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Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services Conference (VFALS)

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Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach

4441 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140

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Member Price $650.00

Price will increase by $150 on 10/19

Non-Member Price $900.00

Price will increase by $150 on 10/19

Overview


This elite, long-standing conference provides insight into business valuation and litigation services for CPAs, attorneys, and other accounting professionals. The event features in-demand sessions on the industry’s major and hot, new topics, including our “From the Bench” judge’s panel. 

Sessions and speakers will be announced but recent topics of interest include: 
• ChatGPT and IA in the marketplace 
• Business valuation 
• Family law and alimony reform 
• Technical and non-technical litigation 
• Depositions and trial prep 

Our presenters are prolific authors, recognized practitioners, and subject-matter specialists. Several of them are also AICPA business valuation hall of famers and/or top CPAs in their fields, who cumulatively have hundreds of years of experience to share with you! 

The ever popular “From the Bench” judges' panel covers what to do (and what not do) when testifying, the Daubert standard, how experts tend to get into trouble, and more from the perspective of those who have “the best seat in the courtroom.” 


CPE Credit

This conference qualifies for up to 16 hours of CPE credit and is subject to change. CPE credit is subject to approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The type of credit is dependent upon breakout selection. 


$tack the $avings! 

In addition to FICPA member and early registration discounts, you can save up to 15% when registering groups of five or more from the same organization. Contact FICPA Member Services at MSC@ficpa.org or 850-224-2727, ext. 1 for details.


Cancellation Policy

We love to see you commit to the annual VFALS conference early, but know sometimes life forces schedules to change. If that happens, you have options. Please let our member services team know which option you select below:

  • Receive a full refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account by canceling before October 13th, 2025. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727.
  • Receive a partial refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account, minus the event cancellation fee of $150 by canceling on or after November 17th, 2025. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727.

Please review the FICPA CPE Policies for additional information: CPE Policies


Social Media

Follow the FICPA on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and X and share news about this conference using the hashtag #FICPAVFALS.

 


 

Highlights

  • Business Valuation
  • Litigation Services
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Family Law
  • Fraud Investigation
  • Case Law


Prerequisites

This event will benefit practitioners at all levels.


Designed For

This conference brings together nationally recognized thought leaders to provide insights into Business Valuation and Litigation Services for CPAs, attorneys, and other accounting professionals working in this field of expertise.


Objectives

  • Learn about forensic accounting in bankruptcy cases
  • Explore best practices in business valuation in litigation
  • Receive the most current Economic Update
  • Examine Private Equity Valuation of LPGP
  • Discuss Statistics and Lost Profits 
  • Review Valuation Health Care and other Related Issues
  • Discuss Executive Compensation
  • Learn how to become a better expert witness
  • and much more!


  • Preparation

    None


    Notice

    Conference and Hotel Location

    Fontainebleau Miami Beach
    4441 Collins Avenue
    Miami Beach, FL 33140

    FICPA Room Rate:
    $279++ Deluxe Room ($30 for each additional guest)
    $25 Hotel Fee

    Hotel Cutoff Deadline: Friday, October 18, 2025*


    *Reservations made after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and current room rate. Please note that the conference accommodation rate is subject to sell out prior to the advertised reservation cut off date.

    *** Upon completion of your registration for the conference, you will receive an email confirmation with the hotel link to book your accommodations*** 



    Monday, November 17th

    Optional Session

    - Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (0004980)

    This session is available to registrants only.

    Session Pricing:

    Member Price
    $175.00
    Non-Member Price
    $240.00

    Tuesday, November 18th

    General Session

    - Registration & Breakfast

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - BVFLS 3.0: Harnessing AI to transform your BVFLS practice

    Rod Burkert, President, Burkert Valuation Advisors, LLC

    Rod Burkert

    In one way, shape, or form Rod has been performing business valuations since the late 1980s. In July 2000, Rod started Burkert Valuation Advisors in Philadelphia where he ran a “traditional” valuation practice … specializing in tax purpose valuations for manufacturers and distributors.

