
DAY 1: Annual Symposium
Monday, November 13
8:00 am-4:45 pm
8 total CPE Credit Hours
= Session is available to in-person attendees
= Session is available to virtual attendees

Gene Marks, CPA
The Marks Group PC

General Session 1: From Washington to Your Workplace: Tactics and Strategies to Grow
During this fast paced, entertaining and extremely valuable discussion, Gene will go over real life, feet-on-the-ground strategies and tactics that smart leaders are using to navigate their way through the new political environment and the current economic slowdown and position their companies for future growth.
During this presentation, Gene will cover some of these topics:
- Congressional initiatives that may impact your industry
- Strategies to navigate inflation and supply chain issues
- Cash flow moves to ensure you have adequate reserves for an economic downturn
- How to save money with rising healthcare costs
Field of Study: Economics
Learn more about Gene
Gene Marks, CPA
The Marks Group PC
Gene speaks at over 70 live events per year — from Fortune 500 sales and executive groups, to large association conferences — his presentations are funny, energetic, and packed with valuable content. Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and senior managers understand the political, economic, operational and technological ISSUES AND TRENDS that will affect their companies and—most importantly — the ACTIONS they need to take to continue to grow and build a valuable company.
As an author, CPA, business owner, and national business columnist for The Hill, The Guardian, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Chicago Daily Herald and other well-known outlets, Gene has spent the past 25 years not only running a very successful business but interviewing and speaking with politicians, government leaders, business owners and senior managers in many industries. His role as a speaker is to be a vessel for your audience, reporting back to them what he’s learning and seeing all across the country so they can walk away with some good, tangible, actionable ways to navigate their companies around the challenges they face as they build value in their organizations.
Whether its navigating a slow economy, managing through inflation or finding and retaining the best talent, Gene shares what his best clients, readers and business leaders in his community are doing to build value and grow their companies each year.

Art Werner, J.D., MST
AICPA-CIMA

General Session 2: Federal Tax Update
Join us for a dynamic conference session that delves into the latest and most pressing issues within the federal tax landscape. In this comprehensive session, we will explore recent developments, updates, and challenges in federal tax law, equipping attendees with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing tax environment. From significant legislative changes to emerging trends, this session will provide attendees with valuable perspectives and practical guidance to stay ahead in federal tax planning and compliance.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Art
Art Werner, J.D., MST
AICPA-CIMA
Arthur Joseph Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), is the president and is a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. Mr. Werner’s lecture topic specialties include business, tax, financial and estate planning for high net worth individuals.
In addition, Mr. Werner is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at the Philadelphia University.
Mr. Werner received his B.S. in Accounting and his M.S. in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School.

General Session 3: PTE Southeast Strategy
In this session we will discuss the origination of pass through entity tax elections and a general overview of the mechanics behind the various pass through entity regimes. We will review the various approaches and highlight the major differences in the elective pass through entity tax regimes along with the potential logistical issues and challenges that may arise when exploring these elections. In this discussion, we will describe important technical considerations as taxpayers look into the potential benefits to their owners.
We will summarize the major developments in 2023 along with any legislative amendments to existing regimes and discuss the outlooks going into 2024 in several of the southeast states. Lastly, we will take a deeper dive into the technicalities of the North Carolina pass through entity tax regime.
Learn more about Kelli
Kelli Knoble
Grant Thornton
Kelli has more than 25 years of experience in the tax profession. She has served clients in many industries including manufacturing, services, distribution, retail, transportation and private equity. Her career has been focused in all aspects of state and local tax planning and risk management. Kelli has advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations and audit defenses. Kelli has served in a variety of leadership roles with Grant Thornton including Tax Practice Leader for the Carolinas, Regional Tax leader for the Southeast and East regions, and as a National Leader for our Tax Business Lines. Currently, her role is serving as the National Tax Leader for Business Lines and People. Additionally, she is a member of Grant Thornton International Tax Advisory Council. This council is comprised of the largest Grant Thornton member firms and is responsible for setting and executing a global tax strategy. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Kelli worked for Arthur Andersen for 10 years.

Kelli Knoble
Grant Thornton

Jenny Wagner, CPA
Grant Thornton
Learn more about Kelli
Kelli Knoble
Grant Thornton
Kelli has more than 25 years of experience in the tax profession. She has served clients in many industries including manufacturing, services, distribution, retail, transportation and private equity. Her career has been focused in all aspects of state and local tax planning and risk management. Kelli has advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations and audit defenses. Kelli has served in a variety of leadership roles with Grant Thornton including Tax Practice Leader for the Carolinas, Regional Tax leader for the Southeast and East regions, and as a National Leader for our Tax Business Lines. Currently, her role is serving as the National Tax Leader for Business Lines and People. Additionally, she is a member of Grant Thornton International Tax Advisory Council. This council is comprised of the largest Grant Thornton member firms and is responsible for setting and executing a global tax strategy. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Kelli worked for Arthur Andersen for 10 years.
Learn more about Jenny
Jenny Wagner, CPA
Grant Thornton
Jenny is an experienced state and local tax practitioner focused on serving clients with varying state and local income tax services and needs.
Jenny is a senior manager in Grant Thornton’s Charlotte office specializing in state and local tax. She began working at Grant Thornton in January of 2009 as a tax intern and has continued her career in state and local tax since joining the firm.
Jenny has experience in the taxation of C corporations, S corporations and partnerships with multi-state filings. She serves a diverse group of public and private companies in a variety of industries including service providers, manufacturing, transportation, retail, financial services, technology, and real-estate. Jenny has also assisted with numerous tax diligence engagements, FAS 109 and FIN 48 analysis, calculation of state income and franchise tax credits, apportionment studies, and various other research projects.
Concurrent Sessions

Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC

1A: Private Company Financial Reporting Alternatives
The number of options private companies have for financial reporting continues to grow. Private companies, thanks to the Private Company Council (PCC), can now amortize goodwill, apply the simplified hedge accounting for plain vanilla swaps, leverage their tax valuation for valuing stock options for financial reporting purposes as well as evaluate fewer entities when considering variable interest entities. This course will cover the background and evolution of the Private Company Council (PCC) including standards approved by the FASB to allow private companies alternatives within GAAP. This course will also overview the AICPA’s FRF for SMEs as a non-GAAP alternative for private companies. This will help private companies make an informed decision about which financial reporting framework makes the most sense for them.
Attendees will be able to:
- Recall the options available for private company financial reporting
- Describe the ASUs issued by the Private Company Council (PCC)
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Melisa
Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC
Melisa Galasso is the founder of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. With over 15 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting. She also supports essential professional development, public speaking, and business skills.
Melisa closely monitors regulatory bodies for changes in auditing and accounting guidance and serves as a subject matter expert in implementing the updated guidance.
Melisa earned the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer™ designation. Melisa was appointed in 2016 to the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee (TIC), which is responsible for monitoring the activities of the various accounting and attestation standard-setting boards and submitting comments and recommendations during the due process phase.
Melisa is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the VSCPA. Previously, she served as President of the Board of NCACPA’s Charlotte Chapter, Chair of the A&A Committee for the NCACPA and held several leadership positions with the VSCPA.

