Accounting Show Session Descriptions

24^th Annual Accounting Show
September 23-25, 2009
Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale

1031 Update
Expansion of tax deferred exchanges in real estate exchanges. Receive the latest guidelines to stimulate businesses during unstable economic times.

Annuities - A Case Study Approach
This session will cover several aspects of annuities, including: Fixed and variable annuities; Indexed annuities -“A Fistful of Dollars”; Fee Structures -“For a Few Dollars More”; SEC Warnings -“Make My Day”; No load, low fee alternatives’, and income tax treatment of annuities.

Asset Impairments
This session will discuss the impact of the credit crisis on asset valuations and asset impairments.

Audit Committee Responsibilities
This course will include discussion on the direct responsibilities, composition, required communication from auditor, effect on committee related to revised form 990 and other committee functions.

Bankruptcy and Recovery
We will review the fundamentals of the current bankruptcy landscape.  We will review the benefits and pitfalls of bankruptcy as an option for your company, we will review what you need to know if a customer or supplier files bankruptcy, what your rights are and some of the early tactics you need to know to preserve your claims and get paid.

Capital Hill Update
This session will inform participants of the most recent federal and state developments affecting accounting for and auditing of Florida local governments. Lynda M. Dennis

CIRA Update
How will the new GAAP and GAAS pronouncements impact CIRAs. What new Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Codes are in place now? Other issues will be on the economy and its problems as they pertain to the CIRAs. Accounts receivables, growing concerns, reserves, and many more issues will be addressed.

Circular 230
This presentation will provide an overview of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of tax professionals; provide examples of the challenges faced by tax professionals in interacting with clients and representation before the IRS; and review the guidance offered and recommended behavior to tax professionals by Circular 230 and the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility.

Cooking the Books
In the present business climate, expect that management will come under more pressure to ‘cook the books”. Get some ideas from this course on how and where intentional misstatements in financial statements are most likely. As a CPA, being “tuned in” to detect such creative accounting methods employed by management is an essential skill.
 
CPAs Serving on Boards
Most people expect CPAs that serve on boards to know all there is to know about budgets, internal controls, audits and audit committees, and generally all things financial. If that's not you then plan on attending this course and at least learn (or relearn) the basics that will help you be an effective leader.

Current Federal Tax Proposals
This session will provide an overview of current tax proposals that are expected to become law during the 111th Congress.

Dealing with Lenders in the Current Environment
The banking world is far different today. Good news: money's still available, BUT the rules have changed. Bad news: Florida business borrowers are vulnerable to a repeat of the 80s RTC debacle. We will review what has happened to lenders and how to deal with them. We will also review where to look for money and what the near term lending market looks like and discuss bank relationship management and dealing with relationship fatigue.

Depreciation Issues Related to Real Estate
This presentation will cover the recent tax incentives related to the stimulus package and how it has enhanced the benefits of depreciation to real estate investors. The special tax incentives available to real estate investors in Florida include the following: Go Zone tax incentives, energy tax credits and deductions as part of the Energy Policy Act, Bonus Depreciation 2009, new rules for depreciation of leasehold improvements, new rules for depreciation restaurants, home energy tax credits, along with solar and other energy efficient asset depreciation schedules.

Document Management & the Paperless Office
This session will focus on the automated office and workflow. Items to be covered will include scanning, tracking and movement of information in a digital office. Best practices of implementing a document management system and the steps to follow in automating the office will be discussed.

Economic Update
The U.S. Economy is mired in the worst recession since the 1930s and policies are being enacted that will affect the economy for decades. Folks are about evenly split between whether deflation or inflation presents the greatest risk going forward. In Florida, we are enduring the worst recession since 1973 and the state is facing a mountain of troubles. What does it all mean for your firm? Mark Vitner will put the current economic environment in context. He will explain how we got here and how he thinks we will recover.

