Detailed Agenda
1-5 p.m. — New Jersey Law and Ethics (4 credits, PE) — Central Conference Center | Room A
Frank R. Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, ABV — WithumSmith+Brown
Brad E. Muniz, CPA — CliftonLarsonAllen
Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations promulgated by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy. This course has been fully updated and fulfills the mandatory ethics requirement for the 2021-23 New Jersey triennial reporting period.
This session is an optional add-on to the Convention registration.
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Registration — Events Center | Foyer
7-8:15 p.m. — Setting Yourself Apart: How to Differentiate and Negotiate (1.5 credits, PD) — Events Center | Salon D
Doug Plourd — ADP
In today’s competitive market, standing out as a distinguished accounting professional is critical. This interactive workshop will provide key insights to help set yourself apart in the following areas:
- Tips for differentiating your message when negotiating
- Gaining more from your professional interactions
- Setting and raising the bar — overachieving on expectations
- Overcoming the fear of change and breaking through the status quo
- Discovering your strengths and activating your talent with the Standout Assessment created by Marcus Buckingham
Sponsored by:
8:15-10 p.m. — Welcome Reception — Events Center | Foyer
Start your convention experience off right with early convention check in and an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks and networking. First-time event attendees are encouraged to attend this event to meet other newcomers, connect with seasoned attendees and get their convention experience started early.
7-8:30 a.m. — Registration and Continental Breakfast — Events Center | Foyer
8:30-10:30 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks — Music Box
Don Meyer, CAE — NJCPA
Tactics and Strategies to Navigate and Grow in 2023 and 2024 (2 credits, SK)
Gene Marks, CPA — Marks Group PC
The midterm elections are over. Inflation remains stubbornly high. Labor is still in short supply. What’s next for your business or your clients’ businesses? What are other businesses doing to navigate their ways towards growth and profitability in 2023 and beyond? How will the new Congress impact your business, and what steps should you be taking now to prepare yourself? During this fast-paced, entertaining and extremely valuable discussion, Gene will go over real-life, feet-on-the-ground strategies and tactics that smart leaders are using to navigate their way through the new political environment and the current economic slowdown and position their companies for future growth.
Sponsored by:
10:30-11:45 a.m. — The Master Communicator’s Secret Weapon (1.5 credits, PD) — Music Box
Dave Delaney — CEO and Founder, Futureforth
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, every time a company replaces a salaried employee, it costs the business an average of six to nine months of that salary. This is painful and costly for every stakeholder. Today, savvy leaders seek new ways to improve communication and culture in (and out) of the office. Learn about a secret weapon you can use each day to improve your communication with colleagues, clients, prospects and even the NJCPA. You will learn to lead with acceptance and empathy, actively listen with intent and not fear failure. You’ll even receive Dave’s communication cheat sheet to help implement the lessons from his secret weapon. Expect plenty of laughs and ah-ha moments during this acclaimed presentation.
Sponsored by:
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor — Events Center | Expo Hall
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Emerging Leaders Lunch — American Bar and Grille
Join fellow emerging leaders to make new connections and expand your professional network.
1:30-3:10 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)
1A. The Future of Auditing in the Post-COVID Era (AA) — Conference Center | Room A
Alexander K. Buchholz, CPA, MBA, CGMA — PKF O’Connor Davies LLP
This session will explore what a future audit might look like (e.g., remote/hybrid/on-site, AICPA Dynamic Audit Service project) and considerations for accounting firms, such as changes to staffing on engagements, the influx of non-CPAs and an increase in quantitative/statistical work.
Hosted by the Nonprofit Interest Group
1B. Annual Tax Update: Individuals (TX) — Central Conference Center | Rooms C & D
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
It’s more important than ever to understand new developments in individual tax law and the corresponding or responsive planning tactics for your clients. Hear about recent legislation, case law and IRS regulations, rulings and pronouncements – along with the best tax-saving strategies.
1C. Audit Update for Industry Professionals
(AA) — Conference Center | Room B
Melisa Galasso — CEO and Founder, Galasso Learning Solutions
There are many changes coming to corporate audits. This session will provide you with a high-level overview of new standards that may change your company’s audit. Review new evidence and risk assessment requirements as well as the new auditor’s report.