Art Werner, J.D., MST
AICPA-CIMA

1B: SECURE Act 2.0 – Retirement Planning Update
Stay ahead in retirement planning with an overview of SECURE Act 2.0. This condensed course covers tax-related provisions, enabling advisors to better serve clients’ needs. Highlights include mandatory automatic enrollment, credit for small employer pension plan startup costs, enhancement of the Saver’s Credit, changes to RMDs, indexing IRA catch-up, higher catch-up limits, student loan payments as elective deferrals, financial incentives for plan contributions, emergency expense withdrawals, SIMPLE plan changes, starter 401(k) plans, Sec 529 plan to Roth rollovers, emergency savings accounts, enhancement of 403(B) plans, qualified charitable distributions, retirement savings recovery, and more. Designed for CPAs, EAs, attorneys, and tax professionals seeking an update in the field of taxes.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Art
Art Werner, J.D., MST
AICPA-CIMA
Arthur Joseph Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), is the president and is a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. Mr. Werner’s lecture topic specialties include business, tax, financial and estate planning for high net worth individuals.
In addition, Mr. Werner is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at the Philadelphia University.
Mr. Werner received his B.S. in Accounting and his M.S. in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School.

1C: CPA Super Session
Most accounting firms are at an inflection point. Some form of change is impacting them and forcing firms to make difficult decisions.
This session will address four key areas impacting firms:
- Succession
- Capacity & Offshoring
- Creating or Expanding Advisory
- CPA & Non-accounting Mergers & Acquisitions
Whether you are an emerging firm or a Top 100 leader, the session will provide participants with relevant information to go back and look at their firms with a fresh set of eyes and an array of options to consider.
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Bob Lewis
The Visionary Group
Learn more about Bob
Bob Lewis
The Visionary Group
Bob is one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. His focus is to grow CPA Firms using a process of mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, capacity expansion and creation or expansion of a firm’s advisory services capabilities. He helps leaders refine who they want as a client moving forward and how to build the enterprise value of a firm. Bob has been exclusively supporting the CPA profession for 25 plus years and collaborates with firms of any size, including a few of the largest firms in the country.
Bob speaks nationally at major accounting industry groups and individual firms. He was an accountant and has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA, both from DePaul University in Chicago.

Doug Lewis
The Visionary Group
Learn more about Doug
Doug Lewis
The Visionary Group
Doug is a Director at The Visionary Group responsible for the overall success of Visionary’s Mergers & Acquisitions sector. He specializes in conducting M&A searches from their inception, through onboarding to transaction closure. Doug leads Visionary’s candidate firm profiling, development of targets, assessment of a potential candidate’s fit, and consults on deal structure and negotiations.
A major component of his role is to facilitate structured and fair opportunities for all parties involved in M&A transactions. He spends the majority of his time speaking with Managing Partners, CEOs, and key leadership inside CPA firms. His focus is to increase deal flow and overcome obstacles as they arise during the M&A process. Doug has a track record of successfully establishing relationships with industry leaders to think outside the box when conducting M&A related activities. The balance of his time is spent on building a partnership network of trusted consultants and advisors.
Concurrent Sessions

Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC

2A: What’s Changing in Risk Assessment
SAS 145, Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement, was issued in October 2021. The audit standard amends AU-C 315, including many changes to address common audit deficiencies. This course will provide an overview of SAS 145 and its changes to AU-C 315. Attendees will have an opportunity to evaluate the impact on audit methodology and documentation.
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Melisa
Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC
Melisa Galasso is the founder of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. With over 15 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting. She also supports essential professional development, public speaking, and business skills.
Melisa closely monitors regulatory bodies for changes in auditing and accounting guidance and serves as a subject matter expert in implementing the updated guidance.
Melisa earned the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer™ designation. Melisa was appointed in 2016 to the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee (TIC), which is responsible for monitoring the activities of the various accounting and attestation standard-setting boards and submitting comments and recommendations during the due process phase.
Melisa is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the VSCPA. Previously, she served as President of the Board of NCACPA’s Charlotte Chapter, Chair of the A&A Committee for the NCACPA and held several leadership positions with the VSCPA.

Paula McMillian
Stearns Financial Group

2B: Demystifying Medicare to Optimize Healthcare Quality and Control Costs
Are you approaching retirement age or helping a someone navigate the complexities of healthcare coverage during their golden years? Join Paula for an informative session on what you need to know about Medicare. As the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, Medicare is a critical aspect of the American healthcare system. Understanding its various components is essential for making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage in retirement. This session will delve into the intricacies of Medicare, breaking down its components, eligibility criteria, enrollment periods, and coverage options. Learn what you need to know to make the right choices for your unique situation.
Some Session Highlights:
- Medigap and Other Supplemental Plans
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Paula
Paula McMillian
Stearns Financial Group
Paula is a financial advisor with Stearns Financial Group. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) additional distinction and a Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Paula has Big Four and large regional accounting firm experience, as well as Fortune 500 experience in the financial services industry. She has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East to serve clients with an international consulting firm. She uses this wide lens in working with clients with varied backgrounds and aspirations.
Paula is an active member of the NCACPA, AICPA , the Greensboro Estate Planning Council and the Society for Financial Service Professionals, serving on the foundation board.

2C: Accounting Firm M&A Roundtable
This will be an interactive, no slides, audience participation driven roundtable on what is occurring in accounting firm M&A. The Visionary Group is an industry leader in helping firms identify practices to acquire or merge in and assisting other firms with an exit strategy. Visionary will lead a discussion on why some much activity is occurring, review key metrics, discuss what makes or breaks a deal, and help you walk away with the information you need to assess your firm’s position. You can ask them any question on accounting firm M&A, and they will be able answer it for you.
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Bob Lewis
The Visionary Group
Learn more about Bob
Bob Lewis
The Visionary Group
Bob is one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. His focus is to grow CPA Firms using a process of mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, capacity expansion and creation or expansion of a firm’s advisory services capabilities. He helps leaders refine who they want as a client moving forward and how to build the enterprise value of a firm. Bob has been exclusively supporting the CPA profession for 25 plus years and collaborates with firms of any size, including a few of the largest firms in the country.
Bob speaks nationally at major accounting industry groups and individual firms. He was an accountant and has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA, both from DePaul University in Chicago.

Doug Lewis
The Visionary Group
Learn more about Doug
Doug Lewis
The Visionary Group
Doug is a Director at The Visionary Group responsible for the overall success of Visionary’s Mergers & Acquisitions sector. He specializes in conducting M&A searches from their inception, through onboarding to transaction closure. Doug leads Visionary’s candidate firm profiling, development of targets, assessment of a potential candidate’s fit, and consults on deal structure and negotiations.
A major component of his role is to facilitate structured and fair opportunities for all parties involved in M&A transactions. He spends the majority of his time speaking with Managing Partners, CEOs, and key leadership inside CPA firms. His focus is to increase deal flow and overcome obstacles as they arise during the M&A process. Doug has a track record of successfully establishing relationships with industry leaders to think outside the box when conducting M&A related activities. The balance of his time is spent on building a partnership network of trusted consultants and advisors.
Concurrent Sessions

Matt Gentile, J.D.
FORVIS, LLP

3A: Nexus Updates
Nexus is a crucial piece of the sales tax puzzle for any business. In this session, Matt will review the updates for income tax and sales tax nexus and the constitutional limits. Staying current on trends and updates is an important step to avoid fines and penalties. This session and handout material are filled with valuable information from a highly regarded expert in the field of NC state and local tax.
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Matt
Matt Gentile, J.D.
FORVIS, LLP
Matt is a director with DHG’s State & Local Tax group. He has more than 19 years of experience serving a variety of industries including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, apparel and telecommunications.
Matt has experience leading restructuring projects that allow clients to optimize their tax position across state income and franchise tax, sales and use tax and federal excise tax. Additionally, he has co-developed implementation workplans with client stakeholders that detailed implementation steps, responsibilities, timing and documenting the outcome of restructurings with technical memoranda.
Matt has authored state and local tax articles and previously served as a leader in the tax practice of a Big Four firm. He is committed to providing exceptional client service and serving as a state tax thought leader.

