The traditional process of chasing receipts and manually reconciling credit card statements is being replaced by intelligent systems that capture data at the point of purchase. This course provides a practical look at the current landscape of expense and bill management technology, featuring tools like Dext, Bill.com, and the automated features within leading small business accounting solutions. We will examine how these platforms use mobile apps, email integration, and OCR technology to stream transactions directly into the books, significantly reducing manual data entry while maintaining the necessary oversight and approval workflows that businesses require. Participants will explore the practical benefits of modernizing their “cash-out” processes, from deploying virtual cards with built-in spending limits to utilizing AI-driven anomaly detection to flag duplicate or unusual activity. We will discuss the features and benefits of various online payment systems and why a business might choose one solution over another based on their specific integration needs. By the end of this session, you will understand how to build an efficient, transparent expense management system that provides real-time visibility into company spending while strengthening internal controls.

Bridge the gap between technical infrastructure and business logic by mastering the core accounting principles that drive financial systems. This course helps IT professionals move beyond system architecture to understand how financial data is captured, processed, and reported. You will explore the fundamental differences between cash and accrual accounting, the structure of primary financial statements, and the end-to-end lifecycle of a transaction. By understanding the 'why' behind the data, you can better design and support systems that align with accounting standards and internal control requirements.

This course explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and automation within the nonprofit sector. Participants will learn how to identify high-impact opportunities for automation, from donor management and personalized outreach to financial reporting and administrative workflows. We will examine practical AI tools that can help mission-driven organizations scale their impact, optimize limited resources, and navigate the ethical considerations of data privacy and algorithmic bias in a social-good context.

Moving beyond simple prompt-and-response interactions, this course explores the emerging world of Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomous reasoning, planning, and executing multi-step tasks. We will examine how these 'agents' differ from standard LLM chats and how they can be integrated into business systems to deliver tangible value. Participants will learn about current platform applications, the role of large models in automation, and specific use cases tailored for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and public accounting firms. The session also addresses critical considerations including security risks, data privacy, and the strategic benefits of deploying autonomous agents in professional environments.

Customized specifically for Fidelity Investments, this two-hour course focuses on transforming legacy business workflows into modern, automated processes. Participants will learn how to replace manual data manipulation with high-efficiency keyboard shortcuts, Power Query's automated cleansing for complex portfolio data, and the latest dynamic array formulas for flexible reporting. We will bridge the gap between static spreadsheets and robust, audit-friendly financial models tailored to the specific needs of investment professionals.

While technology drives modern business, a communication gap often exists between IT and accounting teams. This course helps bridge that gap by providing technology professionals with a clear understanding of the accounting cycle and financial reporting. Participants will explore how technical systems track financial data from initial transactions to the final balance sheet. By understanding the 'why' behind workflows like internal controls, audit trails, and period-end closes, IT professionals can more effectively architect, support, and secure the financial systems they manage. This high-level overview focuses on strategic alignment between departments rather than manual bookkeeping.

This session teaches professionals how to move beyond theory and start using AI to work smarter, faster, and more accurately. This hands-on session explores how public accounting and industry finance teams can use AI tools for tasks like reporting, forecasting, audit analytics, and client service. Participants will see real-world examples of automation, gain practical implementation tips, and learn how to balance innovation with professional responsibility. Discover how to measure your AI ROI, enhance productivity, and position your firm or department for success in the AI-driven accounting era.

Most practitioners have experimented with AI, but few have moved beyond using it for simple emails or basic summaries. The real breakthrough happens when practitioners move past generic interactions and learn to steer the AI toward hyper-focused outcomes. By utilizing detailed, precise prompts and providing the model with specific context, you can transform a general-purpose tool into a specialized assistant. This course explores how solo practitioners and small firms are moving their actual data into the AI workflow to get detailed answers that are grounded in their own firm’s knowledge and professional standards. We will navigate the landscape of “Custom AI,” from the simplicity of the GPT Store to the privacy-first world of self-hosted models like Ollama and OpenWebUI. We delve into how emerging technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) are “opening doors” for firms to connect their files directly to the AI without traditional coding. This session is designed to point you in the right direction, helping you compare various tools and API options like OpenRouter so you can determine which technical path best fits your firm’s comfort level and privacy requirements.

If you only take one technology course this year to stay current, this is it. This high-level update provides a comprehensive look at the major shifts in hardware, software, and market trends that will define the professional landscape in 2026. We move beyond the headlines to identify the "best of the best" tools and strategies that offer genuine business value, helping you separate meaningful progress from short-term hype. Whether you are working from a traditional office, a home setup, or a mobile environment, this session clarifies how to align your tech stack with the current direction of the industry. The curriculum balances big-picture market insights with practical updates on the tools you use daily. We will examine the evolution of intelligence in the workplace—tracking the move from simple AI chat prompts toward integrated, agentic workflows that handle real business tasks. From major cloud platform overhauls to the latest hardware benchmarks, you will gain the specific insights needed to make informed investment decisions for your firm or organization. Join us to see what is around the corner and prepare your practice for the opportunistic year ahead.

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Microsoft AI Tools and delve into a top-to-bottom exploration of Microsoft’s remarkable AI ecosystem. We will immerse you in an array of cutting-edge AI technologies from Microsoft and its partners. From Microsoft 365 Copilot to the powerful Bing search tools, this comprehensive guide unveils the full spectrum of AI capabilities from Microsoft. Discover the immense potential of Power Automate, Excel AI tools, the AI-driven visualizations in Power BI, and the seamless integration of AI in Windows 11. Gain invaluable insights into each facet as we conduct a meticulous review of all the various AI tools and services Microsoft offers. This course covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Microsoft AI capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this engaging course equips you with the knowledge and skills to harness the true power of Microsoft AI.

The days of just “surviving” remote work are over. Today, the goal is to build a professional “virtual office” that works just as well at the kitchen table as it does in a downtown suite. For many small firm owners, the challenge isn’t just getting into the cloud—it’s managing a team of people you can’t see and stopping the endless cycle of “pinging” each other all day. This course looks at the practical side of running a modern, borderless firm without losing your mind or your culture in the process. We’ll look at the best ways to set up your team’s “digital home” using tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and how to use simple AI features to cut down on meeting time. We also dive into the human side: how to manage a distributed team effectively and keep everyone on the same page without micromanaging. From the right hardware for your home office to the best ways to stay connected without “digital burnout,” this session provides a common-sense roadmap for the 2026 workplace.

