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KEY-1: Financial Playbook for Athletic Success: Budgeting, Resource Allocation, and Leadership in College Athletics (TH)

Explore how Kent State’s Athletic Director navigates the rapidly evolving college sports business model. Discover strategies for managing a multi-million-dollar athletics budget and learn valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork that apply beyond sports. 

KEY-2: Economic Update (TH)

Are you in search of an informed view of the current economic outlook? The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s presentation will touch on data series used to understand economic trends and discuss some of the recent work being done at the Cleveland Fed to track the economy during these tumultuous times.   

KEY-3: AI - Implications for the Profession and Its Clients (F)

GenAI provides powerful capabilities that can be used by CPAs and market fraudsters. This session will discuss the practical uses of GenAI within the accounting analytical domain as well as the rising tide of impersonation frauds powered by increasingly available GenAI capabilities that practicing accountants and investors should consider in their professional and personal risk management efforts.  

KEY-4: The Finance Function at a Crossroads: Talent, Technology & Transformation (F)

The finance function is under pressure like never before—facing persistent talent shortages, rising costs, and increasing demands for strategic insights. In this session, we will explore how leading organizations are rethinking their operating models to navigate the talent crunch and leverage technology for greater efficiency and impact. From automation and AI to outsourced and hybrid finance teams, discover the key strategies that are reshaping the finance function and redefining what it takes to succeed in this new era. 

A&R-1: Financial Reporting Panel - SEC, FASB, Big 4 (F)

The conference continues its 49-year popular tradition of providing a distinguished panel of top regulators. Joining us this year are leaders from the SEC, FASB, and a representative of public accounting to discuss the latest regulations and their practical application to the world of financial reporting. Please come with questions for our Friday panel. Kyle Moffatt, PwC, will moderate the discussion, and attendees are encouraged to ask questions of the panel.

A&R-2: Financial Reporting Panel - SEC, FASB, Big 4 (F)

Q&A session

A&R-3: CFO, CAO and Corporate Controller Discussion Panel (TH)

Join a panel of local CFOs, CAOs and seasoned Controllers as they delve into the challenges of developing high performance Finance and Accounting teams. Gain strategic financial insights into financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and collaborative value-added management. This session promises actionable tactics and practical strategies on managing change in today's financial landscape, ensuring you stay ahead in an ever-evolving marketplace. 

A&R-4: Accounting for Business Combinations under ASC 805 (TH)

A panel discussion on accounting for business combinations under ASC 805 including the procedures to be performed to appropriately value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and properly record them on the balance sheet. This discussion will touch on the transaction reporting requirements and accounting complexities that arise post-transaction including the common pitfalls seen in accounting for business combinations and the best practices on how to avoid these issues/errors.

A&R-5: Accounting for Business Combinations under ASC 805: A Deeper Dive (TH)

Session #2: Dive deeper into more complex and less common valuation and accounting issues that may arise in business combinations, including post-acquisition accounting. The panelists will also be available to answer attendee questions and discuss related topics of interest in a small group session.

A&R-6: Changes in Sustainability Reporting: What’s Next? (TH)

ESG and other sustainability reporting requirements continue to evolve as the deadlines for adoption get closer. Recent changes in the political environment will also have an impact on these requirements. Content experts from KPMG will discuss what to expect in the next year from the standards and from the regulatory perspective, as EU and U.S. State reporting requirements continue to impact many firms. 

A&R-7: Accounting Research: Skills for Corporate Accountants (F)

Session #1: Grow your skillset by learning to efficiently and effectively perform accounting research using the FASB Codification and other sources. Hear from a leading textbook author on accounting research: When to perform research; How to perform quality research; and Documentation strategies.

A&R-8: Skills for Accounting Research: A Deeper Dive into Accounting Judgments (F)

Session #2: Dive deeper into accounting research by practicing your research skills on judgmental issues involving leases, revenue recognition, and more. Join us for an interactive session where we further explore research sources and discuss what to do when faced with issues involving judgment.

A&R-9: Accounting for Cannabis Industry (TH)

Session #1: Accounting for Cannabis Overview – Gain an understanding of the accounting and regulatory conflict surrounding the state-legalized cannabis industry as it relates to operations, internal controls, taxation, and third-party vendor considerations.

A&R-10: Accounting for Cannabis Industry – Deep Dive (TH)

Session #2: Compliance and Risk Management in the Cannabis Industry – Explore best practices for how to build and sustain effective internal controls tailored to marijuana and other inherently risky industries, ensuring operational integrity and regulatory compliance while minimizing risks. Navigating Taxation and Federal Legal Conflict in the Cannabis Industry – Explore the impact of federal laws, state-level regulations, and current IRS guidelines on marijuana operations.

A&R-11: Building Business Value and Preparing for a Successful Exit (F)

This session provides business owners and advisors with the tools to increase business value and plan for a successful exit. Participants will explore market trends, adopt a growth-focused mindset, and apply the Value Acceleration Methodology. The discussion covers the five stages of value maturity and how strategic exit planning can reshape a company’s trajectory. With these insights, attendees will be prepared to drive long-term success and maximize business value in a competitive market.