Emerging Issues
This session will address the emerging issues affecting accounting, auditing, and operational issues facing local governments in the near and long term. Lynda M. Dennis

Establishing a Successful Perimeter Security Program
The need for identity assurance is vital across most industries. The increasing pressure to make more information available to employees anywhere, anytime, must be balanced with the pressure for corporate and regulatory compliance. How do you meet all these requirements effectively and securely?

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs
The course has been updated with a focus on real-life ethical issues. Through lecture and class discussion, the course addresses both internal and external issues faced by CPAs such as professional standards, ethical conduct, client communication and independence. The course complies with the ethics requirements for Florida CPAs as set forth by the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Exit Strategies for Increasing Your Business Selling Price
This session is intended for anyone that represents clients that want to maximize the selling price of their business. Practical guidance will be given about the major factors that increase value. This session will also cover many of the problem areas that will decrease the business value if the owner is not careful.

Expand Your Attest Services Practice with Agreed-Upon Procedures
Agreed-upon procedures can serve many purposes and can be used as an alternative to a full-scope audit in numerous situations. These include satisfying lenders’ due diligence responsibilities, business purchase investigations, internal control studies, forensic accounting engagements and many other circumstances. 

Fair Value Accounting - General Methodology
This session will provide a review of principles and techniques for determining fair value, including valuation technique approaches and an overview of SFAS No. 157.

FASB Update
From fair value to international convergence of accounting standards, the FASB is confronting the most important issues in the profession today. U.S. accounting is in a state of change, and projects on the FASB’s current agenda have the potential to literally transform the way CPAs serve their clients. In this session, you will hear an overview of major FASB projects and initiatives, their impact on U.S. and global accounting, and how the input of preparers, auditors and users of financial statements affect the standard-setting process.

Fiduciary Accounting and Tax Update
This course will explore the impact of changes to Florida’s Principal and Income Act which were adopted during the 2009 legislative session as well as additional changes being proposed for 2010. Accounting and Income Tax impacts will be explored.

FIN 48 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
FIN 48 is intended to clarify and establish a level of consistency in the accounting for income tax positions recognized in accordance with FAS 109. This presentation will discuss the key terms and concepts, as well as practical application guidance.

Financial Literacy Resources
How to use the financial literacy initiatives to "do good" and enhance the CPA brand. This session will include an overview of current and future financial literacy projects and the resources available to help CPAs assist their clients and the general public.

Florida Single Audit Act
Updates to the Florida Single Audit Act and the Rules of the Auditor General will be discussed along with some tips and tricks and common deficiencies.

Forensic Accounting Trends and Technique
Fraud and abuse have been a significant problem for companies.  Under pressure to show positive earnings, some corporations have engaged in questionable accounting and financial reporting practices, and driven seemingly honest employees to engage in elaborate misappropriation schemes. Amid widespread whistleblower and media allegations, notable reporting scandals, and new corporate accountability legislation, the SEC is scrutinizing accounting practices more closely than ever. In this climate, audit committees and corporate boards must be prepared to respond. This presentation will provide a high level view of trends in detecting, preventing, and investigating fraud.

Fraud in Not for Profits
This course is designed to help you better understand how and where fraud might occur in Not-for-Profits. Get an overall perspective on how to design your analytical and substantive tests, since Not-for-Profits pose a special challenge due to their unconventional revenue and expense streams. The course will also touch upon the auditor’s responsibility to detect fraud.
 
GASB Update
This session will focus on GASB pronouncements that will become effective this year including the continued implementation of the retiree healthcare standard and the pollution remediation obligation reporting requirements. New standards that will require some planning on the part of practitioners will also be covered. These standards include: intangible assets, derivative instruments, and fund balance reporting.

How Does IFRS Differ from U.S. GAAP?
Can IFRS be very different from U.S. GAAP? Explore several common topics using case studies to learn some of the differences between the two sets of standards and their effects on the financial statements.

IFRS: Past, Present, and Future
What's the big deal with the switch from U.S. GAAP to IFRS? Find out why we will be changing our age-old GAAP, when it is expected to happen, and what we can expect in the future.

