

Join us for a special segment where we shine the spotlight on our first-time attendees at ENGAGE 24! In this segment, we'll be showcasing captured footage from the First Time Attendees Reception. Get ready to hear directly from newcomers about their initial impressions, what inspired them to attend, and their hopes for the conference.

Are you tired of getting feedback that isn’t quite helpful, not getting feedback at all, or needing to give feedback that’s less than positive? Maybe the idea of giving feedback makes you nervous because you don’t want to do harm, or asking for feedback means you have to navigate risk. Research shows that people feel there is a lack of transparency and understanding of the formality of feedback and of the unspoken cultural rules and behaviors around performance feedback. People may believe that because of their position, race, gender, and/or other factors, they have not always received unbiased or objective evaluations from supervisors. Further, the feedback received from supervisors is not constructive and does not help with achieving growth. In this session, you will learn effective strategies for seeking and receiving feedback, including recognizing when steps should be taken to seek additional feedback.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of effective performance feedback, including the purpose of performance feedback, the key components of effective feedback, and how to give feedback in a constructive and actionable manner.
• Analyze strategies for seeking out and receiving feedback, such as strategies for seeking out feedback from managers, colleagues, and clients, and receiving feedback in a way that encourages dialogue and learning.
• Apply giving and receiving performance feedback in a way that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviors and results.
• Identify common pitfalls in giving feedback and how to avoid them.

This panel of various female leaders will unveil key insights into how they developed their own definitions of career success while not feeding into what society demanded “success” to be.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what the true definition of success is.
• Identify insights to help you determine your own definition of success.​
• Identify the links between your definition of success and your productivity.
• Recognize tips for how to achieve your own level of success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify updates in post-mortem IRA distribution regulatory law and guidance.
• Recognize IRA legislative updates and implementation of new statutes.
• Analyze comprehensive themes guiding the wave of change to better plan for the future.

Learn how to navigate the intricate and evolving landscapes of cloud and application programming interface (API) security, artificial intelligence (AI), zero trust, identify and access management (IdAM), internet of things (IoT), and more in this insightful session. Discover innovative strategies and best practices to combat evolving threats and secure interconnected digital ecosystems, all while enhancing your threat detection, response capabilities, and understanding of advanced security models.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the complexities of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud services to fortify digital defenses effectively.
• Use resilient security frameworks to mitigate evolving cyber threats.
• Apply advanced threat management strategies to detect and respond to sophisticated threats promptly and efficiently.
• Apply proactive security measures to secure digital ecosystems through innovative strategies and security automation.

A life insurance proposal may run 30-40 pages and include multiple ledgers, spanning many decades, with abundant disclosures and footnotes. In this session we will give you practical methods and insights to quickly analyze life insurance proposals and focus on the key issues for your client’s long-term benefit. This workshop will focus on key assumptions and variables in life insurance illustrations and equip you with pertinent questions to help clients discern the best value for their family’s objectives. Specific to life insurance for estate planning, we will review policy riders for changing coverage needs (due to estate growth and changing exemption amounts) along with private split dollar considerations and premium financing considerations in a higher interest rate environment. Provide more value to your clients by focusing on the most critical issues for their life insurance planning.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply a shortcut to quickly find both guaranteed and hypothetical results in a life insurance proposal.
• Determine the key variables that most impact long-term projections for your client’s policies.
• Identify the top five issues that could significantly change the actual vs. illustrated results of a life contract.
• Analyze new riders offering flexibility in 2nd-to-die coverage for the TCJA Sunset.
• Compare potential pitfalls in Premium Finance proposals
• Select best-practices for buy-sell insurance in light of Connelly case.

In this session, we will provide an overview of the state income taxation of trusts. States are all very different in the way they define residency for a trust. We will walk you through the state statutory guidance and constitutional application for the state income taxation of trusts. We will also provide you with some planning considerations to assist in the formation and maintenance of trusts.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basis of state income taxation of trusts.
• Recognize the constitutional contacts of state fiduciary income taxation.

Talent, transformation, and technology is the over-arching theme of the Corporate Finance Track at ENGAGE 2024. In this opening session, Tom Hood and Barry Payne will provide an update on key priorities of AICPA & CIMA’s Future of Finance Group of top accounting and finance leaders. The intersection of rapid change, maximizing technology, and evolving mindset is hugely top of mind. Using the insights from this group and drawing from a significant global research project, Tom and Barry will map out the future state of the corporate accounting and finance profession. They will also define the future competencies, skills, knowledge, and behaviors required. In this session, you will identify the top three priorities of the future of finance group and why this is important to our profession; determine how and where technology is making a difference; determine why mindset is of significant importance to our future state; identify where great finance teams are choosing to get better; and determine how to use the T-Shaped Finance Professional to help make improvements. In addition, Barry and Tom will highlight some valuable tools and resources to elevate your finance and accounting capabilities forward in your organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the top three priorities of the future of finance group and why this is important to our profession.
• Determine how and where technology is making a difference.
• Determine why mindset is of significant importance to our future state.
• Identify where great finance teams are choosing to get better.
• Determine how to use the T-Shaped Finance Professional to help get better.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how to successfully adopt technology in an audit.
• Identify how a client's technology directly impacts what technology the auditor uses.
• Differentiate technology limitations and opportunities.
• Recognize when an audit should change from substantive testing to control testing.

Join us for a 75-minute session titled 'ASC 842 - Day 2 and Beyond,' where we'll navigate the post-implementation landscape of lease accounting under the new standard. We’ll delve into issues such as the accounting owner of leasehold improvements and discuss lease accounting for related party and common control leases. We'll also discuss remeasurement and modifications of leases. As always, we’ll try to keep this interactive with Q&A throughout the session.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the accounting ownership of leasehold improvements and how it affects lease accounting.
• Interpret remeasurement and modification accounting under ASC 842.
• Evaluate leases involving related parties and common control arrangements.

This session will look at Business Combination accounting issues from the perspective of the valuation professional. • Understanding how valuation professionals utilize prospective financial information (PFI), growth rates, and terminal value selections in the valuation process • The importance of understanding the relationship between the weight average cost of capital (WACC), the internal rate of return (IRR), and weighted average return on assets (WARA) in a purchase price allocation under ASC 805 • The valuation specialist role in determining the value of earnout liabilities

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize PFI and its impact on valuing non-financial assets.
• Recognize the purpose and importance of reconciling the WACC, IRR, and WARA.
• Apply valuation to improve financial reporting and audit quality.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the costs of aging from Medicare to doctor visits to assisted living and nursing homes.
• Identify the emotional and physical changes your clients can expect as they age.
• Determine how to discuss aging empathetically with your clients or your clients' parents or grandparents.

What you think might happen in the future can affect what you decide to do in the present. Our panelists will agree and disagree about the changes that will happen in the marketplace for annuities and life insurance. Topics include product trends, marketing, and concerns about consumer education. * Do new products enhance the client experience?     * Is complexity a feature or a flaw?     * What opportunity for improving client value should you keep your eye on?     * How can advisors improve their due diligence process?     * Are curated product platforms a viable alternative to the commission-based marketplace?

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize product development trends for annuities and life insurance.
• Identify how product features in development may help clients.
• Identify areas of product differentiation.

Attracting and retaining talent will continue to be a challenge for firms of all sizes. In this session, we will dive into the concept of employer branding and unpack the secrets of creating an irresistible Employee Value Proposition. With real world experience and practical examples, we will show you how to become a magnet in today's talent market.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize EVPs and their part in the attraction/retention cycle.
• Identify the firm's current employer brand for differentiation.
• Identify the firm's next step to define EVP at the organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the strategic motivations behind private equity transactions and assess their impact on growth and competitiveness.
• Identify emerging trends and outlook in the M&A landscape, including the impact of technological advancements and global economic factors.
• Recognize the private equity process, including the key stages, approach to deal terms, and how a post-transaction firm operates.

This session will provide updates and developments in the areas of Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), self-employment tax (SECA), and pass-through entity taxes (PTET).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current developments in Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).
• Identify current developments in self-employment tax (SECA).
• Identify current developments in pass-through entity taxes (PTET).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what it takes to get a state to accept a taxpayer’s change of residence.
• Recognize the nuances involved in a residency audit.
• Identify certain traps for the unwary.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in business operations and categorize those associated with Scope 1,2 and 3.
• Apply the Dynimos data inventory platform and carbon accounting toolsets to effectively manage and disclose sustainability and ESG reporting.
• Apply Dynimos' advanced AI analytics and robust data inventory to benchmark and predict future GHG emissions and to set feasible and measurable emission reduction goals for businesses.

This session will review security control related to outsourcing activities to others through a robust vendor management policy. We will discuss why, how, and what you need to look for in a third-party vendor management program within a service organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the components of a solid vendor management program.
• Determine the connection between vendor management controls and subservice organizations.

2024 is a crossroads for the United States. With a contentious election looming and tax legislation primed in the Senate, CPAs need to be aware of the latest so they can advise their clients.

Through their connections on Capitol Hill, former Senior Counsel to the Senate Finance Committee Dean Zerbe and Former Congressman Rick Lazio will cover how Congress plans to help American businesses compete globally and when we will likely see benefits in action.

By the end of this CPE session, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of impending changes that will greatly impact tax law for the foreseeable future.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how strategic changes employed by Congress have greatly increased the scope and value of certain tax incentives, presenting a prime opportunity for business owners.
• Recognize how election-year politics will likely shape tax legislation for years, no matter which candidate wins.

With many technological and AI-powered advances coming to the tax and accounting profession, firms are looking to provide the best service for their clients, all while staying up to date, saving time, and cutting costs. Firms are looking for a solution that standardizes the tax workflow experience easily and offers automation tools that cater to all points of tax engagement for your clients. The SafeSend Suite offers a straightforward, easy-to-use interface your clients will love for both individual and business returns, including multiple API integration options for a seamless, paperless transition. Clients and staff can gather source documents, collect digital organizers, assemble and deliver completed tax returns, collect e-signatures, send reminders, accept tax prep fees, and more, all within the SafeSend Suite.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current client frustrations and how you can evolve and create a best-in-class client experience.
• Select actionable strategies focused on minimizing client frustration, accelerating form signing processes, and establishing easy interaction throughout the entire tax process.
• Recognize the trends happening in the industry, from AI, to collaboration, to the “Single Pane of Glass” concept. 

In this session, you'll learn how switching to a modern, integrated Travel & Expense solution decreases busy work and paperwork, eliminating expense reporting and cutting reconciliation time from weeks to hours-resulting in happier employees and a healthier bottom line. Additionally, learn how the innovative card-link technology of Navan Connect eliminates change management typically required by smart-card-led programs.

Navan provides a single source of truth for all company spend in just one dashboard thanks to an average adoption rate of 90%+ among end users. Businesses can identify spend leakage, improve forecasting, and optimize expense policies based on real-time, contextual insights. As a result, reconciliation time is cut from weeks to hours.

This presentation dedicates itself to the proposition that we can increase customer success by embracing more principles of consulting theory and practice. Accepting these principles challenges us because it insists that we rethink long-held previous beliefs. If you believe you are open to unlearning some old ideas and learning some new ones, you are invited to participate in this session.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize that the timing of certain types of questions is important.
• Recall the FORD Framework of Consulting Levels.

CPA firms of all sizes are under threat from new entrants to the market offering financial advisory services underpinned by a solid tech stack. These companies are using modern SaaS software that is easier to use than ever and could potentially disrupt the transactional accounting and controllership-level services that many firms offer. How do you compete? By delivering Business Insights as a Trusted Advisor, by using top-quality SaaS platform software to broaden your CAS offering, and by offering the client value that only you know how to deliver. In this session we will demonstrate why the move to Business Insights CAS could be so beneficial to firms, and we will identify what steps you can take to begin to offer these services to your clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify differences between the 'financial' and 'Business insights' headings on the CAS 2.0 framework and identify how building a SaaS platform offering can differentiate you from new entrants to the advisory market.
• Recognize where components of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, can be combined with fixed price, fixed outcome implementation offerings, for customers who have outgrown their entry level finance system.

With the rapid evolution of AI, analytics, and automation, it is crucial for accounting firms to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest tools available. Dive into how Wolters Kluwer is applying advanced and emerging AI tools to develop the future of tax, assurance, and advisory workflows. This session will delve into key market trends in the industry, with a particular focus on the advancements and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), analytics, and automation, and how these tools can help automate mundane tasks and improve processes. Join us to learn how these tools can empower you to leverage the most cutting-edge solutions, enabling you to stay competitive and ahead of a rapidly changing market.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize key market trends, particularly in technology, and how they impact firm growth.
• Identify how advanced tech like AI enables you to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Managing and growing a successful practice requires that you have good people providing exceptional service at the right price. That was once done by the hour, but in today's world, when tech can perform work faster than people, the billable hour no longer works. Instead, price should reflect the value you provide, and it should also improve the service provided to customers and create a better work environment for your team at the same time. Yes, the right price can do all that! In this session, we'll explore how a radical approach to your pricing can lead to a stronger firm with increased profitability.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize why now is the time to change pricing.
• Identify what clients are really looking for.
• Identify how to get started with value pricing and how it helps employees shine.
• Identify what fixed price with value-add tax and CAS engagements look like.

