Thomas G. Stephens Jr, CPA, CITP, CGMA
Managing Partner / K2 Enterprises , Hammond, LA

AI continues to grow by leaps and bounds. One AI platform leading the way for businesses is Microsoft’s Copilot. Copilot’s strong data privacy and security foundation, coupled with its deep integration with Microsoft Office apps and services creates a tremendous value proposition for businesses of all sizes. Participate in this session to learn the best ways of using Copilot to achieve the results you desire. From creating effective prompts, to using Copilot to analyze data, to relying on Copilot to help you manage your email burden and summarize meetings, you will learn the skills necessary to truly master Copilot and maximize your ROI on your AI investment.

Adam Lean
CFO Project , St. Augustine, FL

Attendees will learn how to incorporate CFO advisory services in their firms in such a way that allows the firm to be both scalable (increase revenue without a substantial increase in cost) and sellable (allowing the firm to generate a consistent stream of revenue that does not depend on the firm owner).

Jeremy Wortman
HRD Initiatives LLC , Savannah, GA

98% of managing/senior partners say that it is critical that their firm be open and successful in 10-15 years. When asked, “How important are your firm’s employees to that long-term success?” they say absolutely critical. However, when then asked, “What is your firm’s talent management strategy?” you hear crickets. Over 90% of firms say they have little to no formal talent management strategy. During this session we will explore a simple, yet comprehensive model to help firm leaders create their talent management strategy to achieve the firm of the future.

Michael K. Cheng, CPA
Partner / Frazier & Deeter LLC , Atlanta, GA

Hear the latest updates from the FASB and the PCC. Dive into key updates and discuss their impact on financial reporting under U.S. General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Take this opportunity to relay feedback to a PCC member on standards setting.

Joshua Jenson
Joshua Jenson, CPA, PC , Edmond, OK

Big changes are here for business taxes in 2025, and they’re bringing fresh opportunities! Better understand federal updates to deductions, credits, and compliance rules and how they may apply to you or your clients. This is a crucial time to revisit tax strategies and take advantage of the new tax landscape.

Justin Headley, CPA, CISSP, CISA, CR
Warren Averett, LLC , Birmingham, AL

In this session, CPAs will gain critical insights into safeguarding corporate assets in an evolving digital landscape. Explore underlying information security issues, including common vulnerabilities and threats targeting financial data. Discover emerging trends shaping cybersecurity, from AI-driven attacks to advanced defense mechanisms. Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming both risks and solutions, and understand cyber best practices tailored for CPAs to ensure compliance, protect sensitive data and fortify corporate resilience. Equip yourself with actionable strategies to navigate today's complex cybersecurity challenges.

James D. Martin, CPA, CGMA
Owner / Martin & Co, CPA, PC , Dunwoody, GA

Relationships with your clients or employers don’t work out for a variety of reasons. However, sometimes it can be a refreshing feeling to rid yourself of situations that bog down your firm and your life. This class looks at a multiple of reasons why you should consider saying “You’re Fired” to your clients or employers and sample correspondence to do the deed!

Alex Romero
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC , Charlotte, NC

This comprehensive course provides the critical updates governmental accountants and auditors need to stay informed. Begin with a review of recent GASB standards, including compensated absences, asset disclosures, risk and uncertainty disclosures and financial reporting model improvements. Participants will also gain insights into GASB's current projects, exposure drafts and agenda progress to ensure they are up to date on what's ahead. For auditors, this session will cover key changes to governmental auditing standards, including the 2024 Yellow Book updates, the transition from quality control to quality management, and implementation timelines, with early adoption options. Single audit updates will include the 2024 Uniform Guidance changes and the 2025 Compliance Supplement.

Veronica A. Caputo, CPA, MT
Grant Thornton LLP , Atlanta, GA

Clark Calhoun
Alston & Bird, LLP , Atlanta, GA

Join this lively discussion focusing on current trends, hot topics, and recent tax updates in Georgia. Topics include voluntary disclosure agreements, sourcing revenue for both sales tax and income tax purposes, Georgia credits, state transfer pricing considerations and pass through entity elective taxes.

