#CCHUC22 Breakout Session Descriptions

Achieving Maximum Impact Using CCH Axcess™ Practice – Workshop
This session is designed for individuals who have mastered the basics of CCH Axcess Practice and now want to learn tips for facilitating a more efficient time and billing process and improving the cash conversion cycle. During this course, experienced users will discover ways to save time with our best practices for various CCH Axcess features, including dashboard notifications, clocks, billing, and integration with CCH® Client Axcess and ePay.

• Speaker: Carolyn Martin
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience with CCH Axcess Practice
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Applying tools like Power BI with Firm Management CCH Axcess solutions – Lecture
This session is focused on the strategic application of key data points both contained within various CCH Axcess ™ Firm Management applications and collected during various stages of a workflow process. By participating, attendees will learn how to take data collected within the system, analyze it year over year, and assist with the development of applying the insight to your business based on both qualitative and quantitative results. This session is geared toward report creators, analysts, administrators, and managers responsible for the day-to-day management of production in their firm during busy season and beyond. Presenters will review reporting options and opportunities to collect necessary data points to help you dig deeper into how to get to the analysis you need to manage your busy season.

• Speaker: Tyler Pendergraft
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications 
• Program level: Intermediate     
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None 

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Beginning Your CCH Axcess™ Journey: Hindsight from Successful Firms – Panel
If you’re considering a future CCH Axcess™ implementation, join this informative panel discussion with accounting firm leaders who have already made the journey. You’ll learn about what to expect, potential obstacles, and tips for success. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward the cloud.

• Speaker: Subject-matter expert panel (panelists TBD)
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Overview
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Best Practices for Managing a Successful Firm – Discussion Pod
Join your peers in discussing best practices, processes, and technology used in managing a successful firm.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience in firm leadership
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None 

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Beyond Client Files – Using CCH Axcess™ Document and Portal for Internal Firm File Management – Lecture
While client files are the primary focus of document management software, it is important to remember that internal firm files require many of the same considerations. Retention policies, organization, and appropriate access to firm files are critical for your staff. During this session, you will learn how to use CCH Axcess Document for storing internal firm files for staff, offices, non-clients, and more. Topics include best practices for setting up classes, subclasses, folder templates, and security rights for internal firm files, along with alternative options for tracking internal files using the Clients area of Document.

• Speakers: Monica DiFini     
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate     
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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CCH Axcess Workflow Complimentary Performance Review – Lecture
This session will provide the firm with a CPR, Complimentary Performance Review. The CPR consists of data collection and site statistics providing the firm with key actionable recommendations for the site based on observations. This open dialog will consider key areas in the application for users to focus on improving as a group.

• Speaker: Meron Makonnen     
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications 
• Program level: Advanced
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Axcess Workflow 
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None 

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CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration: Client Workflow Solution for All Your Tax Preparation Engagements – Workshop
CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration offers the firm an integrated workflow solution for initiating and completing 1040 and business tax preparation engagements. With Client Collaboration, the firm can start engagements by sending the client an individualized engagement letter for e-signature, a tax organizer, and a document request list to assist the client in providing the firm data needed to prepare the return. Client Collaboration offers the firms tools to manage the receipt of tax data from the client and then provide client data to the staff member assigned to prepare the return. New for 2022, Client Collaboration now supports Partnership, C-Corp and S-Corp, Fiduciary, Employee Plan, or Non-Profit tax preparation requests. This session provides an introduction to this exciting new application.

• Speaker: Heather Spontak
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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CCH Axcess™ Document & CCH Axcess™ Portal Best Practices – Discussion Pod
For existing CCH Axcess™ Document and CCH Axcess™ Portal users - join your peers in discussing best practices, tips and tricks of the application, and the processes it encompasses. Note: attendees will be separated at tables by firm size.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications 
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Axcess Document and CCH Axcess Portal 
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels 
• Advanced preparation: None 

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CCH Axcess™ Practice Best Practices – Discussion Pod
For existing CCH Axcess™ Practice users -- join your peers in discussing best practices and tips and tricks of the application, and the processes it encompasses. Note: attendees will be separated at tables by firm size.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Axcess Practice
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels 
• Advanced preparation: None

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CCH Axcess™ Workflow Best Practices – Discussion Pod
For existing CCH Axcess™ Workflow users — join your peers in discussing best practices and tips and tricks of the application, and the processes it encompasses.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Axcess Workflow
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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CCH Axcess™ Workstream Best Practices – Discussion Pod
For existing CCH Axcess™ Workstream users — join your peers in discussing best practices and tips and tricks of the application, and the processes it encompasses.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications 
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Workstream 
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels 
• Advanced preparation: None

