WCNCET24: Current & Emerging Technologies Conference (Virtual)

This conference will prepare you to build and foster a culture of innovation within your organization. Our one-day conference provides attendees with sessions involving immersion into organization-level initiatives driving cultural shifts mixed with others diving deeper into specific applications of technological and/or innovative efforts currently in use today!
 

Highlights: *Navigating the Technology Landscape *Integration & Connectivity *Strategies of Success Pilot Programs *Technology Investment and Risk Management
Who Should Attend: CPAs and other accounting and finance professionals wanting to better understand the benefits of how technology and innovation can support business.
Event Level: Update
Required Knowledge: None
Advanced Preperation: None
Field of Study: Various
CPE: 8.00

Objectives
  • Participants will be able to identify and discuss emerging trends and innovation and how they impact business and the workplace.
Event Information
Date Presented:
December 10, 2024 8:00 AM Eastern
Length:
8 hours, 30 minutes
Accounting Educator Price:
$0.00
Member Price:
$300.00
Non-Member:
$400.00
Click on a topic name to see details and purchase options.
Tuesday December 10, 2024
GS1: AI and our Ethical Responsibility

As generative AI technologies have become more readily available, organizations are uniquely positioned to harness their immense potential to broaden their impact on communities. As organizations begin to integrate generative AI into their work, it will be important for them to be thoughtful about the ethical implications of the tools and the impacts that they may have on their communities.

In this session, our subject matter expert explores the complexities of ethical data use in the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence tools and the guardrails we should consider when engaging with AI to ensure we do so in an ethical, responsible, and safe way.

 

Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Ryan Harrington  [ view bio ]
GS2: Building a Strategic Plan for Technology

In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology leaders must make strategic decisions to prioritize projects that align with their firm’s vision and goals. This session will guide participants through the process of developing a comprehensive technology strategic plan. Attendees will learn how to evaluate current systems, assess team capabilities, and prioritize projects based on data-driven methodologies. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the tools to create a strategic roadmap that ensures their technology initiatives support overall business objectives.

 

Learning Objectives:
1.    Evaluate Current Systems and Infrastructure: Understand how to assess your firm’s existing technology landscape to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
2.    Prioritize Technology Projects: Learn to use data-driven methods to rank and prioritize projects based on their alignment with business goals, impact on employee and client experience, and resource requirements.
3.    Develop a Strategic Roadmap: Gain the skills to create a detailed action plan that outlines project timelines, assigns responsibilities, and tracks progress to ensure successful implementation.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology leaders must make strategic decisions to prioritize projects that align with their firm’s vision and goals. This session will guide participants through the process of developing a comprehensive technology strategic plan. Attendees will learn how to evaluate current systems, assess team capabilities, and prioritize projects based on data-driven methodologies. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the tools to create a strategic roadmap that ensures their technology initiatives support overall business objectives.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Amanda Wilkie  [ view bio ]
1A: Process Automation Evolution: From RPA to Intelligent Workflows

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This session will take you on a journey through the evolution of process automation, from its roots in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to the more sophisticated realm of Intelligent Automation. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of:

 

• The origins of RPA: What it is and how it began as a solution for automating repetitive, rule-based tasks.

• Where automation stands today: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to create Intelligent Workflows that not only execute tasks but also learn and adapt over time.

• The future of automation: AI Agents and how they will further transform business processes, making them even more efficient and autonomous.

• Identifying opportunities for automation: Practical strategies for recognizing processes ripe for automation within finance, as well as broader business functions.

• Best practices for implementing automation: Proven methods for deploying, scaling, and optimizing automation to ensure maximum ROI and sustainable growth.

