Detailed Agenda

1-5 p.m. — New Jersey Law and Ethics (4 credits, PE)

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 2024-26 New Jersey triennial reporting period.

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6:30-9:30 p.m. — Registration

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Sponsored by:

7-8:15 p.m. — TOPIC TO BE ANNOUNCED (1.5 credits, SK)

Michael Hans — Citizens Bank

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Sponsored by:

8:15-10 p.m. — Welcome Reception

Start your Convention experience off right with an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks and networking. First-time event attendees are encouraged to attend to meet other newcomers, connect with seasoned attendees and get their Convention experience started early.

 

7-8:30 a.m. — Registration and Continental Breakfast

8-10 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks 

Don Meyer, CAE — NJCPA

Unleash Your Curiosity (2 credits, PD)

Diana Kander
When we get good at our jobs, we encounter the “expert plateau:” we learn less and contribute fewer ideas. Learn how to shift from feeling like you know how it should be done to being curious about whether it could be done better. Use curiosity as a professional skill, not a personality trait, to deliver clearer insights and better outcomes.

10:10-10:30 a.m. — Coffee Break

10:30-11:45 a.m. — Disrupting Growth and Owning Opportunity (1.5 credits, PD)

Morris Morrison, innovation consultant
It’s no secret that human beings crave consistency and we dislike change. Yet, one thing remains clear — CPAs and accounting professionals must deliver results. Discover how to abandon your need for certainty and comfort, embrace change and disruption, and develop new disciplines. Learn the importance of leading and disrupting growth opportunities, being connected as a team during transition and modeling generosity in leadership and mission.

Sponsored by:

11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor

11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Emerging Leaders Lunch

1:30-3:10 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)

1. FASB Accounting Update (AA)
Renee Rampulla, CPA, CGMA — Rampulla Advisory Services, LLC
Get an update on recently issued and proposed Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance, along with a look at key projects on the Board’s current technical agenda. Gain practical insights into emerging standards affecting financial reporting, including crypto assets, income tax disclosures, joint ventures and governmental grants.

2. Individual Tax Update (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas, Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
Tax law continues to develop, and this session will look at developments that have taken place over the past year, including new guidance from the IRS on One Big Beautiful Bill Act provisions that continues to be released, key court cases and any additional legislation enacted into law.

3. The Rodman Paradox (MT)
JackMcCullough — CFO Leadership Council
Your most valuable employee is often not your most visible, promotable or versatile performer — but the deeply specialized expert whose mastery is almost impossible to replace. Drawing inspiration from Dennis Rodman — the NBA’s most unconventional champion and arguably the greatest specialist in modern sports — this session will reveal why organizations consistently undervalue the quiet contributors who stabilize systems, prevent crises and enable stars to shine.

4. Delegation, Feedback and Accountability: Honing Your Core Leadership Skills (PD)
Jon Lokhorst — Your Best Leadership, LLC
AElevate your leadership effectiveness and organizational impact by fine-tuning these core leadership skills. Recognize the barriers to your effectiveness and reshape your mindset to gain confidence and become more proactive as you lead your team. Explore practical tools to optimize productivity, cultivate talent, inspire ownership and free up more of your time to focus on crucial leadership functions like strategic thinking, innovation and critical problem-solving.

5. Using AI at Work with Confidence and Care (SK)
Jim Ambrosini, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CMMC- RP, QTE — CompassMSP
Whether you have sanctioned it or not, your employees are using AI at work. While AI is great for boosting productivity and automating tasks, it also brings risks including data leaks, deepfakes and other compliance challenges. In this session, we’ll connect the dots between compliance requirements and real-world practices, showing you how to navigate AI safely, reduce risk and still move innovation forward. Walk away with a clear view of AI’s impact and simple actions you can take to reduce risk and protect your employees and data.

6. Designing What’s Next: Building Your Path in the CPA Profession (SK)
Panelists to be announced
Your career doesn’t just happen; you design it. This interactive panel discussion will help emerging professionals take control of their growth by defining what’s next for their careers, identifying the skills and experiences that will get them there, and creating a clear, actionable roadmap. Through real-world insights, you’ll leave with a plan to navigate opportunities, overcome challenges and move forward with confidence in your career.

