schedule
General Session
Randy Johnston
General Session 1: K2’s Tech Update
Staying up to date with advances in today’s technology has never been more vital. K2’s Tech Update equips you with the knowledge to stay ahead of innovation. Learn about AI, quantum computing, SaaS, and productivity tools like Microsoft 365 in this 40th anniversary year of Excel. Discover how to separate vendor hype from real ROI.
Learning Objectives:
- Trends in AI and machine learning
- Applications of quantum computing in accounting and finance
- The growing role of blockchain and digital currencies
- Innovations in software and hardware
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in strategic technology planning, accounting software, cybersecurity, and managed services.
Concurrent Sessions
Randy Johnston
Concurrent Session 1A: K2’s CPA Firm Update
Gain insights into transformative technologies and management strategies reshaping CPA firms. Explore AI auditing, blockchain, RPA, and more to enhance practice management and client service.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand market changes impacting CPA firms
- Assess software solutions for service lines
- Explore technologies for competitive advantage
- Select optimal tech stacks for firm success
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in strategic technology planning, accounting software, cybersecurity, and managed services.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 1B: K2’s Taking a Fresh Look at Teams
Explore new Teams features like Copilot integration, threaded conversations, and enhanced meeting tools. Maximize your ROI with a deeper understanding of this evolving platform.
Learning Objectives:
- List core functionality in Teams
- Identify enhancements that boost communication
- Integrate other services into Teams
- Collaborate internally and externally
- Compare Teams with top competitors
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 1C: K2’s Top Ten Productivity Booster Apps in Microsoft 365
Discover ten powerful Microsoft 365 apps—Planner, Lists, To Do, Viva Learning, Bookings, and more—that streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity in accounting.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify core features of key productivity apps
- Enhance communication with Shared Mailboxes and Groups
- Use project management tools across 365 versions
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.30 years of
- professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Concurrent Sessions
Randy Johnston
Concurrent Session 2A: K2’s Expense Reporting Automation
Learn how automation technologies—OCR, mobile receipt capture, AI validation—can reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and eliminate manual expense reporting headaches.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify risky expense types
- Recognize common fraud schemes
- Understand the role of bank feeds and OCR
- Evaluate leading expense reporting tools
- Apply AI to detect unusual expenses
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in strategic technology planning, accounting software, cybersecurity, and managed services.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 2B: K2’s Collaboration Tools and Best Practices
Compare Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoho, Slack, Zoom, and more. Learn policies and procedures to maximize collaboration and mitigate risks.
Learning Objectives:
- Name drivers of collaboration needs
- Compare top platforms
- Outline policy and procedure best practices
- Identify key benefits and risks
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 2C: K2’s Automation – Beyond the Basics with the Microsoft Power Platform
Take your automation skills to the next level with Power Apps and Power Automate. Learn to build workflows, leverage data, and enhance productivity using low-code tools.
Learning Objectives:
- Design workflows using Power Platform
- Automate tasks using RPA tools
- Connect data sources, including Microsoft Fabric
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.30 years of
- professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
General Session
Tommy Stephens
General Session 2: K2’s Excel Tips – Today’s Best Features
Excel just keeps getting better. Learn about PIVOTBY, GROUPBY, Office Scripts, Copilot integration, and other cutting-edge features to improve your workflow and boost collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
- Use new Excel functions like PIVOTBY and GROUPBY
- Differentiate Office Scripts from macros
- Collaborate using the latest Excel tools
- Integrate Excel with Copilot
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
General Session
Tommy Stephens
General Session 3: K2’s Data Security and Privacy Issues and Solutions
Learn about the most pressing security and privacy threats facing businesses today, along with practical steps and tools to reduce risk and protect sensitive information.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least five common data security and privacy issues
- Estimate costs related to data breaches
- List internal control best practices to mitigate risk
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
Concurrent Sessions
Randy Johnston
Concurrent Session 3A: K2’s Client Accounting Services for CPA Firms – Strategies for Growth and Success
Explore how to successfully implement and scale Client Accounting Services (CAS), including pricing models, technology tools, compliance needs, and client engagement strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the scope and benefits of CAS
- Identify essential tech tools and strategies
- Evaluate CAS pricing models
- Maintain compliance and data security
- Build or enhance a scalable CAS practice
Field of Study: Accounting
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems, and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering, and outsourced managed services.
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 3B: K2’s CRM – The Ultimate Business Automation Tool
Understand how CRM platforms enhance business automation. Learn to streamline communication, improve efficiency, and integrate CRM with accounting workflows.
Learning Objectives:
- Define CRM and its role in automation
- Identify CRM features that optimize workflows
- List best practices for CRM implementation
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.
- 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 3C: K2’s Taking Another Look at Power BI
Learn to build compelling reports and dashboards with Power BI. Gain confidence in using this powerful reporting tool to improve business insight and efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
- List basic steps to create a Power BI report
- Distinguish reports from dashboards
- Link data into Power BI
- Create custom calculations
- Convert reports into dashboards
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
Concurrent Sessions
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 4A: K2’s What’s New with QuickBooks
Stay current with the latest updates and changes in QuickBooks Desktop, Online, and Enterprise. Learn about licensing changes, new features, and competitive software trends.
Learning Objectives:
- List new features in QuickBooks platforms
- Identify changes in licensing
- Compare functions across Desktop, Online, and Enterprise
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
Randy Johnston
Concurrent Session 4B: K2’s AI – Better Prompts, Better Results
Improve your results with generative AI by mastering prompt structure. Learn how to craft effective prompts that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
- List four components of AI prompts
- Identify examples for tasks, context, expectations, and output
- Name four types of tasks AI can perform
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems, and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering, and outsourced managed services.
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 4C: K2’s Next Level Home Networking
Explore advanced home networking to support modern work-from-home setups. Learn about hardware, network segmentation, VPNs, and future-proofing with high-speed tech.
Learning Objectives:
- Name prosumer-grade networking hardware brands
- Explain how network segmentation enhances security
- Define advanced functionalities like VLANs, VPNs, SFP+
- Identify high-speed networking technologies
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.
- 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Concurrent Sessions
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 5A: K2’s After QuickBooks, What’s Next?
Explore alternatives to QuickBooks Pro and Premier after their sunset in 2024. Learn how to assess platforms like QBO, Xero, Zoho Books, and more for your firm or clients.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare features of modern small business platforms
- Recommend alternatives to clients
- Guide implementation strategies
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.
- 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Randy Johnston
Concurrent Session 5B: K2’s AI – Security and Privacy Issues
AI platforms introduce new privacy and security risks. Learn how your data may be used, how to protect it, and how to assess major AI vendors’ policies.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish AI security vs. privacy risks
- List common AI-related security issues
- Identify mitigation best practices
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Randy
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems, and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering, and outsourced managed services.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 5C: K2’s Ten PDF Tips You Need to Know
Work more efficiently with PDFs. Learn how to create, edit, secure, and convert PDF documents, plus how to build fillable forms and collaborate more effectively.
Learning Objectives:
- Generate PDFs using multiple methods
- Compare Adobe software options
- Convert PDFs to fillable forms
- Secure and share PDF files
- Collaborate using PDF tools
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Tommy
Tommy Stephens
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 thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 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 A
General Session
Brian Tankersley
General Session 4: K2’s Ripped from the Headlines: Lessons from Interesting Tech Crimes
Explore real-world tech crime case studies to understand internal control failures, vulnerabilities, and how to protect against ransomware, phishing, and social engineering.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify major tech security incidents from the past year
- Define key security terms
- Apply best practices learned from real-world failures
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
- Top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada.
- Accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication.
- 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Speakers
experience
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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.
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