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Change Management – Systems for Success – Lecture
Change management has always played an important role in business and the last 2 years have accelerated the need for effective change management. It is important to understand a defined pattern to change that should be applied and managed with any change initiative. Subsequent to discussing the change management patterns we will discuss the 4 key phases and necessary measures of change management. They include planning & discussion of any change initiative. The launch and then managed disorder phase. The always anticipated recovery and opportunity phase. And finally, the results and hopefully successful completion along with the success phase. This session will provide examples of change management experience that each attendee can apply to any current change management initiatives they are considering or managing.

• Speaker: R. Sean Manning
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Clarify Your Marketing to Earn More Business – Lecture
Marketing is a challenge for any business, but before you start thinking about social media, email, and paid advertising, there is one critical skill to master: communicating the benefits you deliver as effectively as possible. Most businesses fail at this without even realizing it – you know all the wonderful things you can do for your customers, but you may not be saying it in a meaningful or lasting way. In this session, you’ll learn how to clarify your message to help you secure more clients and grow your business.

• Speakers: Angela Coenen, Steve Hetrick
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Overview
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging – Lecture
As a leader, no matter what your position or stance, you must lead effectively through diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities that ultimately impact all of us. Pursuing diversity is important, however, creating a culture of inclusion and belonging is essential for retaining talent and clients. During this session we will discuss how to initiate and facilitate conversations and develop plans for actionable progress that focus on these areas: 1) Expanding Awareness and Learning 2) Understanding and Removing Barriers 3) Making a Difference in Your Firm and Beyond.

• Speaker: Jim Boomer
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Current Trends in M&A – Lecture
With merger-mania in the accounting profession continuing at full speed many remain unsure of whether a merger may be the right strategy for the future. This season will explore the current marketplace trends with regard to M&A and help you determine when a merger may be the right direction and potentially when it may not. This session will cover:

1. Whether it’s a buyer or seller’s market?
2. How an IT culture impacts M&A
3. Why disruptive technologies like blockchain, AI, and machine learning will impact long-term valuations. 
4. The newest entry to the M&A arena – private equity firms

• Speaker: Bill Carlino
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Disconnect to Connect: Practicing Mindfulness in the Workplace – Lecture
Do you find yourself distracted at work and at home? Do you fear that you are not working to your full potential with your team or as a leader because of workplace misunderstandings? Are you empathetic as a leader and seek to understand others’ perspectives? In this session, we will take a deep dive into understanding where we are off balance in our lives -- both at work and at home -- and how this affects the experience we create with others.

Many of us can feel that we are technically up to speed in what we do; however, we are not living up to our full potential as a leader or co-worker because we lack the skills to mindfully connect with one another. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the current moment and learning how to calmly observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment or action. By learning to disconnect, we can connect in a more intentional, positive way and find common ground with those we work with and care about. Through the daily practice of mindfulness, we can gain a better understanding of where we are off-balance internally so that we can show up better for those around us, be a more successful leader and feel more engaged as an employee.

In this session, you will:

• Gain a clear understanding of what mindfulness is and how to practice it;
• Learn to evaluate your work-life balance and the work-life balance of your employees;
• Understand how to improve employee engagement and well being;
• Discover a couple of quick and easy meditation practices for mindfulness in the office; and,
• Learn the most effective office/desk yoga stretches for clarity and focus.

• Speaker: Amy Vetter
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Effective Project Tracking with CCH Axcess™ Workstream – Lecture
Improve your ROI on CCH Axcess™ Workstream. Learn how to leverage the functions and features of CCH Axcess Workstream to streamline your workflows. Save time with scalable project templates, manage projects using project pools, use integration with CCH Axcess™ Tax, Practice, and Document to seamlessly incorporate projects into your workflow process, and more.

• Speaker: Sarah Stanojevic
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using CCH Axcess Workstream
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Elevating Your Advisory Service Practice! – Panel
Join us for a Q&A session with expert Jason Kadow (CPA, CVA, CGMA) from KMA Accountants and Advisors, who has a thriving advisory services practice, and Wolters Kluwer product management, on their insights on best practices, technology, training, and marketing.

