MEGA CPE Conference (MEGA)


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Overview:
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Meet. Engage. Grow. Achieve.
The past two years have brought upheaval to the nation and to the CPA profession. We've faced a myriad of challenges - remote working, increased cybersecurity threats, new bills and regulations, clients worried about their financial futures - to name just a few. Like never before, your mindset, skills and ability to pivot are crucial to your success in serving your clients.
MEGA 2022 is designed with you, and your needs, in mind. More topics, more sessions, more networking and social activities. NEW to MEGA - 4 hours of complimentary CPE from solution experts in a Ted-Talk format. Welcome, vendor and chair's receptions entice you to unwind after a full day of cutting-edge CPE. Come celebrate with us at our NEW family-friendly closing celebration! Meet. Engage. Grow. Achieve. What better way than at MEGA and Disney!
Mingle. Network. Socialize. Have Fun!
However you want to say it, every day of MEGA brings you an event to enjoy! Join us for networking and socializing receptions on June 8 & 9. Then really get ready to party!
Closing Night Networking Dinner and Dueling Pianos! From networking reception and chair's program to dueling pianos and fireworks, what better way to wrap up 4 great days of CPE? Indulge in great food and drink, and outstanding company. A special guest star or two may even make an appearance. The closing night celebration is complimentary with your MEGA registration. Additional individual registrations (for guests or family) are available on-line.
Group tables available for purchase - Contact Drew Miller at 850-521-5935 or drew@ficpa.org.
Schedule:
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Continental Breakfast
Time: Wednesday 7:00am - 8:00am
Opening Remarks
Time: Wednesday 8:00am - 8:10am
Department of Labor Update & Form 5500
Time: Wednesday 8:10am - 9:00am Credits: 1 AA
Marcus Aron, CPA, CGMA, Acting Chief, Division of Accounting Services, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Audits of employee benefits plans are neither simple or risk free. Find out what's expected of benefit plan auditors in meeting professional standards and regulatory requirements. Learn how to make your benefit plan audits best in class and how to add value to your clients.
Presenters:
Florida Legislative Update
Time: Wednesday 8:10am - 9:00am Credits: 1 TB
Justin Thames, Director of Governmental Affairs, FICPA and French Brown, Attorney at Law, Dean Mead
This session will highlight key legislation passed during the 2022 Legislative Session including changes to state tax laws and the Florida budget. Stay up to date with the latest state law changes.
Presenters:
CFOs: Working With Your Board
Time: Wednesday 08:10am - 9:00am Credits: 1 TB
Doug Van Dyke, MBA, CSP, Founder and CEO, Leadership Simplified
Working with a Board of Directors is easy, right? Answer: Wrong. Navigating the personalities and politics of a Board can be a minefield of woe. Learn how to help your Board best position themselves. Also, take home the core tools and skills necessary to optimize your relationship with your Board. Learn and laugh during this fast-paced session. It might just save your sanity!
Presenters:
Cybersecurity Best Practices: Managing Cyber Threats to Your Employees and Their Benefit Package
Time: Wednesday 9:10am - 10:00am Credits: 1 AA
Michael E. Seip, MBA, CMMC-RP, WithumCyber
Did you know that employee benefit plans can just as easily be at risk of a cyber-attack as large corporations? It's only a matter of if -not when- you will be affected. Learn how you can manage cyber-threats and best utilize real-world technology practices to secure your environments.
Presenters:
Florida Litigation Update
Time: Wednesday 9:10am - 10:00am Credits: 1 TB
H. French Brown IV, Attorney, Dean Mead & Dunbar
This session will explore the recent Florida tax litigation decisions with practitioners. Recent cases will include discussions related to florida property tax, sales tax, documentary stamp tax, and more.
Presenters:
Exploring New Work Environments: Top HR Compliance Issues
Time: Wednesday 9:10am - 10:00am Credits: 1 TB
Learn the latest in paid leave trends, vaccination/employment verification, I-9, marijuana in the workplace, worker classifications and more!
Refreshment Break
Time: Wednesday 10:00am - 10:15am
A & A Update - Employee Benefits Focused
Time: Wednesday 10:15am - 11:10am Credits: 1 AA
Jodi Malis, Partner, Hancock Askew & Co, LLP and Gwen Mazzola, Assurance Partner, ERISA Leader, Hogan Taylor LLP
Receive an overview of the recently issued accounting and auditing standards impacting Employee Benefits Plans, with a focus on SAS 136, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements of Employee Benefit Plans Subject to ERISA. Objectives:
- To gain an understanding of the recently issued auditing standards and exposure drafts
- Overview of the new performance requirements per SAS 136, including engagement acceptance considerations, relevant plan provisions, and reportable findings
- Discussion of other Employee Benefit Plan resources
Presenters:
Planes, Cars and Boats: Avoid the Sales Tax Wreck!
Time: Wednesday 10:15am - 11:10am Credits: 1 TB
James H. Sutton, Jr., CPA, Esq., Partner, Moffa, Sutton & Donnini, P.A. and Karen Lake, CPA, Director of Tax Services, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs
Learn the complexities of Florida sales and use tax for the three major vehicle industries: planes, cars, & boats. Each have their own nuances that can get taxpayers and CPAs in trouble. Each also draw regular scrutiny from the Florida Department of Revenue, so this presentation is a must for anyone in these industries.
Presenters:
CFOs as Human Resources Managers: What You Need to Know!
Time: Wednesday 10:15am - 11:10am Credits: 1 TB
Jason Taylor, Attorney, The Krizner Group
This course will address the key issues management level employees face in addressing various issues with the employment relationship, including how to properly formulate and communicate policies, address proper actions by subordinate supervisors, and document employee actions in an effort to reduce exposure for significant employment decisions.
Presenters:
Lunch
Time: Wednesday 11:10am - 12:30pm
Risk Assessment and Planning of Employee Benefits Plans
Time: Wednesday 12:30pm - 1:20pm Credits: 1 AA
Jodi Malis, Partner, Hancock Askew & Co., LLP and Gwen Mazzola, Assurance Partner, ERISA Leader, Hogan Taylor LLP
Explore the planning and risk assessment process for an employee benefits plan audit, including consideration of SOC 1 reports and ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audits, utilizing examples of documentation tools. Objectives:
- Discuss risk assessment and the design of and linkage to planned procedures based on risk evaluation by audit area at the assertion level utilizing examples of documentation tools
- Consider relevant plan provisions or risk assessment and planning
- Understand when an ERISA Section 103 (a)(3)(C) audit is appropriate
- Review of SOC 1 reports and its impact on planned procedures and risk assessment, walk-through a SOC 1 evaluation, including internal and user control considerations
Presenters:
National Survey of the SALT Landscape - Part 1
Time: Wednesday 12:30pm - 1:20pm Credits: 1 TB
Jordan Goodman, Attorney, Horwood Marcus & Berk Chartered and Kevin Herzberg, Partner, Grant Thornton
Join our lively discussion of the latest state tax developments across the country. Learn the latest and greatest in state income tax and sales tax in addition to whatever else the state and local governments around the country can throw at businesses. The far reaching impact of the pandemic and how taxpayers have to adjust their businesses to deal with an ever-changing environment will also be covered. Part 1 of 2 sessions.
Presenters:
The CFO and Legal Counsel: But I'm Not an Attorney!
Time: Wednesday 12:30pm - 1:20pm Credits: 1 TB
Carrie B. Cherveny, Esq., Senior Vice President, Strategic Solutions, and Chief Compliance Officer, South Region, HUB International
The regulatory and financial world often intersect and sometimes collide leaving CFOs in the middle of the financial considerations and the regulatory requirements. When this happens, CFOs often venture into regulatory interpretation and intervention that can create risk for themselves and for the organization they represent. During this session, we will address the often murky boundaries between CFO guidance and legal advice and provide some insight into where those boundaries may be. Specifically, we will talk about:
- Employee benefits laws and CFO obligations – how far should CFO tread into the world of the ACA, 5500s, and MEWA filings?
- Wage and Hour laws and the employment relationship – should CFOs provide wage and hour guidance?
- The individual and organizational risk and liability for providing too much help
- Examples and stories that will keep you entertained (and a little scared)
Presenters:
Panel Discussion: Common Errors and Deficiencies in Employee Benefits Plans - Part 1
Time: Wednesday 1:30pm - 2:20pm Credits: 1 AA
John Burgess, Principal, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Sharon Bradley, Partner, Daszkal Bolton, LLP; and Henry Martin, Partner, Daszkal Bolton, LLP
Examine some of the common errors and corrections that need to be made to employee benefit plans, including what may be required to correct a failure in annual compliance testing. To help illustrate these concepts, the panel will discuss case studies that show the steps required to fix some of these concerns.
Presenters:
National Review of State Taxes or Case Law - Part 2
Time: Wednesday 1:30pm - 2:20pm Credits: 1 TB
Jordan Goodman, Attorney, Horwood Marcus & Berk Chartered and Kevin Herzberg, Partner, Grant Thornton
Join our lively discussion of the latest state tax developments across the country. Learn the latest and greatest in state income tax and sales tax in addition to whatever else the state and local governments around the country can throwat businesses. The far-reaching impact of the pandemic, and how taxpayers have to adjust their businesses to deal with an ever-changing environment, will also be covered. Part 2 of 2 sessions.
Presenters:
The Case of Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the CPA Profession
Time: Wednesday 1:30pm - 2:20pm Credits: 1 BE
Lydia Desnoyers, CPA, CFE, CEO/Founder, DesCPA Business Advisory
Learn more about the FICPA's efforts to increase DEI within the profession and the case for member firms.
Presenters:
Refreshment Break
Time: Wednesday 2:20pm - 2:35pm
Panel Discussion: Common Errors and Deficiencies in Employee Benefit Plans - Part 2
Time: Wednesday 2:35pm - 3:25pm Credits: 1 AA
John Burgess, Principal, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Sharon Bradley, Partner, Daszkal Bolton, LLP; and Henry Martin, Partner, Daszkal Bolton, LLP
Examine some of the common errors and corrections that need to be made to employee benefit plans, including what may be required to correct a failure in annual compliance testing. To help illustrate these concepts, the panel will discuss several case studies that show the steps required to fix some of these scenarios.