This comprehensive ethics course provides Georgia CPAs with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, Georgia State Board requirements, and critical ethical frameworks that guide decision-making in modern accounting practice. The course covers vital topics including confidentiality obligations, managing conflicts of interest, independence requirements, and proper handling of client records. Designed specifically for Georgia accounting professionals, this course delivers real-world applications and scenarios that make complex ethical concepts accessible and immediately applicable. Participants will strengthen their ability to identify and address ethical challenges, understand harassment prevention, navigate record-keeping requirements, and maintain compliance with state-specific regulations. By completing this course, accounting professionals will enhance their ethical decision-making skills and ensure their practice aligns with both AICPA standards and Georgia State Board requirements for professional conduct.

The modern accounting firm is often held hostage by “software silos”—critical financial data trapped in disconnected applications that refuse to speak to one another. For years, the only solution was manual data entry or expensive custom development. This course introduces the “DIY Automation” movement, showing financial professionals how to use Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) tools like n8n, Zapier, and Power Automate to bridge these gaps. We move beyond basic triggers to explore how “localized innovation” allows practitioners to build bespoke connections between their favorite apps without writing a single line of code. Participants will gain a strategic framework for identifying automation opportunities, from client follow-ups to complex status reporting. We will explore the mechanics of the “wide ecosystem” of integration tools and demystify the role of Agentic AI, explaining how Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) are changing the way data is moved and interpreted. By the end of this session, you will be able to perform a clear cost-benefit analysis of your automation options and understand how to build resilient, error-aware workflows that keep your practice moving.

In today's fast-paced digital world, professionals are juggling more responsibilities than ever before – from endless email chains to back-to-back meetings, mounting work projects, and growing personal commitments. This revolutionary course unveils cutting-edge productivity solutions that leverage the latest technologies, including generative AI, voice-to-text automation, and smart home integration, to help you reclaim precious hours in your day. You'll discover how to transform overwhelming tasks into streamlined processes, automate repetitive work, and harness the power of artificial intelligence to maximize your efficiency both at work and home. Don't let another day slip away struggling with time-consuming manual tasks! Join us to explore ten game-changing tech hacks that will revolutionize your productivity. From 3D printing solutions that solve everyday problems to voice commands that eliminate typing, and AI tools that supercharge your workflow, this course is your gateway to a more efficient future. You'll walk away with practical, immediately applicable strategies that can save you hours every week. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting your automation journey, this course will equip you with the tools and knowledge to work smarter, not harder.

Business leaders often struggle to engage meaningfully with their IT teams about critical technology decisions that impact organizational success. This structured program presents ten essential questions every executive should discuss with their technology professionals to ensure proper oversight of cybersecurity, infrastructure, and strategic technology initiatives. Participants will gain confidence in addressing complex topics including network security protocols, backup procedures, cloud governance, and remote work policies through targeted questioning frameworks that drive actionable outcomes. The course systematically addresses ten critical areas where executive oversight proves essential for business continuity and growth. Attendees will develop practical communication strategies to bridge the gap between business objectives and technology capabilities, ensuring their organizations maintain competitive advantage while managing digital risks effectively. Each question framework provides executives with the tools needed to evaluate current technology practices, identify vulnerabilities, and guide strategic technology investments that support organizational goals in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As working remotely becomes the new normal, virtual meetings are now the norm. How do you put your best foot forward and make sure your space and tech are up to the challenge. We will show you some of our favorite tech to make you stand out. From the best cameras and microphones for outstanding quality to using a green screen and making custom backgrounds, there are many ways to look and sound your best.

In today’s fast-paced financial industry, effective project management is not just a skill—it’s a critical asset. This course is meticulously crafted for financial professionals who are eager to enhance their project oversight capabilities, streamline their workflows, and lead their teams to success with greater ease. Participants will dive into the world of Kanban and traditional project management, comparing and contrasting to find the best fit for their unique professional needs. With a focus on practical application, this program offers a comprehensive exploration of top-tier tools such as Trello, Planner, and Asana, ensuring attendees can immediately implement these solutions to benefit their operations. Understanding the value of time and resource management in the financial sector, this course provides an array of productivity hacks, time-tracking solutions, and staff management strategies tailored for the nuances of finance. Whether working in public finance or within the industry, attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights to manage projects more effectively, foster a productive team environment, and leverage free and easy-to-use tools to their advantage. By participating in this program, financial professionals will not only learn to navigate the complexities of project management but will also gain the confidence to apply these methodologies to optimize their performance and drive their organizations forward. Join us to elevate your project management acumen and position yourself at the forefront of financial leadership.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of Agentic AI models and their application within integration platform as a service (iPaaS) environments. Participants will explore the architectural components and operational methodologies of leading iPaaS tools, understanding their critical role in scalable workflow automation. The program delineates the strategic advantages of embedding AI-driven logic into business processes, offering a forward-looking perspective on operational efficiency and organizational agility for financial professionals. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, demonstrating how to design, develop, and deploy intelligent automation solutions. It addresses the nuanced integration of Agentic AI capabilities into existing and new workflows, focusing on enhancing decision-making and task execution. Through structured content, attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging these advanced technologies to drive significant improvements in business performance and competitive positioning.

The traditional process of chasing receipts and manually reconciling credit card statements is being replaced by intelligent systems that capture data at the point of purchase. This course provides a practical look at the current landscape of expense and bill management technology, featuring tools like Dext, Bill.com, and the automated features within leading small business accounting solutions. We will examine how these platforms use mobile apps, email integration, and OCR technology to stream transactions directly into the books, significantly reducing manual data entry while maintaining the necessary oversight and approval workflows that businesses require. Participants will explore the practical benefits of modernizing their “cash-out” processes, from deploying virtual cards with built-in spending limits to utilizing AI-driven anomaly detection to flag duplicate or unusual activity. We will discuss the features and benefits of various online payment systems and why a business might choose one solution over another based on their specific integration needs. By the end of this session, you will understand how to build an efficient, transparent expense management system that provides real-time visibility into company spending while strengthening internal controls.

QuickBooks Online’s (QBO) reporting capabilities represent the gold standard in financial software, yet most professionals only scratch the surface of its potential. This course reveals how to transform QBO into a reporting powerhouse, making any organization more efficient and accountants more valuable to their clients. Participants will discover how to customize standard reports, build sophisticated management reports that automatically update, and create tailored solutions that deliver exactly what clients need. The course demonstrates how professionals can automate routine reporting tasks, saving hours of manual work while delivering more insightful financial analysis. Beyond core functionality, participants will master advanced features like Spreadsheet Sync, QBO’s powerful Excel integration tool that brings QuickBooks data directly into spreadsheets for unlimited analysis and data management. The course also covers QBO’s native Power BI connection for dynamic dashboard creation, plus various third-party tools and ODBC connections that extend QBO’s capabilities even further. This knowledge transforms accountants into indispensable advisors, equipped to deliver precise, professional reports that meet any client’s needs while streamlining their own workflow. Perfect for professionals ready to leverage QBO’s full potential and provide exceptional value to their clients through advanced reporting solutions.