    From March 2010 to March 2022 (12 years!), Rod traveled full-time in an RV throughout the US and Canada with his wife and dogs. When he saw the possibilities of a location-independent practice, he began coaching to help others transform their BVFLS firms.

    Rod has since settled in Bisbee, AZ and focuses solely on practice management coaching. And when the first “real” AI model rolled out in late 2022, he saw the potential that AI could have for the BVFLS profession. That began a journey of self-learning and experimentation, culminating in Rod’s launching his AI for BVTM newsletter and AI implementation services. His mission: Turn the practice you have into the practice you want … with an assist from AI.

    As a BVFLS professional, you seek ways to maintain a competitive edge … and AI is the next frontier to exploit. Because whether you’re on the AI sidelines or already a seasoned user, there is a ton of potential to be explored. This session will showcase real-world examples to demonstrate how you can harness AI to better market, sell, and deliver your services. If AI for BVFLS is on your mind – and you’re looking to move past the hype and integrate AI into your workflows – this session is one you’ll want to attend.

    Objectives.
    •        Understand what is driving AI adoption
    •        Overcome objections to AI use for BVFLS work
    •        Compare and choose alternative AI platforms
    •        Demonstrate practical BVFLS use cases for AI
    •        Identify best resources to increase AI-use proficiency
    •        How to get started with AI in your practice/firm

    Credits: 1 - Technical Business

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Tariffs & Trade Wars

    Joshua Shilts, Dean Dorton

    Joshua Shilts

    Josh Shilts is a partner in Dean Dorton’s expert forensic accounting and business valuation practice. Mr. Shilts joined Dean Dorton upon the merger of Shilts CPA, a firm he founded and operated for nearly a decade after roles with public accounting firms ranging in size from the “Big Four” to smaller regional and local firms, as well as large public organizations throughout Florida and New York. In his role at Dean Dorton, Mr. Shilts is a thought leader, educator, and entrepreneur who assists attorneys, individuals, and businesses with complex financial matters and disputes.

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Open Exhibition

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Starting from Scratch: Launching a Forensic & Valuation Firm

    Jason Soman, Soman Stewart Business Valuation & Forensic CPAs

    Jason Soman

    Jason is a founder Soman Stewart CPA PLLC, a firm he launched after spending nearly a decade at prestigious CPA and consulting firms, focused on advising attorneys, business owners and high net worth individuals on matters involving business valuation and forensic accounting in the context of marital dissolution, probate and trust litigation, commercial litigation, estate/gift taxation and for transaction purposes. Over his career, Jason has regularly defended his analyses and conclusions for clients in high stakes situations and has testified as an expert witness at hearings, deposition and trials.

    Joshua Shilts, Dean Dorton

    Joshua Shilts

    Josh Shilts is a partner in Dean Dorton’s expert forensic accounting and business valuation practice. Mr. Shilts joined Dean Dorton upon the merger of Shilts CPA, a firm he founded and operated for nearly a decade after roles with public accounting firms ranging in size from the “Big Four” to smaller regional and local firms, as well as large public organizations throughout Florida and New York. In his role at Dean Dorton, Mr. Shilts is a thought leader, educator, and entrepreneur who assists attorneys, individuals, and businesses with complex financial matters and disputes.

    Launching a forensic accounting and valuation practice is both a bold venture and a rewarding journey. In this session, seasoned practitioners Jason Soman and Joshua Shilts will share real-world experiences and actionable strategies from their own successful practice launches. Attendees will gain an insider’s look at the critical steps, challenges, and turning points that shaped their paths in building boutique forensic and valuation firms from the ground up. The discussion will explore: • Foundational Decisions: Choosing a niche, defining your service offerings, and identifying your ideal client. • Building Credibility: How to establish yourself as a trusted expert without the backing of a large firm. • Client Development: Practical tips on networking, marketing, and securing your first engagements. • Infrastructure & Technology: What tools, systems, and processes are essential when starting out. • Lessons Learned: Candid reflections on mistakes made, lessons learned, and advice they wish they had known earlier. Whether you’re contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship, in the early stages of building your firm or practice within a firm, or simply seeking inspiration for practice development, this session offers valuable perspectives for professionals in the forensic and valuation community.