Kick off Day 2 with our Morning Welcome session, featuring an engaging interview conducted by ENGAGE Chairs/hosts Mike Brand and Jim Boomer. Joining us are representatives from Tuesday’s ENGAGE Live Studio sponsor, Caseware International Inc., a leading technology provider for the audit and accounting profession, and their forward-thinking client firm, GRF CPA’s & Advisors. We’ll hear from Monie Grewal, Director of Accounting Solutions at Caseware, and Ricardo Trujillo, Partner at GRF, as they discuss what it means to become a fully connected practice and how to put the right plans into motion to achieve this transformation. Don't miss this insightful conversation to start your day on the right note!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how meticulous planning and execution can drive financial success.
• Recognize the significance of collaborative efforts within your financial team.

Join us for an insightful keynote session led by members of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), where we will delve into a cohesive talent strategy designed to address root causes of a decline in accounting talent pipeline. As the accounting profession evolves, so do the demands on our workforce. How can we ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals to meet these challenges head-on? Session highlights include: 1. Presenting Conclusions: Deciphering the Blueprint. The NPAG has analyzed data, trends, and accounting profession dynamics to arrive at actionable conclusions. In this segment, we will review the findings from our comprehensive report. What are the key takeaways? How can organizations leverage this knowledge to drive success? Get ready for data-backed insights that will shape your strategic decisions. 2. The NPAG Journey: From Insight to Impact. Discover how NPAG engaged with stakeholders throughout the profession to develop our recommendations. From stakeholder engagement to data-driven decision-making, we’ll walk through the collaboration and conversations that led to the proposed solutions. 3. Evergreen Strategies: Adapting to the Shifting Landscape. The NPAG’s vision extends beyond static solutions. Our approach is evergreen — continual evaluation, adaptation, and agility. Whether it’s technological disruptions, demographic shifts, or regulatory changes, we’re prepared. 4. AICPA Pipeline Acceleration Plan: Making an Impact. In addition to the NPAG strategy, we’ll review progress on items in the AICPA Pipeline Acceleration Plan. Learn about the Experience, Learn and Earn program; extended windows for CPA exam credits to carry forward; and other developments that benefit the profession’s goal of increasing the talent pipeline. Join us for the NPAG keynote session — it’s not just about the present; it’s about shaping the future of accounting.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify actionable insights from NPAG’s research and recommendations that identify root causes of the decrease in accounting students in the pipeline.
• Select your talent pipeline strategies for sustained success.
• Recognize the role each person can play in helping address workforce issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize key areas of difference between organizations with agile workforces versus those without the agility benefits.
• Identify strategic approaches to build sustainable cultures of continuous learning.
• Identify best practices for transforming learning assets to meet the expectations of modern learners.

Many client advisory services (CAS) practices are facing growing pains across the board in areas such as staffing and upskilling, tech stack design and implementation, pricing and packaging, just to name a few. CPA.com provides expert coaching and consulting services to help firms overcome roadblocks and achieve long-term growth. Join our session to explore how CPA.com's progressive, guided approach to CAS transformation can lead your firm in making progress across seven key strategic themes. Learn how your firm can partner with CPA.com to reach your goals faster and tap into your firm's true potential for advisory transformation.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize CPA.com's approach to CAS transformation across seven key strategic themes.
• Identify what it means to re-envision CAS and what it takes to align on vision and mission.

The Center for Plain English Accounting (CPEA) offers a training course titled Reimagine Risk Assessment. This training breaks through barriers in traditional risk assessment education by incorporating not only professional standards and compliance but also firm methodology with practical firm methodology-based examples while also reviewing the firm's current risk assessment process. During this session, learn key practical insights from the training course on how firms can perform more useful and worthwhile risk assessments. 

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate common risk assessment approaches at firms.
• Identify practical insights to perform more effective risk assessments.

As clients demand more than just tax return services but also tax minimizing strategies and proactive financial planning, how do tax practitioners incorporate these into their client service offerings? Join the think tank session on how to extend the client conversation from tax compliance to a more advisory approach.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate ways to strategically position a tax practice for growth and success
• Recognize steps in the tax planning and advisory process.
• Identify available resources to support tax planning.

The AICPA Personal Financial Credential program can help you engage more confidently with your clients and build deeper client relationships. Attend this session to get your questions about the PFS credential answered.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the qualifications and options for the PFS credential
• Identify opportunities to discuss your credentials with clients and prospects

Join us for an exclusive interview with Susie Wolff, hosted by Jim Boomer. In this session, Jim will explore Susie's remarkable journey from karting champion to a pioneering leader in motorsport. Susie will share personal stories and insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of teamwork, and her vision for women in motorsport. This is a unique opportunity to hear from a trailblazer about her career, passions, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Be sure to tune in and bring your new and unanswered questions from her earlier session for Susie to address live!

Are your clients receiving proceeds from property or business sales? They will rely on your expertise to compare and apply different tax-advantaged solutions. Learn how to analyze and differentiate three potential strategies to help protect client's wealth and simplify their lives. Join us for an insightful presentation to assess 1031 exchanges, 721 UPREITs and Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategic growth opportunities for your firm.
• Compare different tax-advantaged real estate solutions: 1031 exchange, 721 UPREIT, Opportunity Zone Funds

The next decade of accounting will be dramatically different from the last decade. Generative AI is leveling the playing field in the competitive world of accounting. By leveraging this new technology, accounting firms can get more done with the same headcount, while internal accounting teams can close the books faster and help guide the company. During this session, attendees will fully understand the nuances of this new technology, what it can and cannot do, and how to build an AI strategy. We will go through case studies of how CAS practices use generative AI to unlock productivity, faster monthly close, and enthusiasm for new technologies. Generative AI is a generational paradigm shift in technology; come hear from the team who has been there right from the start.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the capabilities and limitations of generative AI, specific areas where it excels, such as language processing and image generation, and where it falls short, such as displaying empathy
• Apply a robust AI strategy, which involves identifying key opportunities for AI integration, assessing technological readiness, and implementing governance to manage risks
• Analyze the ways generative technology can make a significant impact on an accounting firms and an internal accounting teams' productivity, unit economics, and overall performance

Join us for an inspiring and interactive Q&A session with innovation leaders Roman Villard and Zunie Nguyen. This segment continues the conversation from their thought-provoking panel session, "Driving Innovation: Don't Be Scared." Roman and Zunie will dive deeper into the strategies and mindsets required to foster innovation within your organization. Learn how to overcome fear, embrace change, and drive forward-thinking initiatives that can transform your business. Don’t miss this chance to engage with our speakers, ask your pressing questions, and gain practical insights on leading innovation.

Whether your clients are receiving funds from a property or business sale, they count on you to help them evaluate tax-smart strategies. Learn how to help your clients convert their lump sum into periodic payments to defer their tax liability and help protect their proceeds. This strategy applies to both qualifying property and business sales eligible for a structured installment sale under Internal Revenue Code Section 453. In this presentation, we will discuss the tax benefits of periodic payments versus a lump sum, how periodic payments can help fund a client's retirement, and case examples in which clients were able to defer their tax liability.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how to help your clients convert their lump sum into periodic payments to defer their tax liability and help protect their proceeds.
• Identify the tax-efficient advantages of periodic payments versus a lump sum.

Automation and AI have the transformative power to reshape the tax landscape, offering innovative opportunities for tax practitioners to revolutionize their business practices. In this session, we delve into how these cutting-edge technologies can streamline every aspect of the tax workflow, from data processing to compliance. Additionally, we'll provide actionable insights into the primary concerns facing tax professionals regarding AI integration and effective strategies to overcome them. During this session, attendees will discover how emerging tax technology can help their firm maximize efficiency, navigate challenges, and build future-ready practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how automation and AI technology can help accelerate every stage of tax workflow
• Analyze and gain insight into what today's tax & accounting professionals identify as the top concerns related to AI and tax technology
• Determine how technology can help address talent shortages, overcome high cost of change and help firms build more bench strength for advisory

Crack the HR data vault open and unearth invaluable insights that will enhance your consultative strategies. Don't miss this engaging session where we'll discuss the power of workforce analytics to provide deeper, proactive, and customized insights to help clients make more informed decisions, better plan for what's ahead, and optimize their workforce talent.

During this session, we will discuss:

· Harnessing HR analytics to help businesses control costs, minimize risk, and retain top talent.

· Utilizing HR reporting and analytics solutions to support your role as a proactive strategic advisor and help clients drive better business outcomes

· Leveraging the capabilities of AccountantHQ to expand your CAS offerings and provide additional client value.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common roadblocks that hinder leaders' ability to inspire and make a difference.
• Identify strategies to effectively coach others to be inspiring leaders.
• Recall the practice of vulnerability, trust-building, and compassion to build relationships and inspire others.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the likely gift and estate tax thresholds and those persons who will or will not be subject to these taxes.
• Identify tax and estate planning advantages that persons may and should use to their advantage.
• Identify potential mistakes that may be made without adequate planning considerations.

If you want to own your future and/or you manage people to success in new ways, this session is a MUST ATTEND for you. In today’s environment, maximizing perspectives, navigating barriers and agile leader dexterity is a vital business asset. This session is part one. You'll learn, why inclusion safety matters, how we are all architects of the career “safe space,” along with new strategies to apply to your day-to-day workplace to ensure that you are creating an environment where you, your colleagues and staff can thrive and succeed.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize why inclusion safety matters.
• Distinguish the difference between inclusion and exclusion.
• Identify basic strategies to apply to improve inclusion and create safe workplaces in your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and understand the major elements of the proposed 2053 regulations
• Analyze the potential impact of these regulations on current estate tax financing techniques
• Recognize suggestions put forth in the AICPA comment letter to the IRS.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key estate planning ideas for multi-generational UHNW clients.
• Compare strategies to maximize use of Estate/Gift/GST exemption.
• Recognize what CPAs can do to increase the likelihood of successful wealth transfer within UHNW families based on research regarding such transfers.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the 4 big shifts finance has to make to be successful in the 21st century
• Identify the competencies and skills required to enable the shifts
• Determine a strategy to engage in your organization's business model to drive long-term value creation

The Chairs of the ASB and the Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC), along with the AICPA Chief Auditor, will discuss current issues facing the two boards, as well as recently issued standards for audits and attestation engagements and recent activities of the ARSC for reviews, compilations and financial statement preparation engagements performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs). The discussion will also include the Auditing Standards Board and ARSC's active agendas including ongoing efforts to modernize auditing and attestation standards and enhance outreach to stakeholders regarding proposed standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify auditing, attestation, and accounting and review services issues leading to ASB and ARSC activities.
• Recognize the ASB and ARSC current workplan.
• Recognize standard setting trending topics.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify "soft" communication skills that can complement technical expertise.
• Indicate a systematic approach to client communication.
• Recognize how to apply the framework to current topics and challenging client questions.

This session will discuss the findings of the 2024 T3/Inside Information Technology Survey. The survey is widely used by financial professionals to select software for their unique business needs. Bruckenstein will share insights on how to best use the survey and share some key findings.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the software available to RIA businesses.
• Distinguish which software is suitable for a particular use case.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the healthcare coverage options available to people prior to Medicare eligibility.
• Use the healthcare.gov website to find and filter the various plan options.
• Distinguish the various health plan categories available at healthcare.gov.
• Identify the qualification rules for premium subsidies via the Premium Tax Credit.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the primary drivers of CPA firm profitability.
• Identify ways to create staffing capacity without new hires.
• Apply the power of client and staff leverage to fuel growth and profitability.

In the dynamic landscape of professional services, the traditional notion of "growth" often translates into increased workload, stress, and burnout, creating significant obstacles to a firm's growth strategies. Firm leaders today recognize that true growth is achieved strategically, focusing on the right client base and establishing a formula for long-term success that benefits both clients and professionals. How do we do that and how can technology like CRM help firms on this journey? In this session, we will redefine growth, encouraging professionals to embrace strategic growth and discuss how/where CRM can help support that strategic growth. Participants will hear from one practitioner on their imperfect journey towards more strategic growth.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what strategic growth means for today’s accounting firms.
• Identify how CRM can support more strategic growth.
• Identify useful strategies from one practitioner’s journey towards more strategic growth.

This session will highlight the requirements for correcting a partnership return via an administrative adjustment request (AAR). Issues that will be addressed include the scope of “partnership-related items,” the effect of positive and negative adjustments, the mechanics of the push-out election, and certain key considerations for pass-through partners.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the scope of the items reported on a partnership return that require an AAR to correct.
• Recognize the effect of adjustments arising from an AAR to the partnership and its reviewed year partners.

What's trending in real estate taxation in 2024? This fast-paced session is loaded with new cases, rulings, and regulations for both residences and investment properties. In addition, the topic provides reminders of specific areas of interest to the IRS.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify new trends in real estate taxation.
• Examine new rules and cases to apply to client strategies.
• Review topics of interest to IRS.

If there's one thing everyone is tired of hearing about at this point, it's "AI". So why not add on another term that everyone is tired of hearing about — "Automation"? Do you want to FINALLY find out why everyone keeps talking about them? Do you want to get excited about these technologies too? Then join two GenAI and Automation Wranglers as they walk you through the nuts, the bolts, the ups, the downs, and the everything in-betweens. Ashley is a CPA that stumbled into Automation Life via GenAI and Azure is a professional consultant that lived Automation Life long before GenAI came along. They have both been awarded the Microsoft MVP designation in Power Automate and speak nationally on the topic.