In an era where generative AI and deepfake technology have revolutionized the precision of social engineering, the risk profile for professional service firms has shifted dramatically. Financial practitioners are no longer just defending against generic "spam"; they are now targets of highly coordinated attacks designed to exploit the specific trust and authority inherent in the CPA-client relationship. This course breaks down the anatomy of a modern breach—from ransomware extortion to sophisticated supply chain vulnerabilities—and provides a practical roadmap for securing a small-to-mid-sized firm without an enterprise-level IT budget. Moving beyond simple firewall conversations, participants will explore the transition to a "Zero Trust" environment and the implementation of high-security protocols like passkeys and FIDO2 authentication. We will examine the increased regulatory scrutiny from frameworks like GLBA, GDPR, and the FTC Safeguards Rule, emphasizing how these requirements translate into daily firm operations. Attendees will walk away with a concrete incident response plan for the critical first 24 hours of a suspected breach, ensuring they have the tools to mitigate damage, protect client confidentiality, and maintain the integrity of their practice.

Join “Phishing & Frauds: Online Defense Tactics” and arm yourself against cyber threats. This course cuts through the noise to deliver practical, actionable tips. You’ll recognize phishing emails, dodge spearphishing, and reject vishing calls. Smishing texts and tech support cons will no longer be a threat. We cover ransomware to romance scams, online shopping to fake checks. You’ll learn to spot government impersonators and resist investment lures. By the end, you’ll navigate the web with confidence, keeping scammers at bay. Secure your digital life—enroll now and stay ahead of fraudsters.

This comprehensive course empowers professionals to revolutionize their organization’s communication and collaboration strategies using Microsoft 365’s powerhouse tools: Outlook and Teams. Participants will dive deep into the major features and functions of Microsoft Teams, including chat, meetings, webinars, and seamless integration with SharePoint for storage and real-time collaboration. They’ll discover how to leverage Teams effectively for in-office, hybrid, and remote work environments, maximizing productivity and streamlining communication across their organization. Beyond Teams, the course delves into Outlook’s advanced capabilities, offering practical tips and tricks to enhance email management, calendar organization, and contact sharing. Attendees will also explore other essential Microsoft 365 applications, such as SharePoint, Planner, To Do, Whiteboard, and OneDrive, to create a unified and efficient digital workspace. These tools will help professionals organize tasks, visualize ideas, and securely store and share files. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the skills to transform their organization’s collaboration efforts, boost productivity, and harness the full potential of Microsoft 365’s communication and productivity tools.

This course introduces accounting and business professionals to the newest Excel functions reshaping daily reporting and analysis workflows. Participants learn how dynamic arrays, modern lookup functions, and improved formula structures reduce manual effort and make data processes more reliable. With many organizations moving toward faster, cleaner reporting cycles, these tools help teams streamline tasks that once required complex workarounds or time‑consuming maintenance. The session demonstrates how updated Excel capabilities support more consistent data quality, improve business analytics, and simplify workbook design. Attendees gain practical insights into how newer formulas enhance productivity across consulting, operations, and general business reporting. The course equips professionals to apply these advancements immediately within their existing workbooks, helping them elevate reporting efficiency and reduce dependency on outdated methods.

Cloud technology has already helped many businesses improve collaboration and streamline business technology while saving money. This presentation outlines how and why this new technology can benefit your firm. The course provides detailed, step-by-step examples, giving you practical advice on how you can make the most of the cloud. This course is designed specifically for public accounting firms, but the principals can be applied to any organization. A brief overview of the cloud is outlined, explaining what it means to move your firm to the cloud. Next, the three most common levels of the cloud are explored, demonstrating the features and constraints of each level. The merits and risks of each layer of the cloud are discussed with examples of relevant apps, services, websites and platforms. The course also discusses the best practices for moving your firm to the cloud, giving you all the information you need to make this transition. Finally, a case study shows how your firm can move email, calendar, telecommunications, accounting software, and other business applications to the cloud.

Professional accountants face unprecedented technology choices as the industry evolves beyond traditional cloud-first approaches toward more nuanced, hybrid solutions. This program equips CPAs with practical frameworks for evaluating, selecting, and implementing technology infrastructure that aligns with actual business needs rather than industry hype. Participants examine current hardware considerations, productivity platform selection, and integration strategies that enhance operational efficiency without unnecessary complexity or cost. The program addresses real-world scenarios from solo practices to mid-size firms, providing specific vendor recommendations and actionable guidance for building sustainable technology ecosystems. Attendees explore emerging AI applications within accounting workflows, refresh cycle planning, and disaster recovery considerations that support business continuity. This session delivers practical tools for making informed technology decisions that support growth while avoiding common implementation pitfalls that plague many accounting organizations.

Most accounting professionals utilize only a fraction of the power available within their Microsoft 365 subscription, often treating Word, Excel, and Outlook as isolated islands. This session moves beyond basic app usage to focus on the “unified ecosystem” advantage—the seamless integration of data, security, and user provisioning that allows a firm to operate as a single, cohesive unit. We will address the common frustration of “app overload” by demonstrating how Microsoft 365 serves as a turnkey solution that replaces disconnected tools with integrated workflows that simply work together. Participants will explore the strategic shift from traditional file servers to a cloud-centric environment where data is accessible anywhere, at any time, on any device. We will dive into high-impact collaboration techniques, including real-time co-authoring across Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and the automation of data sharing between Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. You will walk away with key insights and practical ideas that can be immediately translated into actionable plans to reduce friction and improve efficiency within your practice.

PDFs (Portable Document Format) are the de facto standard for digital paper. They are used worldwide by virtually all platforms and systems as a method of conveying information. They can be used to transmit an invoice to a client, sign an agreement with a partner, or save a permanent copy of a financial statement. While being widespread, most financial professionals don’t know to leverage this format effectively. They lack the knowledge of how to create their documents, edit existing documents, or secure them for transmittal. Additionally, there are many new PDF capabilities such as forms, e-signature, cloud storage, and more which are underutilized by financial professionals. The most common and powerful application for creating, editing, and managing PDF files is Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. This application can be leveraged in so many ways to create effective documents. This course will go through in deep detail the major features and functionalities of this application. It will demonstrate the various ways to create and edit documents. It shows utilizing the review and annotation functionalities such as stamps and comments. It will teach participants how to create forms and collect e-signatures. Additionally, it will present free and open-source alternatives to Acrobat DC to consider. This course is a must-watch for any financial professional that works with PDFs regularly.

