Accounting & Technology Conference: Full Schedule

Schedule is subject to change.

8:00am CDT

Financial Reporting for Private Companies

This session will take a deep dive into accounting and reporting developments that are relevant to private companies, including discussion of new accounting standards and pending accounting standard developments.

Field of Study--Technical Accounting
Recommended CPE credit--1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Angela McCord

Vice President, Controller, QTS Data Centers

Angela McCord is a seasoned finance professional, graduating from Kansas State University with a Master's in Accountancy. She spent seven successful years at KPMG, rising to Senior Audit Manager, where she worked with public and private clients in diverse industries like Life Insurance... Read More →

Bri Simoneau

Vice President, Accounting, QTS Data Centers

Bri Simoneau graduated from Kansas State University in May 2002 with bachelors' degrees in Accounting and Finance. Bri joined the KPMG LLP in Kansas City, where she spent over six years in the audit practice, primarily servicing publicly traded companies in transportation and utilities... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, Accounting

9:00am CDT

Audit Update: Hot Topics Busy Season 2024

Reviewing What Could Go Wrong’s, Reviewing What Could Go Right’s, and discussing hot topics with recent standards (including continued ASC 842 Leases and ASC 326 Credit Losses, benefit plan audit rules)

Field of Study--Technical Audit
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Somer Torres

Audit Director, FORVIS

Somer is an audit director in the Tulsa office of FORVIS with more than 15 years of professional accounting experience, including a two-year audit secondment in Perth, Australia.During her career, she has served a variety of clients in the transportation & distribution, manufacturing... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, Accounting

10:00am CDT

Current Farm/Ranch Income Tax Issues

This session takes a brief look at some of the current tax issues facing farmers and ranchers. Discussed will be recent court and IRS developments, as well as particular issues that are trending such as residual fertilizer supply; conservation easement donations; hobby losses; and planning issues presented if the TCJA sunsets after 2025.

Field of Study--Technical Tax
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Roger McEowen

Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation, Washburn University

Roger A. McEowen is the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.Through 2015, he was the Leonard Dolezal Professor in Agricultural Law at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he was also the Director of the ISU Center... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, General Session

11:00am CDT

Risk Management & Internal Controls

This presentation will provide an overview of risk management philosophy, how understanding risk philosophy across an organization is crucial to every employee. We will delve into the fundamental concepts of risk, exploring its key tenants, how to apply risk-adjusted framework, and establishing internal controls.

Field of Study--Technical Accounting
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Reagan Irvin

Senior Risk Analyst, Koch Industries

Hello, I'm Reagan Irvin, a finance professional with experience in investment analysis and risk management. After interning with Koch in 2019, I joined Koch as an Investment Analyst in 2020. As an Investment Analyst at Koch, I managed relationships with hedge funds by conducting research... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, Accounting

12:00pm CDT

Lunch Break

Monday May 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
In-Person - Lunch provided, Virtually - On your own

Breaks

1:00pm CDT

“Ethics is Ethics” One Standard Lived Across The Board

It seems we have been observing corporate scandals across all levels of business ever since Enron over 20 years ago. There seems to be an increased interest in “business” ethics. As illegal and unethical behavior are exposed in the business world, society has demanded reform. But the question still remains…whether “Business Ethics” stops at the office door at 6 pm when you leave or are there other ethical decisions you make in your life that have profound impact on others????

Field of Study--Non-Technical Behavioral Ethics
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Scot Loyd

Owner, Loyd Group, LLC

Scot is the current owner of the Loyd Group, LLC. His firm is considered a virtual firm and only serves government clients in the areas of auditing, budgeting and consulting. Prior to starting the Loyd Group, LLC on January 1, 2022, Scot served as a partner with the firm Swindoll... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Track 1, Accounting

1:00pm CDT

Diversity and the Accounting Profession

Did you know? Over the next 15 years, 75% of the CPA population will have reached retirement age. Learn what companies should be doing now to maintain and attract diverse talent and how it can impact people, culture, and profit.

Field of Study--Personal Development
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Sheila Coomes

Instuctor, Director, Herbel Accounting Academy, Kansas State University

Sheila is the Director of the Herbel Accounting Academy focused on building the accounting pipeline and supporting freshman and first-year students in accounting at Kansas State University. Sheila teaches and leads the first-year course for students pursuing accounting and teaches... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Zoom 2, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1078

Track 2, Accounting

2:00pm CDT

FinCEN’s BOI Requirements: Understanding the Who, What and When

This webinar will discuss the basics of FinCEN’s BOI Reporting requirements; who is a reporting company, beneficial owner, and company applicant, what exemptions are available, and when and how to file a report. Find out what CPA’s should be doing now to prepare and the recent developments in the evolving landscape of BOI.