This will be one of those sessions that leaves you energized and informed. You might come in feeling fuzzy about AI and Automation but you will leave with a solid understanding, a plan for next steps, and possibly some snacks.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish when to use AI and when to use automation to complete tasks.
• Identify how AI and automation fit in your tax practice.
• Recognize actionable next steps to incorporate both technologies.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the latest technology trends and the impact these trends will have on next generation devices.
• Identify where to wisely invest in new technology, and what to avoid.
• Distinguish technology initiatives based on greatest impact.

In this session, Greg Carpenter (AWS Cloud Security & Compliance) and Jeff Cook, CPA (SOC practitioner) guide you through the intricacies of rapidly changing cloud technologies and their implications on SOC 2 reporting. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cloud landscape, exploring deployment models, service structures, and the shared responsibility model. The session will address the identification and assessment of risks unique to cloud integration, with a focus on data security, system availability, and information integrity. Through real-world examples and practical mitigation strategies, attendees will emerge equipped with actionable insights to navigate the intersection of cloud technologies and SOC 2 reporting, ensuring a robust approach to the evolving challenges in today's dynamic business environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess how cloud technologies and applications affect SOC reporting.
• Interpret where the risks are for cloud applications in relation to SOC reporting.
• Assess risk and vulnerability mitigation strategies for clients using cloud technologies.

Join us for an inspiring segment where we celebrate success stories from the accounting world. Meet Alex Romero and Shakor Jukes, esteemed recipients of CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40 Award. In this session, Alex and Shakor will share their journeys, achievements, and the innovative practices that have set them apart in the profession. Learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, and discover what it takes to excel in the ever-evolving field of accounting. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from two of the industry’s rising stars.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the relevance of a strong personal brand
• Estimate how reputation, relationships, and other factors impact a brand.
• Identify your personal brand and formulate actionable steps to building your unique brand

Many advisors believe that the current razor thin margins in Congress, paired with the recent acrimony between the political parties, will lead to an expiration of many important taxpayer friendly provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 31 of next year. The session will address that possibility in the context of certain estate tax planning strategies, while maximizing the client’s permissible retained flexibility and control.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how a trust can be crafted to maximize the client’s permissible retained flexibility and control.
• Analyze how to best fund a gift so as to maximize the value of the transfer and minimize the risk of an audit.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key considerations and steps to change domicile and cut ties with a state’s taxing authority.
• Recall how the tax implications of business transactions can be significantly impacted by the domicile of the business and business owners.
• Recognize how certain trusts may be used to provide benefits permitted under the laws of the state’s situs even if the taxpayer resides in a less favorable jurisdiction.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze some of the frequently encountered complexities of the income taxation of estates and trusts.
• Assess complex issues and how to resolve those issues.
• Identify the distribution system and how distributable net income gets allocated between the entity and the various beneficiaries.

Generative AI (artificial intelligence) continues to become increasingly embedded and intertwined in our everyday lives and a hot topic for discussion. Due in large part to its novelty and accessibility, Generative AI is breaking milestones exponentially faster than other breakthroughs and technologies, presenting great opportunities and threats simultaneously for individuals and companies. This session will explore governance, risk, and audit considerations that organizations are focusing on with the evolving Generative AI landscape.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the risk considerations organizations are facing with regulatory change with respect to Generative AI.
• Distinguish organizations’ responses to risks associated with Generative AI.
• Identify how Generative AI is impacting organizations’ data management processes and potential impact on audit considerations.

Unlock your potential with “Emotional Intelligence & Personal SWOT Mastery.” This course guides you through a personal SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, emphasizing how emotional intelligence can influence your career. You’ll learn practical strategies to understand and use your emotional strengths in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify personal strengths and weaknesses through the lens of emotional intelligence.
• Recognize the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing decision-making and stress management.
• Identify strategies to leverage opportunities and navigate professional threats using emotional insights.
• Select a personalized action plan to apply emotional intelligence for career growth and resilience.

In this presentation, we will delve into the dynamic world of technology from the vantage point of a corporate finance & accounting team. With the advent of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation technologies, the accounting field is rapidly evolving. We'll tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by these technological advances, emphasizing the importance of embracing rather than resisting this tide. We will start by demystifying the technological landscape and its impact on controllers. Following this, we will outline a framework for assessing and adopting new technologies that align with your organization’s strategic objectives, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting. A significant portion of the discussion will focus on technology opportunities, challenges, and external/internal pressures, particularly the need for robust planning and proactive measures in an increasingly digital world. We will explore practical steps controllers can take to promote streamlining and efficiency. Automation is another key topic we'll cover, demonstrating how it can be a significant change for controllers by streamlining operations and enabling real-time data analysis. The presentation will also highlight the necessity for continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements, preparing controllers to not only adapt to but also to anticipate and shape future trends. Finally, we will discuss the human side of technology adoption, providing strategies for leading and managing change within finance teams. By fostering a culture of innovation and addressing resistance to change, controllers can champion technology implementations that propel their organizations forward. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and strategies to effectively navigate the digital revolution in accounting, positioning themselves as forward-thinking leaders in the field.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine a proactive approach to continuous learning and adaptation in the face of emerging technologies.
• Identify the skills needed to lead teams through technology transitions, addressing resistance, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Distinguish how controllers can leverage automation to improve efficiency, accuracy, and real-time reporting.
• Compare the pros and cons of leveraging automation.
• Recognize how to manage risks associated with digital transformation, including cybersecurity concerns.
• Determine how to evaluate and select the right technology solutions that align with organizational goals and enhance financial processes.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply technology in risk assessment.
• Use technology for journal entries testing.
• Use technology for audit sampling and document verification.
• Use technology for board minutes and leases.

How do you determine if a deficiency is a material weakness, significant deficiency, or control deficiency? Many auditors struggle with this assessment and it’s often challenging when balancing client service needs. This session will cover the generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) requirements and apply them to real life examples (including IT controls).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the GAAS requirements for assessing and communicating control deficiencies to management and those charged with governance.
• Apply the GAAS requirements to various case studies.

How can you take advantage of the $80 trillion wealth opportunity, particularly as much of this wealth is starting to transfer to the next generation? This session will show how financial advisors and firms can attract, serve, and retain wealthier clients. Although the starting point might look different for every financial professional, the tactics for moving upstream can be applicable to any practice. This workshop reviews how to: attract wealthier clients through the power of brand and relationships; serve wealthier clients by modifying your current service model, your offerings, and conversations; and retain wealthier clients by connecting with the non-CFO spouse and conducting impactful legacy conversations.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the needs of a high-net-worth client.
• Identify best practices of elite wealth management firms (globally).
• Determine the business considerations needed to attract, serve, and retain high-net-worth clients and their families.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify hidden features within the suite of Microsoft 365 apps to enhance office productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Recognize advanced functions that streamline internal communication and establish secure client file exchanges.
• Indicate how adopting Microsoft Copilot and other artificial intelligence tools within Microsoft 365 may future-proof and transform workplace practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the most recent tax rules for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
• Identify the various strategies to mitigate the tax cost of RMDs.
• Identify the myths of retirement distribution planning.

Allan Koltin is recognized as the foremost expert in CPA and Advisory firm M&A. His firm has been involved in almost every major CPA firm and Private Equity deal over the past decade. In this session, he'll offer his unique perspective and advice on lessons learned along the way (good and bad). If you're a buyer or seller, you'll walk away from this discussion with actionable ideas to apply in the M&A area. Whether it's strategy, valuation or integration, this session is a must-attend if you're serious about M&A as a strategic growth option.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the “State of CPA Firm M&A” including current trends, opportunities, and challenges.
• Recognize M&A best practices based on actual CPA firm M&A experiences.
• Recognize the current market for CPA firm valuations as well as deal structures and terms.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the critical components of a quality work product.
• Identify a staffing plan that makes sense for both the firm and team members while honoring the natural role changes that occur in the business.
• Identify a quality, desirable, "high touch" service plan with a hybrid and asynchronous team.
• Identify possible project timelines that gratify both the firm’s team and the client.
• Recall that pricing has to reflect the value the firm brings the client and the risk of services.

Cryptocurrency was listed as the number one asset in an Investopedia survey asking respondents where they expect the greatest return on investments over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, regulators continue to discuss the nature in which this asset class should be regulated for both tax and non-tax laws. Join us for a review and analysis of IRS releases on crypto taxation, avoiding traps for the unwary, planning considerations, and how to deal with the continual evolution of new transactions and tax uncertainty. Examples, due diligence, and planning tips provided throughout along with an introduction to helpful resources from the AICPA Virtual Currency and Digital Asset Tax Task Force.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the nature of digital assets and the basic tax structure for them.
• Identify the foundational binding and non-binding guidance the IRS has provided, issues that exist, and how to deal with them.
• Recognize the limitations of broker reporting of digital assets on Form 1099-DA, expected to start in 2025, and what clients should do now to get ready.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify basic principles in implementing automation.
• Use various technologies to automate finance and accounting work.
• Identify how to leverage AI in the profession.

With heightened focus on cybersecurity threats, businesses must be more diligent when considering cyber risk as it relates to business relationships and vendor dependencies. This session will recap the recent SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure rules and discuss how third-party assurance, like SOC reporting, can align to cybersecurity governance and oversight responsibilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate how SOC reporting can be leveraged in respect to SEC’s new cybersecurity regulations.
• Assess the specific criteria within SOC reporting that spotlight internal controls related to relevant cybersecurity topics.
• Evaluate how to maximize reliance of SOC reporting for user entities through dialogue on the competencies required of service auditors.

Join us for an extended discussion with Sue Coffey and Jennifer Wilson, key members of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG). Building on their insightful keynote, "Unlocking the Future: Navigating the Accounting Talent Pipeline in a Dynamic Landscape," this conversation will delve deeper into the strategies and recommendations aimed at addressing the decline in the accounting talent pipeline. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask unanswered questions from the Pipeline session and gain additional insights and actionable takeaways.

Unlock the secrets to becoming an empowered and thriving parent or caregiver, equipped with practical strategies that go beyond mere management. Excel in your professional life while nurturing a deeply fulfilling family experience. Join us to discover the blueprint for harmonizing work and family, ensuring you not only navigate the challenges but flourish in both realms.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the concept of work-life harmony, differentiating it from traditional notions of work-life balance and work-life integration.
• Identify common challenges faced by parents and caregivers in managing their professional and personal responsibilities.
• Identify practical strategies to thrive in the workplace and at home, including how to ask for what you need from your employer with confidence, how to remove the feeling of guilt of being a parent or caregiver that works outside the home, how to build a supportive community, and how to create and communicate boundaries.

It’s no secret that the United States is a litigious society and there’s no indication that the trend line with respect to lawsuits will go anywhere from here but up. And, although some claims have merit, far too many do not. In such an atmosphere, everyone, and high-income/high-net-worth individuals in particular, perceive themselves as being subject to an unacceptable level of exposure. Timely and professional asset protection planning can, however, help to weather the storm of litigation. This seminar will discuss various planning techniques that can be used to place assets beyond the reach of creditors, will determine when it is appropriate to utilize such techniques and will discuss the optimal method of implementing such techniques.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the law of “fraudulent transfers” (now sometimes called “voidable transactions”).
• Distinguish how to promote clients’ asset protection planning in an ethical manner, without legal risk to the planner.
• Identify various asset protection techniques that do not necessary involve the retention of counsel.
• Differentiate the proper use of trusts to maximize clients’ asset protection, without necessarily having the client give up beneficial interest or control.

In this session, we will be discussing the tax issues related to foreign trusts including income tax, gift tax and estate tax ramifications. These taxes can often intersect in unexpected ways.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the tax characteristics of a foreign trust.
• Recognize the intersection of income/estate/gift with foreign trust planning.
• Identify the foreign reporting obligations with respect to foreign trusts.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the various risks of online exposure and their effects.
• Identify how different pieces of personal information online can be used by hackers.
• Identify basic techniques, technologies, and safeguards for defending personal privacy.
• Learn how to make various digital accounts more private and secure.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize estate and gift tax issues that affect your clients.
• Identify planning areas and recommendations.

According to the AICPA & CIMA Future of Finance Group, the world’s leading companies’ No. 1 challenge continues to be talent attraction and retention. Along with the pace of change, accelerating digital transformation, and redefining what value means, it is imperative for us all to think differently about how we hire and upskill talent for the best blend of capabilities and mindsets. It is also essential to clearly identify the unique value propositions and selling points to attract and retain. Join Barry Payne, director of External Relations at AICPA & CIMA, and a panel of finance leaders to identify some of the specific talent challenges they face; identify ways to promote a career value proposition to attract, develop, and retain talent; determine how they have used tools like the T-Shape Finance Professional model and the CGMA Competency Framework to identify skills gaps; and identify how programs such as the Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners and the CGMA Finance Leadership Program have been used by their companies to bridge and strengthen these skill gaps. During this session, you will hear clear examples of how the panelists have put actions into place to enhance the capabilities of their teams and attract the best talent.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify some of the specific talent challenges you face.
• Identify ways to promote a career value proposition to attract, develop, and retain talent.
• Recognize how you can use tools like the T-Shape Finance Professional model and the CGMA Competency Framework to identify skills gaps.
• Identify how programs such as the Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners and the CGMA Finance Leadership Program have been used by their companies to bridge and strengthen these skill gaps.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish required evidence and documentation from personal preference.
• Identify how to meet the standards and still maintain efficiencies.
• Determine the appropriate amount of documentation.