• Speakers: Jason Kadow, Lisa Erickson, Mark McAndrew
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Overview
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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From the Ground Up: Reskilling Our Profession for Future Relevance – Lecture
Accounting and finance is built on a foundation of technical skills -- functional expertise that improves your core accounting, auditing, and tax skills. But in an era of exponential change, that's not enough anymore. To become truly future-ready, tomorrow's CPAs must add five key competencies that will ensure their future relevance. In this interactive presentation, Bill Sheridan will clearly define these new future-ready skills -- and what CPAs must do now to master them.

• Speaker: Bill Sheridan
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Hiring and Keeping Talent in the Great Resignation – Lecture
Firm turnover is at record levels thanks to the Great Resignation, but hiring and retaining top accounting talent is possible with the right strategies. Jeff Phillips is an accounting talent expert who founded Accountingfly and runs Padgett Business Services. Jeff will present a playbook for CPA firms of all sizes to hire and retain talent in today's environment. Attendees will have a firm grasp of the labor dynamics causing high turnover and leave with practical action steps to implement immediately.

• Speaker: Jeff Phillips
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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How to Utilize CCH Axcess Workflow Scheduler Efficiently and Effectively – Lecture
Learn how to increase productivity by proactively identifying bottlenecks, balancing resource capacity, and identifying who has capacity to take on more work. Participants will see how firms are using RAS and CAL and the difference between the two, tracking budgets & actual time, leveraging integration services and leveraging workload reporting, availability and conflicts. CCH Axcess Workflow Scheduler delivers a simplified user interface, quick action features, and added connectivity between RAS and Calendar.

• Speaker: Kristin Settlers
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels, TBD
• Advanced preparation: None

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How to Win at M&A Wherever You Sit at the Table – Lecture
Whether you plan to be a buyer or a seller, preparing for M&A is serious business, and every deal is different. In this heated merger market, when any misstep can derail negotiations, practice owners must understand what to bring to the table—and what to leave outside the door. In this session, we will review the dealmaking cycle, from readiness and prioritizing to discussions and negotiating. Learn the 10 best practices for deal preparation and how to make the right first impression as we chart the path to a successful transaction.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the 10 best practices that buyers and sellers should do to prepare for a first merger meeting.
2. Identify the factors that can create a negative first impression or lead to a breakdown in negotiations. 
3. Differentiate between anxieties and hurdles, and the impact of each on a potential deal.

• Speaker: Ira Rosenbloom
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Advanced
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Leading Diverse Generations as a Trusted Advisor – Lecture
Whether you are a CPA, CAE, CFO, CIO, Director, Controller, business advisor, or are a developing audit or IT professional, it is imperative that you master the art of financial influence and build the skills of a relational manager. This powerful, interactive session will provide participants with the skills to design a structured process for developing long-term, mutually beneficial internal and external client relationships along with strategies for becoming a true trusted advisor within your organization.

Ed combines dynamite influencing strategies with a marketing model that creates a machine for effective and proactive influence, regardless of economic conditions. This course is divided into three key areas. The first defines how to be an effective leader and how to influence. The second segment focuses on the various generations and how to motivate and influence each of them. The third segment will help tie in being a trusted advisor with the ability to influence and how to approach all generations in your workplace. You will walk away with over a dozen skills, processes, and tools to grow your organization and impact your career.

• Speaker: Edward Robinson
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Making "Work" Meaningful – Lecture
In an interesting turn of events, our team members do NOT want to just work to make money. Yikes! They want meaningful, valuable work that will make them feel fulfilled, valued, and motivated. You may have heard this before but you dismissed it thinking that it is a request that is just too hard to fulfill. I assure you it is not. In this session we will explore:

• What meaningful work really means.
• Why it is important to your team members now
• How you can help your team identify and find this work within your firm
• What you should do right now to help protect and motivate your team.

• Speaker: Sandra Wiley
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Managing Due Dates for All Service Lines and Internal Operations Using CCH Axcess™ Workflow – Lecture
This session will focus on how to establish non-standard deliverables to manage all your due dates whether it’s related to a client return, audit report, client payments, or an operational deadline. Participants will learn how to maximize the value of CCH Axcess™ Workflow, by creating and calculating due dates for all your business needs, as well as how these deliverables tie to rollover and recurring tasks.

• Speaker: Michele Ake
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using XCMworkflow
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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People First: A Critical Shift to Retain Top Talent – Lecture
The Great Resignation is sending a message: Something must change. 

Attracting and retaining talent in the long-term will require more than pay increases and benefits packages. The future of the accounting profession demands more, specifically a shift from the way we’ve always done things. In this course, we will:

Explore 5 common mindsets and behaviors that are keeping your organization stuck in the past and making it impossible to retain talent in today’s environment.
Identify specific steps you can take to create a people-first culture that is attractive to new and experienced talent. 

