April 23-24, 2015 Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta Event Code: 13005 | LS13005 The Georgia Society of CPAs Decision Makers Conference
April 23-24, 2015
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Event Code: 13005 | LS13005
The Georgia Society of CPAs
Decision MakersConference
April 23-24, 2015 | Cobb Galleria Centre, AtlantaEvent Code: 13005 (both days) | LS1300513006 (Thursday only); 13007 (Friday only)16 hours of CPE credit with a possible 8 hours of A&A
Decision MakersConference
Exhibitor
As a CPA in a leadership and management position, you are tasked each day
with making critical decisions that will affect your company. The ever-changing
landscape of the CPA profession adds challenges to an already busy schedule.
The Decision Makers Conference provides two days of the latest in industry
trends and changes that you need to know. Join us in April to learn how the
Affordable Care Act will affect you, gather insights from the C-Suite, learn to
navigate the current economy, update your ethics knowledge, and advance your
leadership skills.
Who Should Attend: CPAs in management and leadership positions, CFOs,
CEOs, and other financial professionals.
Live stream allows you to attend the conference from your home, office or
anywhere you can access the Internet. You view the sessions in real time as part
of the audience and have interaction with other attendees via chat areas. Live
streamed sessions are indicated with the following symbol:
For more information or to register, visit olc.gscpa.org or call 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO COBB GALLERIA?
LIVE STREAM ATTENDANCEEvent Code: LS13005 (both days);LS13006 (Thursday only); LS13007 (Friday only)CPE Credit: 16 hours of CPE credit | including 2.5 hours of A&A
Cetrom Information Technology, Inc
Thursday, April 237 – 8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 – 8:05 a.m. Welcome and Announcements
8:05 - 9:20 a.m. A – Insights from the C-Suite
Robert Tarola, CPA, CGMA, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.
The totality of issues facing CFOs and CEOs in today’s economic environment is
staggering. Finance professionals in business and public accounting need to understand
these issues so they can help their clients and colleagues make more informed business
decisions. Address these issues and more, including the big picture, managing the
board, the value-drivers, business vs. corporate, financial services, risk management and
economic analysis.
9:20 - 9:35 a.m.Networking Break
9:35 - 10:25 a.m. B - Economic and Market Outlook
Daniel Morgan, Synovus Trust Company, Atlanta, Ga.
Is the U.S. economy finally gaining steam? Will the stock market continue to hit new highs,
or is it headed for a Bear Market? When will interest rates start moving higher and how
will higher rates impact economic growth? The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep the
“Fed Funds” rate near zero to aid the struggling housing market has weakened the dollar
and places the economy at risk once rates begin to rise. Many investors are wondering
what strategies they should undertake to maximize their portfolio’s return. Find out how
to navigate through these uncertain times through discussion of various tactics investors
could apply.
10:35 - 11:50 a.m. C - Ethics in Accounting
Robert Tarola, CPA, CGMA, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.
Explore the history of, and typical factors around, ethical lapses in accounting. CPAs and
other finance professionals who want to discover ethical issues that could impair business
accountability will benefit from this session.
11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Lunch
12:55 - 2:10 p.m. D1 - Federal Tax Update
Arthur Auerbach, CPA, CGMA, Atlanta, Ga.
Review the latest in tax trends, including the status of any legislation pending in Congress;
tax reform proposals as submitted by the Congressional leadership in both the House
and the Senate; dealing with the budget-starved Internal Revenue Service; an update
on the legislation to overturn the Loving decision on tax preparer regulation; and any
miscellaneous pronouncements from the IRS.
D2 - Revenue Recognition: The New Perspective (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
To appease the belief that the world needs a “one size fits all” definition of how and
when to recognize revenue (and enhance the disclosures related thereto), the FASB
has finalized ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts, which impacts most any entity
that has revenue. We will discuss the five steps involved in recognizing revenue under
this new pronouncement, as well as potential changes in implementation dates/
methods for this all-encompassing new rule.
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. Networking Break
2:25 - 3:15 p.m. E1 - Do CFOs Need Social Media? You Better Believe It!
Erinn Keserica, Cherry Bekaert LLP, Atlanta, Ga.
CFOs and finance professionals that embrace social media provide their companies
better insight, perspective and analysis, as well as how the company is viewed
by investors, employees and customers. Learn tips and tricks on the most used
platforms by top CFOs, as well as how these professionals leverage social media to
grow business, find social ROI, maintain competitive advantage, build personal and
professional awareness, and leverage talent and networks.
E2 - Applying the New Code of Ethics in Industry (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
The AICPA has recently issued a revised Code of Ethics, which “bi-furcated” the Code
into a general (preamble) section, public practice section and industry section. Focus
on the newly constructed general (preamble) and industry sections. Specifically,
examine the areas where CPAs in industry are having the most significant ethical issues
and understanding what the rules are in those areas.
