Business and Industry Insights Conference (E2310380)

This conference is presented by the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) in cooperation with the NJCPA.

8-9 a.m.
Cyber War: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & Cybersecurity in Accounting (1.0 SK)
Jeff Farr, Owner, CEO - Sera Brynn
This session will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data are revolutionizing accounting, while understanding the vital importance of cybersecurity in this digital era. Get ready to grasp the future, protect your data, and lead in your field.

9:10-10:50 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)

2A. Tips, Traps & Blessings in SECURE 2.0 (2.0 TX)
Lisa Germano, CPA, CGMA, J.D. - Coyner & Germano
SECURE 2.0 has more optional provisions than mandatory; however, the mandatory changes will affect many participants in 2024 with some retroactive and others staggering into 2025–2027. This session will be devoted to:

• Mandatory changes plan sponsors need to plan for: 2020–2023, 4th quarter 2023 for 2024 and beyond.
• Optional features plan sponsors can choose to adopt now.
• Features specific to plan participants for their personal tax planning.
• What plan sponsors should consider for communicating features not chosen to adopt at this time.
• Recordkeeping and payroll considerations.

2B. Business Tax Update (2.0 TX)
Vivian Paige, CPA, CGMA, MBA, MS
Get an update on the changes to federal tax laws affecting your organization and employees, including recent developments in retirement plans.

2C. Improving Your Fraud Investigation Skills (2.0 SK)
J. Walton - Henley Putnam University
Criminal and civil fraud investigations frequently involve not only the interview of suspects, victims and witnesses, but also the examination of signatures, statements or documents of question. This session will offer tips to help the investigator determine if a person is perhaps not being truthful. It will also offer suggestions to help determine authenticity should you encounter handwriting or identification that appears questionable.

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)

3A. The Fallout From SECURE 2.0 (1.5 TX)
Lisa Germano, CPA, CGMA, J.D. - Coyner & Germano
SECURE 2.0 legislation provides mandates for different sectors of the government. Many of its features are not novel ideas. Most new provisions have roots in data analyzed over many years. This session will focus on all government mandates provided in the package of legislation including where the issues hide, and provide historical analysis. Further, the speakers will provide an in depth perspective about the fund benchmarking and fee disclosure mandates.

3B. Economic Update: U.S. & Virginia (1.5 SK)
Alice Kassens - Roanoke College
Review labor markets, inflation, economic growth and other topics to obtain a report card of the current U.S. and Virginia economies. See the current state of the economy in historical context along with projections for the coming months.

3C. Mergers & Acquistions Update (1.5 SK)
Gary Wallace and Carroll Hurst
This session will discuss current M&A market dynamics, assessing strengths and weaknesses in marketability of the business and liquidity/exit alternatives and considerations

12:45-1:35 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)

4A. Legal Developments, Trends & Issues in Executive Compensation (1.0 AA)
Cher Wynkoop - Wilcox & Savage, P.C.
Explore everything regarding executive compensation including:

• Severance agreements — non-competes, confidentiality, non-disparagement, release particulars, liquidated damages and waivers of rights.
• Bonus / performance / retention payments — clawbacks, taxation.
• Pay transparency laws.
• Deferred compensation / supplemental retirement plans.
• Nonprofit Executive Compensation Excise Tax — Code Section 4960.
• Corporate transactions — compensation issues for consideration — IRC 280G, IRC 409A, IRC 162(m) and equity awards.

4B Accounting for Business Combinations (1.0 AA)
Meredith Taylor
In this session, we will discuss the accounting for business combinations under ASC 805 (U.S. GAAP), including the definition of a business, identifying the acquirer, the acquisition method, determining the transaction price and identifying contingent consideration, identifying elements outside of the business combination, and recognizing goodwill.

4C. ChatGPT: What Every CFO Should Know (1.0 SK)
John Higgins
Don't look now, but ChatGPT is taking the business world by storm. Every CPA / CFO, working in corporate finance should have a fundamental understanding of ChatGPT and generative AI applications more broadly. This session will provide a foundation of knowledge about ChatGPT technology that will help you begin the process of integrating power tool into your daily workflows.

1:45-2:35 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)

5A. Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Accounting Recruitment (1.0 SK)
Brandon Pope - VACO
In this session, we will put our heads together and tap into the collective mastermind to reveal successful recruitment strategies! We'll explore the critical aspects of attracting top accounting talent to your organization. Through engaging discussions, polls and real-life examples, we aim to equip you with practical insights that will revolutionize your recruitment efforts.

5B. SALT Update (1.0 TX)
Jared Brown and Jessica Hewitt
Hear all about state and local tax (SALT) and the many categories it can be grouped into. Review the changes since the landmark Wayfair case on sales and use tax, updates to nexus rules and new developments on state and local income taxes.

5C. Microsoft 365: Unleash the Power and Get Ready for AI (1.0 SK)
John Higgins
If your organization has deployed Microsoft 365, it is likely that you are not aware of many of the specialized apps available that can increase your staff's productivity with minimal effort. The key is to know what is available. This session will provide a lightning round review of many of the hidden gems in Microsoft 365 that you and your staff can leverage immediately.

2:40-3:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)

6A. Unleashing the Power of Retention (1.0 SK)
Brandon Pope - VACO
Delve into the critical aspects of employee retention and explore actionable insights to build a motivated, engaged and loyal accounting team. Through engaging activities and discussions, we aim to equip you with practical tools to enhance retention and foster a thriving workplace culture.

6B. Estate Planning Strategies to Use the "Bonus" Estate Exemption Before it Sunsets (1.0 TX)
Jared Head
The gift/estate tax exemption, which is presently $12,920,000, is always a hot topic among estate planners, and it will be reduced at the end of 2025 to approximately half of what it is today if Congress takes no action. In this 50-minute presentation, you will learn some of the most popular and effective strategies top estate planners are employing in a race to make use of clients’ unused bonus exemption before the sunset, the pros and cons of each strategy, and their potential pitfalls.

3:35-4:30 p.m.
Stress & Time Management When It Seems You Can't Manage Anything (1.0 SK)
Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP - FireStar Speaking
Many of us are working more hours than ever and are feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. This session is here to help you! It’s packed with tips including:

• More than a dozen ideas for reducing stress.
• A stress equation that will forever change the way you think.
• Tips for time management including a special section on email.
• A good dose of motivation and humor.