In this session, Wes Bricker will provide an update on how the AICPA is accelerating and leading in the growth of services, connections, and confidence while also keeping the profession attractive, prosperous, and exciting for the next generation of CPAs and CGMAs.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze how the accounting profession can navigate the changing and challenging business environment.
• Determine new opportunities for growth and innovation and how to navigate changes to protect the public interest.
• Identify how to remain resilient by seizing opportunities, while also providing guidance to accelerate and lead the evolution of client services and business practices.

Join this conversation with SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda, followed by remarks from the Chief Accountant of the SEC, on current activities and priorities related to public company financial reporting, including accounting and auditing standard-setting, audit quality, financial reporting in the current environment, and the accounting profession.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the SEC staff’s focus areas in the current financial reporting environment.
• Determine the SEC staff’s regulatory priorities related to accounting and auditing.
• Analyze the SEC’s oversight activities.

Overview of current accounting and auditing matters from staff in the Office of the Chief Accountant.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze updates on technical accounting matters relevant to public companies.
• Apply updates on auditing matters relevant to public companies and auditors of public companies.
• Identify updates on international accounting and auditing matters.

Desiré Carroll will moderate a discussion with her colleagues on the Center for Audit Quality’s efforts in convening with capital market stakeholders on critical issues affecting audit quality, and the profession’s recent efforts to attract a new and diverse generation of talent to the public company auditing profession.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) resources available on investor and other capital market stakeholders’ perspectives on audit quality and information needs.
• Apply valuable tools and resources published by the CAQ to maintain audit quality in a dynamic environment.

Get prepared for the rest of the conference by releasing tension in your neck, shoulders, hips and back so you can sit tall and breathe deep. Live on Zoom!

The FASB is on pace to complete a number of projects to come out of its last agenda consultation while looking ahead to the future. During this session, FASB Chair Rich Jones, Technical Director Jackson Day, and Deputy Technical Director Nellie Debbeler will provide an overview of key projects including the Board’s final standard on disaggregation of income statement expenses, recent exposure documents on internal-use software, interim reporting, financial key performance indicators, intangibles, and environmental credit programs among others, as well as the importance of stakeholder input to the Board’s cost/benefit considerations during the standard-setting process. They’ll also discuss the upcoming Invitation to Comment for a newly launched agenda consultation and how your input can help shape the Board’s future priorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify recent/upcoming final guidance issued by FASB.
• Recognize FASB's progress on other priority topics identified by stakeholders.
• Indicate progress on other standard-setting activities relevant to investors, preparers and auditors.

This interactive panel discussion will allow participants to hear views covering various facets of the accounting function; developments in accounting and reporting of financial and climate information; and potential uses of modern technology.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify accounting and reporting topics that are top-of-mind for chief accounting officers and controllers, including considerations around new accounting standards and new SEC disclosure rules.
• Analyze controllership efforts to mobilize around reporting requirements for climate in the U.S. and internationally.
• Compare views around the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business and finance.

This panel will discuss generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) solutions and potential roadmaps, focusing on when solutions will be available for all the steps in the investor and analytic workflow. The panel will explore the gap between market demand and solutions and current constraints for closing the gap.

We will examine the types of documents that are easiest and most challenging to prompt and whether investors are extending the use of Gen AI to multi-modal sources of content. The speakers will share insights on the level of engagement and views on the accuracy of output and how attest services may play a role in building trust and adoption. The panel will also explore case studies that demonstrate the value solutions for investors and analysts, and the relevance of the financial reporting corpus of content in this value.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) solutions are being developed and deployed by financial technology companies to address capital market demand.
• Recognize the current and future accuracy of Gen AI, the gap versus reliability of audited financial reports, and the potential role of the audit profession.
• Identify the value and engagement of financial reporting content where AI is being applied in the analytic workflow.

Learn from some of the day’s speakers as they address audience questions related to public company accounting and auditing.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize accounting and auditing policy updates from the SEC Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) leadership.
• Recall the SEC’s current activities and future plans related to public company financial reporting.
• Recall priority issues on the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) agenda.

Congressman Hill will provide an update and his perspective on legislative issues in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify pressing issues in Congress
• Recognize issues within the House Financial Services Committee

Bill Hulse, Senior Vice President, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, US Chamber of Commerce will provide an update on how the election results may affect businesses and the U.S. economy. The presentation will break down what to expect – and what not to expect – from Congress and the Administration regarding major policy issues such as tax, tariffs, immigration, and regulation.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze how the elections results will influence macro policy trends.
• Identify potential major actions the White House and Congress will take to implement their agenda.
• Determine how regulatory priorities are expected to shift, including at the SEC and PCAOB.

This session will provide an overview of recent activities in the Division of Corporation Finance that impact accounting and reporting for the 2024 year-end filings, including disclosure trends, rule changes, and other current issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the accounting and reporting impact of activities in the SEC Division of Corporation Finance.
• Recognize the impact on year-end filings of disclosure trends and rule changes.

Mark Crowley, Financial Reporting Executive Committee (FinREC) chair, will discuss the latest FinREC activities, including:

• the forthcoming release of the Accounting & Valuation (A&V) guide, Business Combinations
• recently released working draft of two updated chapters on secondary transactions when valuing private company securities from the “Cheap Stock” A&V guide
• revisions to the Digital Assets practice aid
• revisions to a chapter from the Not-for-Profit Audit & Accounting Guide that was updated to address application of CECL to programmatic loans

In addition, Mark will discuss the activities of many industry expert panels and the resources available.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the role of the Financial Reporting Executive Committee (FinREC) in improving financial reporting and practices through these activities.
• Recognize the resources available through FinREC’s initiatives.