Microsoft Teams stands as a cornerstone communication platform for modern organizations. Whether your workforce is in-office, hybrid, or fully remote, Teams enables seamless conference calling, screen sharing, and file exchange as if everyone were in the same room. With its robust features and cloud connectivity, Teams provides the foundation for real-time collaboration and communication from anywhere with Internet access. This comprehensive course explores how to effectively implement and leverage Microsoft Teams inside your organization, examining best practices for communication, security, and productivity. We’ll dive deep into the latest Teams features, helping you master everything from advanced meeting management to sophisticated document collaboration through SharePoint and OneDrive integration. Join us to transform your organization’s collaborative capabilities and unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re new to Teams or an experienced user, you’ll discover powerful techniques for enhancing team productivity, streamlining communication workflows, and creating a more connected workplace. Learn to leverage real-time co-authoring, master virtual meeting management, harness the power of third-party integrations, and implement effective file management strategies. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to turn Microsoft Teams into your organization’s central hub for communication, collaboration, and productivity in today’s dynamic work environment.

The Financial world runs on massive amounts of data. But have you ever wondered what else you could do with all the data at your fingertips? Big Data Analysis helps you uncover trends, patterns, and correlations that can be used to help you make decisions. It can help you find the needle in the haystack or the golden ticket that can help you build a new competitive advantage or grow your organization. In this course, we will outline how to use the data you already have to make informed decisions that will help your organization understand your current clients and reach new potential clients. We will compare the various tools out there to help you get started with big data analytics and help you interpret their results.

Every CPA encounters technology decisions that feel overwhelming—from evaluating new software to understanding AI risks to managing cloud security. This course bridges the gap between complex IT concepts and practical business decision-making, helping financial professionals confidently navigate technology governance without getting lost in technical details. Participants will discover how successful organizations balance the need for innovation with smart oversight, turning technology governance from a roadblock into a competitive advantage. The program focuses on real-world scenarios that CPAs face daily, offering straightforward frameworks for evaluating technology investments, managing vendor relationships, and building governance structures that actually support business growth. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply, whether they’re working in public practice advising clients or serving as financial leaders within their organizations.

The number of apps, services, platforms, etc. that we are uses is increasing every year. The amount of data we are collecting and processing is expanding at an exponential rate. There is a need to standardize, streamline, and optimize our ability to manage the ever-growing list of systems and their data. Conquering your data can help improve efficiency, effectiveness, reduce cost, and errors inside an organization. This course will discuss the various ways of sharing data easily between different applications, platforms, and services. It will look at various tools (e.g. IFTTT, Flow, Zapier), desktop application functionalities (e.g. Power Query), and programming techniques (e.g. VBA, M, etc.) more to manage this process. This course is perfect for the do-it-yourself person that is looking to find ways to personally conquer and manage their data more effectively. The attendee with gain familiarity with these different tools, their strengths, and weakness and how they could be used in their organizations.

The Internet and mobile technologies have revolutionized the way that businesses operate. We’re no longer constrained by having to operate in a specific location or during specific business hours. Organizations can now effectively communicate and do business with customers and staff based anywhere in the world. One of the most important aspects of this changing workplace is the virtual office, which allows a user to work anywhere in the world.This course is an in-depth look at how an organization can improve collaboration, communication, and operations by implementing virtual office technology. We’ll look at solutions to simplify and streamline communications, business process management, going paperless, and more. We’ll also cover the benefits and risks of implementing a virtual workplace and discuss innovative technologies you can use to revolutionize your organization.

The modern financial professional’s efficiency is directly tied to the ecosystem of applications and hardware they navigate daily. This course provides a comprehensive tour of the most effective tools and services categorized across mobile, desktop, and cloud environments. We move beyond standard office software to explore open-source alternatives and specialized "productivity gems" that offer high value for small business practitioners. The session also addresses the intersection of professional and personal efficiency by examining how home automation can be integrated to create a more seamless and focused work-from-home experience. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to the power of Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solutions. We will demystify how tools like n8n, Power Automate, and Zapier allow disparate systems to communicate, enabling basic but powerful no-code automation for routine tasks. Additionally, we address critical security updates for 2026, including the practical deployment of passkeys and encrypted sharing protocols. This course is designed to provide a foundational roadmap for practitioners looking to modernize their tech stack with a blend of agentic AI, robust automation, and secure, high-performance applications.

Enhance your productivity and streamline your accounting practices with ideas learned in this course. This dynamic program, designed specifically for accountants seeking a competitive edge, delves into the practical applications of ChatGPT in your daily workflow. From conducting comprehensive research and crafting compelling correspondence to swiftly addressing technical inquiries and optimizing Excel formulas, you’ll gain invaluable skills to expedite your tasks and improve overall efficiency. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the power of ChatGPT plugins, equipping you with the knowledge to seamlessly process PDF documents and efficiently navigate the vast expanse of the web. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock your full potential as a proficient and empowered accountant. Throughout the course, our experienced instructors will guide you through engaging discussions, real-world exercises, and valuable examples, ensuring you gain practical knowledge to apply in your professional endeavors immediately. Don’t miss this opportunity to harness the power of ChatGPT and revolutionize your approach to accounting.

The rapid evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) offers a transformative opportunity for accounting professionals, provided they can navigate the transition from simple chat interfaces to sophisticated analytical workflows. This high-level course provides a streamlined overview of how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can act as digital associates to enhance practice efficiency. Designed for the busy professional, we move beyond technical deep-dives to focus on the essential concepts of AI agency, data security, and risk oversight. Participants will learn to conceptualize AI as a partner capable of assisting with professional duties while maintaining the rigor required for compliance and accuracy.

We will take a deep look into setting up a QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) account. We will examine all the various firm, staff, and client configuration options for getting this to work inside your organization. This class is going to specifically focus on the configuration options for this application. QBO is a big application and it is important to ensure you’ve properly set up your firm and client files. Additionally, we will look at the various import/export functionality for getting your data into or out of QBO. Participants will leave this class supercharged with the knowledge of how to set up their QBO accounts correctly for long-term success.

This course provides a clear, practical comparison of Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, giving financial professionals the insight required to determine which platform best fits their organization’s operational needs. Building on the foundational distinctions outlined in the source material, such as collaboration features, file‑sharing structures, email tools, and real‑time editing capabilities, the course now incorporates the latest advances in AI‑powered productivity tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. Participants examine how these enhancements influence daily workflow, team communication, document creation, and small‑business scalability. By the end of the program, attendees will be equipped to make a confident, well‑supported technology decision. The course emphasizes practical evaluation, including pricing considerations, usability, cloud‑storage behavior, security fundamentals, and the strengths and limitations of each suite for small and mid‑sized organizations. The focus remains on real‑world business requirements—helping teams choose the platform that delivers the best blend of productivity, collaboration, and long‑term value.

