Accountants Technology September 21-23, 2008 Conference ... · Securing Data Securing data is has always been a critical concern for accountants. With many of our documents in digital

T o p 1 0 R e a s o n s T o a T T e n d :

September 21-23, 2008Harrah’s Las VegasLas Vegas, NV

Accountants Technology Conference

Best Rates expiRe July 11, 2008!

• In-depth pre-conference workshops to find answers to your questions in an intimate setting

• Four unique tracks to customize your learning needs • Cutting-edge technology to increase your

productivity and increase your profits • Learn innovative strategies that are most useful

to your business practice • see, touch and learn about new technologies by

visiting with vendors • over 10 different opportunities to network with

colleagues and industry experts • earn up to 22 Cpe credits • Free software• “Meet the editors” of accounting technology and accounting today • Great destination - Vegas!

www.sourcemediaconferences.com/ATC08

800.803.3424 • 212.803.6093

e a R n u p t o 2 2 C p e C R e d i t s !

don’t miss out on the only event with a complete professional trainer roster.

SponSorShip opporTuniTieS STill AvAilAble: Please contact Natalie Sharp at 212-803-6064 or [email protected]

accounting / Avenir 65 Medium


















www.sourcemediaconferences.com/ATC08 | 800.803.3424 • 212.803.6093

September 21-23, 2008

Harrah’s Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV



Dear Colleague

As the Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Technology, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the Third Annual Accountants Technology Conference in Las Vegas.

We are excited to once again offer a high-quality, affordable event that provides wide-ranging and in-depth coverage of technology that can have a significant impact on the businesses of tax and accounting professionals.

We have a great line-up of speakers addressing such topics as:

• CollaborationToolsforImprovingProductivity

• ToolsforEncryptingandSecuringData

• Virtualization–Whatisit?WhataretheBenefits?

• BestPracticesforManagingDocuments

• GettingtheMostoutofOffice2007

This two-and-a-half-day conference will offer ample time for networking with your peers. There will be many occasions for interacting with the companies that provide services and products for your business at the opening reception and throughout the day in our exhibit hall.

You will also have an opportunity to bring your ideas and questions to me and my colleague, Bill Carlino, Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today at our “Meet the Editors” session.

Finally, up to 22 CPE hours, including 4 hours Audit & Accounting credits, are available, and you can win copies of leading software packages from our sponsors.

A great city, an exceptional educational offering, a chance tomeetnewpeopleandlearnnewideas–whatmorecan youaskfor?

See you in Vegas.

Bob Scott Editor-in Chief ACCounting tEChnology

Featured Speakers

Speakers

The K2 Enterprises Team...The only event with a complete professional trainer roster!

L. Gary Boomer, CPA CEO Boomer Consulting, Inc.

David M. Cieslak, CPA Principal Arxis Technology, Inc.,

Robert (Bob) H. Spencer PhD K2 Enterprises

William C. (Will) Fleenor CPA.CITP, Ph.D., Member K2 Enterprises

Randy Johnston M.C.S., M.C.P. K2 Enterprises

Val D. Steed CPA.CITP Chief Executive Officer K2 Enterprises

Thomas (Tommy) G. Stephens, Jr. CPA.CITP, MA K2 Enterprises

www.sourcemediaconferences.com/ATC08 | 800.803.3424 • 212.803.6093 www.sourcemediaconferences.com/ATC08 | 800.803.3424 • 212.803.6093


Optional Pre-Conference Workshops12:30pm – 4:00pm Workshop#1–PublicPractice

Using CAATTs to Improve Audit Quality and SAS and SOX Compliance Tools

Whether you are in public accounting, government, or industry, you are constantly challenged to do more with less in the areas of auditing, detecting fraud, and corporate governance and compliance. This session will provide you with an overview of computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs) and the tools available to help you more efficiently assess organizational risk and comply with relevant laws, regulations, and professional requirements. This session qualifies for 4 hours of Audit and Accounting CPE credit.

Tommy Stephens, K2 ENTERPRISES

12:30pm – 4:00pm Workshop#2–Industry

Going Paperless – Document Management and Imaging

This session will begin with the issues business face when trying to convert to a paperless office and how to properly deal with these issues. The session then moves on to suggest what options are best for you to eliminate paper, what documents to maintain electronically, and how to retire expired documents. The instructor will guide you through the file organization and retention process from simple, inexpensive systems costing a few hundred dollars to comprehensive options complete with workflow. Example topics include how to integrate digitized hardcopy files with documents that already exist in your system, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook e-mail files and how to manage long-term electronic file systems.

