Portfolio & Projects
My Projects & Portfolio
Professional Projects
Devmatics, LLC
Devmatics, LLC is a professional software development company that specializes in building enterprise software for all types of businesses. They build everything from mobile apps to web applications, custom integrations, eCommerce solutions and much. Working with his team, Stephen is responsible for all aspects of the business operations of the company. They have built a dozen of solutions over the years including professional education training solutions, heavy industry safety apps, live streaming video, association (non-profit) management systems and more. Learn more about his projects at Devmatics.
Speaking & Writing
Steve is a prolific author and esteemed educator in the realms of technology and accounting, having crafted more than 75+ comprehensive courses that have empowered countless professionals in these sectors. As a sought-after speaker, he graces over 125 events annually, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights with thousands of practitioners. Explore below for detailed information on Steve’s latest educational offerings and published works.
Integration and Sharing Data for Financial Professionals
Course Category: Automation
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.
Ten Tech Productivity Life Hacks to Save Time
Course Category: Productivity
Today’s busy professional has an ever-expanding workload, but delivery timelines are decreasing. We have more meetings, more emails, and more work . . . projects. Outside of work, we have increased family and social obligations. Simply, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. We all could benefit from an extra hour of productivity throughout the day. Effectively using technology in your personal and business life is a great way to get more mileage out of your day. This course will look at 10 different tools or services that can make your life easier or take the headache out of mundane tasks. We will look at tools that simplify scheduling appointments, take the hassle out of tracking time, improve data sharing between applications, and more. Participants will leave this class with tips and tricks on shaving hours of time per week.
Fraud in Today’s Workplace: What Accountants Need to Know
Course Category: Fraud
Every other year the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) publishes A Report to the Nations. This landmark report is the definitive guide . . . to understanding occupational fraud in today’s workplace. The ACFE report breaks down fraud by the type of perpetrator, types of crime, categories of victim organizations, and more. The report provides fascinating insight and helpful advice to help professionals understand fraud risks in today’s world.
This course is an in-depth discussion and analysis of this report with K2 instructors Tommy Stephens and Stephen M. Yoss. They will discuss the significant findings of the 2022 edition of this report. Attendees will learn methods to spot fraud risks in their organizations and protect themselves.
Excel Formula’s Accountants & Financial Professionals Need to Know
Course Category: Excel
Excel is ubiquitous in the accounting and financial professionals’ workplace, but some of the best functions and features for accounting and financial . . . professionals are unknown or underutilized. Leverage Tables, shortcuts, and best practices to increase efficiency. Master the functions such as VLOOKUP, INDEX & MATCH, Dynamic Array Formulas. As well as Formulas and uses such as Depreciation, Amortization, Interest, Payment, and more. In this course, we will even take you deeper into statistical analysis with formulas for everything from median, most, and standard deviation and regression analysis.
Securing Confidentiality: Safeguarding Client Data Under IRS Rules
Course Category: Security
Tax practices face a critical responsibility: safeguarding client data against cyber threats. This course is tailored for professionals in the tax . . . industry, offering a deep dive into the essentials of creating and maintaining a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) as mandated by IRS regulations and the FTC Safeguards Rule. With a focus on IRS Publications 4557, 5293, and 5708, along with insights from NISTIR 7621, participants will learn not just the theory but the practical steps needed to enhance their practice’s security posture. The course content is designed to be direct and engaging, ensuring that attendees can easily translate knowledge into action.
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of critical topics, from developing a compliant WISP to recognizing and responding to cyber threats, and from implementing strong access controls to effective data protection measures. Special emphasis is placed on real-world strategies for preventing data breaches, including the use of encryption, backup procedures, and secure data disposal methods. Participants will also explore the importance of employee training and the continuous monitoring and improvement of security practices to address new cyber threats and business changes. For tax professionals committed to upholding the highest standards of data security and building a trust-based relationship with their clients, this course is a vital resource. Attendees will not only gain the knowledge to protect their clients’ data but also the confidence to implement best practices within their organization.
Cybersecurity 2024: Proactive Defense for CPAs
Course Category: Security
In an era where digital threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, financial professionals require a robust understanding of cybersecurity . . . measures to protect both their personal and client data. This course offers a thorough update on the latest security and privacy challenges that CPAs and business experts will face in 2024. Participants will delve into the intricacies of Windows 11 security features, learn to recognize and respond to sophisticated ransomware attacks, and understand the implications of data breaches in a heavily interconnected world. With a focus on practical solutions and actionable strategies, this course equips attendees with the knowledge to implement robust privacy policies, counteract phishing attempts, and navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance.
