Note: All sessions display, regardless of any personal session registrations. If you pre-registered for sessions, you can view your session selections on the MNCPA website via the My Schedule & Products page (requires separate login).
NASBA FOS: Personal Development - Non-Technical (1)
Brilliance is not born of epiphany or a knock to the head a la Doc Brown in “Back to the Future.” The process of coming up with a quality idea is characterized by discipline and sticking to a handful of core principles. Beyond the idea itself, to arrive at an optimal outcome, it’s critical to solve the right problem. Discover how to ensure you’re addressing the fundamental problem, learn to use ideation techniques appropriate to the challenge and find out how to avoid groupthink. Explore new ways to break through creative limitations and generate alternative solutions.
NASBA FOS: Accounting - Technical (1.5)
You can use the past to predict the future. The key is data analytics. Find out how to develop better business processes, support managerial planning and make stronger, more insightful business decisions using data analytics. Review the AICPA’s five-step approach to audit data analytics, which offers insight for both auditors and auditees. Plus, look at popular data analysis software tools.
NASBA FOS: Personnel/Human Resources - Non-Technical (1.5)
What’s working -- and not working -- when it comes to attracting and keeping top talent today? Find out in this session. Take a comprehensive look at the state of the hiring market, with a focus on the finance and accounting sectors. Gain an overview of the ever-evolving employee hiring and retention landscape and examine key trends and developments shaping the industry. Get actionable tips to boost the success of your employee recruitment efforts and more effectively onboard new hires. Explore ideas to help you retain your employees and create a strong culture of engagement within your organization. This session is sponsored by Versique Search & Consulting.
NASBA FOS: Finance - Technical (1.5)
How are Minnesota’s financial leaders navigating challenges related to the economy, staffing, accounting regulations and technological shifts? Hear from your peers and gain real-world insights from a panel of local CFOs who will shed light on what’s working – and what’s not – within their organizations. Leadership coach and consultant Jon Lokhorst will facilitate this in-person exclusive discussion.
NASBA FOS: Accounting - Technical (1.5)
Many organizations unknowingly face profitability and compliance risks related to ESG and sustainability. In the media, climate-related reporting appears to only impact public companies, but that’s not the case. There are downstream effects and stakeholder pressures on private entities to evaluate risks, report on climate data and respond to ESG questions. Gain an overview of the business impact of climate-related risks and ESG reporting requirements. Learn why it matters for organizations of all sizes and how to help your company be proactive and ready for these important conversations.
NASBA FOS: Regulatory Ethics - Technical (1.5)
AI tools are paving the way for creative new opportunities and new ways to work more efficiently. But for all the upsides, there are important potential downsides and ethical implications to navigate. Walk through the foundations of generative AI and look at the risks and benefits of this emergent technology. Examine the ethical implications and practical applications of AI so you can make informed decisions and contribute to the responsible development of AI. Come away with ideas to identify opportunities and determine policy around AI.
NASBA FOS: Communications and Marketing - Non-Technical (1.5)
Leaders must be able to convey ideas in ways that drive effective decision-making, teamwork and action, both inside the business and with clients or customers. Dig into the communication tools and techniques that will help you connect with your audience quickly, convey your message effectively and drive lasting results. Get tips to communicate more persuasively in a range of modes and settings. From one-on-ones to large groups, from video to email to face-to-face, strengthen your communication skills and gain a solid understanding of why and how to shift between communication approaches. This session is exclusively for in-person attendees on day 1 of MBAC.
NASBA FOS: Accounting - Technical (1.5)
If you were to ask people their opinion about stealing, most would say it’s wrong. And yet, fraud, theft and other forms of financial crime are rampant, costing organizations millions per year. In this interactive session, Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, author, educator, forensic accountant and filmmaker, explores how ethical lapses can create fraud situations for any employee. Get a glimpse into personal lessons learned from Dr. Pope’s intimate conversations with white-collar offenders, whistleblowers and victims of fraud. Learn how to better analyze ethical dilemmas and apply the fraud triangle to high-risk transactions. Look at ways to improve your fraud detection and prevention strategies so you can keep fraud out of your organization.
NASBA FOS: Specialized Knowledge - Technical (1)
When selling a business, transactions are processes rather than events. Look at the main steps in the M&A process, with 30 years of mid-market M&A experience lighting the way. Examine the current state of the financial market, including interest rates, M&A trends, private equity, local news and more. Discuss how business owners should vet various transition options, including management buyouts, ESOPs, external sales and other strategies. Learn about best practices for assembling the right team, understand what role the adviser plays in the transition process and get tips to avoid common pitfalls.
NASBA FOS: Behavioral Ethics - Non-Technical (1)
In a world where ethical dilemmas are increasingly complex and pervasive, the ability to make sound ethical decisions is a crucial skill for individuals, organizations and societies alike. Take an up-close look at ethical decision-making and gain tools and frameworks to navigate the intricate terrain of moral choices. Examine the diverse perspectives that inform ethical decision-making and common ethical dilemmas in both personal and professional realms. See how to cultivate more self-awareness of the influences that can cloud your judgment and gain strategies to foster a culture of ethics within your organization. Leave with a stronger foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate ethical challenges with clarity, integrity and compassion.
NASBA FOS: Computer Software & Applications - Non-Technical (2.5)
Bring your laptop and get hands-on with Excel tips specifically for accounting professionals. Reinforce your existing skills and look at smart approaches to data analysis, reporting and managerial decision-making. Explore techniques you can immediately apply to your work, from powerful formulas and cost-volume-profit models to PivotTables, shortcuts and best practices. Unearth the hidden gems that will allow you to work more efficiently and better analyze your data with Excel. This is a double session exclusively for in-person attendees on day one of MBAC24.
NASBA FOS: Information Technology - Technical (1.5)
Wondering what it would take to automate your accounts payable (AP) system? Gain valuable insights from someone who’s already been there and done that. Lance Radziej, controller at Bongards Creameries, shares how he partnered across the organization to get buy-in on AP automation. Discover how the project economics came together and what selection criteria were used to choose the best supplier. Hillary Anderson, AP solution expert at Medius Software Inc., discusses industry trends around AI and explains why 2024 might be the best year to dive fully into AP automation. Look at a solution demonstration so you can visualize how AP automation would benefit your entire organization, including buyers, the AP team, approvers and executives. See how to think strategically about AP automation for your organization and decide if it’s worth pursuing in 2024. This session is sponsored by Medius Software Inc.
NASBA FOS: Personnel/Human Resources - Non-Technical (1.5)
Today’s work environment demands leaders and individual contributors to be more adept at communicating from a distance than ever before. It’s truly a challenge to stay connected and keep relationships strong in a hybrid environment. Examine the specific skills that assist in effectively managing within virtual and hybrid environments -- skills that may come naturally in face-to-face situations (i.e., motivation, participation, engagement) but are harder to accomplish remotely. Look at the challenges of working in this environment long term and gain tactical tips to increase engagement and improve performance when managing remotely.
Unwind and connect with your peers after the last session of the day. Drinks and apps are on us!
Minnesota Society of CPAs
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Bloomington, MN 55431
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