Johnathan Willis
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta , Atlanta, GA

Jon Willis, Vice President and Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will provide an overview of current economic conditions for the U.S. economy and will discuss the key drivers of the economy that will influence the direction of the economy going forward.

Chris Menard, MCT
Chris Menard Training , Marietta, GA

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 with Copilot. This comprehensive course is designed to introduce you to the powerful capabilities of Copilot across Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive and Outlook. Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow, enhance productivity or leverage AI-driven insights, this course will equip you with the skills needed to make the most of Copilot's features.

Alex Romero
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC , Charlotte, NC

The AICPA is buzzing with activity in 2025, and this course will ensure you stay ahead of the curve. Explore the new quality management standards in effect this year and their impact on practice management. Dive into the latest ethics standards, recent SSARS updates, and changes to the peer review program driven by quality management requirements. Highlight the initiatives of the National Pipeline Advisory Group to address the talent pipeline challenge. Don't miss this comprehensive overview of what's happening at the AICPA!

Joshua Jenson
Joshua Jenson, CPA, PC , Edmond, OK

Get ready— there are exciting updates for individual taxpayers! From expiring tax laws to adjusted deductions to refreshed tax codes, these changes equate to tax strategies to help you and your client be prepared. Clients are looking for proactive tax planning and this is one of the most monumental shifts in the tax universe that creates these opportunities.

Jon D. Hightower, CCSFP, CHQP, CISA
Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs LLC , Raleigh, NC

Most cyber-risk assessments use color-coded charts to rate risks. If you are a decision maker, you are only getting half the story with these type of risk assessments. Do you really know the true cost of a breach to your company? Have you estimated this based on multiple breach scenarios? Using quantifiable risk models can answer these questions and turn ambiguous color-coded risk assessments into dollars and cents information that decision makers can take action upon. In this session, attendees will learn about the FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) Model that uses cyber, financial, production, HR, payroll information and statistical modeling to get a more accurate understanding of risk and the cost of a breach. To demonstrate, the instructor will go through a case study, showing what data was used, the risk scenarios created, how to set up the statistical attributes, and present the results. 

Jeremy Wortman
HRD Initiatives LLC , Savannah, GA

There are a lot of leadership models in existence, but which one is the one your firm should adopt? During this session, explore an evidence-based leadership framework that is proven to positively influence followership and drive business results.

Michael L. Brand, CPA, CGMA
Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, PC , Birmingham, AL

The effective date for the quality management standards is quickly approaching. As with any new standards, there will be numerous considerations as to how this will affect our practices. Since the standards apply to a CPA firm’s accounting and auditing practice, how will this affect your peer review?  This session will look at the standards from a practitioner and peer reviewer aspect. The AICPA peer review team is busy updating checklists and working on guidance. Learn what is available and what is to come.

Hale E. Sheppard, Esq.
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP , Atlanta, GA

The IRS is increasing scrutiny in many different areas, including conservation easements, employee retention credits, self-employment taxes for limited partners, foreign assets and activities, high-income taxpayers, abusive trusts, tax insurance and elsewhere. This presentation identifies and explains recent tax cases, administrative rulings and other key developments.

Chris Menard, MCT
Chris Menard Training , Marietta, GA

Unlock the full potential of Excel with this comprehensive data analysis session. Customize PivotTables for better insights, automate data preparation tasks with Power Query, learn advanced sorting, cleaning and other useful, complex functions. Designed for intermediate to advanced users, this session will equip you with the skills to transform raw data into insightful, actionable information.

Tracy Johnson, RN, CCM, CDCP
Premier Care Management of Georgia , Atlanta, GA

As the number of older adults choosing to age without a traditional family support system grows, the need for proactive, personalized care planning becomes increasingly urgent. Drawing from over three decades of clinical and care management experience, Tracy will outline the key components of a care plan designed to promote safety, autonomy and peace of mind. Gain insight into how care managers collaborate with financial professionals to assess risks, coordinate services and ensure continuity of care for clients without immediate family advocates. This session will empower financial experts with strategies to identify at-risk clients, initiate meaningful planning conversations and build interdisciplinary partnerships that support holistic well-being and financial security for solo agers.