Paula McMillian
Stearns Financial Group

3B: Safeguarding Your Retirement: Cracking the Social Security Code
Are you planning for your retirement and wondering how Social Security fits into your financial future? Join Paula for an enlightening session that aims to simplify the Social Security system, equipping you with the knowledge you need to maximize your benefits and secure your retirement income. Social Security is a fundamental pillar of financial support for retirees in the United States, yet its rules and regulations can be complex and overwhelming. In this session, we will dive deep into the world of Social Security, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its intricacies, claiming strategies, eligibility criteria and potential impact on your retirement plan.
Some Session Highlights:
- Working in Retirement and Social Security Strategies
- Benefit Maximization
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Paula
Paula McMillian
Stearns Financial Group
Paula is a financial advisor with Stearns Financial Group. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) additional distinction and a Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Paula has Big Four and large regional accounting firm experience, as well as Fortune 500 experience in the financial services industry. She has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East to serve clients with an international consulting firm. She uses this wide lens in working with clients with varied backgrounds and aspirations.
Paula is an active member of the NCACPA, AICPA , the Greensboro Estate Planning Council and the Society for Financial Service Professionals, serving on the foundation board.

Jeremy Colombik, CPA
Management Services International

3C: Profitable Alternative Risk Management
Join Jeremy in this session as he guides participants through the following session objectives:
- Recommend risk management techniques for business owners
- Learn the laws and IRC code which benefits insurance companies
- Understand insurance company operations and IRS concerns
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Learn more about Jeremy
Jeremy Colombik, CPA
Management Services International
Jeremy Colombik is an experienced, licensed CPA and financial professional who has worked with Captive Insurance Companies and Non-Qualified plans for nearly 20 years. He is a current member of the North Carolina Association of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as Jeremy frequently works with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Commissioner as well as U.S. Congressmen and Senators in Washington D.C. regarding regulatory and compliance issues. He is a sought-after speaker at national conferences and a published author for various financial and insurance industry publications.
Concurrent Sessions

Mike Cheng, CPA
Frazier & Deeter

4A: FASB Standards Update
Join Mike Cheng for a plain English discussion about recent and pertinent technical accounting matters that may affect private companies reporting under US GAAP (FASB).
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Mike
Mike Cheng
Frazier & Deeter
Mike Cheng joined Frazier & Deeter in 2019 as the Partner who oversees the firm’s professional practices related to accounting and audit. As part of this role, he specializes in assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues. Prior to joining the firm, Mike was a Senior Project Manager at the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). At the FASB, he served as the Private Company Council (PCC) coordinator, where he was responsible for all PCC related matters. In addition, Mike led projects to simplify the accounting for non-employee share-based payments, help shape the future of the FASB technical agenda and improve consolidations guidance (VIE guidance). Most recently, he worked on the FASB’s implementation team on revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606) and lease accounting (ASC Topic 842). Prior to joining the FASB, Mike held various management positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was an Audit Senior Manager, Private Company Services, in the firm’s Stamford, CT office. From 2003-2011, he also held roles of increasing responsibility in PwC’s Core Assurance divisions in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

4B: Current Trends in Business Valuation
Hot current topics in business valuation will include the state of the business valuation industry; use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for valuation; and interest rate effects on values of businesses. The session will end with a robust discussion of the Tax Court’s views on tax-effecting pass-through entities and the 2023 case of Estate of William AV Cecil Sr. et al. v. Commissioner (a look at the gilded era of the Biltmore House in Asheville and what happened to the heirs in Tax Court).
Field of Study: Business Law

Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA
Woodruff Family Law Group
Learn more about Carolyn
Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA
Woodruff Family Law Group
Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA is a visionary and leader in accounting, law, and banking. She is a preeminent lawyer, a Family Law Specialist, a North Carolina Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Valuation Analyst with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts®. She is an instrument-rated multi-engine airplane pilot and regularly flies private aircraft. She was the first North Carolina female fellow in the distinguished American College of Tax Counsel. She serves on the public board of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS)(NYSE).
Carolyn was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2022 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in recognition of her significant contributions to the state and to her community through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Since 2007, she has been selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers. For information on the selection process: https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection-process/. She has been recognized since 2009 in Best Lawyers in America. For information on Best Lawyers Methodology, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/methodology. She holds a FinTech certification from Harvard Business School, where she did her Capstone paper on Central Bank Digital Currency in 2021. She holds AICPA badges in Blockchain and Cybersecurity. She is a frequent speaker on FinTech, including presentations to the NCACPA on “Demystifying FinTech” and “FinTech and Innovation.” She has lectured at Wake Forest Law School on FinTech and presented on “Fintech Innovation and Regulatory Sandboxes” to the North Carolina Banking Commission. Through the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), Carolyn has been a speaker and trailblazer in continuing education for CPAs who need knowledge of taxation related to divorce and business valuation in divorce in North Carolina. Carolyn has written many continuing education manuscripts, including “Financial Guide to Divorce in North Carolina” and “Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina.” She is skilled with both in person presentation and remote teaching for adult audiences. She began her legal career with Tuggle Duggins and Meschan, P.A., where she became a principal and shareholder in only four short years. Following her tenure at Tuggle Duggins, she branched off and formed a law firm specializing in family law, where she remains today, serving as CEO and lead counsel in high profile, high net worth divorces. She was graduated from Duke Law School with High Honors, and she served as Research and Managing Editor of the Duke Law Review. Carolyn can be contacted on 336-272-9122 extension 3004 -1747 or [email protected].

Jim Turner, CPA, CVA, CMEA
Turner Business Appraisers
Learn more about Jim
Jim Turner, CPA, CVA, CMEA
Turner Business Appraisers
Jim is the founder and President of Turner Business Appraisers a valuation firm that specializes in: Business Valuation, Equipment Appraisals and Ad Valorem Tax Valuation.
Jim has made frequent regional and international presentations on a variety of appraisal topics including:
- “Business Valuation: The Top 10 Things Every CPA Needs to Know.”
- “Valuing Businesses During COVID.”
- “SBA Business Valuations.”
He has also testified as a valuation expert in District Court, Superior Court, and at the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.
Jim is a member of the North Carolina Association of CPA’s, National Association of Valuators & Analysts, American Society of Appraisers, and the NEBB Institute
Jim and his wife Sandra have two energetic boys–Isaac and Noah. They enjoy hiking, giving away bags of hope, and playing Uno at home in Metro Charlotte, N.C.

Tim Morrison, CFA, ASA
Clarity Financial Consulting, LLC
Learn more about Tim
Tim Morrison, CFA, ASA
Clarity Financial Consulting, LLC
After earning his MBA from Wake Forest University, Tim joined First Union’s investment banking group in Philadelphia where he provided financing to middle market companies. After the First Union and Wachovia merger, Tim transitioned to the Wealth Management area and prepared business valuations as a member of the Closely Held Asset Management Group. In 2007, Tim became the Senior Manager of Dixon Hughes’ Litigation Support and Valuation practice in Charlotte, NC where he performed valuations for a variety of purposes such as equitable distribution, shareholder disputes, commercial litigation, financial statement reporting and gift/estate tax. In 2011,Tim accepted an offer to head up Wells Fargo’s Business Valuation Services Group. In 2017, Tim and Victoria Coble formed Clarity Financial Consulting, LLC, which provides business valuation and divorce financial consulting services.
Tim holds the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. Tim has been qualified as an expert witness in North Carolina and South Carolina. Tim also earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest making him a Double Deacon.