Lead your firm into the future by letting go of some of the old ways and creating a sustainable and attractive path forward. Create a people-first culture where everyone thrives and your profits soar.

• Speaker: Erin Daiber
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Process Improvement Strategies to Increase Firm Capacity and Profitability – Lecture
Process Improvement Strategies to Increase Firm Capacity and Profitability

Change is happening faster than ever. The future is very bright for our profession- however, firms with the status quo mindset will significantly fall behind. As compliance work become more commoditized, it's becoming imperative that firms modernize their processes to maintain margins and build capacity for additional consulting and advisory work. This session will introduce the key process, automation, and staffing concepts that future-ready firms are applying to stay ahead of the curve and increase firm capacity and profitability.

• Speaker: Jim Boomer
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Scaling Your Client Accounting Services Practice – Lecture
Client Accounting Services (CAS) has grown from its early days of bookkeeping and after the fact reporting, expanding into consulting and advisory services. These days a CAS menu routinely includes offerings such as virtual CFO services, controllership, and even M&A support. But how do firms find the capacity to support this growth, without sacrificing quality? During this session, you’ll learn the key elements of building and scaling a CAS practice. We’ll cover key elements of scaling your practice that include:

• Strategies to grow your CAS practice
• Service delivery
• Standardize your tech stack
• Onboarding new clients
• Plus much more…

We’ll also discuss how firms are overcoming the staffing challenge by utilizing remote staffing from Xpitax.

• Speakers: Randy Johnston, Ray Barlow
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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The Art of Pricing – Lecture
This session will be dedicated to the possibility that a professional firm will achieve better results for its customers and be more profitable when it recognizes that pricing must be developed as a core competency. Developing this skill is hard work and not for everyone. It requires us to think differently than we have in the past about the primary input into price. You are hereby invited to open a dialogue on a different model for creating and capturing value in a professional firm.

• Speaker: Ed Kless
• CPE field of study: Business Management & Organization
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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The Integrated Workflow Experience with CCH Axcess™ Workflow and the CCH Axcess™ Product Suite – Lecture
Learn how to establish effective workflow processes using all modules of CCH Axcess™: CCH Axcess™ Tax, CCH Axcess™ Document, CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration, CCH Axcess™ Practice, and CCH Axcess™ Efile. During this session, we will walk through a sample workflow and illustrate how to collaborate effectively across roles, departments, or office locations by leveraging CCH Axcess™ Workflow with the various CCH Axcess™ products to create the ultimate integrated workflow experience.  

• Speaker: Sarah Cook
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: General knowledge of CCH Axcess, including CCH Axcess Workflow
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Upping Your Client Experience Game – Lecture
Your clients are busy professionals without the time or expertise to prepare their taxes, but they do need to share important tax-related information with the firm. How does your firm’s current client experience help or hinder your clients’ ability to get you this information timely and efficiently? How can you be certain your clients’ online experience is as engaging as the in-office experience? In this session, we will look at the reasons clients leave their accountants and will share the key characteristics and benefits you should look for when selecting a new technology platform your clients will enjoy.

• Speakers: Sandra Wiley, Heather Spontak
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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 What's New with CCH Axcess™ – Lecture

The CCH Axcess™ platform continues to expand and evolve! Join the Wolters Kluwer Product Leadership team to learn about the exciting updates during 2022 and our plans for the future. We will share overall updates to the CCH Axcess Platform and update you on the API Marketplace that can enable automation to your overall process for your firm. In addition:

• In the area of Tax, we will review enhancements planned for CCH Axcess™ Tax and ongoing progress made for the evolution of CCH Axcess Tax via a browser
• Focusing on Firm Management, we will review enhancements to CCH Axcess™ Workflow, CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration, CCH Axcess™ iQ, and CCH Axcess™ reporting
• For Audit, we will discuss the expanded CCH Axcess™ Financial Prep product, the CCH Axcess™ Engagement early adopter program, and enhancements to CCH Axcess™ Validate. You will also get insights into our data driven approach to audit.

• Speakers: Cathy Rowe, Nate Brown, Colleen Knuff
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: General knowledge of CCH Axcess
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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What's New with Firm Management – Lecture
Join our Wolters Kluwer Product Management team as they reveal recent releases, enhancements, and integration planned for CCH Axcess™ Practice, CCH Axcess™ Workstream, CCH Axcess™ Workflow, CCH Axcess™ iQ, and CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration that will help drive efficiency and productivity at your firm.  