Field of Study--Technical Tax
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Kristalyn Shinn

Tax Manager, Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk, and Loyd

Kristalyn Shinn, CPA is a Tax Manager for SJHL, concentrating on tax and consulting with small to medium-sized businesses and their owners. She has been in the accounting industry for 21 years and has many years of experience working in various industries. Kristalyn received her... Read More →

Stacie Wilson

Partner and COO, Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk, and Loyd

Stacie Wilson, CPA, CVA is a Partner and COO for SJHL. Her client work is concentrated on tax and consulting for small to medium-sized businesses and their owners. She has been in the accounting industry for 23 years and has worked with business owners in various industries. Stacie... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Track 1, Accounting

2:00pm CDT

New Client Acquisition Strategies

The objectives of this session include identifying: a) your target market, b) the value you have to offer, and c) prospecting outreaches.

Field of Study--Communication and Marketing - Non-technical
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Edward Nowlin

Full Professor, Kansas State University

Edward Nowlin is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Kansas State University. Using both quantitatively-driven moderated-mediation and qualitatively-driven grounded theories methods, his research investigates factors that drive or undermine sales performance as well as actions... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Zoom 2, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1078

Track 2, Accounting

3:00pm CDT

Local Tax/Kansas Legislative Update

Field of Study--Technical Tax
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Carl York

Tax Specialist, Kansas Department of Revenue

Roger Basinger

Accountant, Kansas Department of Revenue

Monday May 20, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Track 1, Accounting

3:00pm CDT

Succession Planning for Accountants (and Everyone Else)

Few issues generate more concern and anxiety for business owners, their employees, and their families than the succession of decision-making and control in a going concern. From small family farm operations to multi-billion-dollar corporations, continued success of a business is largely dependent on an established, coherent succession plan. This session will delve into how to approach succession planning from a practical perspective to help accounting practitioners provide real, tangible assistance to their clients, employers, family, and friends on a topic that will affect virtually everyone. Specific accounting concepts such as valuation, buy-sell formulas, and tax strategies, as well as working within the client’s team of lawyers, financial advisors, and other stakeholders.

Field of Study--Personal Development
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Andrew Ellis

Partner, Arthur-Green, LLP

Born in Prairie Village, Kansas, 1986, Andrew (“Andy”) Ellis is originally from Overland Park, Kansas. He graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Political Science, with minors in Business and Leadership Studies from Kansas State University in 2008 and was awarded a J.D. from the University... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Zoom 2, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1078

Track 2, Accounting

4:00pm CDT

Panel Discussion: Trends in Accounting - Technology Use

Come and listen to experts discuss current trends in the accounting profession related to technology use.

Submit questions that you would like the Industry Panelists to answer during this session. See the button above titled "SUBMIT QUESTIONS".

Field of Study--Technical Accounting
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Brock Monty

Mid-Office Supervisor, Koch Industries

Brock Monty is a Mid-Office Supervisor for Koch Energy Services (KES) located in Wichita, Kansas. Brock Graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in May of 2019. While finishing his football career at Kansas State, Brock received a Master... Read More →

Brooke Beyer

Associate Professor, Deloitte Director of Accounting Analytics & Innovation, Kansas State University

Dr. Brooke Beyer is an associate professor of accounting at Kansas State University and also serves as the Deloitte Director of Accounting Analytics and Innovation for the Department of Accounting. He specializes in teaching accounting analytics and financial reporting. Additionally... Read More →

Veronica Sims

Senior Manager, Varney & Associates, CPAs, LLC

Veronica Sims is a CPA and a Senior Manager at Varney & Associates, CPAs, LLC, a full-service accounting firm located in Manhattan, Kansas. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from Kansas State University.Veronica began her career at PwC in Kansas City, specializing... Read More →

Jordan Trivette

Director, Business Improvement, Technology & Tools, Phillips 66

Jordan Trivette is Director, Business Improvement, Technology & Tools at Phillips 66, a leading diversified and integrated downstream energy company. Jordan leads a team that supports the Controllers organization by looking for process efficiencies and utilizing technology to drive... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, Accounting

5:00pm CDT

Networking Social - BBQ at Goolsby's

Come join us at Goolsby's across the street the College of Business (corner of Manhattan & Bluemont). Get to know speakers and other attendees at the Accounting & Technology Conference during the Networking Social.

