Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services Conference (VFALS)
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
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***
Presenting Sponsor
Monday, November 17th
Optional Session
- Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (0004980)
This session is available to registrants only.
- Member Price
- $175.00
- Non-Member Price
- $240.00
Session Pricing:
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, LLCRod 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 CPAsJason 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
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, PABrett 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, FiskeGary 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.
- Registrant Price
- $50.00
Session Pricing:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Non-Member Price $900.00
Member Price $650.00