• Speakers: Damon Russel, Lisa Erickson, Mark McAndrew
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Update
• Prerequisites: Familiarity with or experience using Wolters Kluwer Firm Management products
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Xpitax® Tax Preparation Outsourcing Best Practices – Discussion Pod
For existing Xpitax® Tax Preparation Outsourcing users — join your peers in discussing best practices, tips and tricks of the service, and the processes it encompasses.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using Xpitax 
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels  
• Advanced preparation: None 

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CCH iFirm – Benefits of Integration and Product Roadmap – Lecture
During this session we will discuss the power of leveraging the full CCH iFirm Suite which supports all key facets of your accounting practice. We'll also take a look at the CCH iFirm product roadmap: Our vision for the future and new features coming soon.

• Speaker: Zoran Vojnovic
• CPE field of study: Computer Software & Applications
• Program level: Overview
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: Current Users & Perspective Users
• Advanced preparation: None 

Audit Track | Firm Management Track | Tax Track | Technology Track

CCH Axcess Tax APIs: Tax Transfer and Beyond – Lecture
At the core of the CCH Axcess Tax APIs, Tax Transfer provides import and export capabilities with tax return data for firms wanting to leverage automation and data reporting. The Tax APIs open the door for firms to realize more value from the return data, while also enabling firms to find efficiencies in current tax return processing. In this session, we will explore different aspects of leveraging Tax Transfer, areas to pay attention to, and how other APIs can enhance the end-user experience.

• Speaker: Rod Lear
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of API and OIP
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Cybersecurity Practices in the Modern Threat Landscape – Lecture
This session will outline the evolving threats, strategies, mitigations, and exposures firms should be considering in 2023. The further emergence of cyberwarfare and crime has strongly impacted professional workplaces and organizations. This evolution opened up a new frontier in cybercrime: targeted attacks against infrastructure, enhanced ransomware threats, and remote access attacks.

• Speaker: Ken Pyle
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of IT and data security
• Who should attend: IT personnel
• Advanced preparation: None

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Emerging Topics In Blockchain And Cryptocurrency – Lecture
Blockchain is one of the most-watched emerging technologies. Yet, few accountants understand how to use this technology to make existing ledger-based systems more efficient, effective, and tamper-resistant. In this session, you will learn the basics of blockchain-based ledgers. You will also learn about the fundamentals of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ripple. Additionally, you will learn about emerging issues in these fields, such as stablecoins, central bank-issued digital currencies, smart contracts, and sovereign identity management. By attending this session, you will see how blockchain-based technologies will change your work with others.

Major Topics

• Blockchain basics and regulations
• Cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and blockchain-enabled central bank digital currencies
• Smart contracts, sovereign identity management, cross-border funds transfer
• Emerging uses for blockchain-based ledgers

Learning Objectives

• Select the correct definitions for key terms associated with blockchain-based ledgers
• Differentiate the features of a cryptocurrency, a stablecoin, and a central bank-issued digital currency
• Identify key features associated with a smart contract, distributed finance, and sovereign identity
• Select from a list at least three different uses for blockchain-based ledgers covered in the course

• Speaker: Randy Johnston
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Update
• Prerequisites: Fundamental understanding of information technology
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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How Technology Can Drive the New Virtual Office – Discussion Pod
How Tech can help attract top talent, create a better work-life balance for your firm, and be competitive in a post-pandemic world. Join other industry peers to discuss best practices and emerging technology that will help support the new demands for the “glass” office. Learn how other firms are shifting their firm culture and how they are leveraging technology to accomplish it.  

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Overview     
• Prerequisites: None     
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Inspector Gadget – Lecture
Technology continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace - disrupting and transforming virtually all aspects of our personal and professional lives. From AI, 5G and blockchain, to IoT, robotics and EVs, new technology is impacting and revolutionizing virtually every product and service available. Join Inspector Gadget as he explores the very latest technology trends and vendor solutions, along with cutting-edge gear and gadgets. Technology has never been more critical and impactful than it is today. Make certain you have the essential details you need to navigate your next steps.  

• Speaker: David Cieslak
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Iasic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Modern Security Trends in Accounting – Discussion Pod
For IT professionals, IT and data security is a pervasive issue at the core of many industries that drives a significant portion of IT strategies and budgets. Firms small to large are facing ever increasing threats, costs, and legislation that they must mitigate. Join your peers for discussions around modern security trends, best practices, risks, security appliances, and compliance audits. Learn what others are doing to secure their businesses and how you may be at risk. For existing CCH Axcess™ users — join your peers in discussing best practices as well as tips and tricks for establishing the proper security for staff.