7. Board of Trustees Meeting

3:10-3:50 p.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break

3:50-5:30 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)

1. Recent Auditing & SSARS Guidance (AA)
Renee Rampulla, CPA, CGMA — Rampulla Advisory Services, LLC
Get an update on current auditing and Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs) guidance issued by the AICPA. Recently issued and effective Statements on Auditing Standards (SASs) and SSARSs will be reviewed as well as practical resources to support audit, compilation and review engagements.

2. Business Tax Update (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas, Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act extended, modified and added a number of tax provisions that impact businesses. We’ll look at guidance that has been issued to deal with these changes, as well as key court decisions and new legislation that impacts businesses.

3. From Feedback to Growth (PD)
Nicola Ellam — CLA
How to receive, process, and act on feedback to accelerate development and achieve your career goals.

4. Keep Your Best Leaders: Four Keys to Build a Flourishing Leadership Pipeline (MT)
Jon Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC — Your Best Leadership, LLC
Which leaders in your organization are you most afraid of losing? What are you doing to ensure these key leaders stay with you for the future? A recent Gallup study found that managers are more likely than non-managers to be disengaged at work, burned out, looking for a new job and feeling like their organization doesn’t care about their well-being. This program focuses on four crucial steps to keep your best leaders.

5. From Toy to Tool: How AI Can Actually Help You Get Things Done
Tracy Cooper — TLB Services
You’ve tested ChatGPT, maybe tried Copilot and seen AI pop up in Excel, Outlook or your accounting software. But are you still wondering how to make any of it actually save time? We’ll move past the hype and into practical, CPA-level uses of AI, focused on tools you already have access to. You’ll see how to use AI agents to create or clean spreadsheets, restructure messy exports into usable formats and generate meaningful summaries or visualizations without starting from scratch. You’ll also get ideas for simple workflows that reduce repetition and free up time for the work that really needs your expertise.

6. Tips and Best Practices for the CPA Exam (SK)
Peter Olinto — UWorld
Get an in-depth look at the CPA Exam: the structure, content and what today’s candidates need to know to succeed. Gain practical study strategies, exam-day tips and proven best practices to stay confident and on track. Whether you’re just beginning your CPA journey or already preparing to sit for an exam section, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance to support your next step forward.

7. NJCPA Leader Training
This session will provide practical, easy-to-follow how-to’s 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 2026/27 President Christopher Lovasz, 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 2026/27 NJCPA leaders.

5:30-9 p.m. — Dinner on Your Own

Gather with colleagues, plan a group outing, meet up with event sponsors or enjoy a quiet dinner your way. Explore dining options at the Borgata and the surrounding area.

Sponsored by:

9-11 p.m. — After-Dinner Drinks

Join your fellow convention attendees for dessert and drinks.

7-8:30 a.m. — Breakfast with Sponsors & Exhibitors

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Next is Now: AI and the Future of Accounting — Transforming Every Corner of the Profession (1 credit, SK)

James Bourke, CPA.CITP.CFF.CGMA — WithumSmith+Brown

The accounting profession is at a tipping point. Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are no longer concepts for the future — they’re transforming the way we work today. Waiting to adapt is not a strategy; it’s a risk. Explore how AI is reshaping audit, tax and advisory services, and why professionals who hesitate will fall behind. You’ll gain insights into practical applications of AI, the competitive advantages of early adoption and actionable steps to position your organization for success in this era of rapid change. The future isn’t coming — it’s here. Are you ready?

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Session to be announced (1 credit, SK)

10:30-11:15 a.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break

11:15 a.m-12:30 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

1. Accountants’ Role in M&A (AA)
Jay Levine, CPA, CGMA — Prager Metis CPAs LLC

2. Criminal Tax: What Tax Professionals Need to Know to Help Clients and Themselves (TX)
Parag Patel, Esq. — Parag P. Patel, Esq.
The IRS is devoting significant new resources to the detection of civil and criminal tax fraud, including failure to file required information reporting returns, failure of taxpayers to report domestic and international income, and failure of taxpayers to report virtual currency. Get an overview of recent New Jersey criminal tax cases and IRS fraud compliance efforts and understand how to handle and assist clients with potential civil and criminal tax issues.