Bob Spencer, K2 ENTERPRISES

4:00pm – 4:15pm Break

Regular Conference Begins4:15pm – 5:45pm

Hot Technologies for Accountants

2008 has been an amazing year of change with respect to technology tools available to accountants. Come hear Randy Johnston, a nationally recognized industry expert, give you his take on what is really hot. This session will cover leading edge technologies that really work today, as well as amazing new technologies for accountants that are just coming into their own. Attend this session to see what is hot now and into 2009 and beyond. See what your business needs in order to not be left behind!

Randy Johnston, K2 ENTERPRISES

5:45pm – 6:45pm

Opening Cocktail Reception

“ leaving with many new and usable ideas to improve our

use of technology. We already have or will (have an idea)

as where to invest our technology dollars.”

—Mark sanderson, Marion, ia

C O n F E R E n C E A G E n D A

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008 8:00am – 8:30am Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30am – 9:20amTools to Accommodate a new Generation of Accountants

A new generation of accountants means a new generation of tools being used to complete day-in and day-out tasks and activities in ways that were previously unthinkable. Social networking sites, collaboration tools, on-line applications, and USB-based applications are just some of many ways this new breed of information worker is getting the job done today. Whether you are using any of these new tools or managing others on your team who do,nowisthetimetolearnaboutthepotentialgainsinproductivity–alongwiththepotentialrisks–associatedwiththisnewgenerationoftechnology.Failure to embrace these new technology tools can be a limiting factor in attracting and retaining quality staff.


9:20am – 10:00am Highly Respected Industry Expert to be Announced

10:00am – 10:30am Refreshment Break & Visiting of Vendors

10:30amConcurrent Sessions Begin

“ it gave me the excitement i needed to go try new gadgets

and software. also the pros and cons of which items i

wanted to buy without a hard sell.”

—lynn sturgis, nampa, id




Las Vegas, NV



Concurrent Sessions 12:30pm – 1:40pm (please choose one)Public Practice Track new Technology Track Productivity Applications Track Industry Track

Best Practices for Managing Documents in a CPA FirmWhat is really working well in paperlesstechnologiesforCPAfirms?What policies are firms adopting withrespecttodocumentretention?How long do you need to keep tax returns and working papers and why?Shouldyourpaperlesssoftwarecome from your tax vendor or will otherproductsworkwell?Whatarethe best practices for selecting and implementing a paperless system in a CPAfirm?DotaxdocumentscanningsolutionslikeSurePrepreallywork?Learn how the most successful firms have implemented a paperless environment and what they learned in the process.


Virtualization - How does it Work and What are the Benefits?Virtualization is end user technology that allows you to run Windows XP applications on Vista machines. It also allows you to run applications that normally conflict with each other on the same machine with no conflicts. Virtualization is not dual boot. Rather it is a much better approach that allows you to quickly jump back and forth between different operating systems and different applications that previously conflicted. If you want to run Windows XP-based applications on a Vista machine, reduce the number of servers in your organization, or establish a training and testing environment without fear of corrupting your existing computers or network, virtualization should be at the forefront of your plans.


Tools for Encrypting and Securing DataSecuring data is has always been a critical concern for accountants. With many of our documents in digital form and much of our communication being done with email and other Internet avenues, securing data has become a much more formidable task. Fortunately there are lots of good tools available to secure your digital data. Topics covered include securing email and email attachments, laptop security issues, and securing document on local networks to prevent access from unauthorized employees. This session provides practical, easy to employ solutions for dealing with document security on a daily basis.

Will Fleenor, K2 ENTERPRISES

Financial Reporting Tools for Today’s ManagerSavvy financial managers are looking beyond traditional two-dimensional reports to gather the information needed to more effectively manage the financial and operational aspects of their businesses. Dashboards, PivotTables, OLAP cubes, SharePoint-based reports, real-time alerts, and web-based analytics are all increasing in popularity as effective tools for improved reporting, and for good reason–theyallprovidetimelyaccess to relevant and actionable information. Investing a little time in this session and learning about these improved reporting tools will pay big dividends in the form of improved financial and operating reporting processes.


1:40pm – 1:50pm Break for Participants to Change Rooms

Concurrent Sessions 10:30am – 11:30am (please choose one)Public Practice Track new Technology Track Productivity Applications Track Industry Track

Tax Technology – new Tools for a new WorldSome experts’ claim that all firms will all be using hosted tax preparation solutions soon. Others disagree. What about research, data entry, prep, review, management in this digitalworld?Technologyisnowdramatically changing how CPA firms are approaching all key areas of tax preparation. From data entry to delivery, there are new solutions and ideas to make your firm more productive and profitable. This session will show all the latest and greatest tax technologies on the market.