Rafe Martin
ComTech

4C: Beyond the Perimeter: Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Financial Professionals
Why traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software are no longer enough
- An overview of the Zero Trust security model and its key drivers
- How Zero Trust can help you mitigate risk, detect and respond to threats, and maintain compliance with industry regulations
- Practical tips for implementing a Zero Trust framework in your organization
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Rafe
Rafe Martin
ComTech
Rafe has over twenty-five years of experience in the IT industry as both a software engineer and managing partner for a digital services firm. Rafe brings a wealth of experience to his role as Business Development Manager at ComTech and enjoys helping clients leverage technology to achieve their goals.
Recently, Rafe took on the role of HIPAA Compliance Officer for ComTech and led the company to achieve HIPAA verification as a Managed Services Provider. ComTech currently supports over 30 medical and dental practices.
Rafe’s former accolades include being selected as one of the Triad’s Top 40 Business Leaders Under Forty, an Alamance Community College Distinguished Alumni Nominee, and former Business Advocate of the Year by the Alamance Chamber of Commerce.
Reception
More information and details coming soon!
DAY 2: Annual Symposium
Tuesday, November 14
8:00 am-4:55 pm
8 total CPE Credit Hours
= Session is available to in-person attendees
= Session is available to virtual attendees

Meridith Elliott Powell
MotionFirst

General Session 4: Strategies To Succeed No Matter What This Economy Does
Do you feel like the uncertainty of today’s economy holding you back from achieving success? Are you ready to unleash your potential with proven strategies to dominate your market and outperform your competition?
In this session, Meridith will equip you with the business growth strategies and leadership development skills you need to dominate your market, build a team that thrives in change, and design a strategy that gets results – all while leaving your competition in the dust.
Some key takeaways:
- Master business growth strategies
- Build a resilient team
- Stand out in your industry
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Meridith
Meridith Elliott Powell
MotionFirst
For more than twenty years, President and CEO of MotionFirst, Meridith Elliott Powell, has been a leading expert on the subject of business growth covering sales, leadership, change and uncertainty.
With a background in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and travel and tourism, she has real-world experience with developing teams, exceeding sales goals and dominating the marketplace by building centers of influence.
Her latest book THRIVE: Turning Uncertainty To Competitive Advantage has cracked the code on the greatest challenges facing business today.
Through her work as a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business growth strategist, Meridith is able to help companies and leaders learn to develop talent, drive sales, and strategically manage change and uncertainty.
Her work has been featured in Forbes, FastCompany, Inc Magazine, among others, and she has worked with companies such as Microsoft, FastSigns, Bobcat, Caterpillar, and IBM.
Her groundbreaking research, The State of Uncertainty and The Impact on American Business Today, is an annual report providing innovative solutions to business growth in turbulent times.

General Session 5: Focus on the Profession
NCACPA Board Chair, Arleen Thomas, Sharon Bryson, CEO of NCACPA, and Robert Broome, NCACPA Director of Advocacy, bring participants an interactive and informative session on major issues affecting the profession and business climate on state, national, and global levels. They’ll share insights on activities of standard setters and regulators in Congress and the NC General Assembly; trends that stand to affect you, your organization, and your clients; latest actions by the NC State Board of CPA Examiners, along with other important updates from NCACPA and the AICPA.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Sharon Bryson
NCACPA

Robert Broome
NCACPA

Arleen Thomas
NCACPA Chair
Learn more about Sharon
Sharon Bryson
NCACPA
In her role as CEO, Sharon works directly with the NCACPA Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the Strategy Advisory Committee to set the strategic direction of the Association. Additionally, she represents the membership before various state governmental entities, including the NC State Board of CPA Examiners, the NC Department of Revenue, and the North Carolina General Assembly.
Sharon currently serves as a member of the NC State University Master of Accounting Advisory Board, the ECU College of Business Advisory Board, the UNC MAC Program Advisory Council, and the Louisburg College Board of Trustees.
Sharon is Immediate Past President of the CPA Society Executives Association, Past President of the Association Executives of North Carolina, and former member of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion.
Sharon received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Learn more about Robert
Robert Broome
NCACPA
Robert works with our members to develop, implement, and communicate NCACPA’s advocacy agenda to legislators and regulators. He serves as staff liaison to the Advocacy Resource Group and Tax Resource Group.
Robert has extensive experience as a lobbyist, PAC fundraiser, and grassroots manager for professional associations. A native of Tennessee, he worked in Nashville and Atlanta before moving to Raleigh in 2013. He earned his Certified Association Executive credential in 2020, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Association Executives of North Carolina.
Outside of work, Robert volunteers with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a degree in political science. He and his wife, Brandi, are the proud parents of two daughters.
Learn more about Arleen
Arleen Thomas
NCACPA Chair
An experienced board member who brings extensive knowledge to organizations that are seeking to find opportunities in chaos. Quickly understands management’s vision and layers relevant knowledge to evolve business models and solve complex problems. Current Board work is focused in the not-for-profit sector with a concentration in education including K-12 and professional lifelong learning. Continues to focus on board governance engaging in discussions with other directors and investing in professional development. Current interest is in diversity, equity and inclusion and the role it plays in education and improving organizations’ profitability. Extensive experience comes from 25+ years as a senior executive at a large association where for 13 years she was responsible for the self-regulation of the accounting profession and the other years she was responsible for over $70 million of revenues from products and services. Her career started with KPMG auditing public and private companies in the energy and financial industries.

Keith Wood, CPA, JD
Carruthers & Roth, PA

General Session 6: NC State Tax Update
This session will review recent North Carolina tax developments, including significant court cases, decisions of the Office of Administrative Hearings, statutory and regulatory developments and changes in tax administration.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Keith
Keith Wood, CPA, JD
Carruthers & Roth, PA
Keith Wood, CPA, JD, an attorney with Carruthers & Roth, PA, in Greensboro, NC, is a Board-Certified Specialist in estate planning and probate law. Keith’s practice areas include tax planning, representation of clients before the Internal Revenue Service, corporate law and business transactions, and estate planning. Keith is a Certified Public Accountant and is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and a former member of its Board of Directors. Keith received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and his law degree, with honors, from the University of North Carolina.
Concurrent Sessions

Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA
SEK, CPAs & Advisors

5A: Preparing for SQMS Implementation
In this session there will be an overview of updated and new (QMS) Quality Management Standards.
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Mike
Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA
SEK, CPAs & Advisors
Michael Manspeaker, CPA CGMA is an Assurance Services Partner with Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC (Hagerstown, MD) serving clients primarily in the Mid-Atlantic area. He has over 40 years’ experience working with private companies and employee benefit plans. He is also active in the peer review process, performing peer reviews and working as CPA on Staff with Coastal Peer Review, who administers reviews for North Carolina and Maryland firms.
Mike is a member of the AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC) and serves on the Auditing Standards Board Attestation Standards Task Force and Audits of Less Complex Entities (LCE) Task Force. He is also a member of the IAASB LCE Reference Group. He is a past member and Zone 2 chair for the AICPA Technical Issues Committee, former Chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs and the MACPA Peer Review Committee and former member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board.

