We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting our second annual Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) Summit as a virtual conference exclusively for BDO Alliance USA members at no additional cost. If you’ve been looking for training to expand and refine your knowledge of client accounting and financial outsourcing services, this event is for you!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Technical

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | Anatomy of a Close

This webinar will summarize best practices for the month end close focusing on the balance sheet.

Featuring Marley Harris, BDO USA

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Technical

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | Job Costing

Learn the fundamentals, practical techniques, and software solutions to track project costs accurately. Discover how to use job costing data for better decision-making and stay compliant with industry regulations.

Featuring Amber Stout, Warren Averett

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Advisory

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | Building a Career Path in CAAS

If you're an employee within a CAAS practice at any level, you are in the right place at the right time! This panel will discuss how CAAS departments are experiencing record growth and have moved from bookkeeping and compliance work to value-added advisory services. During the discussion, the panel will explore the career opportunities available to CAAS staff, the skills needed to get ahead, relevant certifications, and obstacles to a CAAS career.

Featuring Becky Mowen, Hancock Askew, Joyce Rinaldi, HCJ, Mike Castle, Wiss, and Matt West, Creative Planning

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | Specialty Niche Session: Construction Primer

This course will be an overview of revenue recognition principles of ASC 606 for the construction industry, an understanding the different types of contracts and key terminology, and disclosures required under ASC 606 related to overtime revenue recognition.

Featuring , Heath Winsheimer, Elizabeth Ray, and Annie Kaib BDO USA

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Technical

1:30 - 2:30 pm ET | Financial Statement Analysis for the Preparer

Join us for a one hour session geared towards staff who are involved with preparing routine accounting and financial statements. During the session we will cover the importance of self review, provide tactics to review your work after being in the details so you can see the bigger picture and share the best reports to help the preparer analyze the accounting activity. We will also cover tips and tricks on how to identify fluctuations and trends in financial activity and how critical thinking skills can help you elevate your analysis skills.

Featuring Tami Davis, Gimbleby Colemen

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Software/Technology

1:30 - 2:30 pm ET | Embracing CAS Technology to Maintain Market Speed

Client accounting advisory services (CAS) are growing and evolving at a faster pace than almost any other service in the profession today. To capitalize on this growth market and remain competitive, leaders must manage change across three transformation elements: differentiation, innovation, and technology automation. To change at the pace required, leaders must strategically communicate and execute their strategies to gain team member and client buy-in and adoption. In this session, learn strategies to stay ahead of hard trends influencing the profession and drive effective change

Featuring Samantha Mansfield, ConvergenceCoaching

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Advisory

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Level up your FP&A Skill Set to Advance your Career

Take your career to the next level with skills in Financial Planning and Analytics. Many young practicing accountants want to advance their careers from reporting on historical accounting data to analyzing forward-looking financial information. We'll identify the skills and responsibilities necessary for a career in FP&A and learn how to assess your current skillsets. Upskilling what you already know which is easier than reskilling an entirely new area of knowledge. It's all about efficiency and effectiveness! Let's move into toward the future in a way that advances your career while staying in scope and minding the margins.

Featuring Mark Gershman, Jirav

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Specialty Niche Session: Healthcare Primer

This session will begin with a discussion of some of the current topics in today’s healthcare market. Then, we will dive into reviewing some of the basic tools needed to operate a financially healthy physician practice, including a review of the accounting/ financial reporting for physician practices. We will review insurance contracts, value based care and some of the critical checks and balances needed throughout the revenue cycle. Finishing off the presentation will be a review of analytical tools available to assist CFOs, Financial Committees and owners to gain business intelligence to drive data driven decision-making.

Featuring Brian Black, BDO USA

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Technical

4:00 - 5:00 pm ET | How to Resolve Common Payroll Issues

This course will focus on payroll basics, such as employee classification, payroll tax reporting, new hire compliance reporting, recordkeeping, garnishment processing, deduction item treatment, and supplemental wages. We will cover tax payment deadlines, including the next day $100,000 payroll tax payment rule. We will explore the importance of state taxation analysis for remote and traveling workers to understand when withholding and allocation should occur. Finally, we will discuss how to request abatement of penalties when an error occurs or a late payment is made.