Val Steed, K2 ENTERPRISES

Using Workflow Tools to Increase ProductivityTechnology enabled workflow helps formalize business procedures while eliminating unnecessary and redundant steps. In the past workflow was a business process that documented the steps needed to complete a task. Now we have technology to manage workflow. This technology not only automates many of the management of tasks (ex. sending emails automatically when things are not finished on time) but helps clearly define and document processes and as well as everyone’s role in those processes. With a properly implemented workflow system managers can know where they stand on all their projects all the time. Everyone can know what everyone else has done so far without even a phone call or an email. Everyone works less and everything gets done faster.


Excel 2007 - Best Features for Accountants Excel 2007 dramatically changes the way users create and work with spreadsheets. New features such as the Ribbon interface, improved graphics capabilities, new mathematical functions, greatly increased worksheet dimensions, and XML-based data files offer significant opportunities for increased productivity–butonlyforthosewho are prepared to take advantage of these opportunities. This course is designed to prepare users for the most significant upgrade to Microsoft’s standard-setting Excel spreadsheet application in over a decade.


Data Connectivity – Getting all Your Data to Work TogetherAccountants work with data that resides in multiple different software packages. One of the more frustrating aspects of working with these packages is moving the data reliably and quickly from one package to another (for example, moving data from you accounting software to Excel). With tools like ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) you can build links between the source of your data (ex. your accounting system) and your other tools like Excel. This session will include: An in-depth discussion (with a live demonstration) of using ODBC and the clear advantages of this approach, an example of using ODBC to build a PivotTable, a discussion of other alternatives like F9, and more insights in to getting your applications to share data.


11:30am – 12:30pm Lunch




Effective Use of Portals in Public PracticeCPA firm staff and partners spend lots of time providing clients with copies of tax returns and other documents. They also spend lots of time gathering information from clients. Portals can automate many of these tasks, improve the availability of the data, and save you lots of time. While answering a client’s request for copies of prior tax returns may seem to be simple enough, it is actually a time consuming task that can be completely eliminated with a good portal. Worst of all it is generally non-chargeable work. In this session we will examine the options available for quickly and easily setting up your firm’s portal. We will also cover the many benefits (both to your firm and to the client) of using portals.


Getting the Most Out of Office 2007 Microsoft Office 2007 dramatically changes how users will perform everyday functions such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, sending and receiving e-mail messages, creating slide shows, and working with databases. New features such as the Ribbon interface, improved graphics capabilities, and XML-based data files offer significant opportunities for increased productivity. This session shows you how to get the most out of the Office 2007 applications by introducing you to “best of breed” features in commonly used tools such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.


Technology Tools for Working RemotelyAreyouaroadwarrior?Canyougetby on the road with just a hand-held or do you need the full keyboard andpowerofalaptopcomputer?Do you need technology to keep you connected and productive at alltimes?Well,forbetterorworse,in today’s technology world you can do just that. This session will examine all the latest in laptops, tablets, high-speed data connection technologies, wireless routers and technologies such as 802.11n and WiMax, remote access technologies, hand held devices, strategies for data management, and security.


The Controller’s ToolboxThis session will give an overview of tools for day to day and less frequent tasks. Topics covered include: digital dashboards and balanced scorecarding tools, performance management tools, business valuation tools, operational analysis and risk management tools, and more. Understand your options when faced with measurement and control issues, and learn more about how to find the right tools to solve your problems.


3:00pm – 3:30pm Refreshment Break to Visit Vendors - Opportunity to “Meet the Editors”

3:30pm – 4:30pm Highly Respected Industry Expert to be Announced4:30pm – 5:30pmSecurity – Risks, Responsibilities and SolutionsIn the past, keeping company and client information secure was primarily an ethical consideration. Today it is much more a legal issue. With the advent of Sarbanes-Oxley, state security breach notification laws, HIPAA, and other legislation, the penalties for failure to act with due diligence can result in stiff criminal penalties. This session is designed to provide participants an

understanding of: (1) the security risks they face in managing confidential information, (2) their responsibilities with respect to making sure this information is kept secure and confidential, and (3) practical solutions for fulfilling their responsibilities.

David Cieslak, Principal, ARXIS TECHNOLOGY, INC.

5:30pm – 7:00pmCocktail Reception with another Opportunity to “Meet the Editors”Entertainment provided by Gipsy Records

C O n F E R E n C E A G E n D A ( c o n t i n u e d )

7:30am – 8:00am Continental Breakfast8:00am – 8:50amPerformance3™: Planning x People x ProcessOver 20 years of experience with the best accounting firms in the industry gives L. Gary Boomer a special insight into what it takes to make a good team, set proper goals and have the foresight to put systems in place to make firms grow. Learn from his experiences, and understand where your business istodayand–moreimportantly-whereitcangowiththeproperfocus.