Presenters:
Mastering the Art and Challenges of State Tax in a Changing World
Time: Wednesday 2:35pm - 3:25pm Credits: 1 TB
Karen Lake, CPA, CFST, Leader State and Local Tax SALT, Berkowitz Pollack Brant and Mary Lou Ruderman, CPA, Co-Founder, Ruderman and Company
With tax reform, State pass-through- entity-taxes, remote workforce, the rise of the digital economy, migration to the cloud, re-examination of indirect tax post-Wayfair, and the changing global regulatory regime, state tax environment presents an increasingly complex landscape to navigate. Additionally, the speakers will provide a high level discussion of state corporate income tax compliance issues and potential planning considerations in light of select provisions of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and accompanying administrative guidance, including IRC §163(j) interest expense limitations and the deduction for foreign-derived intangible income (FDII). Including underlying factor representation considerations; nuanced state coupling, decoupling, and other tax-base related issues; and state filing groups and other methodologies. Learn how your business may navigate the maze of ongoing and evolving complexities post-TCJA in every changing State tax world.
Presenters:
The Benefits of Understanding Unconscious Bias
Time: Wednesday 2:35pm - 3:25pm Credits: 1 BE
Raphael T. Richard, Emerging Talent Strategist and Diversity & Inclusion Innovator
Whether intentional or unconscious, assumptions and biases affect how people perceive, assess, and respond to others. This engaging session will share the benefits of understanding Unconscious Bias for achieving organizational and leadership goals. After building an awareness of how bias shows up, the workshop explores ways to counter it.
Presenters:
Quality Management Standards Update
Time: Wednesday 3:35pm - 4:25pm Credits: 1 AA
Paul Brown, CPA, Director of Technical Services, Florida Institute of CPAs
These new standards will impact almost all public accounting firms. Learn what was originally proposed, what was the final adoption, and more importantly how these standards will impact your firm going forward. Major topics considered will be: risk assessment of your firm's quality management; inspection processes; engagement quality control procedures; information and communication; and engagement partner responsibility among others.
Presenters:
Leveraging Data Analytics to Streamline Tax Functions
Time: Wednesday 3:35pm - 4:25pm Credits: 1 TB
Kathryn Horton, CPA, President, Kathryn Horton CPA and Aaron Fell, Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
Many tasks performed by today's tax departments are repetitive, manual, mundane and do not provide much value to the organization, especially within the indirect tax space. By leveraging analytics, many of these tasks can be automated and deployed by a non-technical user resulting in greater efficiency, accuracy and visibility for the specific tax department deliverables.
Presenters:
Inclusive Engagement in Practice
Time: Wednesday 3:35pm - 4:25pm Credits: 1 BE
Raphael T. Richard, Emerging Talent Strategist/Diversity and Inclusion Innovator
Different ideas and perspectives generate innovative solutions and decisions. Participants will learn the differences and barriers between Diversity and Inclusion as workplace practices. After examining the core sources of inclusion at work, the session presents methods to influence best practices in creating welcoming and sustaining environments.
Presenters:
DOR Panel
Time: Wednesday 4:40pm - 5:30pm Credits: 1 TB
Details to come!
Panel Discussion: Ask the Employee Benefits Plan Experts
Time: Wednesday 4:40pm - 5:30pm Credits: 1 AA
Moderator: John Burgess, Principal, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Panelists: Jodi Malis, Partner, Hancock Askew & Co, LLP, Gwen Mazzola, Assurance Partner, ERISA Leader, Hogan Taylor LLP and Marcus Aron, Acting Chief, Division of Accounting Services, U.S. Department of Labor
Come prepared to discuss issues in employee benefits and get your questions answered!
Presenters:
DE & I at Work
Time: Wednesday 4:40pm - 5:30pm Credits: 1 BE
Chris Crespo, Inclusiveness Director, Ernst & Young LLP
Embracing diversity in the workplace means learning about your colleagues and appreciating them for all they could be bringing to our workplaces when there is equity and inclusion When people are encouraged to be authentic and inclusive leaders, business is strengthened by their unique insights, creativity and innovation. During this session learn how firms and companies improve their work environment productivity, and engagement in markets by encouraging and supporting all employees, inclusive of all their diverse backgrounds.
Presenters:
Welcome Reception
Time: Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Registration & Continental Breakfast
Time: Thursday 6:30am - 8:00am
Creative Uses of South Dakota Trust in Sophisticated Estate Planning
Time: Thursday 7:00am - 7:50am Credits: 1 TB
Jonathan Gopman, Partner, Nelson Mullins
This presentation will cover sophisticated uses of South Dakota trusts for income and wealth preservation planning purposes. We will discuss strategies that can pass significant amounts of wealth and reduce a taxpayer’s annual income tax liability in a significant manner using South Dakota asset protection dynasty trusts, GRATs, CRUTs, CRATs and CLATs. This session will also examine the benefits of using South Dakota trusts to hold Private Placement Life Insurance Policies. Finally, the session will discuss the use of South Dakota community property trusts to obtain a dual step in basis at the death of the first spouse to die.
Presenters:
Introduction & Opening Remarks
Time: Thursday 8:00am - 8:15am
Keynote Presentation: Inside College Athletics in 2022
Time: Thursday 8:15am - 9:05am Credits: 1 TB
Melissa Stuckey, Associate Athletics Director and CFO, and Kim Green, Associate Athletic Director of Compliance, University of Florida Athletic Association
Explore the growing landscape of college athletics from the perspectives of the Chief Financial Officer, NCAA compliance officer and a student athlete. Florida Universities have competed in intercollegiate athletics since the early 1900’s and are on the forefront of today’s innovative and exciting changes. Discussion will center around how the development of Name, Image and Likeness legislation has created opportunities for student athletes to promote their platform, along with insights around the shifting landscape of NCAA compliance and recent supreme court rulings.
Presenters:
Multistate Income Tax Considerations for Pass Through Entities
Time: Thursday 9:15am - 10:05am Credits: 1 TB
Chris Oatis, Managing Director-SALT, Grant Thornton
Pass through entities are subject to various levels and types of income taxation and reporting requirements, which can vary on a state-by-state basis. Obtain a foundational understanding of these various tax types and options for pass through entities, including:
- Withholding/estimated taxes
- composite tax returns
- Viability of the recently proliferating pass through entity tax elections
Presenters:
Building Your Credibility for Advisory Services
Time: Thursday 9:15am - 10:05am Credits: 1 TB
Adrienne Barrett, Senior Manager, Intuit
True leadership is a choice of intention and every single person, no matter your title or position, has the ability. It is a common misconception that leaders are appointed and that is what gives them authority. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Harnessing your leadership capabilities will help you establish the confidence and credibility you need to talk to clients about your advisory services and guide them along their journey. Unlock your leadership potential and understand how to influence your own success in this area. Objectives:
· Overcome personal barriers that may be preventing you from being a leader
· Demonstrate confidence when talking to clients about your services
· More intentionally invest in your relationships to drive shared outcomes
· Identify a few of the tools you can leverage to facilitate deeper client relationships
Presenters:
Focus on the Market: The Utility of Cost Segregation
Time: Thursday 9:15am - 10:05am Credits: 1 TB
Bruce Johnson, CEM, CRE, founding Partner, Capstan Tax Strategies
Explore cost segregation from the vantage points of construction/manufacturing industry; commercial rental properties; residential rental properties; and Section 179.
Presenters:
Lions, Tigers and Crypto, Oh No! - Part 1
Time: Thursday 9:15am - 10:05am Credits: 1 TB
Dan Ramey, CPA/CFF/ABV/CITP, CFE, CIA, CVA, CMA, CISA/CISM, President, Houston Financial Forensics, LLC
Cyberfraud and employee fraud are two of the largest distractions in business today, especially with our WFH environment and the COVID-19 crisis. Now we add the rise and use of cryptocurrency and we have a dynamic environment for fraud to occur. Learn what is occurring with cyberfraud, employee fraud, and cryptocurrency in our 2022 world. Learn some of the newest cyberfraud schemes and what cybercriminals are doing to relieve you of your hard-earned money. Take aways to secure your business operations from fraud and cyberfraud, improving your cybersecurity, cryptocurrency and blockchain basics will be shared, along with strengthening internal controls related to reducing the likelihood of being a victim. Objectives:
- Understand the broad range of fraud that can be perpetrated upon a business
- Receive updates on the latest frauds occurring in businesses
- Understand the basics of cryptocurrency transactions and blockchain operations
- Receive a set of to-do items to help secure your organization from employee and cyberfraud
Presenters:
Break in Hall
Time: Thursday 10:05am - 10:30am
Unconformity to Federal Income Tax
Time: Thursday 10:30am - 11:20am Credits: 1 TB
Mark Arrigo, National Managing Partner, State and Local Tax, GrantThornton LLP
Learn why states are decoupling from the Internal Revenue Code. Explore the impact of decoupling on state income tax filings and tax attribute tracking.
Presenters:
Let's Talk Tech: Standardization & Automation
Time: Thursday 10:30am - 11:20am Credits: 1 TB
Victor Amaya, Director of Partner Fulfillment, Botkeeper
Forward-looking firm leaders are examining the effects that standardization and automation are having on the way they do business. Accountants that are willing to shift and expand their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to lead toward advisory services need not fear change.In this session, you will hear and learn:1. How technology is changing accounting2. AI/ML - do we need to know how to make an algorithm?3. The goal is more technology, less human data entry and how do we get there
Presenters:
Research and Development Tax Credits Overview and Recent Updates
Time: Thursday 10:30am - 11:20am Credits: 1 TB
Jonathan Tucker, Principal, and Ian Williams, Director, R & D Tax Credits, KBKG
This session will cover the fundamentals of the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. Our experts will go over the history and recent updates, project qualifications, calculating the benefits, the chronology of a typical project and common issues.
