Employee Benefits Plan - MEGA Replay
Registration is Open
Overview:
Employee Benefits Plan - MEGA Replay
For many years the FICPA’s MEGA event has featured a track dedicated to top employee benefits issues. This year we recorded it and have made it available as a full-day replay with a keynote session, concurrent sessions, and roundtables.
Attend on July 25 from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. to earn 8 hours of CPE to explore what’s new and trending in the following sessions:
- Keynote Session - Generative AI: The Great Equalizer
- A&A Update
- Taxes, Penalties and User Fees Related to Retirement Plan Corrections
- Alternative Plan Investments
- AI and Data: Shaping our Future
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Tips & Tricks for Auditing - New Plans
- Best Practices Roundtable
CPE Credit
This conference qualifies for up to 8 hours of CPE credit and is subject to change. CPE credit is subject to approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The type of credit earned depends on concurrent breakouts chose. Please indicate choice of breakouts on the registration form.
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Schedule:
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Generative AI: The Great Equalizer
Time: Thursday 8:00am - 9:00am Credits: 1 TB
As the landscape of accounting and finance continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, Kacee Johnson, VP of Strategy & Innovation at CPA.com the business and technology arm of AICPA-CIMA, will provide insights into how AI is reshaping everything from advisory services to decision-making processes in the modern day practice. She will explore the latest advancements in generative AI, and discuss practical application and firm use cases. As practitioners are eager to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape, Kacee will share marketplace insights to help firms effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI in the world of accounting and finance, as well as the 7 steps to build your own AI strategy.
Learning Objectives:
1. AI-Driven Transformation in Accounting: Understand how AI has the potential to revolutionize traditional accounting practices, from automating routine tasks to enhancing financial advisory.
2. Future-Proofing Your Skills: Learn how accounting and finance professionals can adapt and thrive in an AI-driven environment, focusing on upskilling and embracing technological advancements.
3. Case Studies and Industry Insights: Engage with real-world use cases that highlight successful AI implementations in accounting and finance, offering a glimpse into the future of the profession. Identify key trends in the vendor ecosystem that are moving the needle in AI usage.
Presenters:
A&A Update
Time: Thursday 9:10am - 10:00am Credits: 1 AA
This session will discuss recent audit and accounting standards which impact employee benefit plan audits. It will also cover the new risk assessment standard (SAS 145) that is effective for 2023 EBP audits. The discussion will include implementation considerations, assessment of risk, IT General Controls, etc.
Presenters:
Taxes, Penalties and User Fees Related to Retirement Plan Corrections
Time: Thursday 10:10am - 11:00am Credits: 1 TB
This session will provide an overview of IRS and U.S. Department of Labor correction and compliance programs available to plan sponsors and the taxes, penalties and user fees associated with the use of, or failure to use, such programs.
Presenters:
Alternative Plan Investments
Time: Thursday 11:10am - 12:00pm Credits: 1 TB
Defined contribution plans are increasingly considering new asset classes, from private equity to digital assets. We will provide an overview of the fiduciary considerations surrounding the inclusion of new asset classes, guidance from regulators related to dos and don'ts, as well as discuss some of the more practical aspects.
Presenters:
Mergers & Acquisitions
Time: Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm Credits: 1 AA
Activity in the mergers and acquisitions space has been incredibly high in recent years. These transactions have impacts on both qualified plans and executive compensation, and this session will highlight the issues that CPAs need to be aware of following transactions, including plan mergers.
Presenters:
Tips & Tricks for Auditing - New Plans
Time: Thursday 3:00pm - 3:50pm Credits: 1 AA
During this session, you will learn what to expect during your benefit plan’s first audit. We will provide you a comprehensive overview of the audit process, typical timeline, and some key tips and tricks to ensure you are well prepared.
Presenters:
Roundtable: Best Practices
Time: Thursday 4:00pm - 4:50pm Credits: 1 AA
We conclude the Employee Benefits Conference with a panel discussion that will highlight some of the best practices that our expert presenters employ to make their plan audits successful and valuable to their clients.