A&R-12: Improving the Foundation of G/L Account Reconciliations (F)

AUD-1: Audit Quality Panel: A Roundtable Discussion (F)

Audit quality remains a critical focus in today's financial reporting landscape. Join us for a roundtable discussion of audit quality from the regulator, preparer, and auditor perspective. The wide-ranging discussion will touch on key factors impacting the audit profession. These will include: talent, the impacts of evolving regulatory standards, the growing emphasis on transparency, the impact of technology and how audits are being delivered in today’s environment, and the increasing level of stakeholder expectations.

AUD-2: Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Panel (TH)

The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (NEO IIA) is partnering with KPMG and local Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) to bring you the 7th Annual CAE Roundtable. Five local CAEs will hold an interactive session where they discuss current issues impacting the internal audit profession and attendees will be able to ask questions to the panel. 

AUD-3: Audit Technology - Client Successes Panel (TH)

Companies are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their audit processes. Elements such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based auditing platforms may allow for a more thorough and real-time assessment of financial data. This panel will explore the success and challenges frequently experienced in employing popular audit-related technology and touching on areas such as risk assessment and detection of anomalies.

AUD-4: Harnessing GenAI – Panel Discussion on Transforming Internal Audit (TH)

Join us for a dynamic panel where internal audit leaders share firsthand experiences with Generative AI (“GenAI”) and its impact on audit practices. Learn about practical applications, implementation challenges, and the benefits and risks of GenAI in internal audit and beyond. Gain valuable insights on leveraging GenAI effectively while maintaining strong controls in an evolving tech landscape. 

FP&A-1: Integration and Divestiture Panel (F)

Mergers, Integrations, & Divestitures represent some of the most significant corporate change events for accounting and finance personnel and departments. Each unique transaction has many different challenges before, during, and after the transaction. Join a panel of financial executives who have recently experienced transactions to share practical insights regarding significant considerations and experiences.

FP&A-2: Effective Data-Driven Storytelling (TH)

Session #1: This session is designed to introduce people to the key principles behind effective data-driven storytelling. This involves how combining the data, visuals, and narrative is necessary to tell a data-driven story. We will share the role of all 3 and key principles for designing meaningful visuals that aid the storytelling process. 

FP&A-3: Effective Design Principles for Financial Modeling (TH)

Session #2: This session is designed to walk through the steps necessary to design a robust financial model. This will involve reviewing bad and good examples in Excel and showing examples of 12 guiding principles for financial modeling. This session will focus on the # 1 reasons financial models fail and it is due to poor design. This session will be hands-on with examples and software provided in KSU's new computer lab.

FP&A-4: Effective Data Visualization for Finance Professionals: Tools and Best Practices (F)

Session #3: This session is designed to focus on building effective data visuals. This session will build on the Effective Data-Driven Storytelling session but is not required to attend. We will review effective data visualization principles and walk through how to build several data visualizations in Excel and then mention the benefits of common BI platforms such as Power BI and Tableau. You will get hands-on practice with examples and software provided in KSU's new computer lab.

L&M-1: Professional Ethics – Thursday sessions (2) (TH)

Ethical issues are not exclusive to large-scale organizations and do not become prominent only when scandals are exposed. Ethical issues arise daily in all types of business conditions and wherever decisions are being made. Within an organizational culture, ethical awareness should lead to ethical judgment that drives ethical action. In this ethics course, Tiffany Crosby, Chief Learning Officer, OSCPA, will guide us as we explore the risks of moral disengagement and ethical failure. We will discuss warning signs and how you can integrate ethical awareness into your culture. (The program provides 3-CPE hours of professional ethics).

L&M-1: Professional Ethics – Friday sessions (2) (F)

Ethical issues are not exclusive to large-scale organizations and do not become prominent only when scandals are exposed. Ethical issues arise daily in all types of business conditions and wherever decisions are being made. In this ethics course, Tiffany Crosby, Chief Learning Officer, OSCPA, will guide us as we explore the risks of moral disengagement and ethical failure. We will discuss warning signs and how you can integrate ethical awareness into your culture. (The program provides 3-CPE hours of professional ethics).

L&M-2: Creative Problem Solving Presentation (F)

Leveraging experiential learning, apply the Design Thinking Process to a real-world problem by crafting a rapid action plan for implementing practical solutions. Explore critical topics defining a clear vision that aligns with corporate strategy. Develop a culture of productive urgency that elevates confidence by asking the right questions, leveraging teamwork for synergistic outcomes, and discovering an optimal vertex amongst efficiency, effectiveness, effort and excellence.  

L&M-3: Creative Problem Solving Workshop (F)

An engaging, hands-on workshop designed to leverage innovation to improve processes without the need for fancy consultants. Participants will dive into the art of "Making Things Happen" faster and more effectively through practical innovation and accountable entrepreneurship. Boost problem-solving skills with practical tools that transform ideas into reality with speed and precision. 

L&M-4: Navigating Accounting Careers – Panel Discussion (TH)

This facilitated panel discussion with four senior leaders from the Northeast Ohio finance & accounting community will discuss all stages of the career journey, lessons learned, and mistakes made as well as current and future trends for us all to be aware of in an ever-fast-moving world.

