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.
Developing and Deploying Effective Cloud Cyber Security Best Practices For Your Organization
Course Category: Security
Protecting your organization from cyber threats is paramount in today’s business environment. There are countless ways that your data can be . . . compromised and the industry’s best practices are ever-changing to adapt to the latest threats. Increasingly more professionals are working remotely and Cloud technology is what is connecting us all. It is business-critical that our organizations have correct and relevant security settings and procedures. Permissive security and privacy controls for Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, or Google could pose a major security risk to the organization.
This course looks at practical approaches to managing the security and privacy settings of today’s major Cloud tools. It will give specific and direct advice on best practices for configuration and settings for today’s major Cloud platforms to promote better security. Specific attention will be paid to the major Cloud business platforms including, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Zoho. We will review everything from the importance of multi-factor authentication, to user levels/permissions, to methods to quickly identify when a user’s account might be compromised. Business professionals will leave the class with specific insight on how they can protect their organization’s cloud data.
Leveraging Big Data for Public Accounting
Course Category: Business Intelligence
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.
Hands On With QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) for Public Accounting
Course Category: Software
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.
Automation For Increasing Personal Efficiency and Effectiveness
Course Category: Automation
Automation can be incredibly helpful for saving time, improving accuracy, promoting effectiveness, and getting more value out of your workday. One of . . . the best things a person can do is to invest time into automating their workday because it will help them to complete more work in the same period of time, reduce daily stress and provide better mental clarity. Automation can be permanent time savings for a person, once something is automated you always get that time back on a project.
This course will discuss the various tools, methods, apps, websites, and more that a person can use to help promote personal automation in both your personal and professional life. It will incorporate technologies such as integration platform as a service (iPaaS) tools, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, the Elgato Streamdeck, and more. Participants will learn methods that can help them save anywhere from a couple of hours to weeks of time.
Phishing & Frauds: Online Defense Tactics
Course Category: Security
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.
Are You Really Ready? Effective Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Planning
Course Category: Security
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.
Hot Tech Tools and Services for Financial Professionals
Course Category: Productivity
In a world where time is currency, financial professionals are constantly seeking ways to maximize productivity and streamline their workflows. This . . . course is tailored to equip attendees with the latest productivity-enhancing tools and services, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of the financial industry with ease and precision. From mastering sophisticated calendar and scheduling tools that promise to keep you organized and ahead of deadlines, to implementing iPasS systems for secure and efficient data sharing, this course covers the essential tech that every financial expert needs in their arsenal.
Beyond the basics, participants will explore a curated selection of financial tools that automate payments and optimize financial operations, alongside business tools that drive performance and results. While the course provides a thorough understanding of the strategic application of Large Language Models and Generative AI, it also emphasizes practical solutions for day-to-day challenges, such as advanced project management platforms and remote collaboration technologies that keep teams connected and productive. Attendees will learn to harness the full potential of cloud services, integrating them into their daily practice for a flexible and scalable work environment. By the end of this course, financial professionals will not only have a comprehensive toolkit of the latest tech innovations but also the know-how to leverage these resources to achieve peak performance and a competitive edge in the fast-evolving financial sector.
Mastering Adobe Acrobat for Financial Professionals
Course Category: Productivity
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.
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.