Presenters:
Objectives:
- Explore top employee benefits issues
- Learn the latest on state tax
- Discuss hot topics impacting the profession
- Hear what's new in A & A
- Explore the concept of optimizing a business or firm.
- Gain knowledge on the principles and strategies for successful leadership.
- Acquire knowledge about the principles and practices of management accounting.
- Engage in Professional networking opportunities.
- Discover industry vendors, products, and services, gaining insights and fostering potential collaborations.
Presenters:
-
Bret Hamlin
Bret Hamlin is a shareholder in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group at Hill Ward Henderson. He practices primarily in the areas of employee benefits, nonqualified deferred compensation and trusts. Prior to entering the private practice of law, he provided plan design and consulting, third-party administration and investment, as well as retirement plan education services...
Read more about Bret Hamlin here -
M John Burgess, CPA, LLM (TAX), Esq.
John Burgess is an attorney and CPA who helps business owners, executives, and other senior managers with all of their employee benefits. He is one of Florida's leading experts on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) who has helped companies nationwide establish ESOPs and guide them as they face different issues as they become mature ESOP companies. He also advises ESOP trustees during the...
Read more about M John Burgess here -
Maria Emerita Morales, CPA
Maria has over 25 years of accounting experience. She is responsible for performing and supervising audit, accounting, and consulting engagements. Maria has been in public accounting for over 20 years and has served large and medium sized public and private companies in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, manufacturing and distribution, third party administrative services...
Read more about Maria Emerita Morales here -
Henry Martin, CPA, MAcc
Henry Martin, CPA, is a partner in CohnReznick's Boca Raton office and provides audit and advisory services for privately held business, private equity portfolio companies and employee benefit He has 20 plus years of experience in the areas of auditing, and consulting. Throughout his career, Henry has also worked extensively on employee benefit plan audits and 5500 reviews. He is responsible f30r...
Read more about Henry Martin here -
Brianna Rae Paulus, CPA
Breezy has over 8 years of accounting experience. She is responsible for performing and supervising audit, accounting, and consulting engagements. Breezy focuses solely on employee benefit plans. Additionally, Breezy is Co-Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter of We Inspire. Promote. Network group, a group focused on women in the retirement industry.
Read more about Brianna Rae Paulus here -
Sharon Ann Bradley
With more than 20 of years of accounting and assurance experience, Sharon Bradley leverages her knowledge as an auditor, accountant, and compliance analyst to guide companies through the web of rules and regulations required to maintain state and federal compliance and improve operational systems. With experience in employee benefit plan audits, she helps nonpublic companies and not-for-profit...
Read more about Sharon Ann Bradley here -
Anne Morris, CPA
Anne Morris is a Principal with Windham Brannon, P.C. in Atlanta, GA with more than 20 years of experience, primarily serving employee benefit plans and non-profit organizations. She has experience with 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, pension plans, and SEC Form 11-K filing requirements.Anne is a member of the Georgia Society of CPA's and has served as the chairperson of the Georgia Society of CPA's...
Read more about Anne Morris here -
Kacee Johnson, MBA
Hyper-focused executive in accounting technology, Kacee Johnson has forged the way for numerous solution providers in global market penetration. In 2018, Kacee joined the CPA.com team (an AICPA company) with a seasoned background working with global FinTech leaders. As Vice President of Strategy and Innovation she leads the technology ecosystem in identify emerging trends that are driving change...
Read more about Kacee Johnson here -
Kevin Walsh
Kevin L. Walsh advises clients on a wide range of fiduciary matters and other issues involving benefit plans. His practice encompasses helping plan service providers comply with the Department of Labor's fiduciary rules, working with them as they develop processes for and make investments, and helping them navigate the impact of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Office of Foreign Assets...
Read more about Kevin Walsh here -
Dan Meers
Dan focuses on delivering technology and data solutions to the firm's clients in the federal government/public sector and financial services industries. Dan has extensive experience in organizational redesign and restructuring for operations and technology teams. He has been a trusted advisor and leader for numerous program implementations for Fortune 100 businesses inclusive of solution design...