3:25 - 4:40 p.m. F1 - Risky Business
Chad Graves, Graves Technology Group, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
As network systems flourish, cybercrime thrives. All systems are inherently vulnerable
to risk, but how an organization mitigates the risk, separates the weak from the strong.
Learn how to effectively protect your business from the newest cyber threats.
F2 - New Asset Misappropriation Scams: How they Work, How You Can Protect Against Them, and How You Can Detect Them (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
Technology and ingenuity have created new ways to steal your assets, misstate your
financial statements or both. Discuss the newest scams affecting CPAs, how you can
detect and prevent them, and implement into the risk assessment portion of your
internal control structure.
Friday, April 247 – 8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 – 8:05 a.m. Welcome and Announcements
8:05 - 9:45 a.m. G - Advanced Leadership Skills - Emotional Intelligence, Team Culture
and Difficult EmployeesJim Lindell, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc., Dousman, Wis.
Increase your leadership effectiveness and managerial skills to better achieve your
business and personal goals. Explore leveraging emotional intelligence to increase
productivity, creating and empowering a team culture and dealing with difficult
employees.
9:45 - 10 a.m. Break
10 - 10:50 a.m. H - The Health Care Reform Train - Don’t be Left Standing at the Station
Todd Tigges, CPA, UHY LLP, Farmington Hills, Mich.
How will the Affordable Care Act impact you? Are you ready? Are you sure? This
interactive discussion aimed at business owners and professionals in leadership positions
will address important aspects of the Health Care Reform Law including recent updates
and tax law changes, employer-shared responsibility and reporting requirements, the
marketplace exchange, and planning opportunities.
11 - 11:50 a.m. I - The Home Depot: A CFO Highlight
Carol Tomé, The Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga.
Carol Tomé has served as The Home Depot’s chief financial officer since May 2001 and
was named executive vice president of corporate services in January 2007. She leads the
company’s strategy of disciplined capital allocation - the company’s shift from growth
through aggressive new store construction to a focus on growing revenues through
existing locations and interconnected retail, increased productivity and efficiency. Over
the last five years, her efforts have helped to create tremendous shareholder value
and deliver increased dividends as well. She will offer an overview of the efforts and
strategies she has used to lead The Home Depot forward.
11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. LunchOutstanding Member in Industry Award
12:55 - 2:10 p.m. J1 - Reinventing the Office: Lean Processes
Jim Lindell, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc., Dousman, Wis.
Financial managers are continually asked to do more with less. Without a practical
working knowledge of lean techniques, it is virtually impossible to get the most out of
your accounting operation. Discuss lean concepts and techniques and how to apply
these tools in the office environment, as well as the ability to recognize and eliminate
wasteful operations within the accounting department.
J2 - Accounting Update, 2015 (A&A)
Christopher Rouse, CPA, Windham Brannon, PC, Atlanta, Ga.
A focus on what you need to know about recent and proposed pronouncements from
FASB that have broad applicability. Not just the beans, but what they mean to your
business and the users of your financial statements, and how you can most efficiently
and effectively deal with them.
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. Break
2:25 - 3:15 p.m. K1 - Working Together with SharePoint: Tools for Collaboration
Charlton Calhoun, CPA, Georgia School Boards Association, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Discover SharePoint 2013, Microsoft’s extensible web application framework and
platform. With features including content management, task tracking, project
collaboration, and with built-in social capability, SharePoint is an environment where
users can come together to enhance business processes and improve information-
sharing. Many users are barely scratching the surface of this comprehensive tool’s
capabilities. Learn the most important end-user features and functionality to get the
most out of SharePoint.
K2 - Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) (A&A) Christopher Rouse, CPA, Windham Brannon, PC, Atlanta, Ga.
Although VIEs have been with us a long time now, there are still significant
misunderstandings as to when an entity is a VIE, and even if it is a VIE whether it has to
be consolidated or not. And, there is an important change in when a private company
has to consider whether an entity is a VIE or not. Hear from an experienced practitioner
simplify this complex topic.
3:25 - 4:40 p.m. L1 - Excel Tips and Tricks
Charlton Calhoun, CPA, Georgia School Boards Association, Lawrenceville, Ga.
When dealing with data, Excel is the go-to application for many accountants. Put
the latest version to the test by exploring new and powerful features and seeing how
Excel’s graphical tools can enhance your visual analysis of data. Learn what tables and
PivotTables offer for your analytical reviews, and discover how they work together for
analysis. And of course, Excel tips, tricks, and helpful hints will be sprinkled throughout
this session.
L2 - Recent SEC and PCAOB Developments (A&A)Robert Dow, CPA, JD, CMA, Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP, Atlanta, Ga.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (PCAOB) continue to expand their regulatory oversight over
accountants. The SEC wants to reinvent financial disclosures to make them more
effective. The PCAOB wants to reinvent the standard audit report. They both want to
punish accountants who fail in their professional obligation to protect investors. We will
discuss the latest developments.