- Provide a general overview of the R&D Tax Credit
- Learn how to identify qualifying projects
- Understand the various calculation methods
- Discuss the project implementation and issues to consider
Presenters:
Lions, Tigers, and Crypto, Oh No! - Part 2
Time: Thursday 10:30am - 11:20am Credits: 1 TB
Dan Ramey, CPA/CFF/ABV/CITP, CFE, CIA, CVA, CMA, CISA/CISM, President, Houston Financial Forensics, LLC
Cyberfraud and employee fraud are two of the largest distractions in business today, especially with our WFH environment and the C?OVID-19 crisis. Now we add the rise and use of cryptocurrency and we have a dynamic environment for fraud to occur. Learn what is occurring with cyberfraud, employee fraud, and cryptocurrency in our 2022 world. Learn some of the newest cyberfraud schemes and what cybercriminals are doing to relieve you of your hard-earned money. Take aways to secure your business operations from fraud and cyberfraud, improving your cybersecurity, cryptocurrency and blockchain basics will be shared, along with strengthening internal controls related to reducing the liklihood of being a victim. Objectives:
- Understand the broad range of fraud that can be perpetrated upon a business
- Receive updates on the latest frauds occurring in businesses
- Understand the basics of cryptocurrency transactions and blockchain operations
- Receive a set of to-do items to helpsecure your organizations from employee and cyberfraud
Presenters:
MEGA 2022 Connect: Business Networking Round Robin *NO MORE AVAILABILITY - SELECT FOR WAIT LIST ONLY*
Time: Thursday 10:30am - 11:20am Credits: 1 TB
Join us for a unique networking opportunity designed to bring CPAs together with the top industry suppliers and service solution providers in the accounting and finance profession.
Space is limited to 10 attendees.
Florida Sales Tax 101
Time: Thursday 11:30am - 12:20pm Credits: 1 TB
James H. Sutton, Jr., CPA, Esq. Moffa, Sutton and Donnini, P.A. and Peter Steffens, Steffens Consulting
Learn the basics of Florida's sales and use tax, touching on various industries and issues that are common problems for CPAs and taxpayers alike. This s a must for anyone with companies based in Florida.
Presenters:
A CPA's Guide to Understanding and Managing Your Cybersecurity Risk
Time: Thursday 11:30am - 12:20pm Credits: 1 TB
Christophe Reglat, President and CEO, Coaxis International, Inc.
Financial services organizations and other firms that are responsible for the security of consumer financial data must remain vigilant in their cybersecurity efforts. With the expanding adoption of cloud-based services and data storage, more companies implementing remote and hybrid work options, and the growing use of mobile devices for work are together giving cybercriminals an ever-expanding range of opportunities to exploit. Now more than ever, CPA firms need to understand the different types of cybersecurity risks as well as their firm’s current level of risk. Learn the different types of cybersecurity risks impacting CPA firms today and why it is important to understand your firm’s current level of risk.
Presenters:
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (NQDC): Understanding Code IRC 409A for small to Mid-Sized Businesses
Time: Thursday 11:30am - 12:20pm Credits: 1 TB
Jeremy Colombik, CPA, Management Services International
Learn the advantages and benefits of NQDC for owners of small to mid-sized businesses and their key employees.
- Learn about Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC), its uses and benefits for both the employer and employee
- Identify the differences between an NQDC program and a Qualified Program and be able to explain NQDC to colleagues and clients
- Identify clients who qualify for, and would benefit from, a NQDC
Presenters:
Bears will be Bears - Fraudsters Too
Time: Thursday 11:30am - 12:20pm Credits: 1 AA
Daniel Porter, CFE, Guest Lecturer, Middle Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University School of Law
This session reviews the detection of the fraud and the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the former director of a conference center who took advantage of lax internal controls of a joint-venture and stole thousands. She was just a fraudster being a fraudster.
Presenters:
Lunch
Time: Thursday 12:20pm - 2:00pm
The Old and New Reality of Marketplace Nexus
Time: Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Kevin Herzberg, Partner and French Brown, Attorney at Law, Dean Mead
Explore the vastly changed sales tax landscape for remote sellers just three years after the Wayfair decision. There are significant new requirements obligating both retailers and wholesalers. Examine the various definitions of marketplace provider, what industries are excluded, thresholds, and what additional burdens and limitations are placed on marketplace providers. Finally, examine Florida's recent version of Economic Nexus and Marketplace Provider.
Presenters:
David Versus Goliath
Time: Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Corey Auger, Partner & Executive Vice President, Business Development, Anthem Software
How small businesses are leveraging technology to not only compete with their big box competitors but win! Every business needs "5 Smooth Stones" to succeed in today's fast-paced, technology savvy world. Discover 5 secrets that small businesses everywhere are using to compete and win against their large-budget competitors. Leave with the tools and processes necessary to find, serve and keep more customers...profitability. Objectives:
- Plans: Companies need a plan with goals in order to succeed. What does that look like and how to begin planning in your business
- People: People are the number 1 asset of a company. Learn the importance of hiring good people and how to keep them engaged and motivated
- Tools: Discuss the types of tools that small businesses use to furst get new clients and then keep new clients
- Process: Discuss the process that needs to be implemented in order to succeed as Plans, People and Tools are worthless without a process to utilize each of them
- Courage: It takes courage to start and continue a small business. It's important for those that are currently in the day-to-day of their business as well as those getting ready to start a new business to understand that courage is the foundation of the small business owners' success
Presenters:
Computer Illiterate: Tech & Security That Will Save Your Firm $1 Million Without Being a Techie
Time: Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Andrew Lassise, CEO, Tech4Accountants
This session will focus on data security and adherence to the technical standards from the IRS, FTC and AICPA. Highlights include:
- How Good Technology Automation Saves Thousands of Dollars and Doesn't Call Out Sick
- Following IRS Security Six
- Creating An IRS Required Data Security Plan
- Avoid Fines From GLBA Avoid Having to Pay Clients Credit Monitoring
- Avoid Lawsuits
- Avoid Losing Clients From Loss of Reputation
- Avoid Losing Your License
Presenters:
Building a Better Internal Control Enviroment: It's More Than Addressing Opportunity - Part 1
Time: Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm Credits: 1 AA
Michael "Bret" Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning and Consulting
When accountants and internal auditors look to build and improve internal control systems, they frequently focus their efforts on minimizing opportunities for theft and malfeasance. However, the latest scientific research shows that there are better ways to proactively influence those who might intentionally or inadvertently step across ethical lines. Learn how to implement behavioral nudges into internal controls in order to better protect both your organization and the people within. At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
• Define moral equilibrium
• Develop internal controls that address the advantages/disadvantages of moral equilibrium
• Create mental triggers to avoid the slippery slope of fraud and unethical decisions
• Develop methods, policies, and procedures to trigger automatic ethical responses in employees
• Design visual, auditory, and procedural cues that will improve the ethical culture of an organization
Presenters:
Adjust Updates Around 86-272
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Amanda Levine Ribeiro, Senior Associate, state and Local Tax, BDO and Elizabeth Ginori, Partner, Boyer Ginori CPAs LLC
The Multistate Tax Commission adopted updates to Public Law 86-272. The new "internet rule" could change the way states determine nexus, and chips away at long-standing protections. Could this be the next Wayfair?
Presenters:
Improving Your Client Communication Strategy: A Guide for Accounting Professionals
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Emiley Parker, Brand Manager, CPA Charge
In general, accounting professionals tend to focus more on getting the work done and not so much on how they interact with clients to actually get it done. However, continuously improving client communication is remarkably important and should be a top priority. Learn everything you need to know but didn't think to ask about email marketing and social media as well as how and when to communicate with your clients. Whether you know your communication needs improvement, or you just want to learn the current best practices, you don't want to miss this session.
Presenters:
Specialty Tax Credit & Incentives for Florida Businesses
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Jason C. Jones, Managing Director, General Counsel, JD, Tri-Merit Southeast Region
If you work with closely held businesses in the state of Florida, odds are some (if not the majority) are eligible to take advantage of at least one the credits and incentives that will be covered in this session. This session will help you become a better advisor to your business clients by identifying what industries and types of businesses tend to be eligible for tax credits and incentives including 179D, 45L, cost segregation, work opportunity tax credit, R&D tax credit and the employee retention credit.
• Learn about two energy efficient tax incentives, 179D and 45L, and the certification process that businesses are required to undergo to claim
• Hear the latest updates relative to the employee retention credit, how businesses qualify, the and current IRS timeframes for receiving a check
• Why a cost segregation study is something every new building owner should consider
• Learn how employers can reduce federal income tax liability from$2,400-$9,600 (per employee), by hiring certain parts of the population.
• Learn the IRS 4-part test for proving qualifying activity under the R&D tax credit
Presenters:
Building a Better Internal Control Environment: It's More Than Addressing Opportunity - Part 2
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 AA
Michael "Bret" Hood, Director, 21st Century Learning & Consulting
When accountants and internal auditors look to build and improve internal control systems, they frequently focus their efforts on minimizing opportunities for theft and malfeasance. However, the latest scientific research shows that there are better ways to proactively influence those who might intentionally or inadvertently step across ethical lines. Learn how to implement behavioral nudges into internal controls in order to better protect both your organization and the people within. After this session, attendees will be able to:
• Define Moral Equilibrium
• Develop internal controls that address the advantages/disadvantages of moral equilibrium.
• Create mental triggers to avoid the slippery slope of fraud and unethical decisions.
• Develop methods, policies, and procedures to trigger automatic ethical responses in employees.
• Design visual, auditory, and procedural cues that will improve the ethical culture of an organization.