In the competitive field of finance, professionals are constantly on the lookout for the latest tools to sharpen their edge and enhance their service offerings. This specialized course delves into the expansive suite of Google services, tailored specifically for the financial industry. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of how to effectively utilize Google Search for market research, employ Google Workspaces for seamless collaboration, and capitalize on Google’s advertising platforms to target and attract the ideal clientele. Additionally, the curriculum covers the integration of Google Maps for geo-analytics and the advanced capabilities of Google Cloud for secure data management and analysis. Why should financial experts attend? This workshop is more than just a tutorial; it’s a strategic guide for incorporating technology into financial practices. Attendees will leave with a clear comprehension of how to apply Google’s tools to optimize their business processes, make informed decisions with real-time data, and ultimately drive profitability. The interactive sessions provide hands-on experience, ensuring that every professional is well-equipped to apply these skills directly to their work. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach to finance with the power of Google’s technology.

The technology landscape of 2026 is defined by a practical convergence of intelligence and automation. This session begins with a strategic look at the major trends set to reshape the next decade, from the long-term potential of quantum computing to the continued evolution of autonomous systems. We will move past the immediate hype to understand how these looming shifts will eventually bridge the gap between today’s workflows and the firm of the future. The core of the discussion focuses on how generative tools have evolved to manage complex tasks and integrate directly with firm information. We will analyze the trio of AI, data intelligence, and digital crypto assets while exploring how these tools help practitioners stay relevant and effective. This course provides the roadmap for maintaining efficiency in an era where the pace of change is only accelerating, ensuring you can turn emerging disruption into a strategic advantage.

The open-source landscape has evolved significantly by 2026. This course explores the modern philosophy of open-source software and how it now powers the world's most critical infrastructure, from Generative AI models to cloud-native containerization. Organizations can reduce licensing costs and increase agility by using modern alternatives to proprietary stacks. We will move beyond basic replacements like OpenOffice to look at next-generation tools: Brave and Firefox for secure browsing, Nextcloud for private cloud collaboration, LibreOffice 2026, and privacy-focused AI tools like Ollama. We will also examine enterprise and business-grade tools that are as good or better than their closed-source counterparts. This session will show you how to integrate these high-quality, secure, and cost-effective tools into your organization’s modern workflow, with a focus on data sovereignty and hybrid-cloud flexibility.

In an increasingly digital world, understanding fraud has become more critical than ever for accounting professionals. This comprehensive course examines the evolving landscape of occupational fraud through multiple lenses, including the latest findings from the recent Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Report to the Nations, and detailed analysis of recent high-profile fraud cases. We’ll explore the three major categories of occupational fraud – financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation, and corruption – while examining real-world examples that have made headlines in recent years. The course delves into the Fraud Triangle concept (Pressure, Opportunity, and Rationalization) and demonstrates how proper segregation of duties serves as a crucial preventive control. We’ll analyze how various organizations and individuals become targets of fraudulent schemes in today’s complex business environment, incorporating discussions on cybersecurity threats and emerging technological risks. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your fraud detection and prevention skills while gaining valuable insights into the latest trends and protective measures. This course will equip you with practical tools and knowledge to safeguard your organization’s assets, strengthen internal controls, and promote ethical business practices in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape. Register now to join other professionals in understanding how to better protect your organization from fraud in 2025 and beyond.

Excel is the default program for many financial professionals–and highly effective–if used correctly. It can be used for everything from simple tabular analysis to creating in-depth aggregate pivot tables. This course will give participants the necessary tools to turn data into meaningful information and will examine cutting edge ways to store, retrieve, report, and analyze data using Excel and plugins. It will provide recommendations on how to more efficiently use Excel and potential traps to avoid.Participants are encouraged to bring their technology devices to follow along with the interactive discussions, technology demonstrations, sample spreadsheets, and demo tools. Financial professionals will walk away from this course with valuable tools and insights into understanding, managing, and utilizing data in an organized and meaningful manner inside their organizations.

Every accounting professional knows the frustration of a broken link or a lookup that fails when a new row is added. While the core mission of accounting hasn't changed, the formulas we use have undergone a revolution. This course bridges the gap between traditional spreadsheet habits and the modern "dynamic" era of Excel. We begin with a "Greatest Hits" review of the absolute minimum formulas every working professional must master to remain effective, and then quickly move into the high-efficiency world of modern logic. Participants will explore the transformative power of Dynamic Arrays and learn how formulas like XLOOKUP, FILTER, and UNIQUE are changing the way we structure workpapers. We will also examine the strategic relationship between Power Query and your formula bar, showing how to use Power Query as a clean data source that feeds cascading, self-updating dynamic formulas. This session is designed to move you beyond basic manual entry into a world of resilient, "set-it-and-forget-it" spreadsheets that work as hard as you do.

Financial professionals can transform their daily workflow with this comprehensive training designed specifically for accountants and business analysts. Participants will discover how to leverage advanced Excel formulas, including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, dynamic arrays, and logical functions that streamline complex calculations and automate routine tasks. This practical approach focuses on real-world applications, showing professionals how to reduce hours of manual work into efficient, automated processes that minimize errors and maximize productivity. Beyond powerful formulas, participants will gain hands-on experience with pivot tables, the cornerstone of modern business reporting. The course demonstrates how to create dynamic reports, implement advanced calculations, and design intuitive data visualizations that enhance decision-making capabilities. Professionals will walk away with immediately applicable skills that strengthen their analytical capabilities, improve reporting efficiency, and add significant value to their organization. This course bridges the gap between basic Excel knowledge and the advanced techniques needed in today’s data-driven business environment, making it an essential investment for accounting professionals seeking to enhance their technical capabilities and career growth.