1D. Communication Mastery Workshop (PD) — Conference Center | Room 3
Dave Delaney — CEO and Founder, Futureforth
Get ready for a fun-filled, highly interactive workshop that will have you thinking quickly on your feet while you interact and laugh with your fellow attendees. Earn trust, become more creative, embrace spontaneity, use body language and improve your communication skills.
1E. Board of Trustees Meeting — Central Conference Center | Room 5
Sponsored by:
3:10-4 p.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break — Events Center | Expo Hall
4-5:40 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)
2A. Using Data Analytics to Manage Audit Risk (AA) — Conference Center | Room A
Melissa A. Dardani, CPA, CFE, MAcc — MD Advisory
For auditors and accountants, there are several ways to deploy financial data analytics. This session covers the AICPA framework for best practices, the intersection with authoritative guidance and various technologies available to CPAs to tap into financial data. By leveraging technology, CPAs can reduce the risk of material misstatement through enhanced, ongoing monitoring and detection techniques
2B. Annual Tax Update: Corporations and Partnerships (TX) — Central Conference Center | Rooms C & D
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
Explore the latest updates related to pass-through entities and gain tax planning strategies and techniques related to S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and LLPs. Topics will include new tax legislation, case law and the most recent IRS regulations.
2C. Leveraging Internal Control Frameworks for Success
(AA) — Conference Center | Room 3
Melisa Galasso — CEO and Founder, Galasso Learning Solutions
The Uniform Guidance lists both COSO and the Green Book as best practices for internal controls frameworks. Review the updated Green Book framework, and refresh your understanding of internal controls for governmental entities, including the definition of internal controls. Also, understand the five components of internal controls as described in the updated Green Book. We will apply the newly introduced principles and attributes of internal control via lively discussion and in a case study.
2D. Green Light! An Emerging Leaders Guide to Making a Difference in Your Career and Profession (SK) — Conference Center | Room B
Moderator: Joseph F. Hunt, CPA, PSA — CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Panelists: Matthew J. Mojica, CPA — Prudential
Jenna L. Sanfilippo, CPA — WilkinGuttenplan
Lexi Wilson, CPA, PSA — Bowman & Company LLP
Dive into all the different ways to "break through" and find success in an ever-evolving industry including how to:
- Find growth opportunities on your teams and help them reach their full potential
- Work with different generational mindsets and manage expectations (e.g., timelines, work/life balance, hours)
- Identify the barriers (or "red lights") that exist around us, such as work-life balance, advancement and networking that might seem limiting at first, and turn these into opportunities (or "green lights") for success
- Eliminate the negative stigma that currently surrounds the accounting profession
Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Interest Group
2E. NJCPA Leader Training — Conference Center | Rooms 2
This session will provide practical, easy-to-follow how-tos to help NJCPA leaders successfully carry out their responsibilities. Learn how to be a responsible board member or how to operate a chapter or committee. NJCPA staff and 2023/24 President Edward G. O’Connell, CPA, will provide the guidance leaders at all levels need. Topics will include motivating volunteers, communicating more effectively, sharing best practices and handling challenges. This session is required for all 2023/24 NJCPA leaders.
Sponsored by:
5:40-7 p.m. — Reception — Events Center | Expo Hall
Head back to the Expo Floor to network with attendees, sponsors and exhibitors while enjoying food and drinks.
Sponsored by:
9-10:30 p.m. — After-Dinner Drinks and Celebration — Water Club | Indoor Pool
Join us poolside in your tropical attire as we say, “Mahalo, Ralph” and raise our glasses to the NJCPA’s soon-to-be-retiring CEO and Executive Director Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA. We’ll enjoy dessert, drinks and live entertainment.
Sponsored by:
7-9 a.m. — Breakfast with Sponsors & Exhibitors
— Events Center | Expo Hall
8-8:50 a.m. — Breakout Sessions (1 credit)
3A. Accounting Update (AA) — Conference Center | Rooms A & B
Jeffrey Lieman , CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
Break down and examine the FASB's recently issued and proposed Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) and pending guidance on previously issued updates that are effective this year. Many examples and illustrations will be provided to help you apply the guidance.