If you have a specific dietary or other need, please contact the CPE Department at least one
week prior to the conference at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
If you have special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please attach a
written description or call 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.
ITEMS TO NOTE
Renaissance Waverly Hotel | 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30339
770-953-4500 | Website: www.renaissancewaverly.com
FacilityCobb Galleria Centre | Two Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30339
770-955-8000 | Directions: http://tinyurl.com/cobbgalleria
Hotel
PhotographyBy attending this event, you are demonstrating your permission to allow your photo
to be taken and published in GSCPA marketing, promotional and web materials.
Please mention GSCPA when making your reservation.
*GSCPA does not have a room block established at any hotel
Task Force MembersJan H. Rowell, CPA, The Home Depot, Inc., Vinings, Ga., Chair
R. D. Cooper, III, CPA, MTX, Georgia Transmission Corporation, Tucker, Ga., Vice Chair
Lea Ann K. Hebb, CPA, FMLI, Assurant Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
CALL GSCPA CPE Department at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3 to place
a credit card order
FAX a completed registration form with credit card information to GSCPA at 404-237-1291
INTERNET registration available at www.gscpa.org
MAIL your completed registration with credit card information or check made payable to
The Georgia Society of CPAs to:
The Georgia Society of CPAs
Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
REGISTER TODAY!
REGISTRATION
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations/Transfers made up to three weeks before the seminar or conference will not incur an administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made during the Standard Fee time frame are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made within three business days are subject to a $100 administration fee for members; $150 for nonmembers. Cancellations/No shows on the date of the event forfeit the entire registration fee. No refunds or transfers of course fee will be made after the date of the event.
Event Code: 13005, 13006, 13007
Turn Form Over for Breakout Session Selections & Payment Information
Name MI Last Member #
Company/Firm Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone Fax Email
Registration Confirmation: Mail OR Email
Check here if registration includes a change of address:
PRICING INFORMATIONCourse Number Member
Early FeeMember StandardMember Late Fee
Nonmember Early Fee
Nonmember StandardNonmember Late Fee
13005 - Both Days $359 by 4/2$419 from 4/3-4/18$459 after 4/18
$459 by 4/2$519 from 4/3-4/18$559 after 4/18
13006 - Thursday Only $249 by 4/2$309 from 4/3-4/18$349 after 4/18
$349 by 4/2$409 from 4/3-4/18$449 after 4/18
13007 - Friday Only $249 by 4/3$309 from 4/4-4/19$349 after 4/19
$349 by 4/3$409 from 4/4-4/19$449 after 4/19
LS13005 - Both Days $359 by 4/2$419 from 4/3-4/18$459 after 4/18
$459 by 4/2$519 from 4/3-4/18$559 after 4/18
LS13006 - Thursday $249 by 4/2$309 from 4/3-4/18$349 after 4/18
$349 by 4/2$409 from 4/3-4/18$449 after 4/18
LS13007 - Friday $249 by 4/3$309 from 4/4-4/19$349 after 4/19
$349 by 4/3$409 from 4/4-4/19$449 after 4/19
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Card Number Expiration Date
Name as it appears on card
Signature
Use Money on Account
Check for $___________ made payable to The Georgia Society of CPAs
Amount to charge credit card $___________ Personal Card OR Company Card
Discover MasterCard AmEx Visa
BREAKOUT SESSIONSTHURSDAY, APRIL 23
12:55 - 2:05 p.m.
D1 - Federal Tax Update
D2 - Revenue Recognition: The New Perspective (A&A)
2:25 - 3:15 p.m.
E1 - Do CFOs Need Social Media? You Better Believe It!
E2 - Applying the New Code of Ethics in Industry (A&A)
3:25 - 4:40 p.m.
F1 - Risky Business
F2 - New Asset Misappropriation Scams (A&A)
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
12:55 - 2:10 p.m.
J1 - Reinventing the Office: Lean Processes
J2 - Accounting Update, 2015 (A&A)
2:25 - 3:15 p.m.
K1 - Working Together with SharePoint: Tools for Collaboration
K2 - Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) (A&A)
3:25 - 4:40 p.m.
L1 - Excel Tips and Tricks
L2 - Recent SEC and PCAOB Developments (A&A)
Choose one session per time slot
In-Person Attendance OR LiveStream Attendance
MATERIALS Download eMaterials No printed materials provided at the conference
Printed Materials Will receive printed materials at the conference
Choose how you wish to receive conference materials
Live Stream Attendees will receive eMaterials
Dec
isio
n M
aker
sC
onfe
ren
ceS
ix C
on
cou
rse
Par
kway
Su
ite
80
0A
tlan
ta,
GA
30
32
8
Th
e G
eorg
ia S
ocie
tyof
CPA
sP
re-S
ort
ed
Sta
nd
ard
U.S
. P
ost
age
PA
IDA
tlan
ta,
Ge
org
iaP
erm
it N
o.
64
95