In today’s digital landscape, data loss can be catastrophic – whether it’s your personal photos, critical business documents, or enterprise-level databases. Organizations and individuals face numerous threats including ransomware, hardware failures, natural disasters, and human error. The implementation of a robust backup strategy isn’t just an IT consideration – it’s a fundamental business requirement. Understanding the various backup methodologies, from local storage to cloud solutions, and knowing how to implement them effectively can mean the difference between quick recovery and devastating loss. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to realize the importance of a comprehensive backup strategy. This course provides you with practical, actionable knowledge about modern backup solutions, from personal cloud storage to enterprise-level systems. You’ll learn how to evaluate and implement various backup technologies, create effective retention policies, and ensure your data remains secure and accessible when you need it most. Join us to develop the skills needed to protect your digital assets and ensure business continuity in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Transform business operations and reduce manual workload through powerful automation tools and strategies. This comprehensive course reveals how organizations can leverage QuickBooks Online Advanced’s automation features for both workflow and advanced reporting, alongside integration platforms like Zapier and Microsoft Power Automate. Participants will discover practical solutions for automating bills, payments, invoices, scheduled reports, and vendor management while learning to implement custom workflows that streamline daily operations and enhance productivity. Business leaders and accounting professionals will gain hands-on experience with automation tools that revolutionize reporting processes and stakeholder communication. The course combines QuickBooks Online Advanced’s native capabilities with broader integration strategies, demonstrating how to utilize Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solutions and third-party tools to create seamless connections between accounting systems and other business applications. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to reduce manual data entry, minimize errors, and create more efficient processes that save both time and resources. This practical approach to automation empowers organizations to scale operations without increasing overhead costs.

Transform your daily Excel workflows and eliminate hours of manual data processing with powerful automation techniques designed for business professionals. This comprehensive course reveals the full potential of Excel Tables and Power Query, showing participants how to turn complex data challenges into streamlined, automated solutions. Business professionals will discover how to leverage seven key table functions that dramatically reduce formatting time, eliminate formula errors, and create dynamic reports that update automatically. Organizations today need efficient ways to handle increasing amounts of data from multiple sources. This course demonstrates how Power Query serves as the ultimate tool for extracting, transforming, and loading data into Excel with minimal effort. Participants will develop practical skills to automate repetitive tasks, create robust data models, and build reliable reporting systems that save hours of work each week. These time-tested techniques have helped countless professionals reduce their manual data entry by up to 80%, allowing them to focus on higher-value analysis and decision-making activities.

In today's interconnected business landscape, protecting your organization's digital assets from cyber threats is more critical than ever. The rapid adoption of cloud technologies, remote work environments, and artificial intelligence has created new security challenges that require robust and adaptable solutions. Organizations must stay ahead of evolving threats while ensuring their data remains secure across multiple cloud platforms and services. Understanding and implementing comprehensive security measures is no longer optional – it's a fundamental business requirement that directly impacts your organization's integrity and success. Don't let your organization become the next cybersecurity headline. This course provides you with practical, actionable strategies to enhance your cloud security posture and protect your valuable data assets. You'll learn cutting-edge approaches to managing security across cloud platforms, developing effective organizational policies, and addressing emerging challenges posed by AI and modern technologies. Join us to gain the knowledge and tools needed to build a resilient security framework that safeguards your organization's future in the digital age.

For accounting and tax professionals, understanding blockchain technology and digital assets has become essential as these innovations reshape modern business operations. This comprehensive course delivers practical insights into blockchain infrastructure, cryptocurrency operations, and non-fungible tokens, examining their broad impact on business while viewing implementation through an accounting and tax lens. Participants will gain clarity on the fundamental distinction that while all cryptocurrency operates on blockchain, blockchain technology extends far beyond digital currencies. The course incorporates recent FASB guidance, ensuring attendees understand how current accounting principles apply to these transformative business technologies. This program goes beyond theoretical concepts to provide actionable knowledge about how these technologies are changing business operations and market dynamics. Participants will develop a thorough understanding of key terminology, technological characteristics, and real-world applications in business contexts. The course breaks down complex technological concepts into clear, practical knowledge, helping professionals understand both the broader business implications and their specific reporting requirements. By attending this course, professionals will enhance their ability to navigate and advise on the evolving landscape of digital assets and blockchain technology, positioning themselves as informed advisors in this rapidly expanding field.

In today’s digital age, databases have become the backbone of every business technology, application, platform, and service. Every system relies on databases to store and organize information, from financial records in Quickbooks and Xero to sales efforts in Salesforce and Hubspot. Popular reporting tools like Power BI and Excel utilize databases to create beautiful, insightful dashboards. Despite the widespread use and importance of databases, many financial professionals lack a basic understanding of how they operate. Traditionally, working with databases has been delegated to an organization’s IT department, leaving the accounting team out of scope. However, in today’s technology-driven environment, accountants need to have a basic understanding of how databases work and the ability to query data independently. Our database basics course focuses on the knowledge most helpful for financial professionals. Through hands-on learning, participants will develop the skills to query data from a database or cloud provider and use it to create insightful reports in Excel or Power BI. By the end of the course, participants will feel empowered to design their dashboards and work more effectively with cloud data. With our database basics course, gain the knowledge you need to succeed in today’s digital age and enhance your value as a financial professional.

In an era where data is both a critical asset and a significant liability, organizations can no longer afford to treat privacy as a mere compliance checkbox. This course addresses the shift from passive legal adherence to active operational excellence, demonstrating how transparent data practices and robust privacy cultures create a measurable competitive advantage. Participants will explore the fundamental distinctions between privacy and security, the mechanics of lawful processing, and the evolving regulatory landscape of the GDPR and CCPA. By attending this session, you will gain the practical skills necessary to execute core privacy operations, including data mapping, privacy impact assessments, and the fulfillment of consumer rights requests. You will walk away with a structured approach to implementing 'Privacy by Design' and a clear roadmap for managing data breach notifications and processor relationships. This course equips you to bridge the gap between regulatory theory and operational reality, ensuring your organization handles personal information with precision and accountability.

The role of the financial professional has shifted from reporting on the past to predicting the future, yet many practitioners still rely on manual, static workflows that fail to capture the full story within their data. This course bridges the gap between traditional accounting and modern data science by utilizing Excel’s most powerful analytical engines to turn raw numbers into defensible business intelligence. We will move beyond simple averages, exploring how to use the Analysis ToolPak for deep statistical dives and leveraging Dynamic Arrays to build fluid, auto-updating models that respond to changing business conditions in real time. Participants will explore a modern analytics workflow that balances classic statistical rigor with cutting-edge efficiency. We will examine how to implement regression analysis for more accurate budgeting, utilize advanced forecasting functions to anticipate market shifts, and even leverage AI-assisted insights to find hidden patterns in sprawling datasets. By the end of this session, you will be able to distinguish between mere “data entry” and “data discovery,” providing your firm or organization with the high-level analysis required to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.