Gary Boomer, BOOMER CONSULTING

8:50am – 9:30am Highly Respected Industry Expert to be Announced9:30am – 10:00am Refreshment Break & Visiting of Vendors

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

General Session Resumes




Las Vegas, NV



Concurrent Sessions 12:30pm – 2:00pm (please choose one)

Public Practice Track new Technology Track Productivity Applications Track Industry Track

Guide to Outsourcing for CPA FirmsThis session shows you how this emerging business strategy can improve your firm’s workflow systems, reduce turnaround time and improve client service while providing a more balanced lifestyle for partners and staff. We help you calculate the potential economic impact while also examining a sample outsourcing policy and procedures. If you’re feeling lost in the rumors, let us help you and your firm discover the facts. Only then will you feel equipped to make a confident decision about this important strategy.

Gary Boomer, BOOMER CONSULTING

Software as a Service (SaaS) There is a major change underway in how businesses acquire and utilize technology. Some believe it will turn out to be as important as the advent of personal computers. This change is the movement away from running applications in-house on a company’s computers to using hosted services. Lower costs, improved reliability, very significantly improved functionality, ease of access, and improved security are some of these benefits. Attend this session to find out how SaaS can make you more efficient, more effective, and more profitable.


Reclaim Your Life Using Microsoft OutlookAs technology advances and provides more and more information most people are overwhelmed. This session shows Microsoft Outlook and management techniques that, when combined, will enable you to use technology to fight back against information overload. Learn how to control information, find information, and make your entire world portable.


CRM – The Road to Improved Profitability Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications are certainly not new, but only now are companies beginning to realize the impact of properly-implemented CRM solutions on the bottom line. In today’s economy and increasingly competitive marketplaces, CRM solutions mean increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, more sales “wins”, and ultimately improved profitability. This session addresses the potential gains and issues associated with implementing a CRM solution, how and why you should integrate CRM with your ERP/accounting applications, and which CRM solution might be appropriate for your firm or organization.


2:00pm – 2:15pm Break for Participants to Change Rooms

Concurrent Sessions 10:00am – 11:30am (please choose one)Public Practice Track new Technology Track Productivity Applications Track Industry Track

Best Practices for Automating CPA FirmsTechnology tools which were previously only available to the largest enterprises are now being implemented in CPA firms of all sizes. Stay on top of the rapidly changing world of CPA firm technology by learning best practices for preparing tax returns, managing workflow, utilizing hosted applications, supporting teams of remote workers, and outsourcing. You will also receive resources for selecting hardware and discuss practice management issues and how technology can help your firm work more effectively and efficiently.


Using Technology to Manage Risks Risk assessment and risk management have been elevated to unprecedented levels of importance in the minds of accountants in public practice and industry. From the risk assessment standards to SAS 112 to specific provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley, the rules have changed dramatically. In this session, you will discover tools available today to help you more efficiently assess and manage organizational risk, either for your own company or for your clients.


Collaboration Tools to Improve ProductivityIn today’s de-centralized, on-demand economy, being able to work in real-time with team members and clients in remote locations is more critical than ever. Fortunately, a new breed of technology tools such as SharePoint, Egnyte, Groove, WebEx, and Google Docs make it easier than ever to achieve the results you demand with unprecedented ease. Learn what it takes to share information and work collaboratively –regardlessofdistanceandlocation–byattendingthissessiondesigned to help you break through the productivity barriers you face today.


Accounting Software Vendor Panel – Low to MidThis session will provide an overview of the key accounting and business management applications available in the low to mid accounting space. Solutions providers will discuss their products in moderated segments and answer questions at the end of each segment. Products such as CYMA, Open Systems, QuickBooks Enterprise, will be included.

Moderator:


Panelists:

To be announced

11:30am – 12:30pm Lunch

“ it provided new information on technology topics i probably wouldn’t have otherwise known.” —Rick patrick, seymour, in

“ a lot of information – most practical and useful” —dana Weber, scottsbluff, ne

What are our past attendees saying?




Managing Partner Panel - Technology Issues Facing CPA Firms In an open and informal setting, interact with your peers to learn how others are addressing the major technological issues facing CPA firms. Discuss key issues such as document management and document scanning technologies, information security, portals, software as a service, and managing a firm’s investment in information technology. For those in management and ownership positions at CPA firms, this may be the most important session you attend at this year’s conference.


