Data-Driven Decision Making for CPA Firms: How ERP Systems Can Help You Stay Ahead

Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Dirk Shimpach, CEO, PracticeERP
Moderator:
Objective(s):
1. Identify the importance of real-time data in decision-making and its impact on firm performance.
2. Explore how ERP systems can provide immediate insights and improve access to crucial financial information.
3. Recognize KPIs that are vital for measuring success and how to track them efficiently.
4. Discover practical strategies for overcoming challenges in utilizing real-time data to drive effective decision-making.
Field of Study: Accounting
Program Level: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Description

In today's fast-paced financial landscape, the ability to make informed decisions swiftly can set CPA firms apart from the competition. Join us for an insightful webinar that explores the transformative power of real-time data in decision-making processes and how ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems can be your strategic ally.

This engaging session will delve into the significance of real-time data for CPA firms, highlighting how timely insights can enhance accuracy, drive efficiency, and foster proactive decision-making. You will learn how ERP systems centralize and streamline data, providing instant access to critical information. Our expert speakers will guide you through the essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that every CPA firm should measure, including realization rates, leverage ratios, and client profitability.

Discover how to leverage ERP systems to monitor these KPIs effectively, turning insights into strategic actions that align with your firm's goals.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Dirk Shimpach, CEO, PracticeERP

A former Controller, Financial Analyst and CPA, Dirk spent over a decade in business management roles. This allows him to quickly understand opportunities for improvement across all business departments from sales and marketing to finance and operations. He has over 20 years in CRM, ERP and Accounting software.

Cost
$35.00 for CPAFMA Members / $80.00 for Non-Members / Free for PAFMs

Online Registration

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 webinar’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.

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.

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

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 webinar 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 webinars or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the CPAFMA Headquarters at 937-222-0030, or info@cpafma.org.

What is an CPAFMA webinar?
An CPAFMA webinar 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 webinar?
Your webinar will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. Webinars 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.

Webinars 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 webinars?

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 webinars 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 webinar. PCPS members should indicate their membership when registering.