Tommy Stephens, CPA
K2 Enterprises

5B: K2’s Password Management Tools
Major Topics Covered:
- Identify why passwords are a critical element of information technology controls
- List the key characteristics of “long-and-strong” passwords and the new NIST guidelines
- Differentiate between leading password management tools
- Enumerate alternatives to passwords to improve authentication controls
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens, CPA
K2 Enterprises
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Auburn University
- Master of Science, Major in Finance (emphasis in Corporate Finance), Georgia State University
- Thirty-seven years of public accounting & private industry experience
- Twenty-seven years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader
- Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants; past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors
- To date, has presented over 2,800 continuing education sessions to over 71,000 participants

Gary Kohut, PhD
UNC Charlotte – The Belk College of Business

5C: Ways to Maintain a Positive Work Culture
A positive workplace is paramount to your organization’s long-term success. Without a positive culture, many employees struggle to find the real value in their work, and this can lead to a variety of negative consequences for your bottom line. Building a unique, positive culture is one of the best – and simplest – ways to get your employees to invest their talent and future with your organization. One of the best things about building a positive culture is that it can be done with any budget, at any size company and within any industry.
This session will identify best practices for creating a positive work environment. You’ll learn the benefits of establishing a positive and engaged workforce, its characteristics, and concrete steps to create one. You’ll also explore how to recognize the signs and impacts of negativity, and how to take corrective action, if necessary, to engage employees.
What you will learn from this session:
- Identify the key building blocks that foster a positive work culture
- Understand the leadership behaviors that can make or break a positive work culture
- Learn how to inspire your team and help your organization thrive
- Discover techniques to embed and maintain positive cultural values and behaviors in a work environment
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Gary
Gary Kohut, PhD
UNC Charlotte – The Belk College of Business
Dr. Gary Kohut joined the Belk College faculty in 1983. His research focuses on corporate communication strategy, leadership and management development and applied technology in business communication. He is co-author of three books: Business Communication: A Functional Perspective, Contemporary Business Report Writing, and Write to Win. He has published articles in both academic and practitioner journals, and has written chapters and cases in communications, management and marketing texts. Dr. Kohut has conducted management development seminars and workshops for several major regional and national corporations. Dr. Kohut is an active member of professional associations and is a member of the board of Comtech Enterprises.
Concurrent Sessions

Mike Manspeaker
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC

6A: Auditing and SSARs Standards Update
In this session Mike Manspeaker will provide an update for Auditing Standards Board activities from a fresh perspective!
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Mike
Mike Manspeaker
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC
Michael Manspeaker, CPA CGMA is an Assurance Services Partner with Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC (Hagerstown, MD) serving clients primarily in the Mid-Atlantic area. He has over 40 years’ experience working with private companies and employee benefit plans. He is also active in the peer review process, performing peer reviews and working as CPA on Staff with Coastal Peer Review, who administers reviews for North Carolina and Maryland firms.
Mike is a member of the AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC) and serves on the Auditing Standards Board Attestation Standards Task Force and Audits of Less Complex Entities (LCE) Task Force. He is also a member of the IAASB LCE Reference Group. He is a past member and Zone 2 chair for the AICPA Technical Issues Committee, former Chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs and the MACPA Peer Review Committee and former member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board.

Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises

6B: K2 – Emerging Topics in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
Blockchain is one of the most-watched emerging technologies. Yet, few accountants understand how to use this technology to make existing ledger-based systems more efficient, effective, and tamper-resistant. In this session, you will learn the basics of blockchain-based ledgers. You will also learn about the fundamentals of Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ripple. Additionally, you will learn about emerging issues in these fields, such as stablecoins, central bank-issued digital currencies, smart contracts, and sovereign identity management. Participate in this session to see how blockchain based technologies will change your work.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Auburn University
- Master of Science, Major in Finance (emphasis in Corporate Finance), Georgia State University
- Thirty-seven years of public accounting & private industry experience
- Twenty-seven years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader
- Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants; past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors
- To date, has presented over 2,800 continuing education sessions to over 71,000 participants

Gary Kohut, PhD
UNC Charlotte – The Belk College of Business

6C: Liquid Leadership: Strategies to Harness Multigenerational Talent
Managing an increasing multigenerational workforce brings a variety of new challenges. Organizations must walk a fine line between creating opportunities for younger employees to advance (or risk losing them) while also ensuring veterans feel included. Further, to maintain productivity and innovation, organizations must persuade employees of different ages and backgrounds to collaborate. This demands an ability to identify the skills and strengths of individuals, recognize how they can contribute and understand how to engage with them.
Liquid Leadership promotes principles that are centered around individual responsibility and gives decision-making power to those who know the most about the respective fields and are closest to the processes, the employees. While management as a business capability remains important, agile managers act more as coaches than as figures of authority who decide, supervise, and judge. Organizations need new solutions to overcome these challenges and many are turning to agile concepts such as liquid leadership and the empirical evidence is encouraging.
What you will learn from this session:
- Learn some of the techniques of Liquid Leadership as they apply to our digital age
- Recognize the importance of coaching to build relationships in a diverse work environment
- Discover strategies to improve your team’s performance, promote accountability, collaboration and engagement • Develop stronger communication with your team to become a more flexible and inspirational leader
Field of Study: Personal Development
Learn more about Gary
Gary Kohut, PhD
UNC Charlotte – The Belk College of Business
Dr. Gary Kohut joined the Belk College faculty in 1983. His research focuses on corporate communication strategy, leadership and management development and applied technology in business communication. He is co-author of three books: Business Communication: A Functional Perspective, Contemporary Business Report Writing, and Write to Win. He has published articles in both academic and practitioner journals, and has written chapters and cases in communications, management and marketing texts. Dr. Kohut has conducted management development seminars and workshops for several major regional and national corporations. Dr. Kohut is an active member of professional associations and is a member of the board of Comtech Enterprises.
Concurrent Sessions

Dr. Cal Christian, CPA
East Carolina University

7A: Moving Upstream
As each of us encounters our own ethical dilemmas, how can we lay a foundation today that will reduce the dilemmas that we will encounter tomorrow. How will we know if it is working? How can we surround ourselves with the right community? We will attempt to answer these questions, while we also explore what happens if we don’t get in front of these dilemmas.
This one hour behavioral ethics class will meet your North Carolina ethics requirement.
Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics
Learn more about Cal
Cal Christian
East Carolina University
Cal Christian is a professor of accounting at East Carolina University teaching International Accounting and Accounting for Decision Making. He is a registered CPA in North Carolina and Mississippi, and has more than 10 years of experience in the public accounting profession with the former international accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney in Houston, TX, and Jackson, MS; and in industry with LDDS (the predecessor to WorldCom) and the Mississippi law firm of Holcomb, Dunbar. Cal holds a PhD from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi. He teaches continuing education classes for the NCACPA, AICPA, CPA firms, and publicly traded companies, and has been recognized as an NCACPA Outstanding Conference Speaker. While at ECU, Cal has been honored as a College of Business Teaching Fellow and has been awarded the UNC Board of Governors’ Outstanding Teaching Award and the ECU College of Business Scholar/Teacher Award. Cal also has several service responsibilities with ECU including serving as The NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Cal has been involved within the CPA profession as a NCACPA Board Member and within the Greenville Community as President of the Eastern NC Ronald McDonald House.

Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises

7B: K2 – Eight Awesome Pivot Table Features
Are you looking to take your PivotTables to the next level? Many experts consider PivotTables to be Excel’s most powerful feature. Yet, most who create and work with them barely scratch the surface of all PivotTables can do. In this session, you’ll learn eight powerful features you may have missed. From user-defined calculations to consolidating reports and adding KPIs, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your PivotTables. These are just some examples of the great things you can do with PivotTables, and in this session, you will learn these and other techniques to make your PivotTables even more powerful.
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
K2 Enterprises
Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:
Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm;
Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company;
Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization; and
Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.
In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals. In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner. Over the past twenty-seven years, Tommy has presented over 2,900 educational sessions to over 73,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.
Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Kelsey Mayo
Poyner Spruill LLP

7C: Employee Benefit Plan Audit Update
This session will provide an update on ERISA retirement plan audits. Updates may include a review of the changes to the scope of audits required by ERISA, the plans that are required to be audited, the DOL’s Audit Quality Study, and areas of particular risk for audit deficiencies.
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Kelsey
Kelsey Mayo
Poyner Spruill LLP
Kelsey Mayo is a partner with Poyner Spruill LLP, a law firm based in North Carolina. Her practice is focused in the areas of Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation. She routinely represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor and has extensive experience in virtually all aspects of retirement, welfare, fringe benefit, and executive compensation arrangements. Kelsey has a particular love for qualified and non-qualified pensions—so much so that she’s now passed 5 of the exams necessary for her ASA designation. Kelsey was a long-time volunteer on both ASPPA and ACOPA’s Government Affairs Committees and recently began to serve as the American Retirement Association’s Director of Regulatory Policy. As icing on the retirement-plan-geek cake, Kelsey spends her free time co-editing the Journal of Pension Benefits.School of Law.
Concurrent Sessions

Jonathan Kraftchick, CPA
Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

8A: Use of Technology in Audits
The audit as we know it has never had more technology options than it does today. With all the talk right now about the pace of change, technological advancements, and all sorts of buzzwords like AI, RPA, neural networks, it can be intimidating and difficult to keep up with the tech options in the A&A marketplace. In this session, we’ll discuss some of the major categories in technology audit innovations to best equip your radar.
Learning Objectives to include:
- Demonstrate the need for the A&A profession to push the boundaries of technology use in the traditional financial statement audit.
- List many of the upcoming and nascent A&A technologies available to be used today or coming to market in the near future.
Field of Study: Auditing
Learn more about Jonathan
Jonathan Kraftchick, CPA
Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
A Partner in the Raleigh office, Jonathan serves as the head of the Firm’s Innovation team. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, he began as an auditor for many years before moving into course development and delivery. Outside of his work at Cherry Bekaert, Jonathan served as an adjunct professor at Elon University in their accounting department. In 2018, Jonathan was the first-ever recipient of the NCACPA Elevating Women Award, which recognizes a male in the CPA profession who actively supports the advancement of women. In 2017, Jonathan was named as one of CPA.com’s Innovative Practitioners of the Year, which recognizes innovation in process, services, or technology implementation in public accounting firms. He also recently served on the Board of the North Carolina association of CPA’s.

Steve Arrington
The Arrington Firm, P.C.

8B: Elder Care Law
As society’s aging population continues to grow, professionals are increasingly faced with the dilemma of serving clients who suffer from diminished capacity. When faced such a murky situation, many professionals find themselves ill-equipped to maintain a normal client-professional relationship and ensure that their clients are not only being properly served, but kept safe from possible harm or exploitation once the client leaves their office. This course will cover how professionals can help clients and their family members access the legal system to protect clients who may suffer from diminished capacity and make sure that a client’s personal and/or financial needs are met, while helping their client continue living productive lives with dignity.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Steve
Steve Arrington
The Arrington Firm, P.C.
Steven W. Arrington, J.D., is a solo practitioner from Greensboro, North Carolina and the owner of The Arrington Firm, P.C. Steve’s areas of concentration are elder law, estate planning, guardianship and estate administration. Before becoming an attorney, Steve worked as a legal assistant for a number of years. He has worked in the field of law for almost twenty-five years, with the majority of those years devoted to the specialty of elder law. Steve has been invited to speak before various civic and professional groups on the topics of elder law, estate planning and guardianship.
Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Guilford College in 1995 and his Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2005. In addition to serving on local boards, he is currently a member of The North Carolina State Bar, The North Carolina Bar Association, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), The Greensboro Estate Planning Council and the Triad Retirement Living Association (TRLA).

Kelsey Mayo
Poyner Spruill LLP

8C: New Tax Credits & Retirement Plan Opportunities in SECURE 2.0
The SECURE 2.0 Act contained over 90 provisions that may impact plans and plan sponsors. This session will highlight the tax credits that small business owners may be able to tax advantage of as early as their 2023 tax year. The session will include practical case studies showing how the tax credits may apply to the owner’s advantage. This session will also address new opportunities for retirement savings and plan design options contained in SECURE 2.0.
Field of Study: Taxes
Learn more about Kelsey
Kelsey Mayo
Poyner Spruill LLP
Kelsey Mayo is a partner with Poyner Spruill LLP, a law firm based in North Carolina. Her practice is focused in the areas of Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation. She routinely represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor and has extensive experience in virtually all aspects of retirement, welfare, fringe benefit, and executive compensation arrangements. Kelsey has a particular love for qualified and non-qualified pensions—so much so that she’s now passed 5 of the exams necessary for her ASA designation. Kelsey was a long-time volunteer on both ASPPA and ACOPA’s Government Affairs Committees and recently began to serve as the American Retirement Association’s Director of Regulatory Policy. As icing on the retirement-plan-geek cake, Kelsey spends her free time co-editing the Journal of Pension Benefits.School of Law.
Reception
More information and details coming soon!
DAY 3: Annual Symposium
Wednesday, November 15
8:00 am-4:50 pm
8 total CPE Credit Hours
= Session is available to in-person attendees
= Session is available to virtual attendees
Concurrent Sessions

Jaclyn Veno
Galasso Learning Solutions

9A: Hot Topics: Digital Assets & Crypto Currency
Bitcoin and Crypto have been in the news recently for a variety of reasons. This course will cover the basics of accounting and auditing for crypto currency including recent standard setting by the FASB as well as a look at the AICPA’s Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets practice aid.
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Jaclyn
Jaclyn Veno
Galasso Learning Solutions
Jaclyn Veno is a licensed CPA and holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Accounting from Clemson University. Before joining, Galasso Learning Solutions, she was an auditor for two top-10 CPA firms. Jaclyn has extensive experience developing both staff and interns including the onboarding of overseas staff. She has fond memories of her time spent completing dozens of acquisition audits for one growing client. Jaclyn holds certificates in adult learning and instructional design from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and will be completing her Training & Facilitation Certificate this spring.

9B: Two Truths and a Lie: What you Really Need to Know About the ERC
There has been a lot of press about the abuses surrounding the Employee Retention Credit, causing CPAs to worry about their clients claiming the ERC under suspect qualification. As the client’s trusted advisors, CPAs are often their clients’ last line of defense. Join us as we walk through the ins and outs of the ERC and how to help your clients avoid being scammed.
Field of Study: Taxes

Kate Davis
TaxCredible
Learn more about Kate
Kate Davis
TaxCredible
Kate joined the Alpharesults team over 10 years ago and serves as an Account Manager. She assists hundreds of companies each year with GA state tax credits and federal tax credits, partnering with CPAs to help clients reduce their tax burdens. Prior to joining Alpharesults, Kate was a Commercial Lender with SunTrust Bank.

Stephen MacNeil
TaxCredible
Learn more about Stephen
Stephen MacNeil
Alpharesults
Stephen MacNeil Chief Knowledge Officer Stephen joined Alpharesults as the Director of Operations in mid-2021. In addition to leading the production team in the calculation and delivery of Georgia State credits, Stephen has led the firm’s Employee Retention Tax Credit team. Prior to joining Alpharesults, Stephen was a tax director for ADP, The Howard Hughes Corporation, and General Growth Properties.