3B. New Energy Credit Provisions (TX)— Conference Center | Room 2
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
This year, we’re seeing the introduction of new and/or heavily revised energy credits following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Review the revised 2023 New Clean Vehicle Credit, the brand-new credit for the purchase of used clean vehicles, revisions to the refueling property credit — a much more useful credit for residential energy efficiency improvements — and other items found in the bill that will likely arise among your clients.
Hosted by the Federal Taxation Interest Group
3C. Big Data, Big Success: What CFOs Need to Know (MT) — Conference Center | Room C
John F. Levy, MBA, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
If you bought a hammer in a local store in 1957, you probably would have paid cash. The owner only knew that something was sold and had more cash at day’s end. Today, if you buy a hammer, you probably pay with a credit card, and the store knows what kind of hammer you bought, your past purchase history, where you live and approximations of your age, income and much more. As accountants, we are still recording essentially the same information as in 1957, when we need all the other “big data” to make the best business decisions. Are you and your company ready to benefit from big data? Learn how to get started.
3D. Building Your Personal Brand (PD) — Conference Center | Room D
Nicole DeRosa, CPA, MAcc — Wiss & Company LLP
A personal brand is your story. Having a well-defined personal brand can help you not only cultivate powerful connections but also set you apart. Explore the integral components to building a strong brand and gain strategies to help you create your own marketable personal brand.
3E. Top 10 Strategies to Maximize Social Security Benefits (TX) — Conference Center | Room 3
Ash Ahluwalia, M.B.A., NSSA, CSSCS, CFP — OneTeam Financial
Learn the top 10 Social Security filing strategies to help maximize benefits, including spousal, survivor, child, divorce, strategies for high-net-worth individuals and how to find the “Social Security Sweet Spot” (optimal filing strategy). Many case examples will be used as a format to detail how to maximize eligible Social Security benefits so that filers do not leave money on the table.
3F. Time’s Up! The Subscription Business Model for Accounting Firms (SK) — Conference Center | Room 1
Ronald F. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute
The world is moving from purchasing products and services to subscriptions, and there are many advantages of this trend. With subscription models, revenue is predictable, and you can create annuities with a lifetime value. You can also create competitive advantage by receiving collective knowledge of your customers and building relationships. Lastly, you may find it is easier to predict demand and plan your capacity efficiently. Learn how to use a subscription model to gain peace of mind, convenience and recurring, ever-increasing value. Review strategies utilized by businesses that have made the transition to a subscription-based model.
9-10:15 a.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)
4A. Auditing Update (AA) — Conference Center | Rooms A & B
Jeffrey Lieman , CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
Review the AICPA’s standard setting activities for 2023 and beyond, including SAS Nos. 144 and 145 and new risk assessment procedures. The most recent standards related to SSARS engagements and key findings in quality and peer reviews will also be discussed.
4B. S Corporation Basis Challenges — Stock and Debt (TX) — Conference Center | Room 2
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
With the introduction of Form 7203 in 2021, the IRS made it clear that the agency is concerned about taxpayers not properly applying the basis limitations for losses and distributions flowing out from their S corporations. Learn about the special issues we have to deal with when computing and tracking S corporation basis, both for stock and debt, as well as options for your new clients who have not been keeping track of their basis previously.
4C. Changes to IRC Section 174 (TX) — Conference Center | Room D
Shaune Scutellaro, CPA — CohnReznick, LLP
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 introduced changes to the deduction of research and experimentation expenditures under IRC Section 174. Let’s take a look back at the changes that were effective in the 2022 tax year and discuss how they were handled during the 2023 filing season.
4D. Finance and Innovation: Becoming an Innovator (MT) — Conference Center | Room C
John F. Levy, MBA, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
How can so many great companies lose their way and fall into a steep decline or even disappear? Many once very successful and profitable companies are now a ghost of their former glory, and we can barely remember their names. Explore how companies succeed through innovation and fail because they are unable to deal with the next wave of innovation. More importantly, learn how you, your department and your organization can profit from being more innovative.
