Event Details
The impact of current and emerging technologies on accounting, finance, and other business professionals has never been greater than it is today. It’s critical that professionals stay on top of this ever-changing landscape. NCACPA partners with the powerhouse experts from K2 for this annual conference. With up to 16 hours of continuing education, take a look at what this program has to offer.
DAY 1: TechFest Winter Conference
Tuesday, December 17
8:00 am-4:00 pm
8 total CPE Credit Hours
General Session | 8:00-9:40 am
Brian Tankersley
General Session 1: K2’s Tech Update
Keeping pace with technology has never been more crucial, and K2’s Tech Update is your key to staying informed and ahead. This comprehensive session is tailored for accounting professionals seeking to understand the landscape of technological advancements. You will gain insights into the latest developments and how they impact the accounting sector. Our expert-led program will delve into the newest Software and Hardware innovations, the evolving role of AI and machine learning in accounting, and the burgeoning impact of technologies like quantum computing and blockchain. This course guides you through the advantages and challenges of these technologies and helps you craft a technology strategy that aligns with your business goals.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Concurrent Sessions | 9:55-11:35 am
Steve Yoss
Concurrent Session 1A: K2’s Office Scripts – The New Macros
Office Scripts is a new feature that allows you to automate tasks in Excel and other Office applications. Unlike VBA, a legacy language that runs only on Windows, Office Scripts can run on any platform and device that supports Office on the web. Further, Office Scripts has a modern and intuitive interface that lets you easily create, edit, and share your scripts. Office Scripts are stored in the Cloud, and they work with Office Online apps and integrate with Power Automate for process automation. Save time and improve productivity using Office Scripts in Excel and other Office applications.
Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 1B: K2’s Getting Started With Artificial Intelligence
Much has been written and said about Artificial Intelligence (AI). But for many professionals, AI remains an enigma because they do not know how to get started using tools such as Bard, ChatGPT, and Copilot. If that describes your situation, relax because help is here!
Participate in K2’s Getting Started With Artificial Intelligence to learn to use today’s AI tools. This session will teach you how to access and use multiple popular AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity. If you are starting with AI, this is one session you cannot miss!
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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 1C: K2’s The ABCs Of Automation With Microsoft’s Power Platform
Automation and standardization are two of the keys to productivity, but most people who are not programmers are unsure where to start. Microsoft’s Power Platform is a comprehensive platform for creating automated workflows, integrations, and data-driven reports. Components include Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Power Virtual Agents. Attend this session to learn about this platform and how everyone can use its low-code, no-code environment to solve process challenges.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Concurrent Sessions | 12:25-2:05 pm
Steve Yoss
Concurrent Session 2A: K2’s What Now, What’s Next: Emerging Technologies
The Internet, Cloud-based applications, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, generative artificial intelligence, and software as a service were all revolutionary in their time. Still, many more technologies are in the pipeline and will change how we work, play, and experience life. This session will begin with an update on some of the technologies highlighted in our first session on this topic in 2018 and will continue with a discussion of the innovations to come in 2024 and beyond. Attend this session and learn about innovative technologies shaping our world today and those that will change it in the future.
Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 2B: K2’s Accessing Your Company’s Data With Power Query And Power BI
Power Query and Power BI are genuinely incredible tools to revolutionize your workflow. They offer the promise of “write once, refresh many” reporting, where your reports can instantly update by clicking a button. While incredible tools, these features require additional training and experience to master. This course series will review the different methods of connecting to your data and have multiple hands-on activities to help you master these incredible tools. After completing this session, you will know how to turn your organization’s data into repeatable, refreshable PivotTables, Power BI dashboards, and more!
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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 2C: K2’s CPA Firm Technology And Management Update
In the ever-evolving landscape of public practice accounting, K2’s CPA Firm Technology and Management Update stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. This year’s session delves into the latest advancements in technology and management strategies. We will also explore cutting-edge developments in data analytics, cybersecurity, practice management, and client service excellence in a highly competitive market. We will examine technologies like AI-enhanced auditing, blockchain in finance, and the latest in Cloud computing and automation. This session provides a comprehensive overview of significant trends, helping you make informed decisions for your firm’s current and future technological and managerial needs.