In the modern financial landscape, the security of a CPA’s practice is defined by the strength of their identity management and the resilience of their workflows. In 2026, the distinction between office and remote work has faded, as the cloud serves as our universal workspace. However, this borderless environment has increased the success of persistent threats like Business Email Compromise (BEC), ransomware, and sophisticated social engineering. This course provides a comprehensive update on these fundamental risks, examining how traditional attacks have become more frequent and harder to detect through automation. We will analyze the intersection of established security principles and emerging technological challenges. This includes managing the confidentiality risks posed by staff using unauthorized AI tools for client work and understanding why the professional "minimum standard" for cybersecurity has reached a record high. Participants will explore practical frameworks for implementing Zero Trust security and strengthening authentication protocols. By focusing on the most likely threats and the most effective defenses, this session provides a clear roadmap for protecting client trust and maintaining professional liability standards in an increasingly automated world.

In today’s digital age, financial professionals are at the forefront of a relentless battle against identity theft and data breaches. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, staying one step ahead is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. This course offers a deep dive into the mechanisms of digital threats, equipping attendees with the vital knowledge and strategies required to safeguard their clients’ sensitive information. Participants will gain insights into the latest attack profiles and breach methods, learning not just how to react, but how to proactively protect against potential security compromises. Understanding that prevention is only half the battle, the course also provides a comprehensive guide on recovery from identity theft and data breaches. Attendees will leave with actionable recommendations for enhancing security measures and an informed perspective on the nuances of digital defense. This is an opportunity for financial experts to fortify their defenses against the ever-present danger of cyber threats. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your expertise—secure your spot now and empower yourself with the tools to maintain the integrity and trust that is the foundation of your profession.

This course provides financial professionals with practical guidance on creating clear, persuasive, and visually strong business presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Participants examine how structured storytelling, purposeful slide design, and message alignment improve communication in both internal and client‑facing scenarios. The session highlights the realities of today’s business communication landscape, where data-heavy content, hybrid audiences, and expectations for visual clarity demand more thoughtful presentation development. Attendees also review updated Microsoft 365 capabilities that streamline presentation creation, including AI-supported design tools and new productivity features that help professionals research, refine, and organize content more efficiently. By combining foundational PowerPoint functions with current best practices in narrative development, the course equips learners to produce presentations that enhance understanding, support decision-making, and elevate organizational communication.

For years, Excel users have relied on complex formulas, manual parsing, and “text-to-columns” to clean up data. Power Query is the natural successor to these legacy methods, providing a professional-grade environment for building updatable, repeatable reports. This course explores how to move beyond basic spreadsheet manipulation to a workflow that automates the “grunt work” of accounting. With over 70 different transformation tools at your fingertips, you will learn how to parse, split, combine, and concatenate data with precision, ensuring that once you build a report, you never have to build it again. We will focus on the versatility of the Power Query engine, demonstrating how it handles the “bad data” practitioners face daily from clients and system exports. While the core of the course is about mastering the built-in UI transformations, we will also explore high-value advanced features like the Power Query Editor and the strategic use of parameters to make your reports even more flexible. We will also briefly look at how generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can act as an assistant to help you navigate these 70+ tools, ensuring your data pipeline remains robust and efficient as your reporting needs evolve.

Technology continues to expand at an exponential rate, creating many opportunities for you to improve your company’s efficiencies and lower your operating costs. Firms across the nation are quickly realizing the need to adopt these new technologies or risk being left behind. This presentation introduces the Cloud, one of the fastest-growing trends in Internet technology. It takes a deep dive into the major components, deployment methods, service providers, and applications. It aims to help attendees have a good working knowledge of how the Cloud and Internet work so they can better implement these technologies in their organizations. This essential course explores the use of how the Cloud can be used inside your organization and the benefits and risks of moving to the Cloud. The course discusses the differences between the different levels of cloud technology, applications vs. thin clients, the role of mobile apps, and different types of Internet connections. Finally, many examples of actions your office can take to move to the cloud are explored, outlining the risks and benefits of these actions.

In a data-driven world, financial professionals are expected to not only analyze numbers but also translate them into compelling stories that drive decisions. This course is tailored for those who want to elevate their data presentation skills using Excel and other popular tools. Participants will dive into the art of charting, learning how to choose the right graph for their data and audience. Whether it’s a pie chart that reveals a budget’s composition or a line chart that shows financial trends over time, attendees will leave with a thorough understanding of each chart’s purpose and application. Beyond the basics, this course offers a deep dive into the Microsoft Office suite’s charting capabilities, ensuring that participants can seamlessly integrate their visuals into Word, PowerPoint, and beyond. With hands-on exercises, they’ll transform raw figures into clear, informative charts that make an impact. By the end of the sessions, financial professionals will be adept at mapping data in a way that tells a story, engages stakeholders, and influences strategy. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your presentations and reports—secure your spot today and start turning your data into persuasive narratives that resonate with your audience.

This course equips accounting and finance professionals with practical methods to strengthen spreadsheet accuracy in environments where reliability directly affects reporting, analysis, and decision support. The content emphasizes modern Microsoft 365 capabilities, including dynamic arrays, data types, structured references, version history, and collaborative features that reduce formula risk and manual intervention. Participants see how sound workbook design, thoughtful data organization, and targeted validation rules reduce the likelihood of downstream errors and create spreadsheets that stand up to real‑world pressures. The session also highlights common failure points found in finance teams—such as fragile formulas, inconsistent structures, and user‑driven overrides—and demonstrates how to avoid them through protective controls, guided templates, and streamlined calculation flows. By combining updated Excel tools with practical design principles, participants leave with techniques that improve accuracy, enhance efficiency, and support higher‑confidence financial outputs across their organizations.

The Internet and mobile technologies have revolutionized the way that businesses operate. We’re no longer constrained by having to operate in a specific location or during specific business hours. Organizations can now effectively communicate and do business with customers and staff based anywhere in the world. One of the most important aspects of this changing workplace is the virtual office, which allows a user to work anywhere in the world. This course is an in-depth look at how an organization can improve collaboration, communication, and operations by implementing virtual office technology. We’ll look at solutions to simplify and streamline communications, business process management, going paperless, and more. We’ll also cover the benefits and risks of implementing a virtual workplace and discuss innovative technologies you can use to revolutionize your organization.

As we move into 2026, the artificial intelligence conversation has shifted from simple prompt engineering to the era of Agentic AI and seamless system integration. This course provides a deep dive into how modern organizations are moving beyond basic chatbots to implement sophisticated AI-driven workflows. We explore the transformative power of Model Context Protocols (MCP) and autonomous agents that don't just answer questions, but execute complex business processes. For leadership at small-to-medium firms, understanding this shift is critical to moving from experimental use cases to a deep, meaningful impact on firm-wide productivity and strategic decision-making. We will analyze how these technologies are reshaping the professional landscape, ensuring your organization remains at the forefront of the modern AI revolution.

