This conference focuses on best practices for building and managing your firm. Topics will include automation, technology, employee communication, engagement, and more!
DESIGNED FOR
Partners and firm managers
HIGHLIGHTS
$25 early bird discount ends on 11/3
This conference is being hosted by the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.
8:30-9:20 a.m.
Innovations in Accounting Automation
Learn how to identify opportunities to optimize accounting processes using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) using the automation framework. Then hear examples from a panel of vendors that are driving innovation in the way client accounting services, audit, and tax service are being delivered.
9:30-10:20 a.m.
Can Automation and Outsourcing Offset the Staffing Shortage?
The accounting industry is already experiencing a shortage of experienced staff and enrollment in college accounting programs is decreasing nationwide which is limiting the number of entry-level staff available each year. The only way to not burn staff out is for firm to automate more of the lower-end work, or outsource it (whether on-shore or off-shore). This panel will discuss how firms have successfully used automation and outsourcing to reduce their staffing needs and increase employee retention.
10:20-10:35 a.m.
Vendor Demos (Optional)
Vendor demos will be held via Zoom. Everyone who attends a demo will be entered into the conference raffle.
10:40-11:30 a.m.
Making Hybrid Work for Accounting Firms
Having a mix of in-office and remote workers (i.e. you allow “hybrid work”), requires that firms must not just rethink their staff schedule policies, but rethink their entire operations. There are people (recruiting, retention, and supervision), office space, IT, scheduling, and workflow considerations that must be holistically and collectively addressed to ensure that staff are not just productive but also engaged with the firm and its culture. Learn how successful firms are making hybrid work.
11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
How Small Firms Can Increase Internal and Client Collaboration with MS Teams
Microsoft Teams can be used for more than just meetings. Learn about the other functions in Teams that help enable hybrid teams to work collaboratively.
12:30-1 p.m.
Lunch
1-1:50 p.m.
Keeping a Pulse on Your Team to Improve Their Performance
Whether your team is working in-office or remote, one of the key ways to increase employee morale is by using employee engagement software. This emerging and affordable area of HR software helps with team management, goal setting, and performance management. It can also help ensure that you have greater visibility into challenges that team members may be facing—enabling you to proactively help them before issues become problems. Learn how you can keep a pulse on how employees are feeling and enable a continuous feedback loop to improve team performance and employee retention.
1:50-2:05 p.m.
Vendor Demos (Optional)
Vendor demos will be held via Zoom. Everyone who attends a demo will be entered into the conference raffle.
2:10-3 p.m.
Creating an Agile Tax Practice: Lessons from Two COVID Tax Seasons
COVID changed everything for accounting and tax firms. A big part of what made the last two tax seasons so difficult was uncertainty in many areas including tax law changes, client behaviors and staffing. Learn how to create an agile firm that can adapt to these uncertainties and keep staff productive in the midst of uncertainty. Also get tips on how to manage client behavior to enable you to adopt new firm business models and agile practices.
COURSE LEVEL
Basic