Calling Those Interested in CPA Firm Technology: 2015 Technology Fly-In Details Released
Great information was shared at the Technology Fly-In in Chicago. While my role has changed, I always learn so much at this event. All of the speakers are exceptional; it is so evident that each loves what he/she does. The exchange of information is invaluable. – Amy Enzweiler, ScrogginsGrear, Cincinnati, OH
This year's Technology Fly-In will be held November 10-11, 2015 in Chicago. Click here for a copy of the event flyer.
AGENDA
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
9:30 a.m.
Check-In and Networking
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Introductions and Top Issues You Want Addressed During Fly-In
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
CPA Trends: Strategic IT Response
By Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP, CGMA, Director of Consulting, Xcentric
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Security Update
By Eric McMillen, CEO and Chief Security Architect, The McMillen Group
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Security Q&A Open Discussion
Facilitated by Eric McMillen, CEO and Chief Security Architect, The McMillen Group
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CPA Digital Ecosystem
By Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP, CGMA, Director of Consulting, Xcentric
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Accounting Vendor Applications Open Discussion
Facilitated by Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP, CGMA, Director of Consulting, Xcentric
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Group Dinner
Local restaurant (optional event with equal share billing)
Meet in hotel lobby at 6:50 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast and Networking
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
IT Infrastructure Update and Data Center Questions
By Christian James, Co-Founder, Xcentric
9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
IT Hot Topics and Open Brain Share Networking
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fly-In Wrap Up
TOPICS
CPA Trends: Strategic IT Response
The accounting profession is going through a profound transition forcing firm owners to assess and respond to the trends impacting the future of their firms. This session will provide key issues keeping partners awake at night and discuss opportunities for IT personnel to be strategically involved in their resolution.
Your Security Response
This session will update attendees on the latest security issues and provide direction on solutions that accounting firms are implementing today. Whether its incident response, mobile device management, ransomware, or security applications and appliances, attendees will be provided with the guidance to make their firms more secure. A Security Q&A session has been added to allow participants the opportunity to address their firm’s specific security issues.
CPA Digital Ecosystem
Tax, audit and administrative production make up the core components of today’s CPA digital ecosystem. Learn the leading hardware, applications and production processes impacting each of these departments. This session will share best practices in firm automation including workflow, portals, scanning, and collaboration, as well as specific recommendations for equipment and production processes within each department.
IT Infrastructure Update/Data Center
Participants will find out the latest information on today’s options to build and manage their firm’s network infrastructure, disaster recovery options, and IT career paths. This session’s leader is responsible for the infrastructure keeping hundreds of CPA firms and thousands of accountants working smoothly every day.
Tech Take Aways
Listen to your peers share success stories from their firms. Several attendees will be sharing what works in their firms relative to software, hardware, tools, techniques, getting partner buy-in, getting users educated, etc.
IT Hot Topics and Open Brain Share Networking
We’ve reserved the majority of the morning session to get participant’s questions answered in an open share format.
SPEAKERS
Eric McMillen, CEO and Chief Security Architect, The McMillen Group, LLC
Eric McMillen is the CEO and Chief Security Architect with The McMillen Group, LLC headquartered in Plano, Texas. He has been consulting for the last ten years of his 15-year career. Eric’s expertise includes hacker attacks and defenses, the information security industry, and computer privacy issues. He has performed numerous penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, security audits and architecture reviews for clients in financial, accounting, healthcare, and other industries. Prior to forming The McMillen Group, he was a Manager in both the Network Security and Infrastructure practice and the National Information Systems Assurance practice for BDO Seidman, LLP, an international accounting and consulting practice; previously, he was the Chief Technology Officer for an international consulting firm, specializing in the Accounting and Professional Services sector. He is also a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), has published numerous articles, and is often an invited speaker at various industry conferences.
Christian James, Co-Founder, Xcentric
Christian James is the co-founder and COO of Xcentric. He is a seasoned veteran, having worked in the technology industry for the past 14 years and with CPAs for the past 13 years. Prior to starting Xcentric, Christian served as Director of Technology for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth and then became the lead technology engineer at CPA Systems in Atlanta, Georgia after selling his first business Covenant Systems. Christian spent 10 years in the Atlanta area before moving to Bozeman, Montana where he opened an Xcentric office. Christian has a business degree from Texas Wesleyan University and was recognized in The CPA Practice Advisor’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2011-2014.
Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP, CGMA, Director of Consulting, Xcentric
Roman Kepczyk offers over 25 years of CPA firm experience where he has thrived as a technology consultant and as a former partner at one of the largest firms in Arizona. His primary focus at Xcentric is helping firms utilize technology by implementing today’s digital best practices. He is an Advisory Board Member to the CPA Firm Management Association (formerly the Association for Accounting Administration), former Chairman of the AICPA Information Technology Executive Committee and a former member of the PCPS Executive Committee. Roman has been recognized in INSIDE Public Accounting’s “Most Recommended Consultants” to the profession from 2004-2014, CPA Practice Advisor’s “Top 25 Thought Leaders” from 2010-2015, and Accounting Today’s “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” for nine years. Roman is also a CPA.CITP, CGMA, and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
CPAFMA 2015 Technology Fly-In participants will be able to identify and use:
- New resources that will help you leverage your time more effectively
- New applications and knowledge to address today’s technology challenges at CPA firms
- Specific solutions and best practices in the area of IT
Course limited to first 40 registrants.
LOCATION
Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center
5440 North River Road
Chicago (Rosemont), IL 60018
Website: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza
Room Rate: $139/night for single or double occupancy plus tax
All reservations should be made directly with the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center to ensure availability and rate. Contact the hotel at (877) 337-5793 for reservations and mention CPA Firm Management Association for the group rate. The group’s room block will be released on October 21, 2015. All reservations received after this date will be reserved on a space available basis at the group rate. CPAFMA’s preferred room rate is $139 per room per night plus tax for single/double occupancy.
CPE INFORMATION
Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
Advance Preparation: None
Available CPE Credit: 11.5 hours
Field of Study – Specialized Knowledge and Applications
The CPA Firm Management Association (formerly the Association for Accounting Administration) is registered with the National Association of State Board 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 National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org.
FEES
Registration fee: $495 per person
Fees include all course materials, published meals and networking sessions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
“No-shows” will forfeit 100% of the registration fee. In addition, any hotel cancellation penalties will be the responsibility of the registrant. Cancellations received on or after November 1, 2015 will not receive a refund. Cancellations received prior to November 1, 2015 will receive a refund less a $150 cancellation fee. Registrations are transferrable. For more information regarding course administrative policies such as complaint or refund, contact CPAFMA at (937) 222-0030.
REGISTRATION
On-Line Option: You may submit your registration form through the CPAFMA website by visiting www.cpafma.org. Here you will find a complete registration form that will process your registration with a credit card payment via a secure server.
Mail Option: If you prefer to mail your registration with a check (or credit card information), complete the registration form here, print and mail to CPAFMA, 136 South Keowee Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
Fax/Telephone Option: You may fax or call your registration into the CPAFMA headquarters with your Visa, MasterCard or American Express information to (937) 222-0030 or fax (937) 222-5794.
FOR INFORMATION
CPA Firm Management Association
136 South Keowee Street | Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 222-0030 | Fax (937) 222-5794
info@cpafma.org | www.cpafma.org