In response to the SEC’s recent cybersecurity disclosure requirements, this panel will provide insights into navigating and implementing best practices for cyber incident reporting. Join industry experts as they explore critical aspects of SEC compliance, including determining materiality, adhering to reporting timelines, and ensuring board oversight in cybersecurity risk management. Attendees will gain practical guidance on aligning their disclosure practices with regulatory expectations, integrating third-party risk considerations, and strengthening governance frameworks to meet SEC mandates. This session will offer actionable strategies to help organizations enhance transparency, maintain compliance, and mitigate potential legal and reputational risks associated with cybersecurity disclosures.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the SEC’s cybersecurity incident disclosure requirements and how they impact reporting practices.
• Identify actionable strategies for assessing and determining the materiality of cyber incidents.
• Recall best practices for involving the board and management in cyber risk oversight to ensure compliance with SEC mandates.
• Distinguish how to effectively align cybersecurity disclosure practices with overall risk management frameworks, including third-party risk considerations.

Prioritize your mental health with this virtual relaxation session! Take a moment during the a break from the conference to melt away tension with a guided progressive relaxation. Experience a simple 3-part breath that feels spacious and soothing for your nervous system. End with a meditation to replenish your energy so you can continue the conference feeling focused and centered. All techniques can be easily recreated on your own to integrate into your daily routine as needed.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Chair Erica Y. Williams will deliver a keynote address, after which the Center for Audit Quality’s (CAQ) CEO Julie Bell Lindsay will moderate a discussion with the entire PCAOB Board in an interactive dialogue about the Board’s priorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) regulatory initiatives.
• Analyze the views of PCAOB Chair and Board members regarding their priorities.

Learn about the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) latest standard setting activities, as well as recent inspection observations, registration matters, and enforcement actions impacting audit firms.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the recently completed standards and rulemaking projects.
• Analyze the current Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standard setting and research agenda.
• Identify year-end reminders.
• Recognize the PCAOB’s planned 2025 inspections and areas of focus.
• Determine common deficiencies identified in the PCAOB’s inspections and how they affect audit quality.
• Analyze how enforcement actions impact audit firms.

This panel discussion will explore issues of interest to practitioners, preparers, and other stakeholders in the current environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess accounting topics that often give rise to practice questions.
• Evaluate matters of judgment and areas of common focus in practice issues.

Learn from some of the day’s speakers as they address audience questions related to public company accounting and auditing.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall recent activities in the Division of Corporation Finance.
• Identify the accounting and reporting updates that impact the 2024 year-end filings, including disclosure trends, rule changes, and other current issues.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion as we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on the accounting profession. As the landscape of financial services rapidly evolves, understanding how to leverage these innovations is crucial for CPAs and financial professionals.

Our expert panel, featuring leaders from the fields of technology, accounting, and ethics, will delve into key topics including:

• The Role of AI in Streamlining Accounting Processes: Discover the role of AI in streamlining accounting processes and discovering how AI can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in routine tasks, from data entry to financial forecasting.
• Ethical Considerations and Compliance: As AI technologies become more prevalent, navigating the ethical implications and ensuring compliance with regulations is paramount. Our panelists will also discuss best practices for responsible AI implementation.
• Future Skill Sets for Accountants: Learn about the skills that will be essential for CPAs in an AI-driven landscape. What competencies should professionals develop to remain competitive and relevant?
• Real-World Case Studies: Delve into real-world case studies and hear from practitioners who have successfully integrated AI and technology into their firms. Gain practical insights and actionable strategies that can be applied immediately.

This discussion will have an open Q&A session to engage directly with our panelists in a dynamic conversation, addressing your questions about the future of AI in accounting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an era defined by technological advancement. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in the accounting profession!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) as relevant to the accounting profession.
• Recognize actual use cases in production today.

The Chief Accountant from the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Division of Enforcement will discuss the important themes arising from the division’s recent work, covering cases brought by the SEC over the past year in the areas of accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and issuer disclosure. The program will highlight the importance of ethics and integrity in fulfilling professional responsibilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall recent cases brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.
• Recognize the priorities of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement going forward.

In this session, participants will listen to a discussion of current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory and reporting matters with attorneys specializing in these areas.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current SEC regulatory and reporting matters.
• Determine best practices relative the SEC disclosure requirements.

The PCAOB has been extremely active on the standard setting and rulemaking front during the past few years. Last year they took more actions than in any other year in the past ten years. Many proposals have been finalized in the current year and many final standards will become effective in the next few years. These standards will not just affect auditors, but will also impact stakeholders throughout the financial reporting ecosystem.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) standard setting landscape
• Identify the potential impact on preparers and others within the financial reporting ecosystem

Join us for an exploration of the first-year experiences in implementing Pillar II, focusing on the multifaceted impacts on tax, accounting, and internal controls. This session will provide valuable insights into the practical challenges and solutions encountered by companies as they navigate the new regulatory landscape.

Whether you are in the initial stages of Pillar II implementation or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide you with the knowledge needed to analyze the complexities of this significant change.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the tax, accounting, and control implications of Pillar II implementation, including compliance requirements, financial reporting adjustments, and internal control adaptations.
• Analyze best practices and common pitfalls in Pillar II execution from real-world experiences, ensuring smoother transitions and improved collaboration between tax professionals, accountants, and internal control teams.

Panelists will explore the sustainability disclosure and reporting issues that are top of mind for practitioners and preparers.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize key reporting deadlines and the impact of on-going challenges to the validity of disclosure requirements
• Identify quality and assurance considerations for greenhouse gas emissions data
• Analyze the role of board oversight of sustainability reporting

This panel will provide valuable insight into the current trends in the public and private markets for equity and debt securities. The panel will also discuss different deal structures as well as considerations for companies when raising capital in the current environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize trends in the initial public offering (IPO) market, private placements, and private equity investments.
• Determine certain considerations when going public.