Food & Beverages will be provided.

Monday May 20, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Goolsby's (corner of Manhattan and Bluemont) 1212 Bluemont Ave Suite 130, Manhattan, KS 66502

Social

8:00am CDT

Unveiling the Future: AI & ChatGPT’s Revolutionary Impact on Business

In 2023, the world of machine-driven data analysis has altered the way we approach technology and business. But what does this transformation mean for you? Join Brandon Savage, an award-winning instructor from K-State Business School and Head of Sales Enablement at VOZIQ AI, as he demystifies the complexities of AI and machine learning models.

You've heard of groundbreaking technologies like ChatGPT, Bard, and other machine learning models. You may wonder, "What does it all mean for my business, and how can I harness these tools?" Just like Excel streamlined data management and workflow, ChatGPT is poised to do the same for language understanding and text processing. If you've ever utilized Excel to simplify tasks, imagine having a similar tool that comprehends and generates human-like text!

In this enlightening seminar, members will receive a comprehensive introduction into the world of "Artificial Intelligence" (AI), including real-world examples of how businesses like yours are leveraging these tools TODAY. You'll also get a glimpse into what will be possible in the future. Regardless of your computer skills, this session, led by Mr. Savage, will provide both fascinating insights and practical know-how.

Explore the future of business technology and learn how to use the tools that are reshaping industries. By understanding how ChatGPT is akin to powerful tools like Excel, you'll be better equipped to streamline workflows and make informed decisions. Join us to empower your business and stay ahead of the curve!

Field of Study--Technical Information Technology
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Brandon Savage

Instructor & Head of Solution Enablement at VOZIQ, Kansas State University

Brandon Savage is the Head of Solution Enablement at VOZIQ, an AI-powered predictive customer retention solution provider. He is also an award-winning instructor in the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University and has taught Operations and Supply Chain Management... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Technology Workshop, Technology

9:00am CDT

Ethics: Leadership & Values

Field of Study--Non-behavioral Ethics
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Marshall Stewart

Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs, University Engagement and Partnerships, and Chief of Staff, Kansas State University

Marshall Stewart is Kansas State University's senior vice president for executive affairs, university engagement and partnerships, and chief of staff. He reports directly to the president and serves as a member of the president's cabinet.He serves as the president's lead liaison with... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Technology Workshop, Technology

10:00am CDT

Understanding Current Cybersecurity Goals, Strategies & Tactics for Your Organization and Clients

We all know that protecting our businesses and client information is important. We see advertisements on billboards or commercials on television touting specific products or a company's solution. But do we have more than a general objective in mind regarding cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity philosophies have changed in the past 20 years. Many organizations still operate with outdated goals and practices. This session will propose a very specific cybersecurity goal for organizations along with strategies and tactics to help achieve that goal. These can be implemented in your organization and you can also recommend them to your client organizations as you work with them.

Field of Study--Technical Information Technology
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Dan Strom

Owner, SureDefense Strategies LLC

Dan Strom is a lifelong Kansas whose long career has touched many aspects of technology: engineering, technical architecture, technical training, programming, network management, compliance, and cybersecurity.He formed SureDefense Strategies LLC in 2020 with the purpose of helping... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Technology Workshop, Technology

11:00am CDT

Uncover, Craft, Thrive - Building a Rewarding Career

In today's dynamic workplace, a fulfilling career isn't by accident; it's intentionally crafted. This session will provide practical ideas about how to tap into your unique talents and aspirations, act on your commitment to continuous improvement, and cultivate meaningful connections.

Field of Study--Personal Development
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Emily Lehning

Co-Founder, Roots & Legacies Consulting

Dr. Emily Lehning is driven to help individuals and organizations advance toward their goals. Emily draws on her degrees in agriculture and education and 20 years of practice in higher education to offer clients insights and develop strategies to empower their organizations, employees... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Technology Workshop, General Session

12:00pm CDT

Lunch Break

Tuesday May 21, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
In-Person - Lunch provided, Virtually - On your own

Breaks

1:00pm CDT

Embracing AI: Understanding Its Impact on the Future of Accounting

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology that is transforming various industries, including accounting. We will explore what AI is and how AI is impacting accounting in terms of automation, enhancement, and value creation. We will also offer some recommendations for accounting professionals to adapt and thrive in the AI era.

