8:00 – 9:00 am

A. Professional Issues Update
Randy Fletchall, AICPA Chair
Today the CPA profession has a great positioning in the market. Hear directly from the AICPA Chair about current professional issues and AICPA initiatives and programs, including: significant trends, regulatory changes, advocacy & outreach, core values & quality, financial literacy — Feed the Pig Campaign, the CPA exam, profession image, Private Company Accounting Standards, the profession’s future & challenges, and student recruitment.

9:00 – 9:50 am

B. Growth of Oil Development in the Bakken Shale- Opportunities and Challenges
Terry Kovacevich, Operations Manager for Marathon Oil Corporation’s Bakken Project
Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council
Join us for an interesting look at North Dakota’s Oil Boom. Terry Kovacevich and Ron Ness discuss their unique perspectives on oil development in the Bakken Shale.

10:10 – 11:40 am

C. Communication: It’s All Profit or Loss
Rebecca Monley, PhD, LP
Corporate Human Services, Bismarck
As we go through our daily interactions with family, friends and co-workers we communicate many things. Generally, these communications either help the people around us or hurt them; there is no neutral. In this session take a closer look at those communications and learn that sometimes the things we do with the littlest of energy create the biggest returns. As you get to the end of the day, the week or even the year, what will your loved-one ledger look like? Profit or loss?

1:00 – 2:45 pm

D1. Conflict Resolution--Strategically
Rebecca Monley, PhD, LP
Corporate Human Services, Bismarck
When people disagree and different personalities clash, the fur can fly! What do we do when we all disagree and can’t seem to work things out? This workshop gives you a five step process that helps you learn the key elements to work through conflict step-by-step, and peacefully.

D2. Office 2007 for Accountants
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
Microsoft Office 2007 dramatically changed the user interface for the Office suite of applications. This session is designed to make converting to this newest version of Microsoft Office a piece of cake. The session also covers the “best new features for accountants” in the most popular of these applications including Excel 2007, Word 2007, Outlook 2007, PowerPoint 2007, and Access 2007. If you use Excel and Word, this session can save you hundreds of hours.

3:00 – 4:30 pm

E1. What Successful People Know
Rebecca Monley, PhD, LP
Corporate Human Services, Bismarck
In looking over the lives of successful people, and studying the philosophies of modern business entrepreneurs, as well as the wisdom of the older philosophers and psychologists, some key ideas emerge. Come discuss the power(s) of these ideas, and how to apply them to your life.

E2. Collaboration Tools
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
In today’s de-centralized, on-demand economy, being able to work in real-time with team members and clients in remote locations is more critical than ever. Fortunately, a new breed of technology tools such as SharePoint, Egnyte, Groove, WebEx, and Google Docs make it easier than ever to achieve the results you demand with unprecedented ease. Learn what it takes to share information and work collaboratively – regardless of distance and location – by attending this session designed to help you breakthrough the productivity barriers you face today.

Tuesday, August 19
8:00 – 9:40 am

F1. 2008 Accounting Update
Jim Woy, CPA
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., Butte, MT
Get the latest accounting updates. In this session, emphasis is placed on recently issued or soon to be effective standards including SFAS 157. Mr. Woy also addresses current presentation and disclosure weaknesses noted on small business financial statements.

F2. Practical Approach to Risk Assessment Statements in Auditing Local Governments
John F. Georger, Jr. CPA, CIA, Okatie SC
Learn how to approach SAS 104-111 in the small local government. Hear how to document and test the elements of the COSO Framework to reduce the risk of misstatements. Mr. Georger presents helpful hints on discovering, documenting and testing controls over control activities and financial reporting.

F3. Breakthrough Strategic Planning
Dan Chenoweth, MBA, CPA
Executive Education, Inc Chelsea, MI
With the convergence of tremendous global change, more companies are finding the need to change and innovate in order to survive and thrive. This session discusses a new and more robust approach to strategic planning which attempts to achieve breakthrough results. This session will help take your organization to the next level.

F4. New Preparer Rules and Penalties
Edgar H. Gee Jr., CPA, DABFA, MBA
Educational Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN
At this writing the IRS has just issued new proposed regulations that would allow tax return preparers to generally avoid penalties in situations where they are required to disclose tax positions on behalf of their clients when they do not reach the new higher “more likely than not” standard. The five options to meet the disclosure requirement are discussed. Finally, take a look at how you can make sure you have substantial authority for your tax return positions under the new rules.

F5. Excel 2007 – Best Features for Accountants
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
Excel 2007 dramatically changes the way users create and work with spreadsheets. New features such as the Ribbon interface, improved graphics capabilities, new mathematical functions, greatly increased worksheet dimensions, and XML-based data files offer significant opportunities for increased productivity – but only for those who are prepared to take advantage of these opportunities. This course is designed to prepare users for the most significant upgrade to Microsoft’s standard-setting Excel spreadsheet application in over a decade.

10:00 – 11:45 am

G1. 2008 Nonprofit Accounting Update
Jim Woy, CPA
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., Butte, MT
This session covers some of the hottest topics in nonprofit accounting today. Begin by taking a look at recent changes to the 2008 Form 990. Next review the recently issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 117-1. In the end, Mr. Woy examines recent practice problems encountered in preparing nonprofit financial statements.