Attendees will emerge from this course not only with a comprehensive grasp of the most pressing cybersecurity issues but also with best practices tailored for the financial sector. They will gain insights into mitigating IoT threats and managing the unique risks associated with work-from-home arrangements. By the end of the sessions, CPAs and business professionals will be armed with the tools necessary to fortify their digital defenses and ensure the integrity of their professional services. Secure a spot today and commit to being at the forefront of cybersecurity proficiency, safeguarding your practice and enhancing your value in the marketplace. Act now to transform your approach to digital security and lead with confidence in the face of cyber threats.
Excel Empowerment for Organizational Success – Custom Training
Course Category: Excel
In today’s data-driven business landscape, proficiency in Excel is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This tailored training session is designed . . . for financial professionals who are familiar with Excel but are aiming to enhance their skills further. The course zeroes in on the specific needs of small groups within an organization, ensuring that the material is relevant and immediately applicable. Participants will dive into the intricacies of Power Query, Pivot Tables, and the creation of compelling Charts and Graphs, tools that are pivotal for insightful data analysis and reporting.
The interactive format of the training encourages participants to bring their own projects to the table, fostering a hands-on learning environment where real-world problems are addressed with expert guidance. This approach guarantees that every minute spent in training translates into tangible improvements in the workplace. Attendees will leave with a solid grasp of advanced Excel functions, equipped to turn complex data into strategic assets that drive business success. By investing in this course, professionals will not only boost their personal skill set but also contribute significantly to their organization’s analytical capabilities.
Data and Statistical Analytics Using Microsoft Excel
Course Category: Excel
In today’s data-driven business environment, the ability to analyze and interpret data is an invaluable asset for any professional. This comprehensive . . . course equips participants with the skills to utilize Microsoft Excel’s robust analytical tools, transforming raw data into actionable insights. Attendees will discover how to apply descriptive statistics to gauge performance, employ Excel’s advanced functions for predictive forecasting, and harness the power of regression analysis to optimize organizational planning and budgeting.
Participants will leave with a toolkit of techniques to conduct sophisticated data analysis that can inform strategic decisions. By understanding how to identify opportunities for analytics application in real-world business projects, attendees will be able to elevate their organization’s data strategy. They will learn to navigate Excel’s capabilities to create forward-looking forecasts and measure operational effectiveness, gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. This course is a must-attend for professionals seeking to enhance their analytical prowess and drive their business forward with confidence.
Epic Journey 2008
In 2008, Stephen took a year-long round-the-world trip from his home in Southern California to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific and Central America. These are a collection of his writings and photos from that trip.
The Northern Quest
Greetings from the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands! I have spent the last several weeks exploring the famed Hapsburg Empire from Vienna to Prague, chugging delicious liters of beer at Oktoberfest, understanding contemporary history in Berlin, and leisurely strolling the streets of Amsterdam.
Ancient Cities
Greetings from Thailand, Egypt, and Italy. It has been a busy couple of weeks with travel on three continents over several cities. These three countries are as diverse as they come. Each had marvelous sights, history, at- tractions, people, mu- sic, foods, and cultures.
Far East Escapades
Greetings from Russia, Mongolia, China, Hawaii and the bridge of the USS Benfold! The epic world adventure continues with travel through the East, Pacific and beyond. It was so EPIC that it required a special double edition of the newsletter just to fit in all the tales of glory.
Wellington, New Zealand
Over the course of several weeks, I saw the entirety of New Zealand, from the most northern tip (Cape Reinga) where the Paci c and the Tasman Sea meet, to Steward Island the last stop before Antarctica. I have bungy jumped, river boarded, mountain climbed, trekked, swam, and splunked every square meter of these islands… and loved every minute of it.
North Island, New Zealand
Greetings from Russia, Mongolia, China, Hawaii and the bridge of the USS Benfold! The epic world adventure continues with travel through the East, Pacific and beyond. It was so EPIC that it required a special double edition of the newsletter just to fit in all the tales of glory.
Australia, Oceania
G’Day from Australia! On August 18th, I departed the chilly climates and familiarity of Wellington, New Zealand for the balmy and unknown of Cairns, Australia. I said goodbye to my life as a Kiwi and started on my journey around the world.
South Island, New Zealand
It is hard to believe that I have been gone for almost two months. I find myself in my own bubble that is devoid of time and news. As someone that prided himself on being up to date on national happenings, I couldn’t even tell you won the primaries or next season’s starting lineup for the Angels.
Fiji & South Island, New Zealand
Hope this letter finds you well. Peter, Curtis & I find ourselves in the middle of our third week abroad. We spent the first week abroad in Fiji, last week in Auckland and this week in Queenstown. Thus far the trip can be summarized by warm weather, sandy beaches, and unfamiliar accents.