Convention Session Descriptions

Join us for a pipeline and licensure discussion with AICPA Vice Chair Lexy Kessler, a Board Member from the Society, and more. 

Lexy Kessler is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader for Aprio, serves on the Aprio Board of Directors, and is the Chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council. She previously led the firm’s Government Contracting segment and has over 35 years of experience in the public accounting industry. She is a trusted advisor to business leaders and changemakers in the Mid-Atlantic region, helping clients balance the challenges and opportunities inherent to operating successfully and mentoring young professionals to create a positive impact in the profession. With her experience in assurance, tax and consulting, she is able to constantly seek out new ways to reinvent and improve upon the way her team serves clients.

Lexy is passionate about helping clients adapt to the quickly-changing market, transforming challenges into opportunities. She achieves this by taking a proactive role in addressing their needs and helping them rethink their approach to doing business. Lexy frequently spends time meeting with clients to discuss strategy for their long-term business needs, as well as collaborating with regional leaders in the business community to discuss new ideas for strengthening the Mid-Atlantic business ecosystem

Based on the life of ‘Marty’, a wonderful man who ran a cash register at Walmart. He was considered rich because he was loved and respected, but most of all, he was content with every aspect of his life, no regrets. Marty’s simple philosophies show what happens when you take the time to be kind and compassionate. All that you give, you get back, and more. Audience members will go on an emotional roller coaster ride…guaranteed.

Rarely do leaders set out to commit fraud, destroy culture, or engage in unethical practices. Unethical behavior usually evolves over time when leaders lack a strong personal foundation. Explore six research-based ethical perspectives to shape your foundation for ethical behavior. Discover the underlying principles, beliefs, and values that influence your decision-making when ethical issues are present. Apply these principles to real business situations as you learn how being an ethical leader is more challenging (and important) than you think.

This session is designed to familiarize the participant with Government Auditing Standards, 2024 Revision. Topics related to independence, ethics and standards related to attestation engagement audits will be discussed. 

Session Description coming soon!

Elevate your leadership effectiveness and organizational impact by fine-tuning these core leadership skills. Recognize the barriers to your effectiveness and reshape your mindset to gain confidence and become more proactive as you lead your team. Explore practical tools to optimize productivity, cultivate talent, inspire ownership, and free up more of your time to focus on crucial leadership functions like strategic thinking, innovation, and critical problem-solving.

This session is designed to discuss the Uniform Guidance update, latest compliance supplement and most common deficiencies found in Single Audit reports. 

Session Description coming soon!

The difference between star performers and average ones in leadership roles is attributable largely to emotional intelligence (EQ). It’s surprising, then, that EQ is underrated as an essential ingredient for success in life and leadership. This presentation highlights the importance of EQ and provides participants with actionable tools to develop better relationships within and outside of the workplace, build healthy teams, and navigate constant change.

This session is designed to familiarize the participant with the most recently issued GASB and FASB standards directly affecting Governmental and Not-for-Profit entities. An Auditing Standards Board update will also be discussed. 

Stay ahead of the curve with the 2024 Mid-Year Business Tax Update, designed to equip tax practitioners with the latest insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of business income taxation. Tailored for seasoned professionals, this session offers a comprehensive review of key tax issues and practical guidance to ensure clients are well-prepared for the upcoming tax season. With a focus on current legislation and potential changes, participants will gain invaluable knowledge to effectively advise clients and optimize tax planning strategies. Topics include start-up and organizational expenses, cryptocurrency taxation, Section 199A issues, and more. Empower yourself with practical insights and real-world examples to stay informed, mitigate risks, and maximize opportunities for your clients.

Persistent and pervasive changes in the workplace compel leaders to continually develop new skills to be effective. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report identified resilience, flexibility, and agility among the top skills leaders will need in the workplace of the future. Understand why these traits are more critical than ever, discover self-leadership practices to develop them in yourself, and explore opportunities to cultivate them throughout your organization. Don’t just survive change—thrive in it!

This session is designed to familiarize the participant with the unique accounting and reporting challenges Not-for-Profit organizations face. In addition, tips and techniques will be discussed to assist accountants and auditors when presenting financial reports to non-accountant users of Not-for-Profit financial statements. 

Stay ahead with our 2024 Mid-Year Individual Tax Update session, designed to equip financial professionals with the latest knowledge in individual income taxation. This comprehensive session covers recent changes in the Internal Revenue Code, key Form 1040 issues, and potential legislative shifts from the current administration. Gain practical skills to enhance client tax planning, including strategies for optimizing income and deductions, updating financial and estate plans, and navigating new reporting requirements. Join us to elevate your expertise and provide exceptional value to your clients' financial well-being.

You must develop strategic thinking skills to effectively navigate change and deliver exceptional value to your organization, clients, and customers. Learn the essence of strategic thinking, how it differs from strategic planning and how to integrate it with traditional planning activities. Discover a framework to become more innovative and relevant to changing customer needs and expectations. Explore questions that inspire strategic thinking and practices to proactively build it into your routines as an executive leader. Expand this session with a business simulation exercise to put your learning into practice and identify pivotal insights for your organization.

Session Description Coming Soon!

The world of work changed radically and became much more virtual after the pandemic’s onset in 2020. Over two years into the “new normal,” our team has compiled a list of the top technology productivity tips, tricks, and traps. In this session, you will learn about shortcuts and hacks to help you accomplish more in Excel, Teams, Outlook, virtual meetings, and many other applications you use every day. Attend this session and learn the best tips to help you and your team accomplish more in less time.