Field of Study: Business Management and Organization
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
General Session | 2:20-4:00 pm
Tommy Stephens
General Session 2: K2’s Excel Best Practices And Features
Microsoft Office Excel is one of the most widely used applications by accounting and financial professionals. Yet, many remain unaware of new and improved features in Excel and, therefore, fail to reach the level of productivity and accuracy they desire. Further, with new features appearing in Excel provided through Microsoft 365 subscriptions and the forthcoming release of Excel 2024, it is more important now than ever to get up-to-speed on the world’s most popular spreadsheet!
Make plans now to elevate your Excel skills by participating in this session. You will learn about the newer features available to improve efficiency and accuracy in it. You will also learn about the importance of numerous legacy features in Excel and how you can – and should – continue to use these tools to improve productivity.
Field of Study: Computer Software & 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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
DAY 2: TECHFEST WINTER CONFERENCE
Wednesday, December 18
8:00 AM-4:10 PM
8 total CPE Credit Hours
GENERAL SESSION | 8:00-9:40 AM
Tommy Stephens
General Session 3: K2’s Time To Advance Automation
In today’s business environment, automation is no longer just a buzzword but a critical component for enhancing efficiency and accuracy. This session provides practical insights on automating your organization using advanced tools from Zoho, Zapier, Microsoft, and others. We will focus on real-world applications, demonstrating how to automate key accounts payable, banking, and approval workflows. You will also learn to recognize and avoid common pitfalls in automation projects. This course is essential for accounting and financial professionals seeking to leverage automation to achieve greater efficiency, reduce errors, and foster a more productive work environment.
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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Concurrent Sessions | 9:55-11:35 AM
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 3A: K2’s Optimizing Your Tech Stack
In the ever-evolving landscape of business technology, it is about having the right tools and optimizing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. K2’s Optimizing Your Tech Stack for Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness is designed for professionals seeking to balance functionality with financial prudence. This session delves into strategies for streamlining your technology stack without sacrificing performance. We will guide you through assessing your current tech tools, identifying redundancies, and exploring less expensive yet effective alternatives. You will learn techniques to evaluate the total cost of ownership of tech tools and make informed decisions to avoid overspending. This course is necessary for professionals seeking the most value from their technology investments.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Steve Yoss
Concurrent Session 3B: K2’s Advanced Collaboration Solutions
In an era where seamless collaboration and efficiency are paramount, K2’s Advanced Collaboration Solutions provides an in-depth look into integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance client interactions and workflow. This course explores the latest advancements in client portals, incorporating PBC (Provided by Client) and 1040 workpaper products, integrating payment options, and eSignature capabilities. Understand how these tools meet compliance standards and significantly improve the user experience and operational efficiency. We will guide you through selecting the right mix of technologies to address your business challenges, ensuring your firm has the best tools for success in today’s digital landscape.
Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 3C: K2’s Small Business Accounting Solutions
The landscape of small business accounting constantly changes, and K2’s Small Business Accounting is your essential guide to navigating these changes. This course focuses on the most effective accounting solutions and supplementary tools for today’s small businesses. We explore robust, user-friendly software options, from industry staples like QuickBooks Online and Xero to emerging Cloud-based platforms and add-ons. The course helps you understand how these tools can streamline financial management for businesses with annual revenues up to $15 million. You will gain insights into the latest advancements, integration capabilities, and how to maximize efficiency and accuracy in small businesses.
Field of Study: Computer Software & 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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Concurrent Sessions | 12:25-1:15 PM
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 4A: K2’s Consumer Electronics Show 2024 Review
The Consumer Electronics Show 2024 (CES) is the premier event for witnessing the convergence of technology and consumer needs. This year’s show provides unparalleled exploration of the latest innovations in the tech world. Attendees will experience the newest trends in smart home technology, wearable devices, augmented and virtual reality, and sustainable tech solutions. Our expert-led session provides accounting-centric insights into how these technologies reshape consumer behavior and the global marketplace. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, an industry professional, or just keen on staying ahead of the technological curve, CES 2024 offers valuable insights you should not miss.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Steve Yoss
Concurrent Session 4B: K2’s AI Confidential? Privacy And AI
Generative Artificial Intelligence captured everyone’s imagination when it launched in 2022, but it also creates opportunities for data leakage and inappropriate use of confidential data based on the terms of service. Unfortunately, everyone has clicked “I agree” on a Terms of Service (TOS) or End User License Agreement (EULA) document which they neither read nor understood. This session will review the standard terms embedded in these documents with thousands of words and incomprehensible terminology. Attend this breakout and learn what you wish you knew about analyzing and evaluating license agreements and privacy policies.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 4C: K2’s Better Reporting With QuickBooks Online
Presently, over seven million businesses use QuickBooks Online. However, these businesses often struggle to get the reports they need. In some cases, they are limited because of their chosen subscription. However, necessary reports are available in other cases, yet users do not know how to access them. Join us in this session to learn about better reporting options in QuickBooks Online.