Jonathan Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC
Your Best Leadership LLC , Princeton, MN

Rarely do leaders set out to commit fraud, destroy culture or engage in unethical practices. Unethical behavior usually evolves over time when leaders lack a strong personal foundation. Explore six research-based ethical perspectives to shape your foundation for ethical behavior. Discover the underlying principles, beliefs and values that influence your decision-making when ethical issues are present. Apply these principles to real business situations as you learn how being an ethical leader is more challenging (and important) than you think.

Patrick Maffett, CIMA, AIF, MBA
Synovus Financial , Atlanta, GA

Explore the forces shaping today’s economy and financial markets in this timely and engaging session. Break down key economic indicators, market trends and potential scenarios—boom, bust or bounce back—to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating uncertainty, walk away with insights to help clients and organizations navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

Brandi O. Steinberg, CPA, CFE
Forensic Accountant / IAG Forensics & Valuation , Atlanta, GA

In this "choose your own adventure" style presentation, the audience will guide the fraud investigation and solve a hypothetical fraud. Learn about various asset tracing and discovery techniques used to follow the flow of funds and determine the fraudster. No previous forensic accounting experience is needed to enjoy this session.

Arthur Auerbach, CPA, CGMA
Arthur Auerbach CPA , Atlanta, GA

Anson Asbury, J.D., LL.M.
Asbury Law Firm , Decatur, GA

Art & Anson will bring their popular podcast to the Southeaster Accounting Show. Art will discuss the latest trends in tax preparation and tax accounting. Anson will cover developing legal issues that may impact your next filing season or audits your clients might face.

Elizabeth M. Sigler
Stanton Law LLC , Atlanta, GA

An overview of major employment law developments over the last year, with an emphasis on new rules or enforcement trends affecting payroll and compensation.

Jonathan Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC
Your Best Leadership LLC , Princeton, MN

Which leaders in your organization are you most afraid of losing? What are you doing to ensure these key leaders stay with you for the future? A recent Gallup study found managers are more likely than non-managers to be disengaged at work, burned out, looking for a new job and feeling like their organization doesn’t care about their well-being. This program focuses on four crucial steps to keep your best leaders: Identify Them, Engage Them, Develop Them and Empower Them. Get a jump-start on creating an effective strategy for leader retention, using practical tools that will equip your organization to build a flourishing leadership pipeline from within.

Gary R. Nelson, CPA, CISA,CISSP,FIP
Principal / Schellman & Company, LLC , Tampa, FL

For CPAs, implementing AI-powered audit tools can offer significant rewards in efficiency, accuracy, and risk detection, if utilized properly. While the rewards are plentiful, the risks associated with AI and its tools can create issues in audit engagements when AI is used improperly.  This session will educate attendees on those rewards and risks, then identify some considerations for best practices in utilizing AI-powered tools.

Darcy Pyle
Assistant Director, Taxpayer Services / Georgia Department of Revenue , Atlanta, GA

Jarter Gao
Georgia Department of Revenue , Atlanta, GA

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest insights and updates from the Department of Revenue. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it's imperative for accounting professionals to remain informed and equipped to navigate the complexities of taxation effectively. Join us for an in-depth exploration of recent developments, updates, and initiatives directly from representatives of the Department of Revenue.

Calvin J. Wong, CPA, CISSP
Director of IT / The Georgia Society of CPAs , Alpharetta, GA

A technology update with GSCPA's Director of Technology. This session is a high-level technology review that includes a breakdown of the current trends in hardware, software and policies, while providing a look forward to upcoming innovations that may affect our businesses and daily lives. This year there will be an added focus on artificial intelligence.

James M. Harris III
James Harris & Company , Albany, GA

Kyle Schickner
Croft and Bender , Atlanta, GA

Succession planning is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of sustaining a family business. In this session, explore how private equity can play a role in succession strategy, while debunking five common myths that cause hesitation or confusion among business owners. Walk away with three practical steps to begin your planning process with confidence.