TAX-1: Chief Tax Officers Panel Discussion (TH)

In these uncertain times, learn what tax issues are “Top of Mind” and what strategies are being evaluated by a panel of leading tax executives.

TAX-2: Tax Accounting Refresher and Hot Topics (TH)

Join us for a session focusing on tax accounting basics plus hot topics important to financial reporting for taxes. This session is designed for tax, accounting, and finance professionals who either have limited experience or who need a refresher course on preparing an income tax provision. We will also cover recent and crucial trends that tax and accounting departments should be aware of impacting income tax reporting in today’s dynamic environment. 

TAX-3: International Tax – Current Issues and the Global Environment (TH)

International tax policy continues to be a dynamic and important economic consideration for companies with a multinational presence. Join us for a session where we will cover an overview of significant US international tax laws impacting global companies today. We will also provide an update on the OECD’s global tax initiatives, including the Global Minimum Tax, and how it is affecting both US and foreign tax lawmaking around the world. 

TAX-4: Tax Update for CFOs of Flow-Through Entities (TH)

Flow-through entities are popular due to their flexible nature and beneficial tax treatment, among other reasons. However, tax law and the impact on your flow-through entity are constantly changing. Join us as we break down the state of current tax legislation and common operational tax strategies.

TAX-5: Individual Tax Update (TH)

Join us for a session that will focus on income tax considerations for individuals. Topics will include a recap of where we are today, where we are headed as Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) provisions sunset in late 2025, and what 2026 and beyond may look like depending upon the incoming administration and Congress. There will also be high-level discussions related to planning ideas and considerations that individuals may be interested in pursuing or reviewing with their tax advisors.

TECH-1: Blackline  – Panel Discussion Client Success & Lessons Learned (F)

The panel will discuss their experiences in using BlackLine software as a component of their finance and accounting transformation efforts. The discussion will touch on approaches for:  Standardizing and automating financial close tasks, such as account reconciliation, integrating with existing ERP systems, and improving compliance efforts. The panel will share challenges experienced and lessons learned.

TECH-2: Blackline Unleashed: “Ask the Experts” (F)

Embark on a unique learning journey with our exclusive “Ask the Experts” discussion. Join us for an open discussion session where you can seek guidance on tackling tough accounting close challenges using Blackline. The session will also discuss current challenges and future trends.

TECH-3: Introduction to using AI tools with Excel (TH)

This session on using AI tools with Excel, including Copilot, is designed to take the fear out of AI, and enhance productivity and efficiency in data management tasks. Learn how to take advantage of Copilot and ChatGPT with Excel to work smarter, automate repetitive tasks, analyze data more effectively, and gain insights using AI capabilities. You're welcome to bring your laptop if you would like to follow along (optional).

TECH-3: Introduction to using AI tools with Excel (F)

This session on using AI tools with Excel, including Copilot, is designed to take the fear out of AI, and enhance productivity and efficiency in data management tasks. Learn how to take advantage of Copilot and ChatGPT with Excel to work smarter, automate repetitive tasks, analyze data more effectively, and gain insights using AI capabilities. You're welcome to bring your laptop if you would like to follow along (optional).

TECH-4: Introduction to using Excel's Power Query and Power Pivot - Thursday Sessions (2 SESSIONS) (TH)

Learn how to leverage Excel’s Power Query to import your data from nearly any source, then automate the steps to clean and prepare it for analysis, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. Then use PowerPivot to step up your summary and analysis capabilities. PowerPivot lets you delve into your data to see it in ways that you have not been able to achieve before. This 2-part session will be hands-on with examples and software provided in KSU's new computer lab

TECH-4: Introduction to using Excel's Power Query and Power Pivot - Friday sessions (2 SESSIONS) (F)

Learn how to leverage Excel’s Power Query to import your data from nearly any source, then automate the steps to clean and prepare it for analysis, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. Then use PowerPivot to step up your summary and analysis capabilities. PowerPivot lets you delve into your data to see it in ways that you have not been able to achieve before. This 2-part session will be hands-on with examples and software provided in KSU's new computer lab

TECH-5:  Harnessing AI Innovations: A Practical Dive into Google’s Gemini, Perplexity AI, ChatGPT, and Microsoft’s Copilot (F)

Despite AI having large scale impacts, this panel will discuss practical and tactical uses from local accountants leveraging AI tools like Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot that are at the forefront, transforming how we interact with technology across various domains. This panel brings together finance industry Managers exploring their implemented capabilities, leveraged applications, and discussion of future ideas and strategies for these AI innovations. 

TECH-6: Workday Panel (F)

More information coming soon!

TECH-7: Workday - "Ask the Experts" Interactive Session (F)

More information coming soon! 

TECH-8: QuickBooks Online - Making it Work for You (TH)

Ever wonder what is next once all your transactions are entered into QuickBooks Online? In this session, we will highlight QuickBooks reporting features and how those reports can best work for your business. We will also highlight a few newly released features within QBO.