9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
State Taxes: Ethical Dilemmas and Managing Risks
State tax compliance is a lot like driving: What’s the speed limit? Will I get pulled over? What are the potential fines and penalties? Except with state taxes, the law isn’t always clear. Discuss professional liability and ethical considerations and receive tips to help mitigate these risks.
Eric Fader, JD, CPA – Attorney | Duane Morris LLP
Deborah Rood, CPA, MST – Risk Control Consulting Director | CNA Insurance

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
International Tax Update
Every state, city, and local tax jurisdiction has different rules for foreign businesses generating income from U.S. sources. Hear how to avoid potential tax traps and stay compliant. Plus, discover the intricacies of foreign pension plans when foreign nationals come to the U.S. to work and participate in a retirement plan here, as well as the different ramifications when retirement occurs stateside versus abroad.
Amy Chamoun, CPA, MST – Partner | PKF Mueller
Roger Yule, CPA – Senior Tax Manager, Stapleton Group LLC

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Protecting Your Tax-Exempt Organization
The IRS continues to increase its enforcement efforts on the tax-exempt sector. Review compliance strategies to ensure you’re well-positioned to answer checks or examinations. Dissect the latest legislation and receive an overview on additional guidance from the IRS and other authorities. Hear examples of Employee Retention Credit fraud and how to avoid scams.
Rebekuh Eley, CPA, MST - Tax Partner, Exempt Organizations | RSM US LLP
Monica Funk, CPA, MBA – Manager | RSM US LLP

1:25 PM –2:15 PM
The Who, What, and Why of Roth IRAs and Roth Conversions
Roth IRAs and Roth conversions have the potential to save taxpayers and their heirs a lot of money. Discuss the factors to consider, including timing and estate consequences of conversions.
Elizabeth Buffardi, CPA, CFP – Owner | Crescendo Financial Planners

2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Introduction to Cost Segregation and the Impacts on Tax Reform
Learn the ins and outs of cost segregation, how taxpayers benefit from it, and how it has changed over the years. Review depreciation rules and understand how a cost segregation study is performed. Plus, identify opportunities to immediately deduct abandoned building components, avoid capture tax, and expense demolition costs.
Lester Cook, CCSP – Principal | KBKG

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9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Becoming an Ethical Leader to Drive Crucial Business Results
Explore six research-based ethical perspectives to shape your foundation for ethical behavior. Discover the underlying principles, beliefs, and values that influence decision-making when ethical issues are present. Apply these principles to real business situations and learn how being an ethical leader is more challenging (and important) than you think.
Jon Lokhorst, CPA, CSP, PCC – Executive Leadership Coach | Lokhorst Consulting LLC

10:40 AM –11:30 AM
Corporate Governance: Ensuring Sufficient Supervision
Dispersed staff have caused not-for-profits to disperse authority over issues affecting governance. Review the common areas that may not be receiving sufficient supervision, including bylaws requirements, state law issues, antitrust traps, contracting authority, corporate sponsorship, endorsement issues, and other tax and liability exposure areas.
Paula Goedert, JD – Partner | Barnes & Thornburg LLP

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Leading Up: The Superpower Every Ascending Leader Needs
Learn the skills and tactics needed to develop an effective working relationship with your boss and other superiors. Gain the credibility and support necessary to get things done and advance professionally.
Jon Lokhorst, CPA, CSP, PCC – Executive Leadership Coach | Lokhorst Consulting LLC

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Breaking Barriers: Supporting Diverse Talent in Your Workplace
Learn practical strategies for creating an inclusive work environment based on the experiences of our panelists. Their insights will equip you to identify barriers that limit career advancement for diverse talent and will inspire you to create positive change that empowers others to succeed in your organization.
Moderator: Kari Natale, CAE – Vice President, Strategy and Governance | Illinois CPA Society, and Vice President, CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois

Panelist:
LaToya McKinney, CPA, MSAA - Senior Business Process & Control Analyst | Abbott
Sergio Rodriguez, CPA - Senior Manager, Global Employer Services | Deloitte LLP

2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Tax Ethics: Circular 230
Take a deep dive into IRS Circular 230 to understand your due diligence and ethical compliance responsibilities as a tax preparer. Plus, learn how to avoid preparer penalties.
Michael Singer, CPA – President | Michael J. Singer and Company PC

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Individual Tax Update
While the pace of legislative changes may have slowed in comparison to recent years, there's no shortage of other developments and planning ideas to track and consider. Participate in a practical and timely discussion on key issues affecting individual taxpayers in 2023 and beyond.
Damien Martin, CPA – Partner | Ernst & Young LLP

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
Business Tax Update
Break down all the pertinent tax updates impacting businesses today while preparing for what potentially lies ahead.
Damien Martin, CPA – Partner | Ernst & Young LLP

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Considerations for the Accountant With Elderly Clients
As a client ages, estate, trust, and financial planning protections often become more important. Learn to recognize signs that potential undue influence or diminished capacity may be taking place and understand the Illinois laws that can help protect aging clients.
Michael Ripani, CPA, JD, CFE – Senior Counsel | Handler Thayer LLP

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Avoiding Pitfalls: Managing Sales Tax in Multi-State Situations 
Navigate common compliance pitfalls and receive tips to manage and mitigate your sales tax risk. Discuss economic nexus, the taxability of products and services, the impact of multi-channel selling, filing requirements, and mitigating prior period exposure.
Brian Greer, Partner and Chief Revenue Officer | TaxConnex