In this session, you will learn how to create and customize your reports in QuickBooks Online. You will learn about Standard, Custom, and Management reports. You will also learn about the new Spreadsheet Sync tool that allows you to create customized reports, including multi-company reports in Excel. If you use QuickBooks Online and want to improve reporting, this session is for you!
Field of Study: Accounting
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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Concurrent Sessions | 1:25-2:15 PM
Steve Yoss
Concurrent Session 5A: K2’s Harnessing ChatGPT
Enhance your productivity and streamline your accounting practices with ideas learned in this course. This dynamic program, designed specifically for accountants seeking a competitive edge, delves into the practical applications of ChatGPT in your daily workflow. From conducting comprehensive research and crafting compelling correspondence to swiftly addressing technical inquiries and optimizing Excel formulas, you will gain invaluable skills to expedite your tasks and improve overall efficiency. Furthermore, we will delve into the power of ChatGPT plugins, equipping you with the knowledge to process PDF documents seamlessly and efficiently navigate the vast expanse of the web. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock your potential as a proficient and empowered accountant.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
Brian Tankersley
Concurrent Session 5B: K2’s Effective Automation And Outsourcing
While outsourcing and automation have been used in multinational corporations, the decline in accounting program enrollment at many universities has made finding qualified entry-level staff more challenging and forced a new conversation about these tools in small and mid-sized businesses. This session will discuss the business environment for outsourcing and review the ethical, regulatory, and practical considerations associated with revealing data and relying on the work of others in your organization.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Brian
Brian Tankersley
Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA is a top rated speaker with thousands of educational presentations for accountants and other financial professionals across the US and Canada. He is an accomplished author, with hundreds of published product reviews and experience as the technology editor of a major accounting industry publication. Brian has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader.
Tommy Stephens
Concurrent Session 5C: K2’s Saving Time With Electronic Forms
Web portals, “low-code/no-code” data collection, and survey tools have changed how we collect data. Modern solutions like Microsoft 365 Forms, Zoho Survey, SurveyMonkey, Microsoft PowerApps, and legacy tools like Adobe Acrobat Forms allow users to create web forms and integrate the resulting data into business process workflows. This session introduces the range of available tools, demonstrates standard features, and shows how tools permit users to expose or conceal questions based on answers given earlier in the survey. Attend this session to learn how to use tools you already own to collect data from your team, customers, and vendors efficiently.
Field of Study: Computer Software & 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;
- 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 Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
General Session | 2:30-4:10 PM
Steve Yoss
General Session 4: K2’s Ripped From The Headlines: Lessons From Interesting Tech Crimes
Remote and hybrid work during the Pandemic created new opportunities for cybercriminals and other fraudsters to exploit, and accounting professionals are among the most targeted individuals. This session is a series of case studies that examine actual criminal filings and news accounts and use them to highlight the actions you can take to limit your exposure to similar schemes. Attend this session and learn more about how high-profile control failures occurred so you can be more effective at preventing crimes such as theft, malware, ransomware, phishing, and hacking.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Learn more about Steve
Steve Yoss
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a seasoned partner at Devmatics, LLC, where his expertise in technology-driven solutions transforms businesses. At Devmatics, he leads the development of custom software, mobile applications, and automation processes that cater to the unique needs of various organizations. With a knack for leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, Stephen empowers companies to reengineer their business practices for optimal performance.
Beginning his tech journey at age ten and launching his first IT venture at thirteen, Stephen’s lifelong dedication to technology is evident. He’s a respected authority in the field, sharing his knowledge on topics from cloud computing to data analysis with professionals worldwide.
Beyond his role in technology and accounting, Stephen is also a certified pyrotechnician involved in major firework events across the country. He resides in Big Bear Lake, California, where he balances his professional pursuits with his creative passions.
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