    Objectives:
    • Identify the key strategic considerations involved in launching a forensic and valuation practice, including niche selection, service positioning, and brand differentiation. 
    • Evaluate the foundational tools, systems, and processes necessary to support operations, marketing, and client delivery in a startup forensic practice. 
    • Develop a personal action plan based on lessons learned from experienced practitioners to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate growth in a new valuation or forensic firm.

    Credits: 1 - Technical Business

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Economic Update: Navigating the Current Landscape

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Lunch

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Forensic Accounting (Part 1)

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Forensic Accounting (Part 2)

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Intangible Assets / Infringement

    Brett Cooper, Managing Director Valuation & Advisor, Rivero, Gordimer & Co, PA

    Brett Cooper

    C. Brett Cooper is the Managing Director of Valuation and Advisory Services.  He has nearly 25 years of experience performing valuation and forensic-related consulting services and has been a part of an investment banking firm, a CFO of a privately owned light manufacturing firm, and with public accounting firms over his 35-plus-year career.

    Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. is the largest locally owned and operated CPA and Advisory firm in Tampa.  The Firm provides attest, tax, and advisory services.  The Valuation and Advisory Service Group assists clients with the valuation of businesses, business interests, and intangible property, litigation support in a wide variety of circumstances, financial forensic investigation, M&A transaction assistance, and ESOP implementation.

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Open Exhibition

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - IRS

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - From the Bench: Judges' Panel

    This session is available to registrants only.

    Wednesday, November 19th

    Optional Session

    - I Have Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs.

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Breakfast

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Hardball with Hitchner

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Panel Discussion: DOLM

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Open Exhibition

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Legislative Update

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Forensic Accounting AI: Case Studies and Applications

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Lunch

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Measuring Economic Damages

    Gary Moll, Forensic and Valuations Services Director, Fiske

    Gary Moll

    Gary joined Fiske in 2022 and brings over 30 years of professional in both industry and public accounting He is renowned for his expertise in valuing closely held companies and professional practices, with a specialization in Business Valuation and Forensic Accounting services. Additionally, he has experience in asset tracing, income, and other family law issues, economic damage calculations and providing expert testimony in disputes.
    In addition to serving as an expert witness in courts throughout Ohio and Florida, Gary has presented seminars for the Florida Institute of CPA’s (FICPA), Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Business Institute, and other groups of in both Ohio and Florida. He has also had articles published by the Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, The Valuation Examiner, and Valuation Strategies.
    Prior to his association with Fiske, Gary spent much of the past 25 years providing business valuation, litigation support, and other management consulting services to clients and attorneys throughout Ohio. Before his career in public accounting, Gary was a Financial Analyst for a developer and provider of assisted living residences and participated in the IPO process of that company to become publicly traded. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for a specialty pharmacy and home infusion company.

    Overview of preparing economic damages report, case law and professional standards.

    Objectives.
    1. Ensure that all of the necessary elements of an economic damages analysis are included in the expert report.
    2. Review any recent case law that impacts the Economic Damages Expert.
    3. Review the CPA professional standards of a forensic engagement (SSFS)

    Credits: 1 - Technical Business

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Family Law

    This session is available to registrants only.

    General Session

    - Business Valuation Resource (RADA)

    This session is available to registrants only.

    Optional Session

    - CLE Credit: Please select to receive CLE credit for attending qualified CLE courses.

    This session is available to registrants only.

