April 23-24, 2015

Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta

Event Code: 13005 | LS13005

The Georgia Society of CPAs

Decision MakersConference

April 23-24, 2015 | Cobb Galleria Centre, AtlantaEvent Code: 13005 (both days) | LS1300513006 (Thursday only); 13007 (Friday only)16 hours of CPE credit with a possible 8 hours of A&A

Decision MakersConference

Exhibitor

As a CPA in a leadership and management position, you are tasked each day

with making critical decisions that will affect your company. The ever-changing

landscape of the CPA profession adds challenges to an already busy schedule.

The Decision Makers Conference provides two days of the latest in industry

trends and changes that you need to know. Join us in April to learn how the

Affordable Care Act will affect you, gather insights from the C-Suite, learn to

navigate the current economy, update your ethics knowledge, and advance your

leadership skills.

Who Should Attend: CPAs in management and leadership positions, CFOs,

CEOs, and other financial professionals.

Live stream allows you to attend the conference from your home, office or

anywhere you can access the Internet. You view the sessions in real time as part

of the audience and have interaction with other attendees via chat areas. Live

streamed sessions are indicated with the following symbol:

For more information or to register, visit olc.gscpa.org or call 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO COBB GALLERIA?

LIVE STREAM ATTENDANCEEvent Code: LS13005 (both days);LS13006 (Thursday only); LS13007 (Friday only)CPE Credit: 16 hours of CPE credit | including 2.5 hours of A&A

Cetrom Information Technology, Inc

Thursday, April 237 – 8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8 – 8:05 a.m. Welcome and Announcements

8:05 - 9:20 a.m. A – Insights from the C-Suite

Robert Tarola, CPA, CGMA, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.

The totality of issues facing CFOs and CEOs in today’s economic environment is

staggering. Finance professionals in business and public accounting need to understand

these issues so they can help their clients and colleagues make more informed business

decisions. Address these issues and more, including the big picture, managing the

board, the value-drivers, business vs. corporate, financial services, risk management and

economic analysis.

9:20 - 9:35 a.m.Networking Break

9:35 - 10:25 a.m. B - Economic and Market Outlook

Daniel Morgan, Synovus Trust Company, Atlanta, Ga.

Is the U.S. economy finally gaining steam? Will the stock market continue to hit new highs,

or is it headed for a Bear Market? When will interest rates start moving higher and how

will higher rates impact economic growth? The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep the

“Fed Funds” rate near zero to aid the struggling housing market has weakened the dollar

and places the economy at risk once rates begin to rise. Many investors are wondering

what strategies they should undertake to maximize their portfolio’s return. Find out how

to navigate through these uncertain times through discussion of various tactics investors

could apply.

10:35 - 11:50 a.m. C - Ethics in Accounting

Robert Tarola, CPA, CGMA, Business Learning Institute, Towson, Md.

Explore the history of, and typical factors around, ethical lapses in accounting. CPAs and

other finance professionals who want to discover ethical issues that could impair business

accountability will benefit from this session.

11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Lunch

12:55 - 2:10 p.m. D1 - Federal Tax Update

Arthur Auerbach, CPA, CGMA, Atlanta, Ga.

Review the latest in tax trends, including the status of any legislation pending in Congress;

tax reform proposals as submitted by the Congressional leadership in both the House

and the Senate; dealing with the budget-starved Internal Revenue Service; an update

on the legislation to overturn the Loving decision on tax preparer regulation; and any

miscellaneous pronouncements from the IRS.

D2 - Revenue Recognition: The New Perspective (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.

To appease the belief that the world needs a “one size fits all” definition of how and

when to recognize revenue (and enhance the disclosures related thereto), the FASB

has finalized ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts, which impacts most any entity

that has revenue. We will discuss the five steps involved in recognizing revenue under

this new pronouncement, as well as potential changes in implementation dates/

methods for this all-encompassing new rule.

2:10 - 2:25 p.m. Networking Break

2:25 - 3:15 p.m. E1 - Do CFOs Need Social Media? You Better Believe It!

Erinn Keserica, Cherry Bekaert LLP, Atlanta, Ga.

CFOs and finance professionals that embrace social media provide their companies

better insight, perspective and analysis, as well as how the company is viewed

by investors, employees and customers. Learn tips and tricks on the most used

platforms by top CFOs, as well as how these professionals leverage social media to

grow business, find social ROI, maintain competitive advantage, build personal and

professional awareness, and leverage talent and networks.