Presenters:
MEGA 2022 Connect: Business Networking Round Robin *NO MORE AVAILABILITY - SELECT FOR WAIT LIST ONLY*
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 TB
Join us for a unique networking opportunity designed to bring CPAs together with the top industry suppliers and service solution providers in the accounting and finance profession.
Space is limited to 10 attendees.
Break in Hall
Time: Thursday 3:50pm - 4:15pm
Keynote Presentation - The DBPR and Florida CPAs: A Partnership for Success
Time: Thursday 4:15pm - 5:05pm Credits: 1 TB
Leading the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and overseeing the Board of Accountancy, Secretary Melanie Griffin will share insights and highlights from her first few months as head of the agency.
Melanie Griffin is an attorney with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick and senior advisor for business-to-business relationships for Shumaker Advisors Florida. She is also the Founder and Owner of Spread Your Sunshine, a business that provides speaking and professional-training services; and designs, manufactures and sells inspirational products and gifts.
Secretary Griffin is president of the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers Executive Board of Directors; serves on the Florida State University College of Law Board of Visitors; and is a Fellow of The Florida Bar Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, master of business administration and juris doctor degree from Florida State University.
As a small business owner, Secretary Griffin has a unique perspective on government and how DBPR can best serve its clients and constituencies.
Presenters:
Vendor Reception in the Hall
Time: Thursday 4:55pm - 6:00pm
Friday, June 10, 2022
Registration & Breakfast in Hall
Time: Friday 6:30am - 8:00am
How Lawyers and Accountants Work Together
Time: Friday 7:00am - 7:50am Credits: 1 TB
Jeremy Wortman
This session will address:
- What Accountants Can’t Do, and How Lawyers Step in To Assist
- Document Handling between CPAs and Attorneys and Ensuring Compliance with All Legal Standards
- Merging Interests: CPAs and Attorneys and how Interests Align
Opening Remarks and Women to Watch Awards
Time: Friday 8:00am - 8:20am
Break
Time: Friday 8:20am - 8:30am
Keynote Presentation - The Future of the Profession
Time: Friday 8:30am - 9:20am Credits: 1 TB
Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA, President and CEO, American Institute of CPAs and CEO, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Join AICPA President and CEO, Barry Melancon, as he explores the future of the profession, including future proofing the profession; federal regulatory issues; firm trends; talent pipelines and more.
Presenters:
Break in Hall
Time: Friday 9:20am - 9:45am
Becoming a CPA Financial Planner
Time: Friday 9:45am - 10:35am Credits: 1 TB
Shawn J. McCabe, MBA, CFP, CPAlliance Director
Become a superhero to your clients by helping them achieve and protect financial independence. In this course, you will learn why CPAs make the best financial planners, what is involved with financial planning and investment advising as a CPA, what it takes to achieve and protect financial independence, how best to integrate it into your practice, and practical steps to begin helping your clients like never before.
Presenters:
GASB Update - Part 1
Time: Friday 9:45am - 10:35am Credits: 1 AA
Lisa R. Parker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Project Manager, Governmental Accounting standards Board (GASB)
Learn about the latest GASB pronouncements that become effective in the coming fiscal years. The session will also explain some of the projects on GASB's current technical agenda and research agenda.
Presenters:
R & D Tax Credits Reimagined
Time: Friday 9:45am - 10:35am Credits: 1 TB
Alex Pak, Head of Customer Success and Riz Malik, Head of Product, GOAT.Tax Explore how you might begin offering R&D tax credit consulting services to your clients via an automated R&D tax credit calculation process! In this session, you will learn: • Starting your consulting team • Identifying R&D tax credit opportunities in various industries • R&D credit study workflow • Support options through the platform • Final study delivery
Presenters:
The Hidden Fees of Credit Card Processing
Time: Friday 10:45am - 11:35am Credits: 1 TB
Learn to spot the hidden fees associated with credit card processing. Explore:
- How to develop the most efficient merchant services program
- Why business to business transactions are different than business-to-consumer transactions
- How to reduce fees without changing your processor or banking relationship
- Why some cards are more expensive
- The importance of breach protection and PCI compliance
- How to read between the lines of the complicated monthly statements
- The tactics used to bury fees in the statements
- Actionable steps to reduce processing fees
Presenters:
GASB Update - Part 2
Time: Friday 10:45am - 11:35am Credits: 1 AA
Lisa R. Parker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Project Manager, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Learn about the latest GASB pronouncements that become effective in the coming fiscal years. The session will also explain some of the projects on GASB's current technical agenda and research agenda.
Presenters:
Enhance Tax Outcomes for Clients and Grow Revenue: The SECURE Act and Pooled Employer Plans
Time: Friday 10:45am - 11:35am Credits: 1 TB
Alex Jenkins, Partner and Chief Revenue Officer, Nesteggs Retirement Plan Services
With the passage of the Secure Act, CPAs can now broaden their influence over clients’ tax outcomes through the use of Pooled Employer Plans.
Presenters:
Luncheon in Hall
Time: Friday 11:35am - 12:55pm
Implementing Leases: The Challenges We Face
Time: Friday 12:55pm - 1:45pm Credits: 1 AA
J. Edward Grossman, CPA, CFE, CMA, CGMA, Principal, National Assurance Technical Group, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Learn what challenges the profession will be addressing as leasing changes are implemented.
Presenters:
Social Security and You
Time: Friday 12:55pm - 1:45pm Credits: 1 TB
Randall T. Coleman, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch
Social Security claiming strategies can be complex. This course discusses important claiming considerations as they relate to clients plans for retirement and how working with investment and tax professionals may help put it all in perspective.
Presenters:
The Story of Internal Controls: The Case of Netflix and More - Part 1
Time: Friday 1:55pm - 2:45pm Credits: 1 AA
Jonathan T. Marks, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA, CFE, PI & NACD Board Fellow, Partner, Firm Practice Leader, Global Forensic, Compliance & Integrity Services, Baker Tilly US LLP
On December 14, 2021, in the Northern District of California, Michael Kail, the former VP of IT operations at Netflix, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after his fraud and money laundering conviction. Kail was indicted in 2018 and charged with 19 counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and seven counts of money laundering. These corporate fraud stories are becoming more pervasive and are not isolated to a particular industry. In recent years, we have seen stories on the illegal conduct of executives from WorldCom, Tyco, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, and others. One root cause amongst all of them: internal controls. Learn about recent cases that involve internal control failures and provide a road map to understanding better and design internal controls. Specific topics include:
- What is internal control, really?
- What are the key enemies of controls?
- Red flags and how they can be used to design controls
- A process and methodology to properly design a control
- Fraud trends: The arrogance of some who think they can override or circumvent internal controls and believe they won't get caught
Presenters:
ESG: What is it and Why Should Banks Care?
Time: Friday 1:55pm - 2:45pm Credits: 1 TB
David Clauson, CHMM, CSP, Director, Enterprise Risk Solutions, BKD
What are environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards affecting banks? Learn how to define ESG, detail regulatory developments, describe proactive measures banks can take to anticipate regulatory scrutiny, examine examples of bank ESG disclosures, and discuss how to get started building ESG programs. Attendees will be able to define ESG, identify ESG-related regulatory activity affecting banks and explain how a bank can build ESG programs.
Presenters:
Break
Time: Friday 2:45pm - 3:00pm
The Story of Internal Controls: The Case of Netflix and More - Part 2
Time: Friday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 AA
Jonathan T. Marks, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA, PI & NACD Board Fellow, Partner, Firm Practice Leader, Global Forensic, Compliance & Integrity Services, Baker Tilly US LLP
On December 14, 2021, in the Northern District of California, Michael Kail, the former VP of IT at Netflix, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after his fraud and money laundering conviction. Kail was indicted in 2018 and charged with 19 counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and seven counts of money laundering. These corporate fraud stories are becoming more pervasive and are not isolated to a particular industry. In recent years, we have seen stories on the illegal conduct of executives from WorldCom, Tyco, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, and others. One root cause among all of them: internal controls. Learn about recent cases that involve internal control failures and provide a road map to understanding better designed internal controls. Specific topics include:
- What is internal control, really?
- What are the key enemies of controls?
- Red flags and how they can be used to design controls
- A process and methodology to properly design a control
- Fraud trends: The arrogance o some who think they can override or circumvent internal controls and believe they won't get caught
Presenters:
ESG- The SEC's Climate-Related Disclosures Rules
Time: Friday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 TB
David Clauson, CHMM, CSP, Director, Enterprise Risk Solutions, BKD
The SEC has proposed broad and prescriptive climate-related disclosure rules that would require certain organizations to begin accumulating the necessary information as early as January 2023. The presentation will address how you can begin now to prepare for the proposed SEC climate-related disclosure regulations. Review the key provisions of the proposal, explore examples of climate-related risks and opportunities, and discuss governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. Attendees will be able to: Identify the key provisions of the SEC's proposed climate rule; define climate-related risks and opportunities; and describe controls and reporting considerations.
Presenters:
Keynote Presentation: We Are Living Proof: You Are Built for Something More
Time: Friday 4:00pm - 4:50pm Credits: 1 BE
Lucas Boyce, Motivational Speaker and Former Executive Orlando Magic
This keynote presentation that details Lucas' journey to overcome significant obstacles to achieve three once-in-a-lifetime goals. Personal history or external conditions outside of our control don’t have to determine our future trajectory, success and/or fulfillment. While some may view past and present conditions as an eternal harness and cause for inaction or paralysis, Lucas shares why our obstacles and limitations become irrelevant when we understand our life purpose and are willing to reach for something more. It doesn’t matter at what station of life we find ourselves, we are built for something more. We are meant to succeed.
Presenters:
Chair’s Closing Night Celebration and Dueling Pianos! (Free - included with your registration)
Time: Friday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Closing Night Networking Dinner, Dueling Pianos, and Fireworks!
6:00pm Networking Reception
6:15pm Dinner
7:00pm Entertainment: Dueling Pianos
9:00pm Cordials and Fireworks - outside on the portico
1 - Adult Guest - Chair’s Closing Night Celebration
Time: Friday 6:01pm - 9:30pm
Closing Night Networking Dinner, Dueling Pianos, and Fireworks!