4E. A Study and Review of Qualified Retirement Plans (SK) — Conference Center | Room 3
Charles Rosenberg, CRA, CRC, AIF — INTAC Actuarial Services
Learn advanced techniques for designing qualified retirement plans with maximum benefits. Broaden your understanding of the different types of plans and then be able to assess, evaluate and determine the best plan for a particular business or business owner. Review topics including allocation methods for profit sharing plans, 401(k) Safe Harbor match versus non-elective contributions, one- or two-person defined benefit/defined contribution combo plans and cash balance combo plans.
4F. Pricing on Purpose: Creating and Capturing Value (SK) — Conference Center | Room 1
Ronald F. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute
Understanding how people make buying decisions is a key component to any successful pricing strategy. By grasping the concepts of how consumers are influenced, you can be better equipped to price successfully and increase your profitability. Learn about behavioral economics, marketing strategy, customer psychology and how these principles should be applied to pricing. Review the evolution of this business model for professional firms and how to develop pricing options.
10:15-11 a.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break — Events Center | Expo Hall
11 a.m.-12 p.m. — CYBERSECURITY roundtable (1 credit, SK) — Music Box
Moderator: James C. Bourke, Jr. CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA — WithumSmith+Brown
Panelists: Paul Nebb — Titan Technologies
David J. Sampson — Thrive
Irene Walton — Gallagher Affinity
Jonathan S. Ziss, Esq. — Goldberg Segalla
Hear from industry experts about the cyber landscape today. They will share best practices for decreasing the likelihood of a cyber breach and will highlight insurance and legal implications that you need to be aware of. You'll walk away with the knowledge needed to protect your firm/company — and yourself.
Sponsored by:
12-1:30 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor — Events Center | Expo Hall
12:30-1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: New Jersey’s “Work for Credit” Program — Easing the Path to Licensure — Events Center | Studio 1
Brigid D'Souza, CPA — Saint Peter's University
Emem Mendie — PwC
Isainay Richardson — Pilot program participant
The first year of an innovative pilot program between Saint Peter’s University and PwC has concluded. Hear about how this program provided six prospective CPAs with the opportunity to work full time for PwC to earn the final 30 credits needed for CPA licensure. A Saint Peter’s educator, a PwC representative and a participant in the program will all share their perspectives and discuss plans for the future. Grab your lunch in the expo hall and join this informal conversation.
1:30-2:45 p.m.— Embracing Drivers of Change: What Will the Profession Look Like Tomorrow? (1.5 credits, SK) — Music Box
James C. Bourke Jr., CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA — WithumSmith+Brown
From our early roots in audit, review, compilation and tax preparation to where we stand today, we’ve all experienced a massive change in our roles. The pandemic may have thrown us a curveball, but many of us did not just survive the financial ramifications associated with it, we thrived and broke through to where we are today. We all have a better understanding of the power of technology in our survival. During this session, we’ll explore the factors that are contributing to the rapid change in our profession and peek into what our profession may look like tomorrow. At the core of this change are the rapid advancements in technology. If you think that we maxed out on technological change, think again!
Sponsored by:
2:45-3:45 p.m.— Seven Leadership and Life Lessons (1 credit, PD) — Music Box
Susan O’Malley — First female president of a professional sports franchise
Get ready for an engaging and upbeat presentation where Susan will apprise you of the seven seminal ‘rules’ for leadership and life. She will share insider stories about entertainment, hockey and basketball as well as management lessons she learned from her family. Life lessons are often learned early from family and familial experiences. By focusing on the lessons of her own childhood and then reinforcing them with her proven business expertise, Susan offers vital insights for leaders of all stripes. A trailblazer for herself and others, she is hilarious, brilliant, genuine and inviting. Her warm sense of humor, self-described “folksy” style, entertaining stories and sharp wit make her lessons memorable and an instant favorite. Take away lessons for your own life and business.
3:45-4:15 p.m.— Break — Music Box Foyer
4:15-5:30 p.m. — State of the NJCPA (1 credit, SK) — Music Box
This session, which includes the NJCPA Annual Business Meeting, will help you stay abreast of the status and health of the organization, learn about new business developments and meet the 2023/24 Board of Trustees, chapter board members and committee and interest group leaders.