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2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Entity Selection for Taxes (PLUS!)
Understand the application and tax implications of the various business entity structures. Discuss the specifics of what the IRS looks for in income tax return filings, as well as the potential asset protection benefits of each kind of entity.
Ben Golden, EA – CEO/Owner | IRS Trouble Solvers LLC

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Enhancing Leadership at All Levels
Whether you’re focused on your next career step or creating a development-focused organization, building leadership capabilities is key. Understand the difference between managing and leading, how to identify true talent, and the key leadership attributes regardless of industry or experience level.
Matt Booth, CPA, MBA – Retired Partner | PwC

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
Non-Competes and Non-Solicits in a Changing Labor Market
Understand employer limitations and risks under the amended Illinois Freedom to Work Act and receive practical tips for legal compliance and risk avoidance. Plus, hear what to do now to prepare for a potential federal ban on employee non-competes.
Lori Goldstein, JD – Employment Attorney | Law Office of Lori A. Goldstein LLC

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Presenting Like a Pro
Discover how to avoid common presentation pitfalls and confidently present like a pro. Learn tips and techniques to create presentations that are highly engaging, grab your audience’s attention, and move them to action.
John Sanchez, Managing Director | The FPA Group

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Collaboration Equity in a Hybrid Workplace
Hear how early lessons learned can help shape the hybrid workplace of tomorrow. Discuss three ideas for hybrid equity, understand the four kinds of hybrid workers, and dissect three trends that will help you foster a more collaborative hybrid workplace.
Michael Gregory, BS, MS, MBA – Founder | Michael Gregory Consulting LLC

2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Sexual Harassment Prevention: Policies, Systems, and Training
Discover how to develop a comprehensive sexual harassment policy and what leadership needs to do to stay accountable. Learn what an accessible harassment complaint system should entail and what constitutes effective harassment prevention training.
Michael Gregory, BS, MS, MBA – Founder | Michael Gregory Consulting LLC

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Distinguishing and Accounting for Debt and Equity Instruments
Discover key questions and considerations that must be evaluated when accounting for the issuance of debt and equity instruments, including determining whether an equity-related instrument or feature should be recorded as a liability under ASC Topic 480 or equity under ASC Topic 815.
Adam Ivezich, CPA – Director | FORVIS LLP  

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
SEC Regulatory Update (Speakers presenting remotely)
Discuss recent SEC activity including proposed and final rules, as well as staff guidance impacting external financial reporting. Review updated compliance and disclosure interpretations and discuss SEC comment letter trends from the Division of Corporate Finance.
Meghan Depp, CPA – Professional Practice Partner – SEC Services | BDO USA LLP
Rebecca Freeman, MA – Professional Practice Senior Manager – SEC Services | BDO USA LLP

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Audit Update: Changes Are Here
The Statement on Auditing Standards delivers a suite of changes that have gone or will go into effect this year. Discuss the key components of SAS Nos. 142-147, as well as other changes to current auditing standards.
Stephanie Ballard, CPA – Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
Zach Lambert, CPA – Financial Services Audit Senior Manager | Crowe LLP

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Private Equity Group Ownership: Accounting, Implementation, and Execution
Walk through the lifecycle of private equity group ownership through the lens of the operating company. Discuss key accounting considerations and compare and contrast the private equity requirements to public and non-public ownership.
Jennifer Dzierzak, CPA, MBA – Partner | Crowe LLP

2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Quality Management Standards: Staying Compliant
Quality management standards are evolving on a global level and firms of all sizes performing audit and attestation services may be faced with multiple new systems. Explore the various implementation activities, ongoing monitoring, and evaluation requirements needed to execute a comprehensive evaluation for firm leadership sign-off.
Marcy Johnson, CPA - Managing Director | Grant Thornton LLP

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Finance Automation: Improving Processes for a Successful Journey
The accounting and finance function has always been an ideal candidate for AI-powered automation due to the nature of repetitive, data-intensive processing. Review the leading technologies available in today’s market and see how they function in real-life practice.
Rob Drover, MBA – Vice President – Business Solutions | Marcum Technology LLC

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
Enabling Cloud-Based Solutions
Cloud-based systems enable companies to adapt to changing business models, both strategically and operationally. Hear how working in the cloud can reduce complexity, increase reliability, enable faster development processes, decrease risk, and realize cost savings.
Ranga Bodla, Vice President – Industry Marketing | Oracle NetSuite

12:25 PM – 1:15 PM
Help! Is Your Client’s Company Worthless?
Learn how to increase a company's value before a sale and calculate the most probable selling price, or determine if your client’s company isn't worth selling.
Jamar Cobb-Dennard, JD – Business Broker | Indiana Business Advisors

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Controller to CFO: Evolving Responsibilities
Controller and CFO responsibilities have vastly evolved in recent years. Discover how to address today’s pressing priorities, including improving team skills, supporting corporate strategy and decision-making, analyzing business performance, and using technology to increase efficiency and accelerate growth.
Tom Kelly, Director of Product Management | Oracle NetSuite

2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
Future-Proof Your Firm: Metrics That Matter
Identify the metrics that matter and discover how to measure them effectively. Learn how to leverage automation, human capital, brand capital, and financial capital to improve visibility and efficiency in your firm.
Dirk Shimpach, CPA – Founder | PracticeERP

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