E2 - Applying the New Code of Ethics in Industry (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.

The AICPA has recently issued a revised Code of Ethics, which “bi-furcated” the Code

into a general (preamble) section, public practice section and industry section. Focus

on the newly constructed general (preamble) and industry sections. Specifically,

examine the areas where CPAs in industry are having the most significant ethical issues

and understanding what the rules are in those areas.

3:25 - 4:40 p.m. F1 - Risky Business

Chad Graves, Graves Technology Group, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.

As network systems flourish, cybercrime thrives. All systems are inherently vulnerable

to risk, but how an organization mitigates the risk, separates the weak from the strong.

Learn how to effectively protect your business from the newest cyber threats.

F2 - New Asset Misappropriation Scams: How they Work, How You Can Protect Against Them, and How You Can Detect Them (A&A)Jim Martin, CPA, CGMA, MAcc, Real World Seminars of GA, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.

Technology and ingenuity have created new ways to steal your assets, misstate your

financial statements or both. Discuss the newest scams affecting CPAs, how you can

detect and prevent them, and implement into the risk assessment portion of your

internal control structure.

Friday, April 247 – 8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8 – 8:05 a.m. Welcome and Announcements

8:05 - 9:45 a.m. G - Advanced Leadership Skills - Emotional Intelligence, Team Culture

and Difficult EmployeesJim Lindell, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc., Dousman, Wis.

Increase your leadership effectiveness and managerial skills to better achieve your

business and personal goals. Explore leveraging emotional intelligence to increase

productivity, creating and empowering a team culture and dealing with difficult

employees.

9:45 - 10 a.m. Break

10 - 10:50 a.m. H - The Health Care Reform Train - Don’t be Left Standing at the Station

Todd Tigges, CPA, UHY LLP, Farmington Hills, Mich.

How will the Affordable Care Act impact you? Are you ready? Are you sure? This

interactive discussion aimed at business owners and professionals in leadership positions

will address important aspects of the Health Care Reform Law including recent updates

and tax law changes, employer-shared responsibility and reporting requirements, the

marketplace exchange, and planning opportunities.

11 - 11:50 a.m. I - The Home Depot: A CFO Highlight

Carol Tomé, The Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga.

Carol Tomé has served as The Home Depot’s chief financial officer since May 2001 and

was named executive vice president of corporate services in January 2007. She leads the

company’s strategy of disciplined capital allocation - the company’s shift from growth

through aggressive new store construction to a focus on growing revenues through

existing locations and interconnected retail, increased productivity and efficiency. Over

the last five years, her efforts have helped to create tremendous shareholder value

and deliver increased dividends as well. She will offer an overview of the efforts and

strategies she has used to lead The Home Depot forward.

11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. LunchOutstanding Member in Industry Award

12:55 - 2:10 p.m. J1 - Reinventing the Office: Lean Processes

Jim Lindell, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc., Dousman, Wis.

Financial managers are continually asked to do more with less. Without a practical

working knowledge of lean techniques, it is virtually impossible to get the most out of

your accounting operation. Discuss lean concepts and techniques and how to apply

these tools in the office environment, as well as the ability to recognize and eliminate

wasteful operations within the accounting department.

J2 - Accounting Update, 2015 (A&A)

Christopher Rouse, CPA, Windham Brannon, PC, Atlanta, Ga.

A focus on what you need to know about recent and proposed pronouncements from

FASB that have broad applicability. Not just the beans, but what they mean to your

business and the users of your financial statements, and how you can most efficiently

and effectively deal with them.

2:10 - 2:25 p.m. Break

2:25 - 3:15 p.m. K1 - Working Together with SharePoint: Tools for Collaboration

Charlton Calhoun, CPA, Georgia School Boards Association, Lawrenceville, Ga.

Discover SharePoint 2013, Microsoft’s extensible web application framework and

platform. With features including content management, task tracking, project

collaboration, and with built-in social capability, SharePoint is an environment where

users can come together to enhance business processes and improve information-

sharing. Many users are barely scratching the surface of this comprehensive tool’s

capabilities. Learn the most important end-user features and functionality to get the

most out of SharePoint.

K2 - Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) (A&A) Christopher Rouse, CPA, Windham Brannon, PC, Atlanta, Ga.

Although VIEs have been with us a long time now, there are still significant

misunderstandings as to when an entity is a VIE, and even if it is a VIE whether it has to

be consolidated or not. And, there is an important change in when a private company

has to consider whether an entity is a VIE or not. Hear from an experienced practitioner

simplify this complex topic.