In today's fast-paced world, automation is like having a time machine at your fingertips. By implementing strategic automation solutions, you can transform an eight-hour workday into twelve hours of productivity without working longer hours. This course explores how automation can save time, improve accuracy, promote effectiveness, and maximize the value of your workday. When you invest time in automating routine tasks, you create permanent time savings that compound over time, reducing daily stress and providing better mental clarity for more important activities. This hands-on course will equip you with practical knowledge of various automation tools, methods, apps, and technologies that can revolutionize both your personal and professional life. From home automation systems to iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) tools and the Elgato Streamdeck, you'll discover how to create a seamlessly automated environment. Join us to learn how to reclaim hours or even weeks of time through smart automation strategies that will transform your daily routine.

Disaster can come in many forms, from a flood to a data breach, to the death of a critical member of your team. When a disaster happens, it is never at a convenient time. It doesn’t matter if it is the holidays, right before your vacation, or at the end of a grueling busy season. It just happens and you’re left to pick up the pieces. The first 24 hours of a disaster are the most critical. How are you going to get back online? How are you going to organize a safe work environment for your staff? How are you going to communicate what has occurred and what you are doing to resolve it to your stakeholders? An organization that is without its data or communications for a prolonged period has a significant risk of going out of business. Every minute of downtime is lost productivity, a missed deadline, or a forfeited opportunity. It isn’t a matter of if a disaster occurs, but when it does occur how you will respond. This course will discuss a wide range of disasters from acts of God to man-made calamities, including data breaches and employee maleficence. It offers insight into the major risks, their causes, methods for mitigation of risks, and recommendations for resolution. It will have a detailed discussion on how using technology effectively can help minimize and hedge business risk and ensure continuity of operations. It will examine best practices for data security, the use of hot/cold sites, how to ensure that data is properly backed up, utilizing the Cloud for enhanced redundancy, and more. It is a good course for any organization that is concerned about the continuity of operations and surviving a disaster.

This program provides financial professionals with a deeper look at how structured data, modern workflow tools, and real time information pipelines shape organizational performance today. As organizations accelerate their digital operations, teams are expected to move beyond static reporting and apply more advanced techniques to access, combine, and interpret data from multiple systems. This course reflects the evolving expectations of finance professionals in 2025–2026, emphasizing how database fundamentals, AI assisted workflows, and platform agnostic skills help teams streamline processes and deliver faster operational insight. Participants will learn how databases, Power Query, SQL, and AI supported transformation tools work together to support stronger decision making and consistent data sharing across applications. The session highlights how CPAs increasingly act as data stewards within their organizations—helping validate, structure, and operationalize data while driving more proactive analysis. Through practical demonstrations and cross platform examples, attendees see how to build more efficient data processes and design workflows that support real time visibility into business performance.

The era of merely “chatting” with AI is evolving into a more sophisticated partnership where Large Language Models (LLMs) act as highly capable analytical associates. For the financial professional, the challenge has shifted from writing simple prompts to building complex, multi-step workflows that can spot anomalies, perform deep variance analysis, and automate testing protocols. This course moves beyond the basics, showing you how to treat tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot as “agents” that can handle sequential tasks while you maintain the professional skepticism and oversight required to ensure accuracy and compliance. Success in an AI-integrated firm requires more than just technical skill; it requires a robust framework for data security and risk management. We will explore how to protect sensitive client information through a tiered approach to security, ranging from standard privacy settings to “closed-loop” enterprise systems. Participants will learn how to integrate these advanced analytical capabilities into their existing work in Excel and Power BI without disrupting established operations. By the end of this session, you will be able to move up the value chain of analytics, transforming the “hallucination risk” into a structured “AI audit” process that keeps the practitioner firmly in control.

Microsoft Power BI is an incredible tool for processing your organization’s data into insightful analysis. It can be used to produce any type of analytics, from simple charts to responsive maps, to KPI indicators to in-depth statistical analysis and everything in between. This incredible tool should be the backbone of reporting for all organizations. Helping to give decision markers the right information they need, at the right time, to make good and effective decisions for their organizations. While exceedingly versatile and powerful, Power BI comes with a steep learning curve. It takes months and years to master this application and its many functionalities. It has many hidden features and unknown best practices which can stymie and frustrate new users. This course is going to focus on the hidden secrets, capabilities, features, and functions of Microsoft Power BI. This intermediate course will focus on helping users master the capabilities of the application and produce more effective reports. It will discuss capabilities such as best practices for data management, creating more interactive reports, and recommendations for more efficient use of the application. This practically focused course will demonstrate many of the more complicated functionalities which are often not discussed in introductory-level courses. Additionally, it will take a particular focus on the most recently released functionalities of the application such as new visualizations, data connectors, collaboration services, and more.

In the modern tax practice, the line between convenience and security has never been thinner. As federal regulators increase their oversight of how taxpayer data is handled, practitioners are finding that yesterday’s security habits are no longer enough to satisfy current mandates. This course moves beyond technical jargon to provide a clear-eyed look at the 2026 security landscape, focusing on the practical balance of protecting your firm while maintaining a seamless experience for your clients. We explore the reality of the “human firewall” in an era where audio and visual data can be easily manipulated, and why “seeing is no longer believing” when it comes to authorizing sensitive requests. The second half of the session stays grounded in the essential requirements for your Written Information Security Plan (WISP). We examine how to maintain a compliant environment that stands up to federal verification without making daily workflows onerous for your staff or your clients. By addressing emerging challenges like the privacy leaks caused by staff using unauthorized online “helper” tools, this course equips you with a strategic approach to evaluate your firm’s defenses. You will walk away with a high-level roadmap to ensure your practice remains a trusted vault for client information in an increasingly complex digital world.

Financial professionals face mounting cybersecurity threats as cybercriminals increasingly target accounting firms, financial institutions, and their clients. Through detailed analysis of real-world security incidents and data breaches that devastated organizations throughout 2025 and early 2026, participants examine the critical vulnerabilities that led to catastrophic losses and regulatory violations. This comprehensive case study approach reveals how seemingly minor security oversights resulted in millions in damages, client exodus, and permanent reputational harm for businesses across various industries. Attendees analyze documented security failures at major corporations, financial institutions, and professional service firms to identify patterns, understand attack methodologies, and develop robust prevention strategies. The course provides actionable frameworks for risk assessment, incident response planning, and regulatory compliance that directly address the most prevalent threats facing today's financial professionals. Participants receive practical tools and proven methodologies to strengthen their organizational defenses, protect client data, and maintain business continuity in an increasingly hostile digital environment.