What do you need to know if a client used a “mill” to claim the employee retention credits (ERC)? What if the client already received the ERC refund? Should it be recognized as income or liability? This session will cover the accounting and auditing guidance for these situations. Many government assistance programs were created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and they often had requirements to qualify for the program and/or forgiveness. While all businesses would self-certify as to their compliance with qualifying for the program or the related forgiveness requirements, some entities have been in the press for not complying with the program requirements. Furthermore, the government agencies have the right to audit the compliance in many instances. This creates some interesting accounting and auding issues for the clients that were aggressively pursuing these programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the requirements in U.S. GAAP for recognition and disclosure of an entity’s involvement with government assistance programs.
• Evaluate the audit issues with assertions or positions taken in forgiveness applications related to government assistance programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize effective leveraging of technology to enhance remote team collaboration, streamline administrative tasks, and optimize client management in your virtual office.
• Identify a systematic approach to financial planning that balances efficiency through workflows and automation while preserving a personalized, client-focused experience.
• Distinguish practices for conducting impactful virtual client meetings, building trust and rapport online, and effectively communicating complex financial information during digital interactions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ways to efficiently review and provide advice to clients on various insurance products.
• Determine strategies to lower costs of insurance and maximize coverage for your clients.
• Identify techniques for clarifying complex insurance products for clients.

Join us for an exclusive session designed to equip you with practical insights and strategies to implement a standardized onboarding process seamlessly integrated with client advisory services. By the end of this session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of critical components, recognize the significance of assessing client readiness through effective discovery, and grasp the resource requirements essential for establishing a robust core product.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the significance of standardized onboarding
• Identify key components of client onboarding
• Apply effective discovery to explore client readiness
• Analyze resource requirements for a robust core product

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how instituting a new pricing model is a driver for setting your broader business-model change in motion.
• Identify alternate approaches to pricing that capture the firm's true value and align with client success.
• Identify five ways to de-commoditize the firm, position for greater worth, and command better prices.
• Identify 10 specific actions to begin transforming the firm and “price differently.”

This course is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the energy tax credits and incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. Participants will understand the various types of projects / property that may be eligible for a tax incentives and the processes to secure the incentive for their organization. We will discuss the implications of these incentives on all types of entities and how these entities can retain the full potential benefit.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will understand the various renewable energy tax incentives available to entities of all kinds with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
• The participant will have the ability to identify potential opportunities for their organization or clients to utilize the credits and incentives related to renewable energy projects under the Inflation Reduction Act.

This session will explore the complex world of partnership basis adjustments. We will explore when a partnership is permitted to make basis adjustments, as well as when basis adjustments are mandatory. The session will include a discussion of the allocation of basis adjustments to partnership property and give consideration to planning around this complex tax area.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize when optional basis adjustments can be made.
• Distinguish the different adjustments available under Sec. 743 and Sec. 734.
• Recognize planning opportunities around partnership basis adjustments.

As your CAS practice grows and expands, your technology must evolve to meet your service needs. Join these thought leaders to examine the process you’ll need to move beyond the core elements of a CAS practice tech-stack and consider the analysis and selection of new solutions. Learn how planning for technology to enable robust business insights offerings can support success for your clients and firm.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize that your practice’s tech stack must change as your service offerings evolve.
• Analyze the extendable functionality of your current tech stack and the gaps that need to be filled.
• Evaluate new software based on client verticals and high-value advisory service offerings.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze SOC reporting quality.
• Identify considerations related to communicating and escalating report weaknesses.
• Identify independence and peer review process considerations.

Join Justworks' VP of Accounting, Sarah Syme, for a discussion about what accounting and finance teams need to keep top of mind for M&A transactions. Sarah has led M&A deals at companies like Etsy, and most recently overseen Justworks' acquisition of Via in 2023. She will share insight from her experiences throughout her career, and guests will leave with key takeaways about what considerations need to be made before, during, and post transaction.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify takeaways about what considerations need to be made before, during, and post transaction
• Recognize and gain a deeper understanding of M&A transactions from a seasoned expert

In this session, we will explore innovative strategies and tools to streamline audit processes. Learn how to leverage technology to integrate your workflow, enhance collaboration among team members, and improve the overall efficiency of your audits. During this short but informative session, Andrea Hearn will share best practices and real-life examples to help you optimize your digital audit workflows and achieve greater productivity.

Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your accounting firm's auditing practices and stay ahead of the competition.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize best practices to optimize the digital audit workflow.
• Identify steps to improve efficiency and achieve greater audit productivity.

Imagine you had an extra 2 hours in your day – what would you do with it? What can AI help augment at your firm to give you time back? Join us for interactive tech demo showcasing 5 solutions that CPA firms can implement immediately.

WAKE UP with Jeff Cook, a 4th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu (Okinawan) Karate and join this session to empower yourself with essential skills to stay safe and confident. Learn practical techniques to boost your awareness, defend yourself in various situations, and gain the confidence you need to protect yourself. Suitable for all levels, this session equips you with the tools to navigate the world with greater peace of mind.

What if you could be the tax professional who delivers every piece of the financial planning puzzle to your clients? By offering fee-based wealth management, you can expand your relationships and your business. In this educational session, you will gain a deeper understanding of: *The pros and cons of getting licensed versus creating a solicitor relationship *The practical aspects of financial advising you may not be familiar with *How to grow your business with financial advising, including the areas you may need support in *Identifying client segments and the unique needs of each *What it means to add financial planning as a core service And much more. Attending this session from AssetMark will give you a clearer picture of how you may want your accounting firm to evolve for the future.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategic growth opportunities for your firm
• Recognize the potential value of adding wealth management to your business.
• Estimate what you offer your high-net-worth clients today, along with the extra services you may want to add.

The world of accounting has shifted quickly, and private equity investors have changed the game and players in the industry. Hear from Platform Accounting Group founder and CEO Reyes Florez, who has acquired and operated independent firms for more than a decade. He'll discuss what the latest PE trends mean for the "boutique" end of the market and how local firms can stay relevant in the face of the challenges they are facing when it comes to talent, technology and growth.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how private equity is transforming the accounting industry and its impact on independent firms.
• Identify the current challenges the accounting industry is facing and how the right partner and support can provide a lifeline.

Kickstart your day at ENGAGE 2024 with our ENGAGE Live Studio Morning Welcome! Join our hosts, ENGAGE Chairs, Greg Bedard and Lindsay Stevenson, as they provide an overview of the day's agenda, highlighting key sessions, activities, and events you won't want to miss—both on-site and virtually.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key strategies necessary to be an effective and impactful manager.
• Distinguish the difference between commanding and connecting with your staff and why it matters.
• Recognize how to shift from surviving to thriving as a manager.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the artificial intelligence tools available for use in professional practices.
• Identify artificial intelligence tools’ practical applications for enhancing firm operations.
• Recognize how to strategically reposition your firm using AI to maintain competitiveness in a changing professional landscape.

The political landscape is changing faster than ever as the presidential and congressional elections approach. This election will be particularly critical for tax policy as built-in changes to the tax code will force lawmakers to consider sweeping reform in 2025. This session will cover the major issues affecting the profession, including the outlook for IRS funding and enforcement efforts, the chances for restoring key business provisions, efforts to crack down on high-income and estate tax planning, and the fate of expiring provisions.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the connection between the current political landscape and profession-specific issues.
• Identify the outlook for key tax issues and the impact on businesses and the profession.

The emergence of investor demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures has rapidly placed the finance function front-and-center in all things sustainability related. While the primary focus is often on climate change and public company reporting requirements, the scope of sustainability issues is broad. In addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and waste are critical environmental concerns. On the social and governance front, for many businesses, the primary focus is on their employees, customers, and communities. Whether you are a publicly held or privately owned company, small or large, taking a strategic approach to sustainability is imperative. Attend this session to learn how leading companies are developing an ESG roadmap that also creates opportunities to innovate, influence customer behavior, and improve efficiency in operations.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the primary characteristics of today’s sustainability landscape.
• Identify the ESG issues that are most relevant to your organization.
• Determine ideas for an ESG strategy that will be best suited to your organization.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, aligning enterprise risks with company strategy is crucial for ensuring the organization’s risk management framework supports its long-term objectives and competitive position. This alignment allows for proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks that could impede strategic goals. Reporting these risks to executive leaders and the Board of Directors is essential for informed decision-making, enabling them to understand the risk landscape, prioritize resources effectively, and ensure that risk management practices are integrated into the strategic planning process. This session on risk assessment is designed to equip risk management professionals with essential skills to identify, evaluate, and report risks effectively, thereby reducing the impact of potential threats. During this small panel Q&A format session, we’ll hear from two seasoned risk leaders (Jennifer Horton, VP of Internal Audit, Designer Brands; and LaToya Lacey, VP, Enterprise Risk Management & Insurance, Estee Lauder Companies) and gain their perspectives on how they manage risks at their companies.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the importance of aligning enterprise risks with company strategy in today's dynamic business environment, including the processes for proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic risks.
• Recall insights from experienced risk management professionals on reporting risks to executive leaders and the Board of Directors, ensuring they have the necessary information for informed decision-making.

This session will include a discussion of common fraud schemes (e.g., check tampering and abuse of company credit cards), steps auditors can take to identify and respond to them, and recommendations that auditors can share with clients to help them mitigate the risks of fraud. Using a “back-to-basics” approach, the session will also cover some tried and true practices that auditors can use to identify, assess, and respond to the risks of fraud in both virtual and in-person audits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify risk factors associated with inadequate control environments that facilitate the occurrence of common fraud schemes.
• Identify actions available to both management and those charged with governance to mitigate the risk of fraud within their organizations.
• Use a presumptive mindset to a more investigative rather than a presumptive mindset when brainstorming about fraud risks.
• Identify leading practices that auditors can use for identifying, assessing and responding to the risks of fraud.

Based on survey information, the revenue account has been involved in more than half the frauds uncovered over the years. Today, auditors are expected to assess revenues for existence and completeness, and for aspects of accuracy. Revenue recognition involving contracts with customers can be tricky, and when simply considering tolerable misstatement and the revenue account balance can lead to outrageous sample sizes. The chair of the task force that wrote the auditing chapter in the 2019 A&A guide for Revenue Recognition will lead you through the guide’s suggestions as well as other literature suggesting various approaches for achieving the desired level of assurance. In addition, the session will walk through a case study based on an actual inquiry to show how the various strategies can be used to audit the revenue account. Documentation is important to communicate what was done and what was considered and will be illustrated through the case study.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the guidance in the A&A Revenue Recognition and other guides that help you design an efficient and effective approach to auditing revenues.
• Assess an illustration of applying guidance to a revenue account.
• Evaluate the various strategies and tools available for auditing the revenue account.

Is control monitoring or testing a candidate for automation? Whether you are management, an internal auditor, or an external auditor, join us to learn about how control test automation may be implemented and tested in an organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the concept of control test automation and when it might be applied
• Recognize potential audit-related considerations associated with control test automation

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basic 529 plan rules that apply for Federal income tax purposes.
• Compare state rules regarding 529 plans.
• Identify planning opportunities and challenges when changing 529 plan beneficiaries.
• Select the appropriate 529 plan for clients.
• Analyze advanced 529 plan planning opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how uncertainty requires spending flexibility when designing a retirement income plan.
• Determine the impact of investment risk on the range of possible spending paths.
• Recognize why annuities change the spending path by reducing longevity and interest rate risk.
• Determine how to incorporate preference for early or later-retirement spending into a retirement income plan.

With the insurance marketplace turbulence across the country, this presentation will explore creative ways to reduce costs, understand your risk and put a reserve away for coverage that may no longer be available. This session will speak on personal insurance coverage for auto, home, valued items, umbrella, and other family-related coverages affecting every household across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify creative strategies to reduce costs and put away reserves, focusing on personal coverage for auto, home, and other family-related policies
• Recognize the current turbulence in the insurance marketplace, including risk assessment

We will explore the untapped potential of three essential sources: professionals who provide services to our businesses, our non-accountant team members, and the candid feedback from our clients. By harnessing these diverse perspectives, we can effectively streamline our operations, foster innovation, and drive unmatched client satisfaction.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify external expertise to improve internal processes.
• Recognize how to improve clients’ experience by empowering non-accountant team members.
• Distinguish how to hire and utilize staff members with unique backgrounds.
• Recognize the power of client feedback.
• Indicate how to implement what you’ve learned in your organization.

With ChatGPT ushering in broad awareness and overnight engagement with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by over 100 million people, CPA.com is taking the lead to demystify the early use cases of GenAI for the profession. CPA.com is also engaging with the technology ecosystem to understand how this platform will be incorporated into virtually all solutions that firms use daily. In this session, we will break down five unique use-cases of generative AI in the accounting and finance profession, provide a toolkit for practitioners to build their AI strategy, and leverage practical application of the emerging technology. Attendees will also meet the 2024 Startup Accelerator companies, a cohort of AI-focused solution providers. The Association (unified voice of AICPA & CIMA) and CPA.com launched a shark-tank-style startup accelerator seven years ago, focusing on Accounting, Finance, and Regulatory tech solutions. Its purpose is to foster innovation and assist emerging technologies to better understand and service the accounting profession. Investment into new technologies and solutions is critical for not only staying ahead of the curve but providing client-centric services.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify trends in GenAI that are impacting the profession and your role.
• Identify lessons learned when designing new tech for business.
• Recognize the seven cohorts of the 2024 Association and CPA.com Startup Accelerator.
• Indicate how you can leverage AI to be ahead of mass adoption.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine when it is beneficial to include the Privacy category in a SOC 2 Report.
• Determine which privacy criteria are relevant to an entity.
• Distinguish the relationship between a SOC 2 report and assessing compliance with privacy regulations.

