Technology Update (E1801239)

Deniz Appelbaum earned her PhD at Rutgers Business School, Newark, N.J., and is the founder of Dronnovation, an automation advisory and research initiative in Newark, N.J. Dr. Appelbaum has published manuscripts in Accounting Horizons, Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, and in other academic and practitioner journals, based on her research regarding analytics, big data, and automation in financial auditing and accounting. Prior to teaching at Montclair State, her graduate research at Rutgers focused on financial fraud detection and prevention with automated analytics, data transparency of governmental financial reporting, analytical procedures in the external audit process, drones and robotics in auditing and accounting, and blockchain and big data as audit evidence.

Sean is an expert and sought-after speaker, focusing on the intersection of financial services, blockchain and cryptocurrencies. He is a regular contributor to IBM’s Blockchain Unleashed website, analyzing applications for blockchain technology on business at large, as well as being a regular expert guest on China Global TV Network discussing blockchain and related applications. Sean is a member of the Advisory Board for the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, which coordinates with the AICPA in developing standards and reporting frameworks in this emerging area. Sean continuously works with, and consults for, the AICPA and several professional training organizations in the creation and delivery of blockchain and cryptocurrency related content. He is currently under contract to publish two books focusing on blockchain applications for financial services and other industry sectors. Sean is the host of the NJCPA TechTalk Podcast, a past leader of the NJCPA Emerging Technologies Interest Group and a member of the NJCPA Board of Trustees. He is a professor at the City University of New York - Lehman College.