Featuring Nicole Eshnauer, Marks Nelson

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

4:00 - 5:00 pm ET | Navigating the FP&A Journey with People, Packaging, and Pricing

Many firms see the value in exploring Financial Planning and Analytics opportunities. Luckily, many young practicing accountants want to advance their careers from reporting on historical accounting data to analyzing forward-looking financial information. This class explores the "win-win" that this new area presents to us through "upskilling" which is easier to do than "reskilling". We'll also explore packaging and pricing which encourages staying within scope and minding the margins. We can do this effectively and efficiently!

Featuring Mark Gershman, Jirav

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

ALL STAFF TRACK - Software/Technology

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | What's New in QBO

This session will discuss and demo the new features in QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) and QuickBooks Online.

Featuring Nychole Harman, Intuit

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Technical

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | How to Review a Write Up/Financial Closeout

In this session, we will discuss common, effective and efficient approaches to reviewing a write up/financial close with the goals of improving quality and increasing speed, increasing leverage/delegation, improving profitability, and managing risk to the firm.

Featuring Chris Henderson, REDW

ALL STAFF TRACK - Software/Technology

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | Your Job Won’t Be Replaced by AI…but By Someone Using AI!

The explosion of AI/ChatGPT headlines over the past six months has many accountants wondering if these tools are for real. In this introductory session, you will learn the basics around not only generative AI solutions but other technologies residing under the “AI” moniker. You will see which automation technologies are already streamlining accounting productivity and how the adoption of generative AI solutions into accounting programs is the next logical progression. Learn how to “safely” get started using ChatGPT within your firm and walk through practical examples of how generative AI can and will be used by accountants in the future.

Featuring Roman Kepczyk, Right Networks

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | The Ultimate Onboarding Experience

You have a signed engagement letter. Now what? The client onboarding process is your new client's first experience working with you and first impressions can be lasting. However, onboarding can be overwhelming and time consuming for both you and your client. We will discuss ways to make the process more enjoyable and efficient, including who should do the onboarding, what should be accomplished during this time, and how you can set this engagement up for success moving forward.

Featuring Lisa Cattie, Kreischer Miller

ALL STAFF TRACK - Advisory

1:30 - 2:30 pm ET | The Year in CAAS

Another year has passed... and the tornado of change in this service line shows no sign of slowing down! Join our panel of practitioners, consultants and thought leaders as they share global changes and trends over the past year in the areas of technology, client service, governance, practice structure and overall approach to the value of CAAS practices.

Featuring Joyce Rinaldi, HCJ CPAs & Advisors PLLC; Joe Woodard, Woodard Consulting; Connie Hammell, KWC CPAs; Cliff Sussman, BDO USA; and Bob Lewis, The Visionary Group

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Software/Technology

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Bridging the Gap between CAS and Tax

This session will discuss how to work with a CAS practice and Tax practice to complement one another and create a more efficient tax season that's less stressful for the tax team, while organically growing CAS. Optimizing the relationship between these two business lines is crucial. It is very clear that for a firm to be successful with building a CAS practice and becoming a trusted advisor, tax plays an important role. Building a workflow from daily transactions, to monthly close, to Financial Analytics (FP&A), to a tax return, and finally tax advisory allows for an holistic approach to the client journey.

Featuring Deb Defer, Woodard Consulting

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Technical

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Cash Flow Management and Creating Meaningful Budgets

In this session, we will examine the meanings and importance of cash flow management and budgeting, important tools needed for analysis, and how to utilize technology to efficiently deliver these services to clients.

Featuring Melissa Price, BrownEdwards

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Technical

4:00 - 5:00 pm ET | Cash, Accrual and Special Purpose Statements

Join us to explore the similarities, differences, connections between, and uses for cash, accrual and special purpose financials. Upon conclusion, you will be able to use all three kinds of financial statements under the right circumstances and for the right purpose.

Featuring Cheryl Folkerth, REDW

ALL STAFF TRACK - Software/Technology

4:00 - 5:00 pm ET | Automation in Real Life

In this session, we will cover the concept of automation by offering a hands-on experience of automating a real-world process. You'll explore various tools and methodologies for automation, comparing their functionalities and ease-of-use. Through a live demonstration, we'll tackle a simple but common task, automating it from start to finish using different approaches. Whether you're new to automation or seeking to expand your toolkit, this session offers practical insights to enhance your workflow and efficiency. Come ready to engage and leave with actionable skills to simplify your life through automation.