 

By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with actionable insights and practical tools to begin or expand your automation journey, aligning your business for future success.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.30

Speaker Information
Randy Lowman  [ view bio ]
1B: Big Data Analytics

In the Big Data Analytics session, participants will discover how data is changing the way we live and work in today's tech-focused world. This session will cover the basics of big data, explaining how large amounts of information are created, collected, and studied to help businesses make better decisions. Participants will get a chance to try out simple tools and techniques to find useful information hidden in big sets of data. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how data can predict trends, create visual reports, and use machine learning to solve real-world problems and encourage new ideas.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.30

Speaker Information
Sharon Jones  [ view bio ]
GS3: Artificial Intelligence 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached a critical inflection point, already disrupting and forever changing virtually all service-based industries. This session will explore areas of impact, and how AI can be leveraged to greatly enhance efficiencies, accuracy and insights. Things are getting interesting!

 

 Major topics covered: 
• So many acronyms – AI, AGI, ML, NLP, LLM, and more – what do they all mean?
• Recent developments, making this the “year of AI!” 
• Practical applications of AI across various accounting functions, including process automation, data verification, fraud detection, financial analysis and more. 
• Practical, legal and ethical considerations.
• Future impact of AI on the profession.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 2.00

Speaker Information
David Cieslak   [ view bio ]
2A: Actionable AI in Professional Services

Struggling to bridge the gap between your AI ambitions and real-world results? 
-Follow along to gain insight and a practical blueprint for AI success. 
-We'll guide you through how you can craft a winning AI strategy tailored to your firm. 
-Walk through the implementation steps used to unlock AI potential at your organization. 
-Leverage AI to automate tasks, gain deeper client insights, and propel your business to the forefront of the industry. 
-Hear our lessons learned to turn your AI strategy into reality.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Zackery Reichenbach-Carr  [ view bio ]
2B: Radicalize Your Tax Game With Cutting Edge Technology

Get ready to radicalize your tax game because tech is transforming the field like never before! Keeping up with the latest technological advancements isn't just important—it's crucial. It's the key to supercharging your efficiency, propelling your growth and delivering top-notch service to your clients. Are you ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge tools and systems? Wondering how they're reshaping the very fabric of tax? Then buckle up and join us for an exciting session where you'll discover how leading tax firms harness technology to streamline workflows, boost accuracy and ignite unprecedented growth. Don't be left in the dust—embrace the future of tax today!

 

By the end of this session, you'll:
•    Understand the power of technology in modern tax practices
•    Discover how to use state-of-the-art tools designed to turbocharge your tax services
•    Gain invaluable insights and practical tips for navigating the tech-driven revolution
•    Learn proven strategies used by successful tax firms to fuel their growth and stay ahead of the curve

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Jody Padar  [ view bio ]
3A: Uncovering Office 365's Best Kept Secrets: Tools You're Paying For but Might Not Be Using

Are you maximizing the full potential of the Microsoft Office 365 tools you already own? This session will explore six underutilized Office 365 tools that can help streamline workflows, enhance communication, and improve overall efficiency. Join us as Rafe Martin, Chief Risk Officer at ComTech, demonstrates how to leverage tools like:

• OneNote – Organize tasks and client notes efficiently.

• Teams – Enhance team collaboration and communication.

• OneDrive – Manage and securely share files across devices.

• Bookings – Simplify client scheduling with ease.

• Forms – Gather feedback and run surveys.

• Stream – Record and share internal training sessions.

 

Rafe will also share bonus tips on how to unlock the full potential of Outlook, showcasing little-known features and settings to boost your productivity and streamline your email management. Learn practical tips on integrating these powerful tools into your daily operations to increase productivity and improve efficiency.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Ethan Farlow  [ view bio ]
Rafe Martin  [ view bio ]
3B: Audit Innovation

Session Objectives include:
*  Selecting Technology & Change Management
*  Supervising Technology
*  Auditing Standards Board (ASB) Technology Survey
*  ASB Risk Assessment Practice Aid & Examples
*  Technology Tools for Use in the Audit
Session will conclude with Q&A as time allows.

 

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

Speaker Information
Sara Watson   [ view bio ]
Individual topic purchase: Selected
North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
Various: 8.00