Images of CPAs – Dress Code and More 
Image is everything, or so they say. Come to this session and find out just how important your image can be to your professional success. Learn helpful tips for portraying the right image both inside and out.

Internal Controls for Religious Organizations
Religious organizations are famous for not having many internal controls. This presentation will cover the needed financial controls as well as other areas that need controls such as insurance and facilities.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS - CPA Profession Update
This presentation will explore the key and emerging issues affecting the CPA profession and how the profession is supporting CPAs and the public good during turbulent economic times. Issues will include: Current Events; Emerging Issues; CPA Image & Reputation; CPA Pipeline & Future Leadership; Professional Quality; and Member Resources

Legislative Update
This session will cover an overview of the 2009 Legislative Session, an overview of the upcoming 2010 Legislative and Cabinet Seat Races, how FICPA Members can participate in the political process, and possible 2010 Constitutional Amendments.

Looking for Fraud? What Will You Do When You Find It?
Looking for Fraud? This session addresses ways public accountants can better identify fraud risks, creat a dialogue with clients on the causes and impacts of fraud occurrences and more thoroughly follow through on risks that are identified.

Major Changes in Employment Laws in 2009: The New ADA - You're Crazy, I'm Crazy, We're All Crazy Now
2009 ushered in huge changes to existing employment laws and more changes are expected. This section will give you an overview of some of the more significant changes to laws such as The Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as what we expect for the rest of 2009.

Managing Your Business in a Downturn
This session will provide real world advice on the step by step process to batten down the hatches and prepare your business for the downturn. We will review the stages of distress using the urgency pyramid, we will review working capital management, managing relations with bankers and employees.

Markets Update
This presentation will include an update on trends and the capital markets

Mental Skills & Personal Performance
Who has not wished for better work/life balance? Particularly during the busy season? Get some tips on how to enjoy the most of life and work from this course. Improve your productivity and output while staying motivated at work, and enjoying the things you like to do.

Nonprofit Accounting in QuickBooks®
Learn how to use time tracking, classes, member and donor set-up, along with setup for services, dues and pledges. We will also discuss common problems such as functional expenses, tracking volunteers and receiving cash donations.

Personal Financial Planning During Different Stages of Life as it Relates to Long-Term Care
This talk references the types of policies that fit the needs of a consumer throughout a lifetime.  What might be a perfect fit for a buyer in his/her 40’s would be very different for a buyer in his/her 70’s.  Simple policy language explanations, current market statistics, timely industry trends and examples will be used.  

Preparer Penalties - Where Are We?
Two years after adoption, tax return preparers are still awaiting the impact of the Section 6694 Preparer Penalties. This session will include the latest developments from Treasury, with a focus on actual examples of dilemmas facing preparers as they try to further implement the standards in their practice.

Representing the Financially Troubled Business
In these troubled times, do YOU know how to avoid malpractice when advising your small business owner? What about unpaid payroll taxes, criminal ramifications of unpaid sales taxes, proper reporting of debt forgiveness on foreclosures and short sales, or discharging tax debts in bankruptcy? Find about these and more during this presentation.

Representing Your Client Before the Collection Division of the IRS
Lively discussion of rules and steps we can take in order to help our clients when they find themselves in the unfortunate position of owing monies to the IRS.  How to deal with enforcement actions, and steps you can take to benefit your clients, such as request for a Collection Due Process Hearing, Equivalent Hearing, Collection Appeals Program and Taxpayer Assistance Orders.

Rescuing Your Clients From the Devastating Economic Storm!
Millions are experiencing the pain from the mortgage debacle, obscene personal debt, risky investing and personal compromises. The crisis catapults the CPA into a situation that will prove his or her character and will test the truth of the tag line "CPA - the most trusted advisor". The advice given at this critical time may mean the difference between financial hope and the looming, long-term and certain financial disaster.