Trent Green
Tax Director Services

9C: What does AI Mean for the Tax & Accounting Profession?
Join us for a presentation on artificial intelligence tailored for CPAs grappling with the challenges and opportunities of rapidly emerging AI technologies. Trent is a CPA like you, using technology daily and will be sharing firsthand his insights based on application and experience.
This isn’t just a tech session; it’s a CPA’s guide to AI. Demystify AI and step confidently into an AI-augmented future. Embrace AI’s potential, revolutionizing your approach to resolving tax and accounting issues. Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself for the future!
Session Highlights:
- Addressing AI Concerns: Uncover the primary pressures CPAs face from AI, such as potential job loss, overwhelming tech changes, and keeping pace with innovations. Voice your concerns and seek solutions.
- Mastering AI Basics: Acquire materials like “An AI Guide for CPAs” and get information on relevant CPE courses.
- Demystifying AI Terminology: Understand key AI terms, from “GPT” to “generative AI.”
- Real-World Applications: See ChatGPT in action through relevant tax and accounting examples, showcasing AI’s practicality.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Learn more about Trent
Trent Green
Tax Director Services
I’m a CPE seminar leader, technical author, and corporate tax contractor and consultant through my company, Tax Director Services.
I began my career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand/PwC, working on corporate, partnership, and individual income tax issues. As I gained knowledge, experience, and progressed in my career, my passion turned to professional education. My goal is now to share what I’ve learned with my fellow tax professionals.

Jaclyn Veno
Galasso Learning Solutions

10A: AICPA Ethics Update
The Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) of the AICPA has been very busy issuing new and updating existing ethics rules. This course will provide an overview of recently issued and soon to be effective ethics rules that CPAs in both industry and public accounting need to know to be compliant.
Field of Study: Regulatory Ethics
Learn more about Jaclyn
Jaclyn Veno
Galasso Learning Solutions
Jaclyn Veno is a licensed CPA and holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Accounting from Clemson University. Before joining, Galasso Learning Solutions, she was an auditor for two top-10 CPA firms. Jaclyn has extensive experience developing both staff and interns including the onboarding of overseas staff. She has fond memories of her time spent completing dozens of acquisition audits for one growing client. Jaclyn holds certificates in adult learning and instructional design from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and will be completing her Training & Facilitation Certificate this spring.

Jill Feldman, MBA
Catapult

10B: Happy Employees Don’t Quit: Today’s Roadmap to Retention
Talent acquisition and retention are interdependent — building an engaging, high-performing workplace is almost impossible if your staff constantly turns over. It’s not enough to recruit top talent; the real ROI comes from retaining those top performers. This session connects leaders who want to drive results, now and in the future, with proven, modern approaches to finding and retaining the right talent. We will demonstrate how the right data-based strategies empower employers to build a loyal workforce even before the onboarding process.
- Closer look at how demographics and the changing workforce are shaping current and future business trends.
- Shares methods of how to prevent regrettable turnover rates by equipping leadership with actionable knowledge.
- Evaluating your organization from both prospective and current employee perspectives illuminates new methods of attracting and retaining valuable workers as a first step to retention.
Field of Study: Personnel/Human Resources
Learn more about Jill
Jill Feldman, MBA
Catapult
As Director of Strategic HR Services at Catapult, Jill leads a team of experienced HR experts who help our members to attract, retain and motivate employees, maximize productivity, elevate organizational effectiveness, and improve employee engagement. With locations in Raleigh, Charlotte, and High Point, North Carolina, Catapult serves employers across the Southeast. Managing challenging workplace issues, ensuring HR compliance, and solving complicated employment situations can be demanding. For more than 60 years, we have been the go-to-resource for employers seeking practical solutions to help build engaged, well-managed and low-risk workplaces through human resources, employment law and management advice, HR consulting, training, survey data, and public policy advocacy.
Jill is a career HR leader with broad expertise across multiple industries, including health care, manufacturing, technology, non-profit, and professional services. As a results-oriented and collaborative problem solver, Jill prides herself on delivering innovative, analytical, and operational solutions that align human resource initiatives with business strategies and organizational goals. Jill earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from Union College in New York.

Don Tomoff, MBA
AICPA-CIMA

10C: Unleash the Power of AI: A CPAs Guide to ChatGPT
A introduction to Generative AI and ChatGPT.
Topics include:
- Practical examples of productivity improvements using ChatGPT
- Live demonstration of ChatGPT
- Review of ethical considerations and what to be aware of
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Don
Don Tomoff, MBA
AICPA-CIMA
Don is the founder of Invenio Advisors LLC, a consulting firm specializing in data analysis and data literacy training, digital information management, process improvement, reporting and, as well as education and training. Don’s experience includes “Big 4” public accounting, senior-level industry finance positions, and consulting. Don’s industry experience included serving eight years with Jo-Ann Stores as VP, Finance and Treasurer.
Don focuses his efforts with executives and companies on digital process improvement, data analytics and training initiatives. His efforts are focused on the identification of process improvement opportunities and leveraging readily available technology tools to drive that change. In addition to consulting and training through Invenio Advisors, Don is an instructor and course developer for the Business Learning Institute and a regular speaker for the AICPA, companies and at conferences.
Concurrent Sessions

11A: Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Landscape Overview
Are you prepared for sustainability reporting? From understanding where to start on your company’s or client’s sustainability journey to deciphering the many standards and frameworks, in this session we will review the highlights of recent ESG regulatory developments in the US and abroad, including the latest on the SEC climate disclosure rule.
Field of Study: Accounting

Tara Hughes
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Learn more about Tara
Tara Hughes
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Tara is a Managing Director with more than 20 years of experience providing audit and assurance services to public and private companies, ranging from emerging growth to large multinational clients and spanning a spectrum of industries, including life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing and industrial products, and technology.
She has extensive experience in external audit, internal controls, SEC reporting, as well as complex transactions and accounting matters, including IPOs and secondary offerings, acquisitions and divestitures, and revenue recognition matters. Tara also serves as the ESG leader in the Deloitte Raleigh marketplace, serving as a trusted advisor to provide advice and insights to clients embarking or continuing on their ESG journey.
She holds a Masters in Accounting and an undergraduate degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Blane Parker
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Learn more about Blane
Blane Parker
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Blane is a senior manager in Raleigh, NC with over 10 years of experience serving public and private multinational clients, primarily in the life sciences industry. She has extensive experience with US GAAP, SOX implementation and compliance, and SEC reporting as well as experience advising clients on technical accounting matters and transactions. In addition to serving clients in an external auditor and advisory capacity, she also works with Tara as an ESG leader in the Raleigh market, advising companies on ESG reporting, internal controls, and emerging regulations.
She also completed a two-year deployment in Deloitte’s Global Capital Markets Group in London, where she specialized in SEC reporting, US market transactions and IFRS and US GAAP accounting and advisory projects.
Blane holds a Masters in Accounting from East Carolina University and an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University.

11B: The State CPA Board’s Role in Oversight of the Profession
The session will address the Board’s role in the oversight of the CPA profession here in North Carolina. Topics that will be discussed include the public protection role of the Board in overseeing NC licensees, how disciplinary processes are handled by the Board, and how those processes played out for an actual NC licensee.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Lynne Sanders
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
Learn more about Lynne
Lynne Sanders
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
Lynne Sanders is the Deputy Director at the NC State Board of CPA Examiners. She has over 30 years of experience working in higher education, governmental operations, and the nonprofit sector. Her primary experience consists of internal and external auditing, enterprise risk management, business process improvement, strategic planning, financial accounting and reporting, working with governing boards, and building strategic business relationships.
As Deputy Director for the State Board, she assists the Executive Director in directing Board operations, managing board meetings, overseeing financial matters, and executing the Board’s strategic plan. Prior to joining the State Board, Lynne was the Vice President for Compliance and Audit Services at the UNC System Office where she managed the internal audit function, oversaw the Business Process Compliance Program for the University, and managed enterprise risk management efforts and other compliance level projects. Lynne also worked for the Office of the State Auditor for 21 years. Lynne is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated from North Carolina State University.