Broadcasting live from Las Vegas, join AmplifiHER host Jeannine K Brown, AICPA & CIMA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee Chair and CEO of Everyday Lead, and special guest Sue Coffey, CEO of Public Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, in the ENGAGE Live Studio for an insightful fireside chat on Sue’s journey and her advice for women in the profession. For more conversations like this one, join us this November 11-13, 2024 in Bellevue, WA for the AICPA & CIMA Women’s Global Leadership Summit.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the key considerations when starting a CPA firm.
• Identify the process of starting a CPA firm.
• Recognize the various ways to establish or acquire a book of business.

PLANNING FOR SUNSET WITHOUT BANKRUPTING YOUR CLIENT The middle is often a difficult place to occupy in life. For those of modest wealth, the plan is simple – do nothing. For the very wealthy, the first step is equally simple – consume the entire BEA with gifts ASAP. However, for those in the middle, unsure how the estate tax will apply to their last dollar of accumulated wealth, planning is quite difficult. The best tax-math planning is often to “bankrupt” the client by giving away all their assets during life, however this is even less appealing than paying estate tax. Therefore, planning for those in the middle requires creativity and a variety of options. This course will cover the challenges and opportunities of estate planning over the coming year.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the core mathematics of the estate tax and income tax at death/gift.
• Evaluate the dilemma facing a person undertaking estate planning with $5-15M of accumulated wealth.
• Compare solutions to minimize taxation at death while retaining financial security.

This session will discuss significant tax regulations, rulings, and court decisions from the past year that impact all types of business entities. Developments involve deductions, and available tax credit and method changes. We will also include developments to watch. Diligence and planning considerations will be discussed throughout.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify planning opportunities and compliance points based on significant tax developments of the past year.
• Explore due diligence actions of tax devleopments.
• Understand tax developments impacting business entities.

Financial executives often find themselves navigating a gray area as they seek to adhere to sound financial standards while at the same time attempting to align with ownership objectives. This often creates situations where judgment is necessary and finding a middle ground is challenging. This session will provide a debate style format between a CEO and a CFO, both of whom will openly discuss the merits and rationale behind when you should adhere to your professional principles and when it might be acceptable to conform to a competing view.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish when to be the CF-No versus the CF-Know.
• Identify what drives differences of opinion between financial and operational professionals.
• Recognize common situations where you may find it difficult to align with the business objectives and how to resolve those differing opinions.

What separates good teams from great teams? In this session learn the next phase of what studies show are the key differentiators between high performance teams that accomplish goals faster, more efficient and effectively and those who don’t. Learn what liberates good teams to be great and the art of how high collaboration is achieved. Learn the attributes of leader dexterity to embrace and avoid for highest team retention, a culture of belonging and results.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the fundamentals of high-performing teams.
• Identify what dexterity is needed to get the most from all team members.
• Distinguish the notion of risk and competing priorities in team dynamics.
• Recall tools to practice team leadership for best outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of coordinating asset titling with an estate plan.
• Identify best practices to address POD accounts and coordinate with a client’s estate plan.

This course will guide you through reading and interpreting an appraisal for gift, estate, and charitable purposes. We will focus on the critical elements an appraisal must encompass for charitable substantiation and adequate disclosure purposes. The course will also help you identify questions you should ask your appraiser and keep you informed about the latest trends and IRS activities around valuations. Your instructors, specialists in valuation and tax reporting, will provide you with a holistic understanding of the subject matter, ensuring you grasp the interconnectedness of these two domains.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how to read a valuation report and how to identify key components for gift, estate, and charitable purposes.
• Identify the importance of a qualified appraisal for adequate disclosure purposes for gift tax returns.
• Distinguish the components of a charitable appraisal that are necessary to meet charitable substantiation requirements.
• Identify common valuation report missteps to avoid and associated questions you should ask your appraiser.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall key changes in requirements associated with SAS 145
• Recognize how to scale the requirements in SAS 145 to perform an effective and efficient risk assessment
• Identify available resources related to SAS 145 and its scalability

The objective of a review is to obtain limited assurance primarily by performing analytical procedures and inquiries, as a basis for reporting whether the accountant is aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for the statements to be in conformity with the applicable financial reporting framework. This session will discuss the AICPA's Analytics Practice Aid for Reviews to clarify best practices related to analytical procedures and obtaining review evidence.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply a model for determining the level of evidence needed for a review.
• Identify analytical procedures to provide the necessary level of review evidence.
• Identify evidence and perform additional procedures.

This session will cover hot topics including nonattest services, fee dependency, simultaneous employment, and private equity investments in firms. Using case scenarios, the session will also explore how to evaluate the impact relationships have on independence when the code does not provide specific guidance.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine guidance in applying the appropriate level of professional judgment during independence evaluations, including best practices that you could consider.
• Apply your knowledge of new and emerging topics, including how the Online Ethics Library can help you with your evaluations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the advantages of simultaneously optimizing across multiple accounts versus separate account-by-account optimization.
• Assess how simultaneous multiple account optimization helps with overall tax-efficiency through tax-efficient asset location, tax-loss harvesting, and tax-efficient investment selection.
• Evaluate how simultaneous multiple account optimization is the basis for making unbiased rollover decisions.

Medicare is the health insurance for most people when they become 65 years of age. Knowledge in this area is important for every practitioner because we all get older each day.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basics of Medicare Parts A, B C and D.
• Determine what clients who become age 65 need to do if they are retired or if they keep working.
• Determine if Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is appropriate for you or your clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate one method of analysis for all ways of paying for long-term care.
• Identify the hurdles to getting precise results.
• Identify an agenda for future research.

Join Trina Rozen, CPA, CFE for a revealing session on professional burnout, the best kept secret in accounting profession. Trina takes participants on the road to recovery from professional burnout, at both the individual and firm levels. From client relationship management through specialization as a process to productivity, participants will leave the session with tools and actionable advice for the areas of struggle in accounting profession.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify tools for client management.
• Identify tools for addressing conflict with clients.
• Identify tools for everyday productivity.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine a method to gain firm leadership buy-in and executive sponsorship for the evolution of your client advisory services (CAS) offerings.
• Recognize key decisions that will protect the firm brand while unlocking success for the CAS staff, clients and practice.
• Identify the right framework for the firm’s CAS vision.

Learning Objectives:

• Estimate important metrics involved in the BIA process, including recovery time objectives, recovery point objectives, and maximum tolerable downtime.
• Recognize which events will have the greatest impact on the critical business functions in your organization.
• Distinguish between the BIA process and the Risk Assessment process.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the latest trends in SOC and third-party risk management engagements.
• Identify the risks in SOC and third-party risk management engagements.
• Apply considerations for recent and potential regulatory changes.

Back by popular demand! Join us for a fun tour of the ENGAGE 24 Exhibit Hall, hosted by our very own Tiffany Robinson. This segment brings the in-person excitement to our online attendees, showcasing the latest innovations and key exhibitors. Don't forget to visit the exhibitor listings online to explore even more!

Delegation — We know we must, but we still don’t! Without delegation, there is no room for our own learning, growing, or work-life balance. And the development of our team members and leverage of our firm resources suffers, too. Great leaders delegate well, and they strive to “up their game” and delegate with more clarity, specificity, and empowerment. Attend this master class on delegation where we'll address your delegation fears; learn a delegation framework; recognize steps to hold others accountable for delegation; and identify common delegation pitfalls. We’ll also muster the courage to say "no" without it feeling like pushback or lack of teamwork. Join us for a fun, interactive discussion on empowering and developing others through powerful delegation!

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the six steps to delegate with clarity and how to apply them.
• Identify the delegation pitfalls that most commonly afflict you and how they impact the culture and effectiveness of your team.
• Recognize ways to say "no" and prioritize and negotiate new requests.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the interplay between a pour over will and a revocable trust.
• Recognize the significance of formula provisions in a trust agreement and how they work.
• Analyze typical language in a trust agreement pertaining to distributions of income and principal and connect this language with preparation of the fiduciary income tax return.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify alternatives for filing a grantor trust tax return.
• Recognize situations when a partial grantor trust return is required.
• Recognize the impact of when grantor trust status terminates during life.

The session covers the role of Forensic Accountants within the FBI from case inception to conviction. Using two case studies, the presenters will provide a detailed view on financial investigations, fraud detection, and data analysis. The first case study explores the new frontier of cryptocurrency, specifically in investigating sophisticated international scam networks. The second case study covers the tracing of international money movements in an espionage case involving a former U.S. intelligence officer.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the techniques of fraud detection: identifying red flags and analyzing financial anomalies.
• Recognize the application of data analysis and forensic tools to uncover international money movements.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key challenges in building and managing a cybersecurity and risk advisory practice.
• Recognize success stories and best practices.
• Recognize the evolving cybersecurity and technology risk landscape.
• Identify actionable strategies for building and managing a cybersecurity and risk advisory practice.

In this session, we'll discuss some of the functions of automated tools that clients are using for their governance, risk, and compliance programs as well as the tools that auditors are using for the audits they perform. This course will cover what these tools do, how they function, and the benefits of their use related to SOC 2 and other compliance frameworks. The session will also dive into some of the FAQs around using these tools and what to watch for when using them as a part of governance or the audit process.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze how different tools operate from the perspective of the client and auditor.
• Identify what automated GRC tools do in SOC 2 and other audits.
• Determine the benefits and risks associated with the use of automated tools.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify best practices for building an LGBTQ ERG.
• Identify your organization’s needs.
• Identify the importance of LGBTQ ERGs.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the basic elements of the income taxation of estates and trusts.
• Recognize the distribution system and how the taxable income is allocated between the entity and beneficiaries.
• Identify how the income taxation of trust and estates are taxed and reported on a Form 1041.

This session provides information essential to all Peer Reviewers and includes an overview of the recent developments and "hot topics" in the Peer Review Program.

Note: This session satisfies the Peer Review Update requirement for Team and Review Captains. Firms subject to Peer Review may benefit from attending this session.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify significant elements of the 2023 Department of Labor Audit Quality Study
• Recall the most significant changes to the Peer Review standards proposed by PRSU No. 2
• Recognize common trends being seen by Peer Reviewers

Attend this session to learn insights, lessons, and best practices related to the implementation of the FASB’s credit impairment model for financial assets based on current expected credit losses (CECL) at non-financial institutions. The application of CECL to non-banks had broad impacts and practitioners will benefit from seeing how others handled the implementation challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess technical literature and other practice guidance relevant to addressing the topics covered in this session.
• Interpret significant lessons related to the implementation of the current expected credit loss model at non-financial institutions.
• Evaluate the impacts of the current expected credit loss model on recognition, measurement and disclosure.

In this session, you will learn from two experts about the characteristics, challenges, and opportunities of investing in two of the most popular passion assets: fine wine and art. Passion assets, including collectibles, are a unique category of alternative investments (which are different from conventional investments like stocks and bonds) that appeal to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate their aesthetic, cultural, or historical value. Unlike traditional financial assets, investing in passion assets is often driven by emotional factors and personal preferences, rather than purely economic considerations. Join to learn more about the asset class of passion assets, including how, why, and whether to invest in them, how to manage these assets, and the opportunities they present, including Next Gen planning.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish passion assets’ attractive returns, diversification benefits, tax advantages, and intergenerational wealth transfer opportunities.
• Compare their different risk-return profiles and correlations to traditional investments.
• Identify the intricacies of investing in passion assets including the issues and importance of liquidity, storage and provenance, how to conduct thorough research, perform due diligence, and seek expert guidance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify why client satisfaction and loyalty are not enough for your desired growth.
• Recognize how to maximize the client journey to become super referable.
• Identify five ways to promote introductions to get them without asking.
• Recognize how to get “referred up” to higher-level clients.
• Select techniques to turn a referral into a solid introduction, so prospects are eager to hear from you, receptive to an appointment, and even call you.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the problem Bitcoin seeks to solve.
• Identify the underlying innovation of Bitcoin.
• Analyze the challenges and risks Bitcoin faces.
• Analyze whether Bitcoin is a viable long-term asset or merely a bubble.

When it comes to insurance strategies, there are layers of opportunity to improve your client’s lives. The integration of various insurance strategies into a financial plan are key to determining outcomes that achieve the client’s goals. Through the transition of theory into application, clients begin to develop confidence in retirement income and risk management strategies. This session takes into consideration important technical aspects to consider when applying retirement income strategies, practical analysis for the selection of product solutions, and how theory and product solutions integrate into the financial plan. The discussion will range from the most basic level, where policies that have not been reviewed for years create new options that can be evaluated to best fit your client’s needs today. Surprising considerations may arise with old policies. Another consideration is what to know prior to the integration of an annuity into the retirement planning process. We will also touch upon practical essentials on what is often left out of the planning process for purchasing personal and property casualty insurance. It is essential to view risk management planning within the context of a financial plan and develop solutions and structures that fit well over time and adapt to changing circumstances.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the benefit of using annuities in retirement income strategies from a technical perspective.
• Determine income annuity considerations from a product and implementation perspective.
• Apply retirement income strategies from a financial planning perspective working with client examples.
• Compare the impact of different life insurance structures over time.