3. Cash Flow Clarity: Why Does It Have to Be This Hard to Explain? (MT)
Robert Mims, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
The cash flow statement is perhaps the most important of the GAAP statements and also the most confusing. Learn how to simplify it into words and explain it to a constituency that can’t stand numbers.

4. Managing Difficult Client Conversations (PD)
Kristine Pett and Rahul Mahna — EisnerAmper
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of a CPA’s role — whether addressing client expectations, delivering constructive feedback, managing conflict or navigating emotionally charged situations. In this interactive session, learn practical, research-backed strategies to communicate with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Through real-world scenarios and guided techniques, explore how to prepare for these conversations, listen effectively, maintain psychological safety and transform challenging moments into opportunities for stronger relationships and better outcomes.

5. Marrying Advisory Services with Brand Strategy: Making Your Firm Attractive for the Future (MT)
Debra Rizzi — Rizco
Growth, buyouts, M&A — the future favors firms that are prepared. Discover how aligning advisory services with brand strategy can make your firm irresistible to clients, talent and investors alike. Learn proven approaches to strengthen your image, communicate value and position your firm for success, today and tomorrow.

6. Practical Business Planning for the Second and Third Generations (MT)
Gary DeVicci — Integrity Wealth Group, LLC
Kristin L. Schmid J.D., LL.M. — Kulzer & DiPadova, P.A.
Businesses often flounder under a generational transition. Many advisors have difficulty maintaining their relationships with the next generation of owners when their clients retire or pass away. Explore the differences between Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z, and learn how the variation in their priorities affects succession planning. Discover planning tools and techniques to help these businesses thrive while cementing your place at the table..

Sponsored by:

12:30-1:45 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor

1:45-3 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

1. Audit Philosophy (AA)
Frank R. Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, ABV — WithumSmith+Brown
Brad E. Muniz, CPA — Clifton Larson Allen (CLA)
This session will explore the foundational principles and values that guide the audit process. Gain insights into the ethical considerations, objectives and methodologies that underpin effective auditing practices, fostering a deeper understanding of how philosophical approaches shape audit outcomes.

2. Sales Tax Best Practices (TX)
Mark L. Stone, CPA, MST — Armanino Advisory LLC Sales Tax Defense LLC
This session will break down sales tax complexities, offering clear guidance on how to properly collect, file and remit taxes. Learn practical solutions for addressing non-compliance, including proactive steps and strategies to avoid costly penalties.

3. Executing Your Strategy: Let’s Just Delete This Now! (MT)
Robert Mims, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
Many organizations invest significant time in strategic planning but fall short when it comes to execution. Explore the critical transition from strategy to performance while challenging outdated planning models and myths. Understand why should you consider “killing” your current plan and building a new plan centered around financial performance. Learn about the reasons strategy fails, uncover the practical tools for bridging the planning-performance gap and explore how strong financial integration enables strategy to succeed.

4. Get Uncomfortable (In a Good Way!) (PD)
Nicole DeRosa, CPA, MAcc — SKC & Co CPAs, LLC/em>
Breaking out of your comfort zone begins with embracing challenges and new experiences, which can be daunting at times. By venturing into new areas, taking on unfamiliar tasks and welcoming discomfort, you can unlock your full potential, acquire valuable skills, cultivate resilience and foster innovation. Learn strategies to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and actively seek challenges that will enable accelerated development and fulfillment within your career. It is often during the uncomfortable times that we find the biggest growth opportunities.

5. How CPAs Can Create Year-Round Value Through Advanced Financial and Tax Planning (SK)
Justin Rice — Personal Wealth Strategies
Many CPAs spend most of the year catching up on client needs that surface during tax season. But real value — and stronger client relationships — come from proactive planning all year long. Learn how to help clients keep more of what they earn and plan ahead for their future through strategies like Roth conversions, charitable giving, retirement planning and education funding. You’ll walk away with simple, actionable ideas to turn your expertise into lasting impact for your clients — and to shift from being just a tax preparer to being their trusted financial guide.

