Guide to Data Security, Compliance, & Outsourcing for Accounting Firms

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Time: 02:00 PM ET / 01:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Christopher Stark, President and CEO, Cetrom
Moderator:
Objective(s):
- Cyber Landscape Update: Why are CPA Firms Being Targeted?
- How to Manage Data Security & Compliance
- Tips for Securing your Hybrid Workforce
- Benefits of an Outsourced IT Solution
- Questions you should be asking your IT provider
Field of Study: Information Technology
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
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Course Description

Over the past year, we have seen an alarming increase in more sophisticated cyber threats targeting accounting firms of all sizes. Threat actors are using sophisticated forms of social engineering and AI, wire fraud transfers, and more to exploit CPA Firms through cyber extortion. Additionally, industry regulations have been enforced for tax preparers with additional data safeguard rules and penalties. What does it all mean? During this webinar, we will provide an update on how and why accounting firms are being targeted, a simplified breakdown of the specific IT regulations enforced by FTC, and deliver guidance on the IT solutions available to help build a stronger security plan to help maintain your hybrid workforce compliance for both your local and cloud networks.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Christopher Stark, President and CEO, Cetrom

Christopher Stark is the President and CEO of Cetrom, an industry-leading provider of customizable and secure cloud hosting solutions for CPA Firms. With over 30 years of experience in all facets of the IT industry and holding some of the industry’s most prestigious technical certifications, Chris has a proven record of success cultivating and improving the technology experience for CPA Firms. 

Since founding the company in 2001, Stark has cemented Cetrom’s status as a leading provider of secure and custom cloud solutions for CPA Firms. One of Stark’s passions is to continuously find more ways to build upon the company’s strong customer service foundation, which is why providing the best and most secure service to customers will always be Cetrom’s number one goal. 

A Washington, D.C. native, Stark still resides in the metropolitan area today with his wife and four children.

Cost
$25.00 for CPAFMA Members / $40.00 for Non-Members / Free for PAFMs

Delivery System

  • All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
  • Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
  • Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
  • All registrants will receive a link to the MAPCast’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
  • There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line with the names and email addresses of each individual guest. Log-in details will be emailed to all registrants approximately 1-2 days prior to each session.

Refund Policy

CPAFMA will not issue refunds for MAPCasts. If a registrant is unable to participate in the MAPCast and sends written notice to info@cpafma.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future MAPCast. Alert the CPAFMA staff member monitoring the MAPCast if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future MAPCasts.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to show active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the MAPCast recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits.

For more information regarding CPAFMA MAPCasts or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the CPAFMA Headquarters at 937-222-0030, or info@cpafma.org.

What is an CPAFMA MAPCast?
An CPAFMA MAPCast is a live, interactive 30 or 60-minute conference presented over the Internet. You can attend from any location that has Internet access from any device. You pay just one registration fee for as many participants as you wish at each location.

Note that high-speed Internet access is not mandatory.

Who presents at an CPAFMA MAPCast?
Your MAPCast will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. MAPCasts typically include a Q&A session; you can ask questions by audio or chat options.

CPE Credits
CPAFMA 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 submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

MAPCasts with an HR focus have been approved for recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org. 

MAPCasts qualify for Public Accounting Firm Manager (PAFM) continuing education credit through the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the PAFM section of this website.

Why CPAFMA MAPCasts?

Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a 30 or 60-minute session designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

Convenient.
No airlines. No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your own device or conference room.

Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.

Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.

Affordable.
CPAFMA MAPCasts are a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars. PAFMs attend for free. PCPS members are able to register at the CPAFMA member rate.

CPAFMA has partnered with the AICPA PCPS to offer PCPS members the same member rate for MAPCasts. PCPS members should indicate their membership when registering.