Jagruti R. Solanki, MBA, CPA, CGMA
BitPay, Inc. , Alpharetta, GA

Moving from theoretical possibilities to tangible applications, this session focuses on the blockchain-enabled utility of cryptocurrencies in 2025. Analyze how regulatory frameworks are evolving to support the integration of crypto into corporate treasury, everyday payments and other cases. Learn about the specific blockchain solutions and advancements that are making these applications a reality and the compliance considerations for leveraging these technologies. Globally, there's a noticeable push towards establishing clearer frameworks to address the unique characteristics of these technologies while balancing innovation with consumer protection, financial stability and the prevention of illicit activities.  Discover how advancements in blockchain infrastructure are pivotal in unlocking the full potential of cryptocurrencies for practical use.

Ritesh G. Patel, J.D., LL.M
Cohen Pollock Merlin Turner, P.C. , Atlanta, GA

This session will outline estate planning in 2025 and address proper reporting of common estate planning techniques. Review recent case law and developments that impact estate planning this year (and next year) and discuss common planning techniques implemented by estate planners to address various uncertainties in transfer tax exemptions and meet clients’ goals.

Robert W. Stephens Jr., CPA
Partner / Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs LLC , Atlanta, GA

Denise Kennedy, CPA
Senior Manager / Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs LLC , Atlanta, GA

As business conditions evolve rapidly, finance leaders in industry must move beyond traditional budgeting cycles. This session will explore practical approaches to dynamic forecasting and budgeting that help CPAs anticipate change, align financial plans with operational realities, and improve decision-making. Learn how to implement rolling forecasts, integrate real-time data, and support your organization with forward-looking financial insights.

Kyle M. Allen, CPA
Director of Recruiting / Vaco Financial , Atlanta, GA

Reagan Mullins
Highspring , Brentwood, TN

John Hozik, MBA
Highspring , McLean, VA

The accounting talent pipeline is under pressure—finding great people is hard and keeping them is even harder. This session dives into current recruiting and retention strategies with a focus on the growing impact of offshoring. Explore how global shifts are influencing local hiring, what motivates today’s accounting professionals and how firms can adapt to attract and retain top talent in a competitive, evolving market.

Liza McNair
Deloitte , Charlotte, NC

Melissa Sacevich
Deloitte , Charlotte, NC

Join us for " Using AI in Front to Back Process, Risk and Controls," where Deloitte will explore how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing risk and control processes. Gain insights into how Multi-agent AI systems and other emerging technology are unlocking new opportunities in process, risk and control management – leading to improved accuracy, efficiency and predictive capabilities across the front to back process, risk, and control lifecycle. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your organization's future!

Charles Rettig
Hochman, Salkin, Rettig, Tscher & Perez, P.C. , Beverly Hills, CA

Thomas Cullinan
Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry , Atlanta, GA

A discussion of the impact on current IRS operations as a result of a federal workforce hiring freeze, the evaporation of $40+ billion in supplemental enforcement funding and new IRS leadership. The IRS is at an historic crossroads in its efforts to modernize its systems to improve levels of service, administer and enforce the nation’s tax laws and reverse years of (until recently) declining staff levels. The IRS’s former commissioner and acting chief of staff will provide background on and context for the many challenges ahead and discuss the opportunities they present.

Donald H. Bravaldo III, CPA
President / Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Inc, , Atlanta, GA

This session explores today's M&A landscape and provides business owners with the critical strategies needed to secure their best possible exit, or their "golden parachute." Attendees will gain a clear understanding of market dynamics, valuation trends, and best practices for a successful business sale.

Amanda Aguillard, CPA
Padgett , Athens, GA

Struggling to keep your tax and accounting firm profitable without burning out? This session explores how optimizing your firm’s structure, processes, and client mix can drive efficiency and profitability—without sacrificing work-life balance. Learn how to assess your firm objectively, leverage technology effectively, and expand year-round services to SMB clients. Walk away with practical steps to streamline operations, attract the right clients, and build a more sustainable, thriving practice.