• Speaker: Wolters Kluwer facilitator
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Overview     
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: Current Users – All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Technology Succession Planning for the Modern Firm – Lecture
Pandemics, resignations, mergers and acquisitions...oh my! Many firms prepare for their next Managing Partner or Firm Administrator but what about your next Technology Leader? In today's modern firm, technology has become the hinge pin that drives productivity and staff/client acquisition and retention. What if your Technology Leader left today? Is your firm set up to succeed and thrive in their absence? Does your firm manage and adapt a Technology Blueprint to help navigate your next merger or acquisition? Join us for some simple and practical methodologies that will help your firm "Get right before getting left behind.

• Speaker: Patrick McCoy
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Overview
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Technology, Innovation, and Closing the CPA Talent Gap – Lecture
As the Great Resignation has increased the challenge of finding and retaining CPA talent, firms are struggling to fill the growing talent gap. In this session, we will highlight innovative and cost-effective ways that a firm can address that gap. We will talk through concrete solutions that increase efficiency and free up CPA resources, including:

• Capitalizing on tools such as existing APIs and the Microsoft Power Platform to automate manual processes and reduce data management and reporting effort
• Identifying ways to creatively leverage non-CPA resources to free up CPA capacity
• Considering modern architecture to more efficiently manage and secure offshore resources and drive profitability

You’ll leave the session with actionable ideas to help your firm bridge the talent gap.

• Speaker: Kate Krupey
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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The Newest Microsoft® Platforms and How They Impact the Modern Accountant – Lecture
Microsoft continues to develop, improve and enhance Windows and Office with new features and web services that make these critical business tools essential to every practice professional. This session will provide a beneath the covers look at Windows 11 and what impact it may have on the modern workstation and users. In addition, we will look at the advances in Microsoft Office technologies that can be leveraged for productivity and efficiency. The session is designed to discuss and demonstrate the technologies and allow attendees to actively participate during the session.

• Speaker: Jim Piller
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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The Synthesis of Systems Design – Lecture
We tend to look at the technology tools we use each and every day through a narrow lens, looking at the features, the functions, and the form but often neglecting to consider how the technology links to and creates a greater whole consisting of systems, feedback, and behaviors.

In this session we will examine the importance of designing systems with intention, focusing on the cognitive, strategic, and practical benefits of adopting a holistic approach.

• Speaker: Marc Staut
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Understanding APIs and How They Can Be Leveraged – Lecture
In a world where integrations drive efficiency, that world is powered by APIs to facilitate the integrations. For firms wanting to leverage technology across multiple platforms to realize efficiencies, understanding APIs and how to leverage them will be key. CCH Axcess Open Integration provides a set of APIs that allow firms to automate and access data across various CCH Axcess products. We will discuss the existing Tax and Firm Management APIs, as well as the future with Audit APIs. This allows firms to imagine new possibilities for how current work is accomplished.

• Speaker: Rod Lear
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Basic
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Unlocking Your Data in CCH Axcess™ Practice and CCH® ProSystem fx® Practice Management – Lecture
Whether you want to use Power BI, Tableau, Excel, or other data visualization software, the hardest part is making sense of the data in the first place. Whether you use CCH Axcess™ Practice with the Data Axcess Utility or CCH® ProSystem fx® Practice Management, we'll dive into the data structures of both and provide the tips, tricks, and best practices you need to start producing custom reports, dashboards, and data extracts for you and your firm. IT staff and tech-savvy CPAs will leave this session with the understanding they need to begin turning their firm's data into actionable insights for firm management.

• Speaker: Luke Muszkiewicz
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Experience using data visualization tools and either CCH Axcess™ Practice with the Data Axcess Utility or CCH® ProSystem fx® Practice Management
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

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Welcome to the Metaverse! – Lecture
No longer in the realm of science fiction, we are facing not just one, but many new technological realities! We will explore Virtual, Augmented and Cross Realities, Virtual Worlds, and Virtual Real Estate, and show you how we will “teleport” to travel, build new collaboration spaces, and accomplish our work in all-new ways. In this session, we will prepare you for not just the reality of the now, but the reality of the next!

• Speaker: Marc Staut
• CPE field of study: Information Technology
• Program level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: None
• Who should attend: All levels
• Advanced preparation: None

Audit Track | Firm Management Track | Tax Track | Technology Track