Risk Assessment Standards
Audit firms are in the second year of implementing the AICPA’s Risk Assessment Audit Standards. This session will take a step back and see what has been learned so far, including key issues such as identifying and properly documenting testing of significant risks, internal controls documentation, internal control walk-throughs vs. testing, connecting risks identified to audit procedures performed, and tailoring a risk assessment approach for the client’s industry
 
SAS Update
This session will discuss the current status of the Auditing Standards Board Clarity project, cover new standards that have been issued, exposure drafts outstanding and other projects of the Auditing Standards Board.

So You Want to be an Expert Witness?
This presentation is geared for those that either have little or no experience as an expert witness that might want to do that type of work. It will tell the good, the bad and the ugly about being an expert. Learn what to expect, what standards to follow and how this work can be lucrative but stressful. It's not for everyone, but you will never know unless you come to this session!

Social Security Impact on LLCs or S Corps
(Social Security Tax) as compared to shareholders of Subchapter S Corporation. Planning points for Limited Liability Members as well as examples. What's new on the horizon.

SSARS Update
Who’s in charge? This presentation will cover the newest pronouncements relating to compilation and review issues. Subjects will include GAAP things, independence, international implications. What roll will the AICPA have going forward?

State Tax Update
Current developments in multistate taxation including a legislative roundup and discussion of nexus issues, Public Law 86-272, expense disallowance provisions and related party transactions, tax base deductions and credits, allocation and apportionment, combined and consolidated reporting, franchise taxes, gross receipts and net worth taxes, and sales and use taxes.

Strategic Planning
Competition, the economy, the marketplace - they all place challenges on and require adaptation by you and your company. Strategic management can facilitate that process. Come and learn some tools you can use to think strategically.

Tax Aspects of Social Security Benefits
This session covers the calculation of Social Security benefits included in gross income, the effect of income from gambling and hobbies, lump-sum benefits, and tax planning techniques to reduce the amount of Social Security benefits included in gross income.

Tax Law Update
This has proven to be an exciting year for tax developments. The session will focus on the major legislative changes, and the IRS guidance and court cases that are of particular importance to tax practitioners including some tax planning ideas relevant to these difficult economic times. In addition to covering what has happened to date, the discussion will include a handicapping of tax changes we could expect in the coming years.

Tax Tidbits - Case Studies
This update will provide an informative look at the year's most important changes. Practical examples will treat attendees to take-aways that they will be able to implement in their practices.

The Role of the CPA is Evolving: New President, Volatile Economy, Dynamic Estate Planning Opportunities
Our clients have lost money and their confidence. CPAs are concerned about the profitability of their own practices. This presentation will focus on topics that will motivate a client to address their current estate plan and the financial products they have purchased to benefit their loved ones. The presentation will make you more “essential” to your clients!

The Top Ten Tips and Traps in Qualified Retirement Plan Design and Administration
Qualified retirement plans remain an integral part of most employee benefit programs. However, federal law is extremely complicated and ever changing. This fast-paced session will highlight the top ten "tips" and "traps" in plan design and administration. Topics to be discussed include: Roth conversions, non-spousal rollovers; plan document updating; 401(k) fee and expense issues; Form 5500 reporting; plan designs for older workers and partial terminations.

Top 10 Peer Review Issues
This session will cover the issues in today’s Peer Review, including the ten key points that affect the new Peer Review and Quality Control Standards, the ten most common errors noted in peer reviews, and the ten most common issues in scheduling and preparing for your peer review.

Transparency in Government
The current business, political and economic environment are all converging to demand ore transparency in the way government functions. This will directly impact how much and how to audit governmental agencies. This course will expose you to current ideas on how to enhance government transparency.

Understanding the New 990 - Changes Needed in Accounting Information Systems
A review of new financial and non-financial information needed for the preparation of the new Form 990 and discussion of systems modifications needed to obtain such data. Review methods for tracking non-cash gifts, business relationships with officers and directors and fundraising events by project.
 
XBRL
The Securities and Exchange Commission is officially moving corporate regulatory filings into the Internet Age. Filings will be mandatory using XBRL tagging. This will make financial statements more searchable and comparable. IFRSs are global standards used in over 100 countries.