Featuring Byron Patrick, B3 Method Institute

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Advisory

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | How to Turn Around the Nightmare Client

We've all had the experience with a client that keeps us up at night and often requires an outsized portion of our and our team's time and attention to handle. What can we do to change that and turn this so called "nightmare" client into a good client? In this session, we'll discuss what constitutes a nightmare client, how we got to that point and, most importantly, discuss practical strategies to turn around the "nightmare" client. We'll also discuss the practitioners' actions that can lead to a nightmare client and how certain early intervention steps can help to avoid it. Finally, we'll determine when it's appropriate to separate from the client instead of trying to turn them around.

Featuring Yarik Kim, MGO

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | Specialty Niche Session: Nonprofit Primer

In this session, you will develop a deeper understanding of the nonprofit industry, including its unique challenges, opportunities and dynamics. We will discuss key differences between nonprofit and for-profit accounting practices, including revenue recognition, compliance and organizational structures and explore the unique dynamics of working with nonprofit clients, such as how client interactions differ from those in for-profit settings. We'll also dive into various career paths and opportunities available within the nonprofit industry and gain practical advice and actionable insights on how to thrive.

Featuring Amber Liang, Andrea Mills, Debra Gerhard and Bis Dhar, BDO USA

ALL STAFF TRACK - Software/Technology

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | The Top Apps for Accountants

In this session, we will identify various categories and types of apps, highlighting the benefits of these apps for both firm and client efficiency.

Featuring Carla Caldwell, Intuit

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

12:00 - 1:00 pm ET | Specialty Niche Session: Restaurant Primer

Restaurants have a tremendous amount of data that can become overwhelming when trying to interpret financial results. This session will explore simple ways to identify and understand the data behind a restaurant's financial statements. We'll explain the most common key performance indicators (KPIs) and explore what they tell us and how to identify actionable insights using them.

Featuring Gregg Thomas, Katie Salerno and Meg Potts, BDO USA

ALL STAFF TRACK - Software/Technology

1:30 - 2:30 pm ET | Current Tools in Automation

CAAS technology can be a beast and it's cloud technology that can help make your work day manageable as you grow your firm's CAAS practice. Join the discussion with these leaders as they talk about solution connectivity that can simplify tasks for firm bookkeepers. The focus will be how to bring time savings and efficiencies with tech tools. Let's free up your team so they can spend more time talking with and advising clients!

Featuring Deneen Dias, Botkeeper; Ashleigh Sutter, Intuit; and Lindsay Wheeler, BILL

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

1:30 - 2:30 pm ET | Advising by the Numbers

This session will walk through the most common ratios and metrics, including how they’re calculated, what they mean, what common industry values are and, most importantly, how you use them to help your clients improve. We will spend time looking at real-life financial statements and determine how you can easily communicate opportunities for improvement and value to your clients.

Featuring Glenn Dunlap, Peerview Data

STAFF/SENIOR TRACK - Software/Technology

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | QBO Cleanup Tools

In this session, attendees will learn about the various types of clean up tools available in QuickBooks Online. We'll discuss what they are, where to find them and the benefits gained from using them.

Featuring Randy Cassen, Intuit

MANAGER/DIRECTOR TRACK - Advisory

2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | How to Effectively Price CAS Services

The right pricing considerations to grow and scale a client advisory practice from prospect to long-lasting relationships is critical to the health of your CAAS practice. During this session, we will evaluate different billing models and pricing considerations to achieve profitable engagements. We will demonstrate a tool to help you streamline this process and ensure it is more predictable.

Featuring Amy Vetter, B3 Method Institute

For questions, please contact the individuals below or your Alliance Relationship Principal/Director.

Kathy Towne-Sautters
Relationship and Client Experience Director
ksautters@bdo.com

Joyce Rinaldi
Partner, HCJ CPAs & Advisors
jrinaldi@hcjcpa.com

Cori Power
Alliance Education Director
cpower@bdo.com