Small firm succession can be anything owners want it to be with the proper planning. If you are actively working toward succession or merely trying to figure out the vision for your firm, this session will provide value for those deliberations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the appropriate succession strategy.
• Identify the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the practice.
• Recognize techniques for elevating the firm’s talent.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the various stages at which a tax controversy can be resolved and the pros and cons of each.
• Analyze practical tips for minimizing audit risk.
• Identify how the Corporate Transparency Act could affect tax enforcement.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what to look for in SOC engagements related to common issues and exceptions.
• Determine how to advise clients when reviewing and responding to common issues and exceptions.

AICPA& CIMA's Future of Finance group of leaders from the some of the biggest and best brands still rank attraction and retention of accounting and finance staff as a key concern.  The AICPA's Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners offers a new way to hire and to also upskill staff with the skills needed for the future.

Hear stories of from the early adopters of the program and how you can get started with solving some of your talent concerns.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize why talent is such a big concern for corporate accounting and finance employers.
• Recall the Professional Apprenticeship Program.
• Identify how to implement a Professional Apprenticeship Program in your organization.

Focusing on client experience will grow your firm’s business. After all, happy clients contribute to a robust referral pipeline. But what is it about your firm and expertise that clients really want? Join CPA.com and a CAS practitioner in a panel discussion on the top-ranking value drivers for SMBs' relationship with their accounting firm and how firms can deliver that value through increased efficiencies, new services, and the ability to provide next-level insights as trusted advisors.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the immediate next steps you can take to retain and attract clients in your client advisory services practice.
• Recall expert advice on best practices that lead to high hireability.
• Recognize the unique drivers of client happiness in your firm and market.
• Indicate how your firm can make improvements to your technology, service areas, or client experience.

Join your peers to exchange ideas on managing an efficient and profitable tax practice. This interactive workshop will explore creative solutions for enhancing firm operations, productivity and performance. We'll provide insights for reimagining a tax practice for longevity and success.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the top practice management challenges facing tax practitioners.
• Recognize ways to strategically position a tax practice for success.
• Identify available resources to support firm's practice management strategies.

Come learn about the strategic direction at the AICPA and beyond for the personal financial planning and the PFS Credential. Focusing our direction where the profession is going gives you the value you want from the PFP Division. This session will provide both an understanding of the future opportunities and an opportunity to provide feedback as we continue to hone our strategic direction.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish the critical milestones and current environment that the CPA financial planners face.
• Identify the trends and future concerns that will impact firms, employees, and clients.

Join us for an enlightening and interactive Q&A session with technology expert David Cieslak, also known as Inspector Gadget. Following his captivating session, "Inspector Gadget 2024," David will delve deeper into the cutting-edge tech trends that are reshaping our world. From AI and 5G to blockchain and electric vehicles, this segment will provide you with an opportunity to ask your burning questions and gain further insights into the innovations driving the digital era. Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Selling the firm you've invested so much of your time and energy in is a major decision that comes with heavy emotions and potential room for error. Do not go into that process uninformed or unprepared. Noah Beery, director of finance and corporate development at Platform Accounting Group, will share five considerations for firm leaders as they start the acquisition process, whether that's in six months or 10 years.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize whether you've done the right preparation before you start the selling or transition process.
• Identify a partner that will help you evolve and grow your firm in a sustainable way.

Efficient and seamless workflows are critical to meeting client expectations and to the success of your firm. But challenges often emerge around onboarding, document gathering and collaboration, timely communication, and client management.

Get the latest updates on accounting innovations from ShareFile during our tech demo session. Learn how ShareFile helps you manage and automate document and client-centric processes to create efficiency, reduce complexity, and improve client satisfaction. Discover ShareFile's purpose-built solution for accounting pros like you with automation that drives efficiency, predefined and customizable workflows that simplify client and staff work, and security that doesn't get in the way of user experience.

Join us for a compelling Q&A session with DEI expert Tracey Walker as he delves deeper into the insights from his impactful sessions on inclusion safety and high-performing teams. Building on the principles discussed in "Inclusion Safety: The Secret Sauce to Talent Success" and "Inclusion and High Performing Teams: A For All Approach to Business Growth and Success," Tracey will address the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments where all team members can thrive. Discover strategies to maximize perspectives, navigate barriers, and enhance team performance through a culture of belonging. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Tracey, ask your questions, and learn how to foster high-performing, inclusive teams.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the benefits and opportunities of the CPA designation.
• Recall lessons learned from previous experiences to assist future CPAs.
• Indicate what the future holds for the CPA profession.

The U.S. retirement market was roughly $33.6 trillion at the end of 2022, and more than half of those assets were held in IRAs and similar defined contribution plans. Much of that wealth rests in the hands of an aging Baby Boomer generation, and financial advisors will play a critical role in passing these assets along to clients’ beneficiaries as intended, and as tax efficiently as possible. Sometimes, that may require using a trust as an IRA beneficiary. But while these tools can be incredibly effective at protecting and preserving wealth, they can also add considerable cost and complexity to a plan, especially in light of changes made by the SECURE Act. In this session, attendees will learn about some of the biggest pros and cons of leaving an IRA to a trust, as well as the critical IRA trust rules they must know in order to properly guide clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the difference between the treatment of see-through trusts and non-see-through trusts.
• Discover the different types of see-through trusts and how they impact the calculation and taxation of distributions
• Explore the “life cycle” of an IRA Trust
• Examine the impact of the SECURE Act on IRA trusts
• Identify common mistakes made when trusts are named as a beneficiary
• Analyze different alternatives to naming a trust as a beneficiary

This session will focus on planning for owners of estates under $13 million and why it is still important to plan. We will cover planning techniques, how and when to elect portability, filing the decedent's final tax return and the estate's fiduciary return, along with various post-mortem elections. We will also cover planning when the decedent is a shareholder in an S corp. or partner in a partnership at the time of death.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of estate planning for clients with less than $13 million.
• Determine how and when to make the portability election as opposed to conventional credit shelter planning.
• Identify the numerous post-mortem fiduciary, administrative and tax elections available for the modest estate owner when filing for portability along with the decedent's final income tax return and the estate's income tax return.

When an attest client goes bankrupt or experiences a large loss, there may be little an accountant can do to avoid being blamed for not catching something soon enough. However, there are risk management practices that all A&A practitioners can implement now to help improve their defensive position should they find themselves embroiled in litigation.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how professional liability claims arise related to the delivery of audit and attest services
• Identify practices to incorporate during the delivery of audit and attest services to help mitigate the risk of a malpractice claim
• Recognize large loss drivers in professional liability claims involving A&A services

Join us for an insightful session on the critical importance of measuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within organizations and using assessment tools as a resource. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, it is essential for companies to move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and adopt comprehensive strategies for evaluating the impact of their DEI initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key role our assessment tool can play in helping organizations gain actionable insights into their DEI progress.
• Recognize the significance of establishing clear metrics, collecting relevant data, and leveraging assessment frameworks to track and analyze diversity outcomes effectively.
• Recall various methodologies for assessing DEI performance.
• Identify areas to improve DEI assessment and performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basic mechanics of allocating GST exemption.
• Recognize the potential issues relating to allocating GST exemption.
• Identify potential remedies for errors in GST allocations.

Diverse teams tend to outperform non-diverse teams, yet many diverse team members experience challenges in advancement because they are women, minorities, or encounter other barriers in the workplace. Building allyships is one proven strategy to help advance the careers of women and others. Allies come in many forms. Members on this panel will discuss experiences with allyship, share strategies they have incorporated, and provide examples of how to identify allies who can boost career success. Hear from executives from across multiple industries about their personal experiences, lessons learned, and their advice as you navigate the challenges in your career.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the challenges in developing diversity in finance.
• Determine the benefits of allyship.
• Assess how to identify allies.
• Recognize how to be advocate for women as an ally.
• Analyze strategies and actions to implement.

This course is designed to empower professionals to harness the transformative capabilities of Generative AI (artificial intelligence) and ChatGPT. Regardless of your position, this course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate AI technologies into your daily tasks and workflows as an accounting and finance professional.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize what Generative AI and ChatGPT are, including their underlying technologies, capabilities, and limitations.
• Distinguish scenarios in which Generative AI and ChatGPT can be leveraged to enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making in a business setting.
• Select advanced features and customization options of ChatGPT and other AI tools to tailor their functionality to specific business needs and challenges.
• Identify the ethical implications of using Generative AI and ChatGPT, including data privacy, bias, and responsible usage guidelines in a professional environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess technical literature and other practice guidance relevant to addressing the topics covered in this session.
• Formulate answers to common A&A technical questions.
• Evaluate recent developments related to current A&A issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ITGC and application controls.
• Recognize the intricacies in scoping an ITGC audit.
• Recognize when a subject-matter expert (SME) is needed.

With the introduction earlier this year of spot bitcoin ETFs, interest in crypto assets has surged. This session will explore the investment merits of crypto assets, with a focus on bitcoin. The panelists will present the case for and against allocating to crypto. We will explore the intrinsic value of a crypto asset, its diversification value, its role as a hedge against inflation, and other attributes relevant to advisors.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the intrinsic value of a crypto assets.
• Identify the diversification value of crypto assets.
• Analyze whether crypto assets will be a long-term hedge against inflation.
• Identify key questions clients will ask about crypto assets.

Have you ever found yourself at a loss when client conversations veer toward life choices and emotional issues? Do you feel frustrated when clients don't fully engage with your recommendations or fail to achieve optimal results? Imagine having conversations that delve beneath the surface to uncover what truly matters to your clients. Discover the transformative potential of the coach approach. Join us to foster deeper connections, drive better results, and deliver rewarding client experiences.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish between the role of expert adviser, coach, and therapist
• Identify the diverse applications of the coach approach in your practice.
• Identify essential coaching skills to enhance client interactions, outcomes, and satisfaction.
• Apply a simple coach method to kickstart your journey.

This session will cover life insurance policy audit, products and suitability, the impact of increasing interest rates on life insurance products, lifetime gifts to fund life insurance, buy-sell insurance planning, split dollar life insurance in estate planning, and life insurance/long term care insurance hybrid products.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine whether a client's life insurance policies need updating
• Identify advanced life insurance planning strategies and recognize pitfalls in life insurance planning

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize elements of an environment of clear expectations, including fundamental leadership behaviors and strategies that will create more clarity and accountability
• Identify old norms that hold the firm back from creating a more count-on-able environment and new paradigms that fit the more-remote and flexible work world firms are operating in today
• Recognize the fundamentals of delegation and best practices for handing work off to any team member, along with specific strategies for collaborating with remote and asynchronous team members
• Identify communication models that will facilitate more intentional and consistent connection in a flexible environment

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the requirements on the date of issuance for stock to meet the definition of QSBS.
• Recognize the QSBS requirements for substantially all of a shareholder’s holding period.
• Identify planning opportunities to maximize the available QSBS exclusion.
• Recognize QSBS potential pitfalls and traps for the unwary.

Learning Objectives:

• Select technology that will meet the needs of your CAS practice.
• Identify technology solutions that your clients in vertical industries can take advantage of for better information and time savings.
• Select a technology strategy and assess the right technology fit for your practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Calculate the significance of the CITP credential in advancing a CPA's career and relevance in the tech-centric business environment.
• Analyze the specialized knowledge and skills encapsulated by the CITP designation and their application in accounting practices.
• Analyze the diverse and expanding roles of CITP professionals in the market and the escalating demand for their unique skill set.
• Distinguish the transformed role of CPAs, focusing on the foundational competencies for the ISC discipline within the CPA exam.
• Compare the ISC discipline's core principles with the CITP body of knowledge, emphasizing their interconnection.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of a quality management program for SOC practices.
• Determine how the quality management program is established and maintained.
• Analyze how to design the program to reinforce expectations for engagement delivery and in anticipation of internal inspections and peer reviews.

Join us for an inspiring recap of the community service projects, the Awards Luncheon, and more audience spotlights at ENGAGE 2024.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what creates an effective mentoring relationship and new approaches for impactful mentorship.
• Recognize how to remain flexible and adaptable in the mentoring journey while remaining true to core values.
• Identify proactive solutions to common pitfalls that can inhibit mentorship.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify rainmakers earlier in their careers.
• Recognize how to incentivize and prioritize growth appropriately.
• Identify appropriate training to create next level performance.

When an owner of a passthrough entity dies, certain tax implications may arise on both the individual and entity level. This presentation examines the various federal income tax issues to be mindful of in these circumstances. The discussion first focuses on the effect of a partner's death on a Subchapter K partnership, then examines the consequences of a shareholder's death on a Subchapter S corporation, and finally looks at the tax effects of death for the individual owner and the owner's estate and/or trust.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize required actions before and after the death of an owner.
• Identify planning opportunities for owners of S corporations and partnerships.
• Distinguish the factors that determine material participation for a trust or estate.

This session focuses on the preparation and presentation of gift tax returns involving complex estate-planning transactions, including personal residence trusts, limited partnerships and grantor retained annuity trusts, as well as pitfalls regarding GST tax issues and "adequate disclosure" requirements in preparing the return. Discussion of defending a gift tax return audit will also be covered.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the fundamental elements, as well as the nuances, of preparing a complex gift tax return.
• Evaluate tips and observations in handling a gift tax return audit.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall types of digital assets and the underlying blockchain technology
• Identify hot topics for digital assets related to accounting, auditing, and attestation
• Recall efforts of the SEC, FASB, AICPA, and others to develop digital asset guidance
• Recognize possible future developments in digital assets

Four instructors will provide a quick update on alternate value, Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)/Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI), special purpose trusts, and analyzing a trust.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize varying trust structures
• Identify when alternate value is appropriate
• Determine applicability of CTA/BOI

This session will explore the skills and challenges involved in transitioning from a CFO role to a CEO or COO position. The session will cover the key competencies required to make the transition successfully, including leadership, strategic thinking, and people management. We will also discuss the challenges that CFOs may face when moving into a CEO or COO role, such as adapting to a broader range of responsibilities and managing a larger team. The session will be led by experienced executives who have successfully made the transition from CFO to CEO or COO. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the speakers and other participants.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the key skills required to transition from a CFO role to a CEO or COO position.
• Identify the challenges that CFOs may face when moving into a CEO or COO role.
• Determine a strategy for developing the competencies required to make the transition successfully.

