Hear practical strategies for enhancing financial operations in a contractor environment. Address best practices for revenue recognition and managing work-in-process (WIP) schedules to ensure timely, compliant reporting. Gain actionable insights to optimize financial performance, improve forecasting precision, and support sustainable growth at your company. 

Moderator: 
Jonathan Zeiler, CPA, CFMA, Managing Partner | Crowe LLP

Speakers:
James Bianchi, CPA, Vice President | Anson Industries, Inc.
Dan Jatis, CFO | McHugh Enterprises

Discover the must-know fundamentals of exit readiness that empower business owners to prepare confidently for a successful exit. Hear why early exit planning is crucial to maximize value, minimize risks, and ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to exit your business. 

Speaker:
Fred Campos, CPA, MBA, CEPA, Managing Director - Transaction Advisory Services | CBIZ

Discuss recent state and local tax developments that affect construction contractors, particularly in the sales and use tax areas. Learn to recognize potential pitfalls, assess current trends, and review analytical skills to apply to gray areas. 

Speakers:
David C. Blum, CPA, JD, Deputy Chair - Tax Practice Group | Akerman LLP
Dakota S. Newton, JD, LLM, Senior Associate - State and Local Tax | Akerman LLP

When it comes to succession planning, few owners understand the power of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) as a flexible, tax-advantaged option. Cut through the noise and explore real-world strategies for transitioning ownership in privately held companies. Learn how ESOPs work and how they stack up against alternatives. Walk away with practical tools and sharp insights to help clients preserve their legacy—and their sanity. 

Speakers:
Scott Schmucker, CPA, MA, CCIFP, Partner | Crowe LLP
Danny Torello, CPA, CCIFP, Partner | Crowe LLP

There are over 9,000 captive insurance companies in the U.S., and a well-managed one can return 40-60% of premiums as dividends. Examine the different types and their benefits, focusing on converting fixed costs into investments with predictable rates for workers' compensation, auto, and general liability insurance. Plus, discuss the peer group effect of captives and how they make good companies even better. 

Speaker:
Jason McMurray, ARM, CLCS, CRIS, Client Executive | Holmes Murphy

Discuss recent changes in accounting impacting the construction industry. Take a deeper look at some complex accounting treatments surrounding ASC 606 that are commonly mishandled.  Plus, with a recent increase in construction-related acquisitions, walk through purchase accounting and the intricacies of ASC 605. 

Speaker:
James Wiedemann, CPA, Director | CBIZ

Analyze the Trump administration's tariff policies, how they interconnect with tax policy, and the overall impact on the construction industry. Find out how they could affect your clients or your business. 

Speaker:
Colin Wilhelm, CPA, Policy Analyst - Policy Group | Grant Thornton LLP

Review and discuss construction contractors’ federal and state income tax questions and concerns for 2025 and beyond, and what we might see in our crystal ball! Hear an update on income tax law changes and impacts. Plus, examine recent tax rulings and regulations and review income tax planning opportunities, tricks, and traps for contractors. 

Speaker:
Jim Lundy, CPA, Tax and Construction Managing Director | CBIZ

2025 has been a tumultuous year for construction, with no immediate end in sight.  Explore the array of pressing issues facing contractors such as cost uncertainty through tariffs, labor shortages compounded by ICE audits, and rising surety. Plus, discuss insurance costs with new exclusions for catastrophes and cybersecurity risks as well as the re-vamped False Claims Act.   

Speaker:
Kendall Woods, JD, Partner | Buchalter

Delve into current trends in the commercial construction market. Examine areas of interest for sureties and bankers, factors affecting capacity and availability, and the impact of outside influences on the marketplace. 

Speakers:
JoAnne Holman, CPA, MBA, Managing Director | CIBC Bank USA
Andrea Warning, Underwriting Director - Chicago Branch Office | CNA Surety

Illinois continues to navigate a complex fiscal landscape marked by both progress and continued fiscal pressures. The state faces fiscal friction stemming from structural budgetary pressures to include residual impact of federal cutbacks on the state budget, the city of Chicago, and the pending transit fiscal cliff. Learn more about the potential challenges these pressures pose to the CPA profession, among others, if the sales tax base is broadened to include services. 

Speaker:
Martin Green, Esq., Senior Vice President and Legislative Counsel | Illinois CPA Society