G2. Auditing Update for Auditors of Local Governments
John F. Georger, Jr. CPA, CIA, Okatie SC
This session consists of the latest updates for Auditors including applying SAS 112 –SAS 114 in the new auditing environment. Hear about projects of the AICPA, their timing and relevance to auditors of Local Governments. Learn about the new reporting requirements to those in governance and how they apply to local governments.

G3. The Leadership Model of Change Management
Dan Chenoweth, MBA, CPA
Executive Education, Inc Chelsea, MI
Many organizations struggle to make change happen. While the formal project plan may be well thought-out, resistance and people issues often prevent the organization from making the changes required to survive and thrive. This session introduces the Leadership Model of Change Management and the transformational principals necessary to affect major organizational change.

G4. S Corporation Issues
Edgar H. Gee Jr., CPA, DABFA, MBA
Educational Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN
Currently, S Corporation issues are “hot button” areas for the IRS. A new IRS audit initiative in this arena exposes your S Corporation clients and the individuals who own them to an enhanced possibility they will be audited in the next two years. The areas discussed will be basis (what constitute basis and how to document and prove you have it) and of course reasonable compensation or the lack thereof.

G5. QuickBooks – Things Accountants Need to Know
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
Even though QuickBooks is the most widely used accounting software program on earth, there are still lots of key features and controls many accountants (including lots of accountants who work with QuickBooks regularly) are just not aware of. Things like locking down prior periods, proper techniques for voiding checks in prior periods, effective techniques for converting from accrual to cash basis, and much more are covered. The session also includes a checklist for closing out a QuickBooks company, and techniques for importing from and exporting information to Excel.

1:00 – 2:40 pm
H1. 2008 Auditing Update
Jim Woy, CPA
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., Butte, MT
This session reviews current practice issues in the initial implementation of the Risk Assessment Standards (RAS) for years ended December 31, 2008.

H2. GASB Update
Paul M. Geraty, CPA
KPMG, Washington, D.C.
This segment provides participants with an overview of recently issued Statements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) including Statement Nos. 49 through 52.

H3. Financial Strategies During a Business Downturn
Dan Chenoweth, MBA, CPA
Executive Education, Inc Chelsea, MI
While many people have hesitated to use the word “recession,” many companies have noticed that profit is not as good as it was in the past or fear that it will not be as good in the future. While a downturn can be a disaster for a company that is struggling, it can provide great opportunities for organizations that are prepared. This session discusses strategies to prepare for a financial downturn and how to handle it if one arrives.

H4. Independent Contractors – The Time Bomb for Your Clients
Edgar H. Gee Jr., CPA, DABFA, MBA
Educational Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN
In a recent speech a senior employment tax official of the IRS indicated that thirty percent of the audits in the coming two or three years may be independent contractor issues. In this session, discussion centers on what the law is and is NOT, what to do and what NOT to do. Learn how to avoid malpractice in the special area of the law and what evidence is required to make a prima facie case and shift the burden of proof to the IRS and save the day for your client past, present and future

H5. Technology Update
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
There have been a tremendous number of hardware and architecture changes this year from servers to workstations, as well as new innovations in peripheral devices like mice and keyboards. Learn the latest on buying strategies and determining exactly what your business needs in order to not be left behind!

3:00 – 4:35 pm
I1. 2008 Auditing and a Firm’s Quality Control
Jim Woy, CPA
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., Butte, MT
This session focuses on helping you to obtain an understanding of the new standard of Quality Control (SSQC No. 7) and the new Standards on Performing Peer Reviews which will impact your practice. Are you ready?

I2. Yellow Book Update
Paul M. Geraty, CPA
KPMG, Washington, D.C.
This segment provides participants with an overview of the major changes in the July 2007 revision of Government Auditing Standards. Mr. Geraty highlights key revisions related to (1) ethics and independence, (2) professional judgment and competence, (3) quality control and assurance (5) all types of GAGAS audits and attestation engagements, (5) internal auditors, (6) financial audits, and (7) attestation engagements.

I3. How Good Companies Become Great
Dan Chenoweth, MBA, CPA
Executive Education, Inc Chelsea, MI
Some business writers are calling Jim Collins’ book Good to Great the best business book so far in the 21st Century. Well-researched and widely read, Collins findings dispel many long-held business myths. Dan Chenoweth discusses Collins’ research and the implications for management teams that want to make the transition from being merely good to truly great.

I4. Tax Update for Business and Individuals
Edgar H. Gee Jr., CPA, DABFA, MBA
Educational Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN
Even during an election year Congress passes much legislation. We will briefly discuss in overview fashion changes that may impact your clients’ businesses and individuals as well. Also, there is a discussion and suggestions for tax planning during the remainder of 2008 and anticipation of 2009 depending on the outcome in November elections and going forward.

I5. Security – Risks, Responsibilities and Solutions
Will Fleenor, CPA, CITP, Ph.D
K2 Enterprises, Hammond, LA
In the past, keeping company and client information secure was primarily an ethical consideration. Today it is much more a legal issue. With the advent of Sarbanes-Oxley, state security breach notification laws, HIPAA, and other legislation, the penalties for failure to act with due diligence can result in stiff criminal penalties. This session is designed to provide participants an understanding of (1) the security risks they face in managing confidential information, (2) their responsibilities with respect to making sure this information is kept secure and confidential, and (3) practical solutions for fulfilling their responsibilities.