6. Future-Ready Leadership: Preparing Accounting Firms for What’s Next (MT)
Michael Tiger, MBA, CPA — Michael Tiger Coaching
The accounting profession is entering a new era. AI, digital transformation, workforce shifts and growing client expectations are reshaping what leadership looks like. Future-ready leaders won’t just keep up; they’ll drive change with adaptability, resilience and a human-centered approach. Discover a practical, forward-looking framework for how you can evolve your leadership to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about reimagining how accountants lead.

3-3:15 p.m. — Break

3:15-4:05 p.m. — State of the NJCPA (1 credit, SK)

The NJCPA Annual Business Meeting will help you stay abreast of the status and health of the organization, learn about new business developments and introduce you to the 2026/27 Board of Trustees, chapter board members and leaders of committees and interest groups.

4:05-5 p.m. — The TA DA of Teamwork: Succeeding During Change and Disruption (1 credit, PD)

I We are all improvising. We face challenges, disruption, change and obstacles without a script or rehearsal. To find success, we need to work together, build trust and create opportunity. Learn how the tenets of improvisation create successful teams during change and disruption. This interactive, engaging and hilarious session will focus on staying in the game, facing fear, building trust and asking the important question: “How do I help the people around me be successful?” Understand the importance of opportunity, positive support and active listening in collaboration. You will not only have fun and laugh during this session, you will also learn how to collaborate more successfully as a team and navigate change. Are you ready for the TA DA? .

7-11 p.m. — Closing Dinner and Entertainment

Sponsored by:

7:30-8:30 a.m. — Breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m. — The State of the Economy and Markets in 2026 (1 credit, EC)

Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Sponsored by:

9:30-10:45a.m. — New Jersey Economic and Business Roundtable (1.5 credits, EC)

Moderator: Jeff Kaszerman — NJCPA Vice President of Government Relations
Panelists to be announced
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.

10:45-11 a.m. — Break

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)

1. Critical Thinking Applications for Accounting and Auditing (AA)
Edward Mendlowitz — Withum
Many accounting and auditing processes and outcomes can be strengthened by applying critical thinking skills. This session will introduce a critical thinking focus to many long-accepted A&A conventions and offer improvements or substitutions. Discover how a single element of critical thinking would have clearly identified the weaknesses in Silicon Valley Bank financial statements, how free cash flow should be the metric of choice over EBITDA, how working capital should still be used as a measure of liquidity for loans but why it should be replaced by a “days cash on hand” metric for management purposes and many other situations where careful, critical thinking would provide much better insights and understanding.

2. Become a Tax Superhero: Hot Topics in Tax Incentives (TX)
Jacob Wood — Capstan Tax Strategies

3. Going Pro: The Mindset and Habits of True Professionals (PD)
Andrew Donofrio — AD, LLC
What separates amateurs from true professionals isn’t talent — it’s mindset, habits and discipline. Explore the defining characteristics that elevate performance in any field: adaptability, emotional regulation, resilience, relentlessness, focus and, above all, self-discipline. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to cultivate these traits through practical strategies and mindset shifts that create consistent excellence. While the primary focus is professional growth, these same skills transform personal, financial and relationship success as well. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur or emerging professional, this session will help you to raise your standards, sharpen your focus and build the habits that separate those who wish from those who win.

4. AI and Cybersecurity in Accounting: Risks, Rewards and Real-World Strategies (SK)
Frank Wukovits — Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (CSG Law)
Explore the dual forces of innovation and security by examining how AI is fundamentally transforming the landscape of accounting and finance. As firms integrate this powerful new technology, understanding cybersecurity essentials becomes paramount to protecting sensitive financial data and maintaining client trust. These concepts will be brought to life through real-world case studies, specifically focusing on the evolving complexities of M&A due diligence in an era defined by rapid AI adoption and heightened cyber risk.

5. Think Before You Surcharge (SK)
Adam Feingertz — Merchant Advocate
Are you considering implementing a credit card surcharge program for your clients or your company? Not so fast! Get a 360-degree understanding about the finer points of surcharging including implementations for audits, avoiding fines and everything else CPAs need to understand about the topic.