Emotional intelligence has been shown many times to be the differentiating factor in great leaders, strong relationships, and building high-performing teams. It enhances decision-making, improves company performance, and helps create resilience. Yet, it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Join CFO Kristine Lemanski, Aerospace Division of AssuredPartners, as she discusses her journey in developing emotional intelligence and shares some tips and tricks from resources she has used along the path.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the definition emotional intelligence
• Recognize the connection between communication and emotional intelligence
• Identify some examples of communication exhibiting strong and weak emotional intelligence
• Indicate a list of actions you take to improve your emotional intelligence

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key considerations in auditing, accounting, ethics, independence, and quality management.
• Select best practices in these areas and learn how to apply them in their day-to-day work.
• Apply practical guidance on how to navigate complex issues and challenges that arise in these areas.

The audit world is at an inflection point. Your clients want greater insights, your staff want to do higher value work, and you want your firm to be successful. Learn to keep up with trends while maintaining audit quality, efficiency and delivering value to your clients. Join our panel for a holistic view of how firms are embracing audit transformation to create better experiences for their clients and staff and moving from compliance to value. The session will focus on high-value activities, focusing on efficiency and delivering results that benefit your audit teams and your clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how to integrate responses to the needs of clients and staff while maintaining a high level of audit quality, efficiency, and value to clients.
• Analyze how firms are embracing audit transformation to create better experiences for their clients and staff.

Sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signifies a significant turning point for the income tax code. Planning for it several years in advance is critical. The rewards for thinking ahead are enormous, as are the consequences of failing to. Moreover, as we’ve seen many times in the past, sunset is likely to spur Congress to act. By examining the challenges and economic impact of sunset we can better understand what reforms may be enacted in late 2025 and how to advise clients in 2024.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify income tax code changes scheduled by statute to occur in 2026 absent action from Congress.
• Apply a framework to prognosticate changes Congress may enact before sunset.
• Compare tax planning ideas to guide clients through the transition.

Investment returns are commonly assumed to be independent (or random) across time in financial models. In reality, investments have historically exhibited varying levels of serial dependence, where the returns evolve nonrandomly for both individual investments (i.e., autocorrelation) as well as across investments. This presentation explores how these effects impact optimal portfolio allocations and notes considerable differences across investment horizons, which can be especially pronounced for more risk averse investors who are concerned with inflation risk (e.g., retirees). Overall, this research suggests investment professionals need to more actively consider serial dependence when building portfolios to ensure they are best aligned to help clients accomplish their goals.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess how risks can potentially change over time.
• Identify more efficient portfolios for clients for different time horizons based on the unique relationships that have existed among assets and risk across time.

Join us at the annual AICPA PCPS Small Firm Roundtables, where you and your firm's success take center stage! Prepare to be part of a dynamic session where you won't merely attend – you'll actively engage, learn, and thrive. With past attendees praising this session as one of the best at the Engage Conference, this year's event promises to surpass expectations. This is your opportunity to discover and exchange best practices and tools essential for conquering the ever-evolving challenges of practice management. At our roundtables, you are the expert panelist. Share and exchange actionable insights, leaving with the confidence to tackle complex company issues head-on. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of fellow practitioners, where connections are made, and innovative ideas flourish. Join us and propel your practice to new heights as you become an integral part of this dynamic and transformative session.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify practice management best practices.
• Distinguish practices that enhance firm efficiency.
• Distinguish practices that foster client-centric approaches.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify signs that you're not ready for the AI revolution.
• Determine the steps required to level-up and get ready.
• Analyze people-process-data-technology strategies that help you stay ahead of the competition.

We are on a journey in which artificial intelligence (AI) will transform how we use internet technology (IT) both in business and in our personal lives. Understanding AI and how service organizations could use it in their systems will be critical to SOC practitioners going forward. This session will help you formulate a plan to assist your clients in understanding the implication of AI on their SOC reports and assess its impact on your engagement risk.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the types of AI and their potential impacts on systems used by service organizations.
• Recognize the effect of AI on the processes and controls at service organizations.
• Identify AICPA and profession efforts to understand and provide guidance when AI is material to the subject matter of an attest engagement.
• Identify when AI is relevant to your understanding of the service organization’s system and the risk of material misstatement.

Join hosts ENGAGE Chairs, Marty Finn, Lindsay Stevenson, Gred Bedard, Jim Boomer, and Mike Brand online in the ENGAGE Live Studio for highlights from the week & what you can look forward to for the last day of the conference.

To navigate globalization and an evolving global order, accounting and finance leaders must analyze economic risks when considering investments or market exposure. But to spot crucial opportunities and manage risk, they must also understand the political factors and trends changing our world in real-time. Whether it’s increasingly contentious relations between China and the United States, a potential new incoming US President, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a more complex regulatory environment in Europe, a newly global focus from India, surges of populism in Latin America, or heightened competition in Africa, political analyst and entrepreneur Ian Bremmer will detail how the current geopolitical landscape will shape the future of global order and business.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the broader trends effecting the future global balance of power.
• Identify potential political risk and its relation to economic opportunities.
• Distinguish opportunities and dangers of multilayered relations between countries.

Join us for an inspiring segment where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Carla McCall and Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, recently honored on Forbes 2024 America's Top CPAs List. In this session, Carla and Kimberly will share their journeys to the top, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the innovative practices that have propelled their careers. Gain valuable insights from their success stories and learn what it takes to excel in the accounting profession. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from two of the industry's most influential leaders.

Gallup Inc. believes “employee engagement remains an essential requirement for producing high-quality work. The organizations that learn to develop a culture of engagement and high performance have a competitive edge, positioning them for success regardless of the changes they encounter.” Many organizations struggle with building such culture because they are stuck in old ways of management, in survival mode, or just don’t know where to start. Join the session to discuss the true needs of employees and learn what you can do to improve employee engagement.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize what employee engagement is and why it’s important.
• Identify the five needs of employees and what you can do to meet these needs.
• Recognize the 12 statements you should evaluate to address the basic, individual, teamwork, and growth elements of Gallup’s employee engagement model.
• Identify an action plan to improve employee engagement on your team and in your organization.

Join us in our first-ever "Accounting Across Ages" panel where we explore the dynamic intersection of timeless wisdom, cutting-edge innovation, and the pursuit of work-life balance in the realm of accounting. Our trio of presenters will delve into key insights that span generations, showcase innovative approaches shaping the future of accounting, and discuss strategies for achieving the work-life balance you want based on your priorities and where you are in your career. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from people who have been in your shoes, and learn to better understand the various priorities your leaders, coworkers- maybe even the people you manage!- are dealing with.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the priorities of various generations of accountants.
• Identify how to free up time with innovation and ruthless prioritization.
• Recognize wisdom from people who have years of professional experience.
• Indicate ways to build a better sense of grace for yourself and understanding for your colleagues.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify issues currently being raised by the IRS in estate and gift tax audits.
• Identify strategies for preemptively addressing these issues at the estate planning level.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the impact of real estate transactions on estates and trusts from a planning standpoint and on the ultimate taxation of the transaction.
• Analyze tangential concepts and ideas that touch real estate taxations such as 1031 deferred exchanges and state tax withholding situations that then drop down to beneficiaries or heirs.
• Identify how the real estate is to be handled from a vesting standpoint that ultimately can affect how the taxation on the sale of the real property is treated.

For a decade, estate planning advisors operated in an interest rate environment where the applicable federal rate (and Section 7520 rate) were historically low and essentially stable. Over the last two years, that environment has changed, with interest rates increasing and showing signs of volatility month-to-month, which can have real world impacts on how clients achieve their objectives. This session will tackle the world of planning in a changing interest rate environment with a focus on the analysis of advanced estate planning techniques that thrive — or falter — as interest rates change.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the role interest rates play in the success or failure of advanced estate planning techniques
• Assess the trusts, transfers, and planning opportunities most suited for changing interest rate environments

How do you keep pace with a high growth business and deliver business capabilities to the strategy and vision of the organization? Rachael Crump, Chief Accounting Officer for solutions integrator Insight Enterprises Inc, shares candid and practical examples of breaking down transformation into manageable goals. Focusing on the dimensions of process, technology, and data? Forget people at your peril! Transformation is fundamentally about people and depends largely on the mindset, education, and skill sets of the team. In this session Rachael will share some key insights into preparing her talent and workforce for change across the areas of right skills, right places, right time, and right assistance.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the right mix of skills needed now and in the future
• Recognize what ways of working are needed and align talent to those ways
• Identify the quick wins and areas of highest priority
• Determine what automation and AI solutions may help enhance skill levels

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the FASB’s upcoming agenda consultation process as well as completed and current projects resulting from the FASB’s 2021 agenda consultation process.
• Recognize other recently issued FASB standards and related transition guidance.
• Recognize the FASB’s post-implementation review process and how it supports the successful implementation of standards.

Editor's Choice is the presentation of a feature article that showcases the cutting-edge research and insights of a leading scholar in the field of financial planning. Please join us for an interactive session with American College’s Michael Finke who will present his recent article from the Financial Planning Review, “The unsophisticated ‘sophisticated’: Old age and the accredited investors definition.” The presentation reviews the research on age and decline in financial decision-making capabilities and discusses the policy and practice challenges to advising older clients. Financial advisors need to be aware of the challenges and risks of advising older clients who are accredited investors and provide appropriate guidance and education. Being an accredited investor does not mean being a savvy investor. Older investors are, on average, more likely to meet accredited investor thresholds and, yet, may face more challenges and dangers than younger ones if they have lower financial literacy or deteriorating cognitive ability. Older investors may therefore by more vulnerable to fraud, exploitation, or poor outcomes in the market for unregistered securities. Learn about the current definition of accredited investor and its implications for older investors. Finke will present evidence from the study that shows how older accredited investors are less likely to have high financial sophistication than younger nonaccredited investors. We will also explore ways to protect and educate older accredited investors and improve the screening mechanism for unregistered securities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the factors that influence the financial sophistication and decision-making of older investors, such as financial literacy, cognitive ability, and susceptibility to fraud.
• Apply study findings to assess the level of financial sophistication of their older clients who are accredited investors.
• Select strategies to protect and educate older clients who are accredited investors and advocate for a more nuanced screening mechanism for unregistered securities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the brain’s decision-making process and the limitations of rational thinking on decision making.
• Apply behavioral finance concepts to how clients are engaged and communicated to as part of the financial planning process.
• Apply behavioral finance concepts to reshape planning recommendations so that they are better communicated to clients in order to better facilitate client implementation.

Our world has been stricken with catastrophic events and suffered perils in the past few years that have people questioning their protection. This session will assist the participant by providing guidance and information pertaining to the appeals process for various coverages when claims have been denied. The speakers share their significant experience in the claims and appeals process facilitating better results for clients. After this session, participants will be more confident in providing risk management services for their clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the types of coverage and the exclusions typically contained within insurance policies.
• Identify how to file an appeal with your carrier and efficiently utilize the process to seek better outcomes for your clients.
• Recognize why you should be performing this valuable service for your clients.

With the labor shortage and increasing cost of talent for accounting firms, many firms have started engaging an offshore team, but there are a few key questions that you should first consider if you want this to be a successful strategy for your firm. What are the best practices to recruit, how do you develop your staff, and how do you manage an offshore team to accomplish the goals of your organization? In this session we will cover these topics and provide more practical tips that can help you implement a successful offshoring strategy.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize why companies are engaging offshore teams.
• Identify strategies for hiring the right offshoring team.
• Compare practical steps for training and managing an offshore team.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the primary causes of an inadvertently invalid S election or an inadvertent termination of an S election.
• Recognize the options available for automatic relief for S election terminations that avoid the PLR process.
• Identify issues in key court cases involving S corporations over the past 18 months.

Due to the rising costs of higher education and all-time high student loan debt levels, clients from all generations are relying more than ever on advisors to help them navigate the financial complexities associated with the college funding, financial aid, and student loan planning processes. This session will take a deeper dive into the many facets involved in the education planning process and will focus on the tax consequences that arise at almost every stage. From identifying the tax benefits available to individuals and families who are currently saving for college to implementing a distribution strategy for those who are currently paying for qualifying education expenses. This session will also address how tax planning can impact student loan repayment strategies under the various income-driven repayment plans and will discuss the financial and tax implications associated with student loan forgiveness from both federal and state income tax perspectives. In this presentation, Dr. Riskin will share creative education planning strategies you can use with different types of clients across the income and wealth spectrum. In addition, Ross will also cover relevant changes from recently passed and proposed legislation and identify trends so you can stay ahead of the curve for your clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare the tax benefits associated with different education savings vehicles and how distributions can be strategically managed to preserve tax-efficiency.
• Recognize the financial and tax implications of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and current income-driven repayment (IDR) programs available to federal student loan borrowers.
• Identify planning strategies that can help individuals and families across all income, wealth, and generational spectrums achieve their education planning goals in the most tax-efficient manner.