Using a Mac in a PC WorldCan Apple’s Mac really work and beproductiveinaPCenvironment?Our team has taken the challenge and will show in this session how an Apple MacBook Pro can keep up with Windows, run Windows (including Vista), and yes, be productive. Learn how to use Mac’s Leopard OS features such as Finder, Safari 3, Quick Look, Time Machine, and Spaces. This session includes Windows virtualization via Parallels & VMware as well as practical real life issues, potential hazards, tips, tricks, and fun stuff. After all it is a Mac!


PDFs - Essential Tips, Features and ToolsAccountants are spending as much time working with PDF files today as they do spreadsheets. This seminar will introduce you to features, tools and tips for working with PDF files. We will demonstrate how to create custom dynamic stamps (tick marks), how to add a register tape to a PDF, how to quickly and automatically generate simple office forms, how to electronically sign a PDF, and how to make a PDF secure from common tampering. Bring your questions as well as your own tricks to share to one of the most fun and informative sessions at the conference.


Accounting Software Vendor Panel - High EndThe mid-market of accounting software has enough features to run very large businesses, and yet is simple enough that they can be used in relatively small operations. Listen and participate in a panel discussion with presenters from many major software companies moderated by a leading accounting software expert. Find out what’s new and what you should be expecting from you accounting information system vendor.

Moderator:

Bob Scott, Editor-in-Chief, ACCounting tEChnology

Panelists:

To be announced

3:30pm Conference Ends

Harrah’s Las Vegas 3475 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, nV 89109 Phone: 800-214-9110

Stay at our luxurious hotel at the heart of the Strip and discover the most exciting resort in Las Vegas. We have over 2,500 beautiful rooms and suites, 86,664 square feet of casino space, seven outstanding restaurants, a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa, state-of-the-art health club, full-service beauty salon, a unique variety of retail options and, of course, entertainment.

Save the Date!

December 3-5, 2008Bally’s Las Vegas, NV

www.sourcemediaconferences.com

Tax Update: Using Technology for Profitable Results

“Good coverage of current technology.” —Kelly Williams, placitas, nM

“ ...received valuable information providing me with numerous ideas and resources, to explore new tools to utilize in my practice.” —James strunk, Bay Village, oH

C O n F E R E n C E A G E n D A ( c o n t i n u e d )



Las Vegas, NV


SourceMedia Customer Code: DLOne State Street Plaza 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004

Sponsorship and Exhibit OpportunitiesTo find out how to customize a sponsorship/exhibit package which is most appropriate for your institution please contact Natalie Sharp at 212-803-6064 or [email protected]

Hotel AccommodationsSourceMedia has secured a block of rooms at a special discounted rate. Be sure to mention that you are a SourceMedia event participant. Rooms will be on available a first come first serve basis. Please make your reservations by August 15, 2008. Rooms will be available on a first come first serve basis.

Harrah’s Las Vegas 3475 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas NV 89109

Phone: 888-458-8471 Room Rates: $165 single/double Web: www.harrahs.com Attire: Business Casual

PaymentsPlease make checks payable to SourceMedia and include the name(s) of the attendee(s) on the face of the check. We accept American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard. Registration fees include all meals, refreshment breaks, receptions and access to download electronic copies of all presentations.

In order to receive early bird discounts, special rates or promotions, full payment must be made prior to the offer expiration date. Any registration not paid in full at the time of offer expiration date will be subject to the current rate. Full Payment must be received 14 days prior to the even or your registration will automatically be cancelled. Registrations with declined or invalid credit cards will not be processed.

Substitutions and CancellationsSubstitutions may be sent at any time. No refunds or letters of credit are available later than the event’s Cut Off Date (14 Days prior to start date). All cancellations must be made in writing, submitted within 90 days prior to the Cut Off Date of the event and will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the registration fee or a Letter of Credit which will cause forfeiture of the entire registration fee but allow one admittance to a future SourceMedia event to be used in the same year. No refunds will be issued on any Exhibit Hall Only passes.

Early Bird 1 Early Bird 2 Standard

Expires Expires 07/11/08 08/15/08

Standard Pricing $495 $545 $595

3 QUICK WAYS TO REGISTERWEB www.sourcemediaconferences.com/ATC08

CALL 800-803-3424

MAIL visit our website to download a printable registration form

Registration Rates

SourceMedia Inc. 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 addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417 or by visiting the web site: www.nasba.org

Course Level: Overview Anticipated CPE Credits: 22

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact our Offices at 800-803-3424.

Instructional Delivery Method: Group-live demonstration using color projection: Not hands-on

Prerequisites: None Conference Level: All Advance Preparation: None