Adult Guest Ticket
From networking reception and chair's program to dueling pianos and fireworks, what better way to wrap up 4 great days of CPE? Indulge in great food and drink, and outstanding company. A special guest star or two may even make an appearance! Individual registration and group tables available.
1 - Adult Guest - Chair’s Closing Night Celebration
Time: Friday 6:02pm - 9:30pm
Closing Night Networking Dinner, Dueling Pianos, and Fireworks!
Adult Guest Ticket
From networking reception and chair's program to dueling pianos and fireworks, what better way to wrap up 4 great days of CPE? Indulge in great food and drink, and outstanding company. A special guest star or two may even make an appearance! Individual registration and group tables available.
1 - Child Guest (12 & under) - Chair’s Closing Night Celebration
Time: Friday 6:03pm - 9:30pm
Closing Night Networking Dinner, Dueling Pianos, and Fireworks!
Child Guest Ticket
From networking reception and chair's program to dueling pianos and fireworks, what better way to wrap up 4 great days of CPE? Indulge in great food and drink, and outstanding company. A special guest star or two may even make an appearance! Individual registration and group tables available.
1 - Child Guest (12 & under) - Chair’s Closing Night Celebration
Time: Friday 6:04pm - 9:30pm
Closing Night Networking Dinner, Dueling Pianos, and Fireworks!
Child Guest Ticket
From networking reception and chair's program to dueling pianos and fireworks, what better way to wrap up 4 great days of CPE? Indulge in great food and drink, and outstanding company. A special guest star or two may even make an appearance! Individual registration and group tables available.
Objectives:
- Meet biennial ethics requirements
- Explore top employee benefits issues
- Learn the latest on state tax
- Discuss hot topics impacting the profession
- Hear what's new in A & A
Presenters:
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J. Edward Grossman, CPA, CFE, CMA, CGMA
PrincipalCliftonLarsonAllen LLPEd is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen having over 35 years of experience in public accounting. Based in Lakeland, Florida, Ed is a member of the firm’s National Assurance Technical Group. His primary responsibilities include being a technical resource for the audit and assurance practice and performing quality reviews of assurance and accounting engagements...
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Randall Thomas Coleman, CFP
Randy Coleman is a Financial Advisor in the Rockledge, Florida, Merrill Lynch office. He works with his clients and their other professional advisors to create an overall wealth management strategy tailored to each individual or family’s unique circumstance. Randy earned his B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and actively maintains a CPA Certification in Florida...
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Karen Ann Lake, CPA
Karen Lake CPA is Associate Director of Tax Services at Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants. For nearly 20 years, Karen has placed her focus on helping businesses and individuals develop their tax structures. Through reducing their state tax risk, improving cash flow and obtaining federal and state credits and incentives, Karen is successful at resolving tax controversies in a...
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Lisa R Parker, CPA
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.Lisa is a certified public accountant and a...
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James Holland Sutton Jr, CPA, Esq., LLM
James concentrates in the area of Florida tax matters, with an almost exclusive focus on Florida Sales and Use Tax. Mr. Sutton has 25+ years of experience working in Federal tax as well as State and Local Tax ("SALT"), including at a "Big 5" CPA firm and a tax consulting firm handling a wide variety of state tax planning and consulting work for Fortune 1,000 companies. Since 2001, Mr. Sutton has...
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Kathryn K Horton, CPA, CMA, CIDA, CFE
Kathryn Horton is President of Kathryn Horton CPA PA and is an industry leader in the use of data analytics, specifically using Caseware IDEA. Kathryn was the recipient of the 2017 North America IDEA User of Excellence Award. She was a featured speaker at the 2018 and 2020 National IDEA User Conference and has presented on data analytics to both regional and national audiences, including the 2021...
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Douglas Van Dyke, MBA, CSP
Doug Van Dyke is CEO of Leadership Simplified. He is an executive coach, leadership development expert, strategic planner and author. Doug has appeared on numerous radio and television business programs including CBS Morning and ABC Nightly News. He is the author of Leadership Simplified - The Field Guide for Savvy Leaders. Doug has also published over 150articles and is one of only 1,000 people...
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Christophe Réglat
President and CEOCoaxis International, Inc.Christophe Réglat founded Coaxis, a Florida corporation, based in Tallahassee, in 2002. Coaxis originated as an application service provider (ASP), offering businesses access over the Internet to applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located on their own business computers. ASP has evolved to cloud computing, and more...
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Justin A Thames, DPL
Justin Thames joined the FICPA in June 2011 as the Governmental Affairs Manager and was promoted to Director of Governmental Affairs in July 2015. In this role, Justin is responsible for leading the Governmental Affairs Department in regulatory and lobbying activities including; developing creative strategies to accomplish the legislative and regulatory objectives, meeting with state legislators...
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Paul N Brown, CPA, CGMA
Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the Director of Technical Services for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul’s main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program. The program administers approximately 425 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 125 peer...
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Kevin John Herzberg, CGMA,CPA,MBA
Kevin is Grant Thornton’s National Indirect Tax Leader. He has over 29 years of broad-based state tax experience including abandoned and unclaimed property and multi-state tax planning, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 review, ASC 740 tax accounting, mergers and acquisitions, ruling requests, tax controversy and tax compliance. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Kevin’s experience at large international...
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Mark R Arrigo, CPA
Mark is the National Managing Partner for State and Local Tax. The practice consists of state income & franchise tax services and indirect tax services (sales/use tax services, property tax services, credits and incentives, and unclaimed property services). He has over 25+ years of state tax experience assisting both public and private companies in resolving state tax conflicts, analyzing state...
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Peter J Steffens, CPA
In August of 2014 Peter founded Peter Steffens Consulting where he is providing state tax consulting services, training seminars & workshops, audit representation and expert witness services.Previously Peter was employed by the Florida Department of Revenue. He joined the Florida Department of Revenue in 1976 as a Tax Auditor and since 1981 has held numerous management positions primarily related...
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Elizabeth M Ginori, CPA
Elizabeth Ginori, CPA, is the Managing Partner in the Tax and Accounting Department at Boyer Ginori CPAs LLC. Elizabeth has more than twenty years of experience in the tax and accounting industry with significant experience in state and local taxation (SALT). She spent 15 years of her career with Big 4 firms specializing in multi-state taxation.Elizabeth provides tax planning, compliance, and...
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Jordan M Goodman, JD, Esq., CPA
Jordan M. Goodman co-chairs Horwood Marcus & Berk's State and Local Tax Group and resolves state and local tax controversies including unclaimed property for multistate and multinational corporations, including Fortune 1000 clients with complex operations, in industries such as manufacturing, retailing, financial services, e-tailing, broadcasting and telecommunications. As both an attorney and a...
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Chris Oatis, CPA
Chris Oatis is a Managing Director in Grant Thornton’s SALT practice and is based in Orlando. Chris joined Grant Thornton in 2005 and has more than 11 years of focus on state and local tax, with 14 years of experience in public accounting. Chris is a licensed CPA and a member of both the AICPA and the Florida institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he serves as the State Tax Section Vice...
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H. French Brown IV, Esq.
French Brown offers clients 10 years of experience practicing in state and local taxation. Prior to joining Dean Mead, he practiced at Hopping, Green & Sams. He began his legal career at the Florida Department of Revenue, where he quickly rose to the position of Deputy Director of Technical Assistance and Dispute Resolution. There he oversaw more than 50 department attorneys, accountants and...
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Marcus Aron, CPA, CGMA
Mr. Aron has thirty years of experience in working with audits of ERISA-covered plans. He is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of EBSA’s CPA Firm Inspection Program, providing technical assistance to plan filers and plan professionals, and providing ERISA-related accounting and auditing expertise within EBSA.Mr. Aron is a certified public accountant and holds a B.B.A. degree with a...
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Gwen Mazzola, CPA
Gwen serves as the leader of HoganTaylor's Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) practice, one of the largest in the Oklahoma/Arkansas region. 100% of Gwen's professional efforts are devoted to working within the EBP industry. Gwen has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in audits of EBPs. She is experienced in working with various retirement plans of all sizes. Gwen is a...
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Jodi Malis, CPA, CGMA
Jodi is a Partner in Hancock Askew’s Atlanta office and has over 35 years of public accounting experience. Jodi began her career in Chicago at Price Waterhouse after graduating from Indiana University, with highest distinction, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. In her role, she oversees assurance and advisory services for numerous public and private companies and manages the firm’s...
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Carlos Junior Grosmann
Carlos is a Manager II in Kaufman Rossin’s tax practice. Carlos joined the firm in 2015 and has been specializing in state and local taxes since 2017. He assists clients with state and local tax returns compliance,voluntary disclosure agreement applications, nexus studies, audit responses, and tax exposure calculationsHe has spoken on state taxes for the Florida Institute of Certified Public...
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Aaron Fell
Aaron is a seasoned practitioner focused on serving clients within the State and Local Tax practice as well as the Tax Digital Consulting practice. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Aaron worked at the Florida Dept. of Revenue as an indirect tax auditor for five years. Aaron has over ten years of SALT indirect tax experience both in the private and public sector. His tax audit background includes...
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John Burgess, CPA,Esq.,LLM (TAX)
John Burgess is an attorney and CPA who helps business owners, executives, and other senior managers with all of their employee benefits. He advises employee benefit plan committees, including 401(k) plan committees, on their fiduciary responsibilities and best practices. He has worked with plans of all sizes, ranging from those sponsored by small, local companies with a few dozen participants to...
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Michael Bret Hood
After serving 25 years as a Special Agent in the FBI, Michael “Bret” Hood became the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting, LLC upon his retirement in 2016. During his tenure with the FBI, Bret worked many complex financial crime, money laundering, corruption and major cases such as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the HealthSouth fraud and the Maricopa Investments case. Since 2000, Bret has...