Back for a second year! International tax reporting is unavoidably now a part of our everyday tax practices. As the compliance requirements continue to become more extensive and complex, practitioners are finding themselves struggling to keep up, uneasy with potentially significant penalties, and unsure how to advise their clients. In this session, I'll highlight the most common international tax forms, emphasizing those with high noncompliance penalties, and identify common errors on our most-used international reporting forms.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common errors on frequently used international tax forms.
• Identify compliance risks for common international tax forms - FinCEN 114, 8938, 5471, 5472, 8865, 8858, 926, 8621, 1116, 1118, 8992, 8993 and more.
• Recognize when a specialist is needed.

Modern data governance requires a holistic approach across finance, risk, IT, and other departments. It can be a daunting, unattractive pursuit. With the right methodology and an approach that is laser focused on creating value for the business, data governance can be achieved in manageable phases that generate return on investment every step of the way.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how to take a value-based approach to data governance.
• Recognize how to operationalize data governance across people, processes, and technology.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate the evolving roles of CIOs and CTOs.
• Identify the challenges facing strategic technology leaders in the accounting profession.
• Identify the benefits of having a strategic-focused technology leader in your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze findings and root causes of any potential problems.
• Analyze the impact of findings based on your Principal Service Commitments and System Requirements.
• Determine the next question to ask — the five whys.

Join us in the ENGAGE Live Studio for an exclusive interview with renowned political analyst and entrepreneur Ian Bremmer, following his insightful keynote session, "Geopolitics and the Future of the Global Order." From navigating global trends to managing personal philosophies, Ian will share his perspectives. Bring your questions from his session and and any new questions you may have. Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of geopolitics and business through the eyes of one of today's foremost experts.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what leadership style is most effective for you.
• Recognize the difference between leadership styles.
• Recognize how to adapt your leadership style based on an array of situations, positions, and scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the underlying causes of work-life imbalance.
• Recognize an approach to shift the cycle and take control of your well-being.
• Distinguish what you want to create next in your life through a reflection exercise.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the challenges for families attempting to transfer wealth to future generations.
• Identify opportunities to minimize the impact of federal and state income taxes on trusts and estates while preserving family harmony.
• Indicate ways to help clients align their tax planning strategies with their values to create a lasting legacy.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize techniques that allow taxpayers to maximize the "step-up" in basis at death and move that basis to another asset.
• Determine when partnerships should avoid a section 754 election to capture and concentrate basis in other ways.
• Identify when to use powers of appointments and upstream planning to get basis from other people.
• Recognize how to use partnerships to do tax free "basis shifting."

Learning Objectives:

• Identify basic estate taxation for nonresident/noncitizens.
• Identify basic estate planning techniques for nonresident/noncitizens.
• Identify basic implications of U.S. estate tax tries as it applies to nonresident/noncitizens.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify which areas of the audit standards can be scalable.
• Identify appropriate documentation for the required considerations of the standards when scaling them.
• Identify how to ensure compliance with the standards while building in efficiencies.

The Private Company Council (PCC) helps improve the financial accounting and reporting standards for private companies and evaluates whether private company alternatives to existing GAAP are necessary. The PCC takes a proactive approach to its mission and conducts robust outreach with private company stakeholders through a variety of channels, including events like this one. Participants will learn about the current activities of the PCC and how its input helps the FASB develop standards that provide more relevant information to users of private company financial statements. This interactive, town hall-style forum will provide participants the opportunity to directly engage with PCC members, FASB members, and FASB staff by asking questions and providing feedback on the PCC’s current and future agenda and on how financial reporting for private companies might be improved.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the mission of the Private Company Council.
• Identify the current and future agenda of the Private Company Council.
• Recognize how the FASB considers and incorporates input provided by the Private Company Council on FASB projects.

Private markets have been some of the fastest-growing asset classes of the last decade, reaching over $13tn in assets from less than $700bn at the turn of the century, capturing headlines and gaining allocation share in institutional and individual portfolios. This session will provide an overview of private market strategies, highlighting the varied and complementary roles they can play in investor portfolios and the key return drivers across the private markets. It will offer practical, differentiated ideas for how to incorporate private market allocations, address the J-curve, build commitment plans, and manage liquidity, while highlighting recent developments in vehicle formats and current investment opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare the variety of strategies in private markets and the impact they may have on investor outcomes.
• Distinguish how to incorporate private market allocations into investor portfolios to capitalize on their differentiated sources of return.
• Apply practical skills to understand commitment planning and liquidity needs to build private market allocations.
• Identify opportunities that exist in the current environment and how to position the portfolio to best take advantage of these opportunities.

Planning for retirement is much more than creating a retirement portfolio. This session will explore the human implications of stepping away from the office and the paycheck, planning ideas on how to get the most after-tax income, and building resiliency into a retiree's financial life.

Learning Objectives:

• Categorize the decumulation methodologies and calculations to make sense when funding a retiree's (or couple's) post-employment lifestyle.
• Evaluate variables to incorporate and update when providing financial and tax guidance.
• Assess future income and ways to manage future tax brackets.
• Formulate a plan to maximize clients retirement income while adhering to sound principles that insure financial stability and success.
• Evaluate best practices to assist clients dealing with and surviving unforeseen pitfalls and challenges in retirement.

Imagine being transported to Orbit-City as we tackle this year's tax season debrief - Jetsons style. We'll navigate this session by exploring the futuristic technologies, strategies, and practices that are transforming the way we work. From AI tools like Rosie (the robot housekeeper) handling mundane tasks to push-button Space-Age solutions enhancing the client experience. Our discussions will focus on how we can adopt George Jetson's work efficiency, balance capacity with workload like Spacely Sprockets while navigating regulatory changes, and elevate our tax practices as high as the Skypad Apartments. Join us for an engaging journey through the Tax galaxy, where fun and insight collide in a futuristic exploration of our industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies to improve tax season for the team and clients.
• Compare insights on choosing and integrating advanced technologies to streamline workflows.
• Identify the latest tax regulations to ensure compliance.

Volunteers serving on the AICPA Individual & Self Employed (ISET) Technical Resource Panel have worked on the §199A deduction, PTET regimes, 1099-K, digital assets, disaster relief, key individual developments, and more. This session reviews the AICPA's tax advocacy work in the past year, tax issues on the TRP's agenda, and the key tax developments they are monitoring.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize advocacy projects the AICPA ISET TRP has been working on and monitoring.
• Identify how advocacy letters can be useful to members.
• Recall key tax issues affecting individual and self-employed taxpayers, including information reporting, PTET, digital assets, and the impending expiration of numerous TCJA provisions after 2025.

This session will cover the fundamentals of the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. Topics include history and recent developments, project qualifications, calculating the benefits, the chronology of a typical project, and common issues. We'll also discuss the implications of 174.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how R&D tax credits benefit taxpayers.
• Recognize the types of activities that qualify for the credit.
• Recognize the types of expenditures that qualify for the credit.
• Identify R&D tax credit opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify practical technology you can deploy today.
• Recognize future technologies that may impact your technology strategy.
• Identify current and new technology to support and empower your employees.

Learn how to effectively use advanced data analytic techniques to enable a greater understanding of risk, gain efficiency, and allow audit teams to cover a larger testing population.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how data analytics enhances auditing and risk monitoring and why it’s so important.
• Recognize analytics types, such as custom (enhanced sampling and audit execution), dashboards, automation (including citizen development), and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML).
• Identify ideal tools, such as data storage, data processing, and visualization.
• Distinguish key considerations and challenges, such as access availability, practitioners’ skills, collaboration tips, reliance on technology, and governance.
• Recall examples and use cases.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify under-utilized elements of SOC engagements.
• Analyze strategies for value enhancement during a SOC engagement and throughout the year.
• Identify the types of discussions between service auditors and service organizations that lead to effective, efficient, and highly leveraged SOC programs.

Join us for a vital Q&A session with Andrea Millar as she expands on her transformative ENGAGE 24 session, "Navigating the Balance: Prioritizing Mental Wellness for Financial Professionals." In this interactive segment, Andrea will delve deeper into practical strategies to combat stress and burnout, sharing actionable insights to help CPAs and financial professionals maintain their well-being while excelling in their careers. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Andrea, ask your questions, and learn how to achieve a healthy balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the fundamentals of emotional intelligence.
• Indicate the intersection of self-awareness and leadership effectiveness.
• Recognize how to gather feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors to enhance self-awareness.
• Identify your areas for growth.

This session will discuss the current state of U.S. tax administration and the major challenges the IRS faces today as it attempts to administer the tax system. Major challenges include providing high-quality taxpayer service, implementing legislation, conducting examination and collection initiatives that promote future voluntary compliance, and expanding the ability of taxpayers and preparers to conduct their business with the IRS online while simultaneously maintaining data security.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how to best use the services of the National Taxpayer Advocate to protect your clients' rights as a taxpayer and help you with tax problems you can't resolve on your own
• Recognize the major challenges faced by the IRS in administering the tax system, TAS's role in addressing them, and how participants can assist in this process

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the changes from SAS 145 and other standards that are changing the SOC 1 report needs of user entities and user auditors.
• Identify the potential for improvements in your clients’ SOC 1 report system descriptions to better meet the needs of user entities and their auditors.
• Analyze your existing SOC 1 descriptions of tests performed and results of tests.
• Determine opportunities to improve SOC 1 descriptions to better meet the needs of user entities and align with the requirements of their auditors.

This session will provide attendees with an opportunity to understand the continuing and new changes to the cybersecurity landscape with a member of federal law enforcement. After a brief discussion, we will hold a fireside chat with the agent as to how these threats impact the accounting profession and our work and advisory with our clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the current state of cybersecurity threats facing the businesses you serve.
• Determine how to work with federal law enforcement to combat and respond to threats.

One of the biggest hurdles of any transformation is managing change within your organization. It’s vital to keep up with trends and keep your firm at the forefront of the profession, but it can also be difficult for your staff to leave behind familiar practices. Join our session for tips on managing change within your audit practice without sacrificing your staff’s morale.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies for managing change within your audit practice without sacrificing your staff’s morale.
• Recognize the importance of keeping up with trends and demands facing the profession, while keeping your firm at the forefront.

As CPAs and comprehensive planners, we can bring a financial view to our clients that no one else can. Learn how to leverage your knowledge and the expertise of others to help support your clients’ needs. Find out from a panel of advisors and practitioners how to assist and add value for both you and your clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate concepts to generate tax alpha.
• Identify the value of asset location in where to purchase investments in various types of accounts.
• Compare ideas about investing during a presidential election year.
• Analyze asset allocation, considering where advisors are putting money now.
• Apply sound investment principles and discipline to assist clients versus partaking in investment gambling and underperforming market strategies.

This session will focus on explaining how the elements of a trust should be reviewed and understood. Among the issues to be addressed: What is the income treatment of grantor and non-grantor trusts? How are trust beneficiaries taxed? What are the tax implications of revocable and irrevocable trusts? What do specific trust clauses (spendthrift, HEMS standard, 5 and 5 power) mean? What are the special charitable deduction rules for trust income? Which trusts can hold S corporation stock?

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the income, estate, and gift tax treatment of trusts commonly used by clients.
• Identify trust provisions and their implications for trustees and beneficiaries

Learning Objectives:

• Identify practical steps to transform each client touchpoint into an opportunity for deeper engagement.
• Identify tangible tools that will streamline and enhance client experience.
• Compare how other firms have successfully transformed their client experiences and steps to implement similar changes.
• Identify ways to future-proof a practice and implement long-term strategies for success.

An esteemed panel of Tax Strategies, Advanced Personal Financial Planning, and Advanced Estate Planning conference committee members will provide attendees with the most current planning strategies to discuss — and immediately implement — with clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze top planning topics that need to be considered with your clients on an annual basis.
• Identify the most important planning strategies to discuss with your clients given the current state of tax, estate, and personal financial planning.
• Determine the top tax strategies to implement before year end.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine strategies for adapting to a data-centric culture within an engineering firm's operations and finance teams.
• Analyze real-world approaches and strategies for data storage, pipelines, data definitions, and data visualization.

So many are promoted to a manager or leader position without formal development or training. Join this session to listen to a panel of experts at different levels of leadership discuss their suggestions for your first three months as a new leader. We'll hear about some of the mistakes they made early on and discuss some better approaches.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how to approach to your first days as a new leader from those who have been through the process.
• Identify a list of actions to take upon your first few days as a manager.
• Identify how to prioritize your responsibilities as a new manager.

In this session, attendees will learn about the challenges currently facing commercial real estate, from rising interest rates to tightening valuations, and the important accounting and audit implications of these challenges. We'll also take a look ahead for what's in store for commercial real estate and what accountants should be preparing themselves for.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the current state of and challenges facing the commercial real estate industry
• Distinguish key accounting and audit issues resulting from the current commercial real estate market

Learning Objectives:

• Apply core principles to design a partner compensation model that aligns with firm growth, culture, and strategic goals, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and talent retention.
• Analyze practical approaches to transition from traditional to performance-oriented compensation frameworks, including case studies and engagement strategies for partner buy-in.
• Choose metrics beyond financial performance for a comprehensive compensation model, emphasizing leadership, mentorship, innovation, and firm culture contributions.
• Determine strategies for integrating flexibility and adaptability into compensation models to meet future industry, economic, and workforce changes, including mechanisms for regular review and adjustments.