Field of Study--Technical Accounting
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Kelli Rubio

Senior Director of Finance Transformation, Koch Industries

Kelli Rubio is the Senior Director of Finance Transformation for Koch Capabilities. She has 20 years of accounting, IT, and transformation experience at Koch. Kelli spent 11 years working in various accounting and controller roles and in the last 9 years she has spent time leading... Read More →

Nikki Kenney

Senior Finance Director, Koch Industries

Nikki Kenney is a Senior Finance Director for Koch Capabilities, specializing in Procure to Pay and Order to Cash processes. Currently, she leads a transformation program in the Invoice to Pay capability, collaborating with various Koch companies to drive automation and enhance operational... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Zoom Webinar, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Technology Workshop, Technology

2:00pm CDT

Mastering Quickbooks: Empowering Accountants and Businesses

In today’s business environment, mastering Quickbooks helps businesses streamline their financial management. This session will demonstrate key features of Quickbooks for business efficiency and integration into operations as well as how to support your clients using Quickbooks to ensure accuracy and utilization of advanced or customized features.

Field of Study--Non-Technical Computer Software & Application
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Rebecca Adams

Instructor, Kansas State University

Rebecca is an instructor in Marketing at Kansas State University, teaching a wide variety of classes including Consumer Behavior and Professional Selling. She holds an MBA and Master’s of Accountancy from K-State and was awarded the Edgerley Outstanding Instructor Fellowship. In... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Track 1, Technology

2:00pm CDT

Creating a Link Between Data and Analytic Tools in Excel - Part I

This is a two part session (Part I & II) that will teach advanced tools in Excel to connect to data from a variety of sources, clean and convert the data, and provide the ability to perform robust analytics. The focus of the session is building these links once, to provide reliable access to underlying data in a platform for ongoing analysis needs. Participants will learn to use PowerPivot within Excel to import and convert data, and provide it in a reusable format for analysis using interactive PivotTables and other Excel function

Field of Study--Non-Technical Computer Software & Application
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Stacy Kovar

Professor, CBA Fellow, Kansas State University

Professor of Accounting and CBA Faculty Fellow, Department of Accounting, Kansas State University. Dr. Kovar has taught advanced accounting information systems and managerial accounting for over 25 years. She has provided training in data analytics for faculty across the U.S. in Excel... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Kansas State University, College of Business, Room 1053

Track 2, Technology

3:00pm CDT

FinOps: the Shift from Fixed to Variable Tech Spend

As businesses have migrated their applications and IT infrastructure from data centers to the public cloud, financial planning and budgeting has become exceedingly challenging. Predictable capital investments have become variable expenses influenced by engineering team's code. To tackle this challenge, FinOps, a practice of aligning engineering practices to business outcomes, has emerged as a necessary collaborative practice to bring collaborative, predictability, and increase the value of cloud investments.

Field of Study--Non-Technical Computer Software & Applications
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Kara Mosley

Cloud & Applications Manager, Koch Industries

My name is Kara Mosley and I am an accountant turned IT professional. I graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed my Masters in Accountancy at Wichita State University. I've been fortunate enough to have spent my entire career at Koch... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

Track 1, Technology

3:00pm CDT

Creating a Link Between Data and Analytic Tools in Excel - Part II

This is a two-part session (Part I & II) that will teach advanced tools in Excel to connect to data from a variety of sources, clean and convert the data, and provide the ability to perform robust analytics. The focus of the session is building these links once, to provide reliable access to underlying data in a platform for ongoing analysis needs. Participants will learn to use PowerPivot within Excel to import and convert data, and provide it in a reusable format for analysis using interactive PivotTables and other Excel function

Field of Study--Non-Technical Computer Software & Application
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Stacy Kovar

Professor, CBA Fellow, Kansas State University

Tuesday May 21, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Kansas State University, College of Business, Room 1053

Track 2

4:00pm CDT

Robotic Process Automation

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is transforming the accounting profession by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. This presentation will explore RPA and related technologies, including artificial intelligence, and their potential impact.

Field of Study--Technical Specialized Knowledge
Recommended CPE credit - 1 hour

Speakers, Moderators & Panelis...

Tim Johnson

Senior Risk Manager, Koch Industries

Tim Johnson is a Senior Risk Manager at Koch Industries with expertise in analytics and transformation. He has over 10 years of experience implementing automation and analytics solutions using a variety of technology platforms including Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as well as... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Zoom 1, K-State College of Business Building - Room 1070

General Session, Technology