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Daniel Porter, CFE
Daniel Porter, CFE, has conducted and managed civil and criminal investigations for over 25 years as a licensed private investigator, a loss prevention manager, and as an investigator and investigations manager with the State of Tennessee. He currently provides training and consulting services in the areas of fraud prevention-detection-investigation as well as ethics, productivity, and leadership...
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Barry C Melancon, CPA, CGMA
Barry C. Melancon is the CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 650,000 members and students. Formed in 2017, it combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which Melancon also leads as President & CEO....
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Lydia C Desnoyers, CPA, CFE
Lydia C. Desnoyers is the founder and owner of DesCPA Business Advisory – a Miami-based CPA Firm specializing in Business Advisory and Virtual CFO Solutions for Law Firms and Small Businesses. Prior to starting her practice in 2010, Ms. Desnoyers gained over six years of accounting and internal audit experience at Carnival Corp and plc. A highly sought after, expert contributor, Lydia has made...
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Melissa Stuckey
Melissa Stuckey, now in her 18th year with the University Athletic Association (UAA), has over 25 years of experience in collegiate athletic and business management.Stuckey joined the UAA staff in 1997. She's held several leadership roles within the UAA, including Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Facilities and currently holds the position of the Associate Athletic Director –...
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Alex Jenkins, CPFA, AIF
Alex Jenkins is Vice President and Partner at NestEggs 401k - a bundled Registered Investment Advisor, Third Party Administrator and Independent Record Keeper. NestEggs 401k builds, administers, provides record keeping and advises over $400M in Qualified assets while serving as §3(16), §3(21) and §3(38) Fiduciaries to the plans they serve. NestEggs empowers CPAs with a customizable, turn-key...
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Jason Taylor
Jason Taylor has focused his practice on addressing discrimination, retaliation, FLSA, NLRB, and other similar claims on behalf of employers. He is AV-rated on Martindale-Hubble and regularly defends employment law claims at all stages of the process, including regular trial appearances. He has more than 20 years of experience in defending such claims, as well as general civil practice. While he...
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Amanda Levine Ribeiro
Amanda Ribeiro is a manager in the KPMG Indirect Tax group. She has over a decade of state indirect tax experience, including extensive work in the consulting and state tax controversy space. Prior to joining KPMG, Amanda was with a boutique law firm that focused exclusively on Florida state and local tax. Her work ran the gamut from white collar criminal defense to sales and use tax audit...
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Henry Martin, CPA,MAcc
Partner Henry is a Partner in the Audit & Accounting Services Department and is based in our Boca Raton office. He is responsible for conducting audits and providing advisory services for privately-held companies, non-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Henry has significant experience planning, implementing and reviewing of Government Auditing Standards, Uniform Guidance and the...
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Jonathan E Gopman, Esquire
Jonathan's practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs. He assists entrepreneurs with their personal and business planning needs at all phases of the wealth accumulation and preservation cycle. In his practice Jonathan takes a four part approach to wealth preservation planning by assisting individuals in implementing sophisticated...
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Mary Lou Ruderman, CPA,MAcc
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Sharon Ann Bradley
Sharon is a Partner in the Audit & Accounting Services Department and is based in our Sunrise office. With more than twenty years in accounting, she utilizes her experience as an auditor, accountant and compliance analyst to assist companies through the web of rules and regulations to maintain state and federal compliance and improve operational systems. Sharon is the Partner in charge of...
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Shawn J McCabe
After serving 10 years of active military service and completing a combat tour in Afghanistan, Shawn started his career in financial planning and investments in 2007. Joining the industry at the beginning of the “Great Recession” allowed him to quickly learn that the stock market can be unpredictably cruel, and at the same time, extremely rewarding to those who stayed the course. Also, during that...
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Carrie Cherveny
Carrie Cherveny is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Client Solutions in HUB’s Risk Services Division. Carrie has 20 years of combined experience in employee relations, human resources, employment law litigation, and employee benefits legal guidance. Carrie works closely with clients to identify compliance risks across the organization and develop responsive strategies and solutions that...
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Michael Dringus
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Jonathan Todd Marks, CPA/CFF/CITP, CFE
Jonathan Marks is a partner in the Risk business unit and is the national leader of the fraud, ethics, and anti-corruption practice at Crowe Horwath LLP. In his role, Marks advises domestic and international engagement teams and clients on anti-fraud, fraud, corporate governance, business practices, ethics, risk management, compliance, internal audit, and internal control matters. He also works...
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Dan Ramey, CPA/CFF/ABV/CITP, CFE, CIA, CVA,CMA,CISA/CISM
Dan is the President and Founder of Houston Financial Forensics, LLC. Dan's professional certifications include: CPA/CFF/CITP/ABV, CFE, CVA, CIA/CRMA, CISA/CISM, and CMA. He is the Past President of the Houston Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors and formerly a member of the Board of Governors. Dan formerly served as Chairman of the Houston CPA Society’s Forensic and Valuation Committee...
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Chris Crespo
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Lucas Boyce
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Michael Seip, MBA, CMMC-RP
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Raphael T. Richard
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Jeremy Colombik, CPA
Jeremy Colombik is an experienced, licensed financial professional. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, having obtained a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Finance. Jeremy is a licensed CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. Furthermore, he has been in the captive...
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Ian Williams
Ian Williams is a Director for KBKG, specializing in Research & Development and employment tax credits. Ian spent eleven years at a Big Four accounting firm specializing in R&D tax credits and fixed asset studies across a variety of industries. He has extensive experience in software, heavy manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and consumer products industries, as well as defending credit claims...
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Jonathan Tucker, MAcc
Based in Atlanta, GA, Jon has over 17 years of experience providing federal business tax advisory services to clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, retail and consumer products, hospitality, media and entertainment, financial, and other professional services industries.Prior to joining KBKG to lead the southeast region, Jon spent four years...
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Corey Auger
Corey Auger served as a national speaker and sales executive for Crystal Clear Digital Marketing speaking at over 30 conferences about best practices in business. As Anthem Software’s EVP of business development, Corey will inspire and educate you on how to get more out of your business with a proven strategy that wins every time.
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Melanie S. Griffin
Melanie declared her love of the law and passion for serving others as a lawyer at the age of eight, when she dressed as an attorney for Halloween, complete with fake glasses and a leather briefcase. After building her business and legal toolkit as a triple-graduate of The Florida State University (Business Finance, 2003; MBA, 2006; JD, 2006), Melanie served a prestigious statewide Florida law...
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Adrienne Barrett
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Emiley Parker
Emiley Parker is the Brand Manager for CPACharge. As a marketing professional, she has 10+ years’ experience driving all things marketing, from building strong brands to executing strategies to grow successful businesses. Emiley enjoys speaking about payment solutions and sharing best practices to help professionals manage their business.
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Victor Amaya
Victor Amaya is the Director of Partner Fulfillment at Botkeeper. Prior to joining Botkeeper Victor owned and ran ClearPath Advisors,an accounting firm geared toward providing small business advisory and tax services, and financial interpretation to drive strategy and growth for their business.Victor’s passion is to advocate for the profession. Victor sees technology as an enhancer of services...
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Alex Pak
Alex joined Source Advisors in 2013 and in 2016 expanded his role to Director in the R&D Tax Credit Consulting team. He has over a decade of dedicated experience with the R&D tax credit and has worked with a wide variety of industries including technology (hardware, software, cloud, & blockchain), defense, engineering, and manufacturing. He has experience in all phases of an R&D tax credit study...
Read more about Alex Pak here -
Riz Malik
Riz Malik is the Head of Product for GOAT.tax software where he is responsible for leading the product vision, development, and roadmap along with assisting clients with onboarding and support. He has over ten years of direct R&D tax credit experience in various industries, including software development, engineering, aerospace, manufacturing, architecture, and video game development. He has...
Read more about Riz Malik here -
Andrew Lassise
Andrew Lassise is a serial entrepreneur and has helped build and scale several 6, 7, and 8 figure IT businesses. He is the chief dorkestrator of Tech4Accountants, an IT company that specializes in tech and cyber security for accountants. Tech 4 Accountants was listed as an Accounting Today Top 100 VARS for multiple years, The Manifest's Top 100 Cyber Security Companies in the world, and have...
Read more about Andrew Lassise here -
Bruce A. Johnson, CEM, CRE, MBA
As a founding partner at Capstan Tax Strategies, Bruce works closely with commercial real estate owners, investors, and accounting firms to provide practical, creative and client-specific solutions. Bruce is well-versed in engineering-based tax strategies, guiding clients through the long-established benefits of cost segregation while introducing newer opportunities now possible under current...
Read more about Bruce A. Johnson here -
Kim Green
Read more about Kim Green here -
Dave Clauson
Read more about Dave Clauson here -
Nicholas Pantaleo, CPA
Nick began his specialty tax services career with Tri-Merit in 2012 where he began in an entry level accounting function. Over the years, Nick has worn many hats for Tri-Merit and currently serves as the firm’s controller. Through his multiple experiences within the company, he has become well-versed in all service lines. In 2020, he became one of Tri-Merit’s leaders within the ERC specialty tax...