Read more about Dan Meers here
Presenters:
Bret Hamlin
Bret Hamlin is a shareholder in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group at Hill Ward Henderson. He practices primarily in the areas of employee benefits, nonqualified deferred compensation and trusts. Prior to entering the private practice of law, he provided plan design and consulting, third-party administration and investment, as well as retirement plan education services...Read more about Bret Hamlin hereM John Burgess, CPA, LLM (TAX), Esq.
John Burgess is an attorney and CPA who helps business owners, executives, and other senior managers with all of their employee benefits. He is one of Florida's leading experts on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) who has helped companies nationwide establish ESOPs and guide them as they face different issues as they become mature ESOP companies. He also advises ESOP trustees during the...Read more about M John Burgess hereMaria Emerita Morales, CPA
Maria has over 25 years of accounting experience. She is responsible for performing and supervising audit, accounting, and consulting engagements. Maria has been in public accounting for over 20 years and has served large and medium sized public and private companies in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, manufacturing and distribution, third party administrative services...Read more about Maria Emerita Morales hereHenry Martin, CPA, MAcc
Henry Martin, CPA, is a partner in CohnReznick's Boca Raton office and provides audit and advisory services for privately held business, private equity portfolio companies and employee benefit He has 20 plus years of experience in the areas of auditing, and consulting. Throughout his career, Henry has also worked extensively on employee benefit plan audits and 5500 reviews. He is responsible f30r...Read more about Henry Martin hereBrianna Rae Paulus, CPA
Breezy has over 8 years of accounting experience. She is responsible for performing and supervising audit, accounting, and consulting engagements. Breezy focuses solely on employee benefit plans. Additionally, Breezy is Co-Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter of We Inspire. Promote. Network group, a group focused on women in the retirement industry.Read more about Brianna Rae Paulus hereSharon Ann Bradley
With more than 20 of years of accounting and assurance experience, Sharon Bradley leverages her knowledge as an auditor, accountant, and compliance analyst to guide companies through the web of rules and regulations required to maintain state and federal compliance and improve operational systems. With experience in employee benefit plan audits, she helps nonpublic companies and not-for-profit...Read more about Sharon Ann Bradley hereAnne Morris, CPA
Anne Morris is a Principal with Windham Brannon, P.C. in Atlanta, GA with more than 20 years of experience, primarily serving employee benefit plans and non-profit organizations. She has experience with 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, pension plans, and SEC Form 11-K filing requirements.Anne is a member of the Georgia Society of CPA's and has served as the chairperson of the Georgia Society of CPA's...Read more about Anne Morris hereKacee Johnson, MBA
Hyper-focused executive in accounting technology, Kacee Johnson has forged the way for numerous solution providers in global market penetration. In 2018, Kacee joined the CPA.com team (an AICPA company) with a seasoned background working with global FinTech leaders. As Vice President of Strategy and Innovation she leads the technology ecosystem in identify emerging trends that are driving change...Read more about Kacee Johnson hereKevin Walsh
Kevin L. Walsh advises clients on a wide range of fiduciary matters and other issues involving benefit plans. His practice encompasses helping plan service providers comply with the Department of Labor's fiduciary rules, working with them as they develop processes for and make investments, and helping them navigate the impact of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Office of Foreign Assets...Read more about Kevin Walsh hereDan Meers
Dan focuses on delivering technology and data solutions to the firm's clients in the federal government/public sector and financial services industries. Dan has extensive experience in organizational redesign and restructuring for operations and technology teams. He has been a trusted advisor and leader for numerous program implementations for Fortune 100 businesses inclusive of solution design...Read more about Dan Meers hereMajor Topics:
Accounting
Auditing
Taxes
Penalties and User Fees Related to Retirement Plan Corrections
Alternative Plan Investments
AI and Data: Shaping our Future
Mergers & Acquisitions
Tips & Tricks
- and more . . .
Major Topics:
Accounting
Auditing
Taxes
Penalties and User Fees Related to Retirement Plan Corrections
Alternative Plan Investments
AI and Data: Shaping our Future
Mergers & Acquisitions
Tips & Tricks
- and more . . .
Designed For:
CPAs, accountants, and other finance professionals