Frank Trainor
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
Learn more about Frank
Frank Trainor
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
Frank Trainor has been the staff attorney for the NC State Board of CPA Examiners since 2011. He provides general legal advice to the Board and supervises the Board’s Professional Standards Section, which focuses on the discipline of CPAs in the State of North Carolina and enforcement against the unauthorized use of the CPA title in the State. Prior to his current position, Mr. Trainor was in private practice focusing on administrative law. He represented other occupational licensing boards as well as licensees facing disciplinary action. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his JD at Tulane University.

David Nance
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
Learn more about David
David Nance
NC State Board of CPA Examiners
David joined the NC State Board of CPA Examiners as its Deputy Director beginning August 1, 2012; and was promoted to Executive Director effective January 1, 2022. During his time at the Board, David’s responsibilities have included overseeing financial activities and the preparation of monthly financial statements for Board review; oversight of personnel activities; involvement with both the CPA examination and licensing processes; and technical involvement with the Board’s professional standards section in reviewing disciplinary matters. He previously worked 30+ years as an audit manager for the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor.
David received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in December 1981 and successfully passed the “quiz” and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1986. On a personal side, David enjoys spending time at the beach and listening to beach music bands; basically, all good live music (especially the 70’s bands!).
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Don Tomoff, MBA
AICPA-CIMA

11C: AI-Powered Excel: Leveraging AI and ChatGPT for Supercharged Productivity
In this course, you will learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to streamline your Excel workflows and achieve supercharged productivity.
By discovering the various AI features built into Excel and learning how to use ChatGPT to research, create, understand, and troubleshoot Excel functions and formulas, you will be able to turn two-hour Excel tasks into two minutes of effort.
In addition to learning how to supercharge your Excel work, you will also learn how to use ChatGPT for research and learning, helping you to quickly find answers to your Excel-related questions.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Don
Don Tomoff, MBA
AICPA-CIMA
Don is the founder of Invenio Advisors LLC, a consulting firm specializing in data analysis and data literacy training, digital information management, process improvement, reporting and, as well as education and training. Don’s experience includes “Big 4” public accounting, senior-level industry finance positions, and consulting. Don’s industry experience included serving eight years with Jo-Ann Stores as VP, Finance and Treasurer.
Don focuses his efforts with executives and companies on digital process improvement, data analytics and training initiatives. His efforts are focused on the identification of process improvement opportunities and leveraging readily available technology tools to drive that change. In addition to consulting and training through Invenio Advisors, Don is an instructor and course developer for the Business Learning Institute and a regular speaker for the AICPA, companies and at conferences.

Michael Walden, Ph.D
Walden Economics Consulting

General Session 7: Understanding Today’s Unique and Unusual Economy: Are We Headed Up or Down?
The session takes a detailed look at the current and future economy. Economists – not known for their agreements – do appear to be united around the idea that today’s economy is not moving according to the standard script. The economy is forging a unique path, partly due to the pandemic. Yet there are also other forces shaping the economy, especially in demographics and labor, technology, and interactions between the private and public sectors. The purpose of this secession is to pull back the cover and reveal what’s really been happening to the economy. Alternative paths for the future economy are presented and assessed.
Mike is a frequent contributor to local public and private news stations. Widely respected and highly regarded as a NC Economist, expect to hear the updates through the lens of a Carolinian.
Field of Study: Economics
Learn more about Michael
Michael Walden, Ph.D
Walden Economics Consulting
Michael Walden, Ph.D., is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University and President of Walden Economic Consulting, LLC. During his 43 years on the faculty at NC State, Walden became recognized as an expert on the state economy and public policy. He is the author of thirteen books and over 330 articles and reports, and he has made 3200 personal appearances. Walden is also a frequent contributor to the national and state media and has appeared on all the major national news outlets. He continues to write a biweekly newspaper column distributed throughout North Carolina.
Walden has served on several public committees and commissions, including the “Future of Wake County” and the “NC FIRST Transportation Commission.” He has won numerous awards, including two Champion-Tuck Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting, the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Public Service, the Holladay Medal for Excellence from North Carolina State University, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. His latest book is Re-Launch: How the Family Can Be Renewed and the American Dream Revived in the New Independent Lifestyle of the Post-Pandemic Economy. Walden is a member of the North Carolina Economic Development Association, and he resides in Raleigh with his wife, Mary.

Jamie Ousterout, CDE
The Diversity Movement

General Session 8: Understanding the Benefits of Inclusion
Integrating inclusion into your overall business strategy will support your organization’s efforts in attracting talent, overall retention, community partnerships, leadership engagement, and in building an effective workforce. Effective diverse strategies should include everyone as engagement is essential in identifying the needs and concerns to find common ground.
Today’s business world is more dynamic and complex, with advancing technology, and declines in enrollments in many accounting programs. How can you act as an ally in ensuring the accounting profession is diverse, equitable and inclusive for future professionals? This session will discuss resources and NCACPA’s efforts aimed at supporting and increasing the student pipeline enrolling in and graduating from accounting programs and how you can support their inclusive transition into the profession.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Learn more about Jamie
Jamie Ousterout, CDE
The Diversity Movement
Jamie (she/her) is a Certified Diversity Executive and as the vice president of client success at The Diversity Movement, she is the main point of contact and advisor for TDM’s clients. She helps clients move forward and take action on their diversity, equity, and inclusion journeys. In addition, she helps implement operational processes for TDM internally.
Jamie has spent over 12 years in creative, marketing, and digital companies. She has served clients across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, financial, technology, and non-profit. While predominantly working in client service and project management roles, she always has had a keen focus on operations. Jamie founded Stabilimenta, an operational strategy consulting firm, in 2018 to help innovative and creative professional services organizations establish and optimize their processes to more effectively serve their clients and engage their employees. She graduated from Cornell University in 2009 with a bachelor of arts in English and history.
Jamie serves as the board co-chair for Raleigh City Farm, a non-profit urban farm in downtown Raleigh that strives to connect and nourish the Triangle community through regenerative agriculture. She also volunteers as an alumni admissions ambassador for Cornell University conducting informational meetings for potential incoming students.

David Cieslak
RKL eSolutions

General Session 9: Technology Update
Technology continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace – disrupting and transforming virtually all aspects of our personal and professional lives. From AI, 5G and blockchain, to IoT, robotics and EVs, new technology is impacting and revolutionizing virtually every product and service available. Join Inspector Gadget as he explores the very latest technology trends and vendor solutions, along with cutting-edge gear and gadgets. Technology has never been more critical and impactful than it is today. Make certain you have the essential details you need to navigate your next steps.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about David
David Cieslak
RKL eSolutions
David Cieslak is Chief Cloud Officer and EVP with RKL eSolutions, a leading business process automation consulting firm with offices across the US. In his role, he is responsible for helping companies grow strategically with cloud-based solutions and industry-specific service expertise for ERP, CPM, CRM, AP Automation, and other critical business processes.
A frequent speaker for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), other state accounting societies, and various business groups, Mr. Cieslak moonlights as his alter ego, “Inspector Gadget,” to keep business leaders entertained and informed on ways they can effectively leverage the latest technology in their personal and professional lives.
David is a Sage Intacct Certified Consultant, a Salesforce.com administrator, and holds the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC). He is the past Chair of the AICPA IT Executive Committee and past president of the California CPA Education Foundation.

NCACPA is a NASBA-approved sponsor of continuing education.
For complete program information (course registration, learning objectives, instructional delivery methods, CPE, field of study, prerequisites, program knowledge, level, advance preparation, program description, and speaker information), please visit the event links above.
The North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org/.
For information regarding refund, complaint, program cancellation or other policies, visit our Registration Policies page or call 800-469-1352.