Read more about Nicholas Pantaleo here
Presenters:
J. Edward Grossman, CPA, CFE, CMA, CGMA
PrincipalCliftonLarsonAllen LLPEd is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen having over 35 years of experience in public accounting. Based in Lakeland, Florida, Ed is a member of the firm’s National Assurance Technical Group. His primary responsibilities include being a technical resource for the audit and assurance practice and performing quality reviews of assurance and accounting engagements...Read more about J. Edward Grossman hereRandall Thomas Coleman, CFP
Randy Coleman is a Financial Advisor in the Rockledge, Florida, Merrill Lynch office. He works with his clients and their other professional advisors to create an overall wealth management strategy tailored to each individual or family’s unique circumstance. Randy earned his B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and actively maintains a CPA Certification in Florida...Read more about Randall Thomas Coleman hereKaren Ann Lake, CPA
Karen Lake CPA is Associate Director of Tax Services at Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants. For nearly 20 years, Karen has placed her focus on helping businesses and individuals develop their tax structures. Through reducing their state tax risk, improving cash flow and obtaining federal and state credits and incentives, Karen is successful at resolving tax controversies in a...Read more about Karen Ann Lake hereLisa R Parker, CPA
Lisa Parker is a senior project manager with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Prior to joining the GASB in 2008, Lisa worked for Runyon Kersteen Ouellette CPAs for 10 years, the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine as finance director and interim town manager for 2 years, and the city of Saco, Maine as finance director for 8 years.Lisa is a certified public accountant and a...Read more about Lisa R Parker hereJames Holland Sutton Jr, CPA, Esq., LLM
James concentrates in the area of Florida tax matters, with an almost exclusive focus on Florida Sales and Use Tax. Mr. Sutton has 25+ years of experience working in Federal tax as well as State and Local Tax ("SALT"), including at a "Big 5" CPA firm and a tax consulting firm handling a wide variety of state tax planning and consulting work for Fortune 1,000 companies. Since 2001, Mr. Sutton has...Read more about James Holland Sutton Jr hereKathryn K Horton, CPA, CMA, CIDA, CFE
Kathryn Horton is President of Kathryn Horton CPA PA and is an industry leader in the use of data analytics, specifically using Caseware IDEA. Kathryn was the recipient of the 2017 North America IDEA User of Excellence Award. She was a featured speaker at the 2018 and 2020 National IDEA User Conference and has presented on data analytics to both regional and national audiences, including the 2021...Read more about Kathryn K Horton hereDouglas Van Dyke, MBA, CSP
Doug Van Dyke is CEO of Leadership Simplified. He is an executive coach, leadership development expert, strategic planner and author. Doug has appeared on numerous radio and television business programs including CBS Morning and ABC Nightly News. He is the author of Leadership Simplified - The Field Guide for Savvy Leaders. Doug has also published over 150articles and is one of only 1,000 people...Read more about Douglas Van Dyke hereChristophe Réglat
President and CEOCoaxis International, Inc.Christophe Réglat founded Coaxis, a Florida corporation, based in Tallahassee, in 2002. Coaxis originated as an application service provider (ASP), offering businesses access over the Internet to applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located on their own business computers. ASP has evolved to cloud computing, and more...Read more about Christophe Réglat hereJustin A Thames, DPL
Justin Thames joined the FICPA in June 2011 as the Governmental Affairs Manager and was promoted to Director of Governmental Affairs in July 2015. In this role, Justin is responsible for leading the Governmental Affairs Department in regulatory and lobbying activities including; developing creative strategies to accomplish the legislative and regulatory objectives, meeting with state legislators...Read more about Justin A Thames herePaul N Brown, CPA, CGMA
Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the Director of Technical Services for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul’s main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program. The program administers approximately 425 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 125 peer...Read more about Paul N Brown hereKevin John Herzberg, CGMA,CPA,MBA
Kevin is Grant Thornton’s National Indirect Tax Leader. He has over 29 years of broad-based state tax experience including abandoned and unclaimed property and multi-state tax planning, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 review, ASC 740 tax accounting, mergers and acquisitions, ruling requests, tax controversy and tax compliance. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Kevin’s experience at large international...Read more about Kevin John Herzberg hereMark R Arrigo, CPA
Mark is the National Managing Partner for State and Local Tax. The practice consists of state income & franchise tax services and indirect tax services (sales/use tax services, property tax services, credits and incentives, and unclaimed property services). He has over 25+ years of state tax experience assisting both public and private companies in resolving state tax conflicts, analyzing state...Read more about Mark R Arrigo herePeter J Steffens, CPA
In August of 2014 Peter founded Peter Steffens Consulting where he is providing state tax consulting services, training seminars & workshops, audit representation and expert witness services.Previously Peter was employed by the Florida Department of Revenue. He joined the Florida Department of Revenue in 1976 as a Tax Auditor and since 1981 has held numerous management positions primarily related...Read more about Peter J Steffens hereElizabeth M Ginori, CPA
Elizabeth Ginori, CPA, is the Managing Partner in the Tax and Accounting Department at Boyer Ginori CPAs LLC. Elizabeth has more than twenty years of experience in the tax and accounting industry with significant experience in state and local taxation (SALT). She spent 15 years of her career with Big 4 firms specializing in multi-state taxation.Elizabeth provides tax planning, compliance, and...Read more about Elizabeth M Ginori hereJordan M Goodman, JD, Esq., CPA
Jordan M. Goodman co-chairs Horwood Marcus & Berk's State and Local Tax Group and resolves state and local tax controversies including unclaimed property for multistate and multinational corporations, including Fortune 1000 clients with complex operations, in industries such as manufacturing, retailing, financial services, e-tailing, broadcasting and telecommunications. As both an attorney and a...Read more about Jordan M Goodman hereChris Oatis, CPA
Chris Oatis is a Managing Director in Grant Thornton’s SALT practice and is based in Orlando. Chris joined Grant Thornton in 2005 and has more than 11 years of focus on state and local tax, with 14 years of experience in public accounting. Chris is a licensed CPA and a member of both the AICPA and the Florida institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he serves as the State Tax Section Vice...Read more about Chris Oatis hereH. French Brown IV, Esq.
French Brown offers clients 10 years of experience practicing in state and local taxation. Prior to joining Dean Mead, he practiced at Hopping, Green & Sams. He began his legal career at the Florida Department of Revenue, where he quickly rose to the position of Deputy Director of Technical Assistance and Dispute Resolution. There he oversaw more than 50 department attorneys, accountants and...Read more about H. French Brown IV hereMarcus Aron, CPA, CGMA
Mr. Aron has thirty years of experience in working with audits of ERISA-covered plans. He is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of EBSA’s CPA Firm Inspection Program, providing technical assistance to plan filers and plan professionals, and providing ERISA-related accounting and auditing expertise within EBSA.Mr. Aron is a certified public accountant and holds a B.B.A. degree with a...Read more about Marcus Aron hereGwen Mazzola, CPA
Gwen serves as the leader of HoganTaylor's Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) practice, one of the largest in the Oklahoma/Arkansas region. 100% of Gwen's professional efforts are devoted to working within the EBP industry. Gwen has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in audits of EBPs. She is experienced in working with various retirement plans of all sizes. Gwen is a...Read more about Gwen Mazzola hereJodi Malis, CPA, CGMA
Jodi is a Partner in Hancock Askew’s Atlanta office and has over 35 years of public accounting experience. Jodi began her career in Chicago at Price Waterhouse after graduating from Indiana University, with highest distinction, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. In her role, she oversees assurance and advisory services for numerous public and private companies and manages the firm’s...Read more about Jodi Malis hereCarlos Junior Grosmann
Carlos is a Manager II in Kaufman Rossin’s tax practice. Carlos joined the firm in 2015 and has been specializing in state and local taxes since 2017. He assists clients with state and local tax returns compliance,voluntary disclosure agreement applications, nexus studies, audit responses, and tax exposure calculationsHe has spoken on state taxes for the Florida Institute of Certified Public...Read more about Carlos Junior Grosmann hereAaron Fell
Aaron is a seasoned practitioner focused on serving clients within the State and Local Tax practice as well as the Tax Digital Consulting practice. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Aaron worked at the Florida Dept. of Revenue as an indirect tax auditor for five years. Aaron has over ten years of SALT indirect tax experience both in the private and public sector. His tax audit background includes...Read more about Aaron Fell hereJohn Burgess, CPA,Esq.,LLM (TAX)
John Burgess is an attorney and CPA who helps business owners, executives, and other senior managers with all of their employee benefits. He advises employee benefit plan committees, including 401(k) plan committees, on their fiduciary responsibilities and best practices. He has worked with plans of all sizes, ranging from those sponsored by small, local companies with a few dozen participants to...Read more about John Burgess hereMichael Bret Hood
After serving 25 years as a Special Agent in the FBI, Michael “Bret” Hood became the director of 21st Century Learning & Consulting, LLC upon his retirement in 2016. During his tenure with the FBI, Bret worked many complex financial crime, money laundering, corruption and major cases such as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the HealthSouth fraud and the Maricopa Investments case. Since 2000, Bret has...Read more about Michael Bret Hood hereDaniel Porter, CFE
Daniel Porter, CFE, has conducted and managed civil and criminal investigations for over 25 years as a licensed private investigator, a loss prevention manager, and as an investigator and investigations manager with the State of Tennessee. He currently provides training and consulting services in the areas of fraud prevention-detection-investigation as well as ethics, productivity, and leadership...Read more about Daniel Porter hereBarry C Melancon, CPA, CGMA
Barry C. Melancon is the CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 650,000 members and students. Formed in 2017, it combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which Melancon also leads as President & CEO....Read more about Barry C Melancon hereLydia C Desnoyers, CPA, CFE
Lydia C. Desnoyers is the founder and owner of DesCPA Business Advisory – a Miami-based CPA Firm specializing in Business Advisory and Virtual CFO Solutions for Law Firms and Small Businesses. Prior to starting her practice in 2010, Ms. Desnoyers gained over six years of accounting and internal audit experience at Carnival Corp and plc. A highly sought after, expert contributor, Lydia has made...Read more about Lydia C Desnoyers hereMelissa Stuckey