Entertainment sponsor:
Closing Dinner sponsor:
Open Bar sponsors:
7-11:30 p.m.— Closing Dinner and Entertainment — Events Center | Salons A, B, C then Premier Nightclub
Cap off the convention with a toast to our incoming leaders and enjoy dinner, drinks and live entertainment. Back by popular demand, Brian Kirk & the Jirks will be performing everyone’s favorite cover songs.
Sponsored by:
7:30-8:15 a.m.— Breakfast
— Events Center | Salon D
8:15-9:15 a.m.— National Economic Outlook (1 credit, EC) — Events Center | Salon D
Roosevelt D. Bowman III — AllianceBernstein
Sponsored by:
9:15-10:30 a.m.— New Jersey Economic and Business Roundtable (1.5 credits, EC) — Events Center | Salon D
Moderator: Jeff Kaszerman — NJCPA
Panelists: Roosevelt D. Bowman III — AllianceBernstein
Regina Egea — Garden State Initiative
John Reitmeyer — NJ Spotlight News
Our panelists will discuss key economic issues facing businesses and individuals in New Jersey. Find out what the public and private sectors need to do now in order to make New Jersey an attractive place to live and do business.
10:30-10:45 a.m.— Break — Events Center | Foyer
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)
5A. Risk Management Best Practices Gleaned from Claims and Peer Review Deficiencies (AA) — Events Center | Salon A
Duncan B. Will, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE — CAMICO Mutual Insurance Company
CPAs, like all of humanity, can learn much from their mistakes. However, it is much less painful and often extremely educational to learn from the mistakes (or deficiencies) of others. Using knowledge gained from CAMICO's 35 years of handling liability claims, this session will highlight common risks, themes and deficiencies identified in claims and by peer reviewers. Walk away with a roadmap to avoid issues that have befallen other CPAs.
5B. Trending Topics in SALT (TX) — Events Center | Salon B
Moderator: James A. Bartek, CPA — Withum Smith+Brown
Panelists: Jennifer W. Karpchuk., J.D. — Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Aliza L. Sherman, Esq. — Stevens & Lee
James B. Evans, Jr., J.D., LL.M., CPA — Kulzer & DiPadova
What state and local tax (SALT) issues are keeping your clients and/or board up at night? It might not be what you think. Without question, pivotal state tax developments have taken shape across the U.S. Learn what’s new in workforce mobility, pass-through entity taxes and Public Law 86-272, among other trending SALT topics. Join us as we discuss New Jersey’s proposed “Convenience of Employer” rule and examine key changes to New Jersey BAIT, all the while taking a peek at what’s happening in other states across the U.S.
Hosted by the State Tax Interest Group
5C. Hot Topics in Tax Controversy (TX) — Events Center | Salon C
Parag P. Patel, J.D., LL.M. (Tax) — Patel Law Offices
With new funding, the IRS has ramped up enforcement, and all tax professionals must be familiar with the latest strategies in audit and tax collection defense. Learn about the latest tax developments, IRS initiatives and other hot topics. We will explore effective strategies to recognize and help mitigate the risks for clients and practitioners in tax controversies.
5D. From Spreadsheets to AI: How Technology is Changing the CPA Landscape (SK) — Events Center | Studio 1
Moderator: Mark W. Eckerle, CPA — Withum
Panelists: Karolis Matulis, CPA, CVA — WilkinGuttenplan
Ryan P. Warnet, CPA — SKC & Co CPAs, LLC
Melissa A. Dardani, CPA, MAcc, CFE — MD Advisory
Join the Emerging Technologies Interest Group for a discussion about recent technological developments. The presentation will cover a variety of cutting-edge tools and technologies including automation, blockchain, data analytics and AI. Learn how the changing technology landscape can help streamline workflow, improve data accuracy and provide valuable insights to clients.
Hosted by the Emerging Technologies Interest Group
5E. Finding the Secret Sauce in Your Recruiting Process (PD) — Events Center | Studio 2
Kevin Kurtz, MBA — Wiss
Recruiting is the most essential component for current and future sustainable success and growth. Organizations that are successful at attracting talent have figured out the “secret sauce” in their recruiting process. But how do you differentiate yourself during the recruiting process? Learn how to improve the candidate experience for prospective hires and what your firm or organization should be doing to increase retention.