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As busy season approaches, this focused conference delivers the technology and data security insights tax professionals need most. Participants will gain a strategic overview of AI-powered auditing, robotic process automation, blockchain, and the emerging technologies reshaping CPA firm operations, alongside a deep dive into building and maintaining a Written Information Security Plan compliant with IRS regulations and the FTC Safeguards Rule. Key takeaways include understanding supplier and market changes impacting the profession, comparing technology solutions for tax and advisory service lines, classifying the essential components of a compliant WISP, and applying encryption, access controls, and breach response strategies to protect client data.
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Anyone looking to get more information about how to use technology for tax season
Randolph P. (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has been a leading authentic and genuine authority in technology for over 40 years. Inducted into the
Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, he has remained a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011 through 2024. His continued influence in the profession is highlighted by his recognition in the 2024 Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting—his twenty-first consecutive year on that list. In addition, Randy authors a monthly column and hosts a weekly podcast for The CPA Practice Advisor, contributes to the Journal of Accountancy, writes for various accounting and technology publications, and has published numerous books.
He has founded and still owns multiple ventures, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, Louisiana, and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kansas. For four decades, NMGI has provided services to CPA firms and has been the largest managed service provider for the CPA profession in North America. Randy’s wife, four children, and seven grandchildren share his passions for theatre, music, travel, golf, skiing, snorkeling, and model trains. His background as a college instructor, management and technology consultant, and advisor to the accounting community informs today’s presentation.
In a rapidly evolving public practice landscape, staying ahead of technology and management trends is essential for firm success. This session delivers actionable insights into the transformative technologies reshaping the profession, covering AI-powered auditing, blockchain applications, cloud computing advancements, robotic process automation, and workflow optimization tools. Participants will gain clarity on emerging trends and how they affect firm strategy, enabling well-informed decisions for sustainable growth. Key takeaways include understanding supplier and market changes impacting the profession, comparing software solutions for various service lines and specialties, exploring emerging technologies that deliver competitive advantages, and selecting the most suitable technology stack for long-term firm success.
Description coming soon!
Session description coming soon!
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, MS, is a certified public accountant, partner and CEO of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, a and a licensed pyrotechnician. While his interests and skills are varied, they all share a common thread—his love for and skill in finding technology-based solutions. In 2017, Stephen and Alex White formed Devmatics, LLC, a company focused on helping organizations develop technology strategies to streamline their business operations. He specializes in taking on high-difficulty, mission-critical organizational issues that require technological expertise and an ability to find solutions to problems that no one else can answer. With all of his clients, he emphasizes the need to embrace technology at every opportunity and utilize the latest technological trends and breakthroughs in order to gain a competitive advantage while increasing efficiency and productivity.
Tax practices face a critical responsibility in safeguarding client data against cyber threats—and this course provides the practical framework to do it right. Participants will receive a deep dive into creating and maintaining a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) as mandated by IRS regulations and the FTC Safeguards Rule, drawing on IRS Publications 4557, 5293, and 5708 and NISTIR 7621. From developing a compliant WISP to implementing encryption, backup procedures, and employee training programs, every step is grounded in real-world application. Key takeaways include classifying the essential components of a compliant WISP, evaluating security gaps in current organizational practices, applying encryption and data protection measures, developing risk mitigation and breach response strategies, and constructing a customized information security plan using IRS Publication 4557.