Melissa Stuckey, now in her 18th year with the University Athletic Association (UAA), has over 25 years of experience in collegiate athletic and business management.Stuckey joined the UAA staff in 1997. She's held several leadership roles within the UAA, including Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Facilities and currently holds the position of the Associate Athletic Director –...Read more about Melissa Stuckey hereAlex Jenkins, CPFA, AIF
Alex Jenkins is Vice President and Partner at NestEggs 401k - a bundled Registered Investment Advisor, Third Party Administrator and Independent Record Keeper. NestEggs 401k builds, administers, provides record keeping and advises over $400M in Qualified assets while serving as §3(16), §3(21) and §3(38) Fiduciaries to the plans they serve. NestEggs empowers CPAs with a customizable, turn-key...Read more about Alex Jenkins hereJason Taylor
Jason Taylor has focused his practice on addressing discrimination, retaliation, FLSA, NLRB, and other similar claims on behalf of employers. He is AV-rated on Martindale-Hubble and regularly defends employment law claims at all stages of the process, including regular trial appearances. He has more than 20 years of experience in defending such claims, as well as general civil practice. While he...Read more about Jason Taylor hereAmanda Levine Ribeiro
Amanda Ribeiro is a manager in the KPMG Indirect Tax group. She has over a decade of state indirect tax experience, including extensive work in the consulting and state tax controversy space. Prior to joining KPMG, Amanda was with a boutique law firm that focused exclusively on Florida state and local tax. Her work ran the gamut from white collar criminal defense to sales and use tax audit...Read more about Amanda Levine Ribeiro hereHenry Martin, CPA,MAcc
Partner Henry is a Partner in the Audit & Accounting Services Department and is based in our Boca Raton office. He is responsible for conducting audits and providing advisory services for privately-held companies, non-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Henry has significant experience planning, implementing and reviewing of Government Auditing Standards, Uniform Guidance and the...Read more about Henry Martin hereJonathan E Gopman, Esquire
Jonathan's practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs. He assists entrepreneurs with their personal and business planning needs at all phases of the wealth accumulation and preservation cycle. In his practice Jonathan takes a four part approach to wealth preservation planning by assisting individuals in implementing sophisticated...Read more about Jonathan E Gopman hereMary Lou Ruderman, CPA,MAcc
Read more about Mary Lou Ruderman hereSharon Ann Bradley
Sharon is a Partner in the Audit & Accounting Services Department and is based in our Sunrise office. With more than twenty years in accounting, she utilizes her experience as an auditor, accountant and compliance analyst to assist companies through the web of rules and regulations to maintain state and federal compliance and improve operational systems. Sharon is the Partner in charge of...Read more about Sharon Ann Bradley hereShawn J McCabe
After serving 10 years of active military service and completing a combat tour in Afghanistan, Shawn started his career in financial planning and investments in 2007. Joining the industry at the beginning of the “Great Recession” allowed him to quickly learn that the stock market can be unpredictably cruel, and at the same time, extremely rewarding to those who stayed the course. Also, during that...Read more about Shawn J McCabe hereCarrie Cherveny
Carrie Cherveny is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Client Solutions in HUB’s Risk Services Division. Carrie has 20 years of combined experience in employee relations, human resources, employment law litigation, and employee benefits legal guidance. Carrie works closely with clients to identify compliance risks across the organization and develop responsive strategies and solutions that...Read more about Carrie Cherveny hereMichael Dringus
Read more about Michael Dringus hereJonathan Todd Marks, CPA/CFF/CITP, CFE
Jonathan Marks is a partner in the Risk business unit and is the national leader of the fraud, ethics, and anti-corruption practice at Crowe Horwath LLP. In his role, Marks advises domestic and international engagement teams and clients on anti-fraud, fraud, corporate governance, business practices, ethics, risk management, compliance, internal audit, and internal control matters. He also works...Read more about Jonathan Todd Marks hereDan Ramey, CPA/CFF/ABV/CITP, CFE, CIA, CVA,CMA,CISA/CISM
Dan is the President and Founder of Houston Financial Forensics, LLC. Dan's professional certifications include: CPA/CFF/CITP/ABV, CFE, CVA, CIA/CRMA, CISA/CISM, and CMA. He is the Past President of the Houston Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors and formerly a member of the Board of Governors. Dan formerly served as Chairman of the Houston CPA Society’s Forensic and Valuation Committee...Read more about Dan Ramey hereChris Crespo
Read more about Chris Crespo hereLucas Boyce
Read more about Lucas Boyce hereMichael Seip, MBA, CMMC-RP
Read more about Michael Seip hereRaphael T. Richard
Read more about Raphael T. Richard hereJeremy Colombik, CPA
Jeremy Colombik is an experienced, licensed financial professional. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, having obtained a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Finance. Jeremy is a licensed CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. Furthermore, he has been in the captive...Read more about Jeremy Colombik hereIan Williams
Ian Williams is a Director for KBKG, specializing in Research & Development and employment tax credits. Ian spent eleven years at a Big Four accounting firm specializing in R&D tax credits and fixed asset studies across a variety of industries. He has extensive experience in software, heavy manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and consumer products industries, as well as defending credit claims...Read more about Ian Williams hereJonathan Tucker, MAcc
Based in Atlanta, GA, Jon has over 17 years of experience providing federal business tax advisory services to clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, retail and consumer products, hospitality, media and entertainment, financial, and other professional services industries.Prior to joining KBKG to lead the southeast region, Jon spent four years...Read more about Jonathan Tucker hereCorey Auger
Corey Auger served as a national speaker and sales executive for Crystal Clear Digital Marketing speaking at over 30 conferences about best practices in business. As Anthem Software’s EVP of business development, Corey will inspire and educate you on how to get more out of your business with a proven strategy that wins every time.Read more about Corey Auger hereMelanie S. Griffin
Melanie declared her love of the law and passion for serving others as a lawyer at the age of eight, when she dressed as an attorney for Halloween, complete with fake glasses and a leather briefcase. After building her business and legal toolkit as a triple-graduate of The Florida State University (Business Finance, 2003; MBA, 2006; JD, 2006), Melanie served a prestigious statewide Florida law...Read more about Melanie S. Griffin hereAdrienne Barrett
Read more about Adrienne Barrett hereEmiley Parker
Emiley Parker is the Brand Manager for CPACharge. As a marketing professional, she has 10+ years’ experience driving all things marketing, from building strong brands to executing strategies to grow successful businesses. Emiley enjoys speaking about payment solutions and sharing best practices to help professionals manage their business.Read more about Emiley Parker hereVictor Amaya
Victor Amaya is the Director of Partner Fulfillment at Botkeeper. Prior to joining Botkeeper Victor owned and ran ClearPath Advisors,an accounting firm geared toward providing small business advisory and tax services, and financial interpretation to drive strategy and growth for their business.Victor’s passion is to advocate for the profession. Victor sees technology as an enhancer of services...Read more about Victor Amaya hereAlex Pak
Alex joined Source Advisors in 2013 and in 2016 expanded his role to Director in the R&D Tax Credit Consulting team. He has over a decade of dedicated experience with the R&D tax credit and has worked with a wide variety of industries including technology (hardware, software, cloud, & blockchain), defense, engineering, and manufacturing. He has experience in all phases of an R&D tax credit study...Read more about Alex Pak hereRiz Malik
Riz Malik is the Head of Product for GOAT.tax software where he is responsible for leading the product vision, development, and roadmap along with assisting clients with onboarding and support. He has over ten years of direct R&D tax credit experience in various industries, including software development, engineering, aerospace, manufacturing, architecture, and video game development. He has...Read more about Riz Malik hereAndrew Lassise
Andrew Lassise is a serial entrepreneur and has helped build and scale several 6, 7, and 8 figure IT businesses. He is the chief dorkestrator of Tech4Accountants, an IT company that specializes in tech and cyber security for accountants. Tech 4 Accountants was listed as an Accounting Today Top 100 VARS for multiple years, The Manifest's Top 100 Cyber Security Companies in the world, and have...Read more about Andrew Lassise hereBruce A. Johnson, CEM, CRE, MBA
As a founding partner at Capstan Tax Strategies, Bruce works closely with commercial real estate owners, investors, and accounting firms to provide practical, creative and client-specific solutions. Bruce is well-versed in engineering-based tax strategies, guiding clients through the long-established benefits of cost segregation while introducing newer opportunities now possible under current...Read more about Bruce A. Johnson hereKim Green
Read more about Kim Green hereDave Clauson
Read more about Dave Clauson hereNicholas Pantaleo, CPA
Nick began his specialty tax services career with Tri-Merit in 2012 where he began in an entry level accounting function. Over the years, Nick has worn many hats for Tri-Merit and currently serves as the firm’s controller. Through his multiple experiences within the company, he has become well-versed in all service lines. In 2020, he became one of Tri-Merit’s leaders within the ERC specialty tax...Read more about Nicholas Pantaleo hereMajor Topics:
- Ethics
- Employee benefits
- State tax
- Technology
- Finance
- Emerging Topics
- Diversity & Inclusion
Major Topics:
- Ethics
- Employee benefits
- State tax
- Technology
- Finance
- Emerging Topics
- Diversity & Inclusion
Designed For:
CPAs, accountants, and other finance professionals
Prerequisties:
NoneAccommodations:
Conference Site
Disney's Contemporary Resort
4600 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
407-939-5277
Accommodations
Disney's Contemporary Resort
4600 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
407-939-5277
Room Rate: $312.00++ Single/Double
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
407-939-5277
Room Rate: $312.00++ Single/Double
Hotel Cutoff Deadline: Friday, May 6, 2022
*** Upon completion of your registration for the conference, you will receive an email confirmation with the passcode to book your accommodations***
(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.)
Exhibitor Map
Exhibitor Key
Booth
101 Coaxis
104 Tech 4 Accountants
107 CPAlliance
108 ADP
109 Dynamic Quest
110 PENSERVCO
111 Canopy
113 Management Services International
116 Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals
118 FL Board of Accountancy
121 CreditBench Powered by First Home Bank
122 Zoho Corporation
123 CPA Insurance Marketplace
125 Blue Ray Engineering
127 KBKG
206 Anthem Software
208 Elite Team for CPAs
210 Strategic Retirement Partners
212 Nova Southeastern University, Huizenga School of Business
220 Botkeeper
222 AICPA Member Insurance Program
224 Capstan Tax Strategies
226 CPACharge
232 Trinet