    Session Pricing:

    Registrant Price
    $50.00

    Leader(s):

    Leader Bios

    Brett Cooper, Managing Director Valuation & Advisor, Rivero, Gordimer & Co, PA

    C. Brett Cooper is the Managing Director of Valuation and Advisory Services.  He has nearly 25 years of experience performing valuation and forensic-related consulting services and has been a part of an investment banking firm, a CFO of a privately owned light manufacturing firm, and with public accounting firms over his 35-plus-year career.

    Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. is the largest locally owned and operated CPA and Advisory firm in Tampa.  The Firm provides attest, tax, and advisory services.  The Valuation and Advisory Service Group assists clients with the valuation of businesses, business interests, and intangible property, litigation support in a wide variety of circumstances, financial forensic investigation, M&A transaction assistance, and ESOP implementation.

    Return to Top

    Gary Moll, Forensic and Valuations Services Director, Fiske

    Gary joined Fiske in 2022 and brings over 30 years of professional in both industry and public accounting He is renowned for his expertise in valuing closely held companies and professional practices, with a specialization in Business Valuation and Forensic Accounting services. Additionally, he has experience in asset tracing, income, and other family law issues, economic damage calculations and providing expert testimony in disputes.
    In addition to serving as an expert witness in courts throughout Ohio and Florida, Gary has presented seminars for the Florida Institute of CPA’s (FICPA), Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Business Institute, and other groups of in both Ohio and Florida. He has also had articles published by the Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, The Valuation Examiner, and Valuation Strategies.
    Prior to his association with Fiske, Gary spent much of the past 25 years providing business valuation, litigation support, and other management consulting services to clients and attorneys throughout Ohio. Before his career in public accounting, Gary was a Financial Analyst for a developer and provider of assisted living residences and participated in the IPO process of that company to become publicly traded. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for a specialty pharmacy and home infusion company.

    Return to Top

    Jason Soman, Soman Stewart Business Valuation & Forensic CPAs

    Jason is a founder Soman Stewart CPA PLLC, a firm he launched after spending nearly a decade at prestigious CPA and consulting firms, focused on advising attorneys, business owners and high net worth individuals on matters involving business valuation and forensic accounting in the context of marital dissolution, probate and trust litigation, commercial litigation, estate/gift taxation and for transaction purposes. Over his career, Jason has regularly defended his analyses and conclusions for clients in high stakes situations and has testified as an expert witness at hearings, deposition and trials.

    Return to Top

    Joshua Shilts, Dean Dorton

    Josh Shilts is a partner in Dean Dorton’s expert forensic accounting and business valuation practice. Mr. Shilts joined Dean Dorton upon the merger of Shilts CPA, a firm he founded and operated for nearly a decade after roles with public accounting firms ranging in size from the “Big Four” to smaller regional and local firms, as well as large public organizations throughout Florida and New York. In his role at Dean Dorton, Mr. Shilts is a thought leader, educator, and entrepreneur who assists attorneys, individuals, and businesses with complex financial matters and disputes.

    Return to Top

    Rod Burkert, President, Burkert Valuation Advisors, LLC

    In one way, shape, or form Rod has been performing business valuations since the late 1980s. In July 2000, Rod started Burkert Valuation Advisors in Philadelphia where he ran a “traditional” valuation practice … specializing in tax purpose valuations for manufacturers and distributors.

    From March 2010 to March 2022 (12 years!), Rod traveled full-time in an RV throughout the US and Canada with his wife and dogs. When he saw the possibilities of a location-independent practice, he began coaching to help others transform their BVFLS firms.

    Rod has since settled in Bisbee, AZ and focuses solely on practice management coaching. And when the first “real” AI model rolled out in late 2022, he saw the potential that AI could have for the BVFLS profession. That began a journey of self-learning and experimentation, culminating in Rod’s launching his AI for BVTM newsletter and AI implementation services. His mission: Turn the practice you have into the practice you want … with an assist from AI.

    Return to Top

    Non-Member Price $900.00

    Member Price $650.00