3:25 - 4:40 p.m. L1 - Excel Tips and Tricks

Charlton Calhoun, CPA, Georgia School Boards Association, Lawrenceville, Ga.

When dealing with data, Excel is the go-to application for many accountants. Put

the latest version to the test by exploring new and powerful features and seeing how

Excel’s graphical tools can enhance your visual analysis of data. Learn what tables and

PivotTables offer for your analytical reviews, and discover how they work together for

analysis. And of course, Excel tips, tricks, and helpful hints will be sprinkled throughout

this session.

L2 - Recent SEC and PCAOB Developments (A&A)Robert Dow, CPA, JD, CMA, Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP, Atlanta, Ga.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting

Oversight Board (PCAOB) continue to expand their regulatory oversight over

accountants. The SEC wants to reinvent financial disclosures to make them more

effective. The PCAOB wants to reinvent the standard audit report. They both want to

punish accountants who fail in their professional obligation to protect investors. We will

discuss the latest developments.

If you have a specific dietary or other need, please contact the CPE Department at least one

week prior to the conference at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.

If you have special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please attach a

written description or call 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3.

ITEMS TO NOTE

Renaissance Waverly Hotel | 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30339

770-953-4500 | Website: www.renaissancewaverly.com

FacilityCobb Galleria Centre | Two Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30339

770-955-8000 | Directions: http://tinyurl.com/cobbgalleria

Hotel

PhotographyBy attending this event, you are demonstrating your permission to allow your photo

to be taken and published in GSCPA marketing, promotional and web materials.

Please mention GSCPA when making your reservation.

*GSCPA does not have a room block established at any hotel

Task Force MembersJan H. Rowell, CPA, The Home Depot, Inc., Vinings, Ga., Chair

R. D. Cooper, III, CPA, MTX, Georgia Transmission Corporation, Tucker, Ga., Vice Chair

Lea Ann K. Hebb, CPA, FMLI, Assurant Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

CALL GSCPA CPE Department at 404-504-2985 or 800-330-8889, Opt. 3 to place

a credit card order

FAX a completed registration form with credit card information to GSCPA at 404-237-1291

INTERNET registration available at www.gscpa.org

MAIL your completed registration with credit card information or check made payable to

The Georgia Society of CPAs to:

The Georgia Society of CPAs

Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 800

Atlanta, GA 30328

REGISTER TODAY!

REGISTRATION

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations/Transfers made up to three weeks before the seminar or conference will not incur an administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made during the Standard Fee time frame are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations/Transfers made within three business days are subject to a $100 administration fee for members; $150 for nonmembers. Cancellations/No shows on the date of the event forfeit the entire registration fee. No refunds or transfers of course fee will be made after the date of the event.

Event Code: 13005, 13006, 13007

Turn Form Over for Breakout Session Selections & Payment Information

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PRICING INFORMATIONCourse Number Member

Early FeeMember StandardMember Late Fee

Nonmember Early Fee

Nonmember StandardNonmember Late Fee

13005 - Both Days $359 by 4/2$419 from 4/3-4/18$459 after 4/18

$459 by 4/2$519 from 4/3-4/18$559 after 4/18

13006 - Thursday Only $249 by 4/2$309 from 4/3-4/18$349 after 4/18

$349 by 4/2$409 from 4/3-4/18$449 after 4/18

13007 - Friday Only $249 by 4/3$309 from 4/4-4/19$349 after 4/19

$349 by 4/3$409 from 4/4-4/19$449 after 4/19

LS13005 - Both Days $359 by 4/2$419 from 4/3-4/18$459 after 4/18

$459 by 4/2$519 from 4/3-4/18$559 after 4/18

LS13006 - Thursday $249 by 4/2$309 from 4/3-4/18$349 after 4/18

$349 by 4/2$409 from 4/3-4/18$449 after 4/18

LS13007 - Friday $249 by 4/3$309 from 4/4-4/19$349 after 4/19

$349 by 4/3$409 from 4/4-4/19$449 after 4/19

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Card Number Expiration Date

Name as it appears on card

Signature

Use Money on Account

Check for $___________ made payable to The Georgia Society of CPAs

Amount to charge credit card $___________ Personal Card OR Company Card

Discover MasterCard AmEx Visa

BREAKOUT SESSIONSTHURSDAY, APRIL 23

12:55 - 2:05 p.m.

D1 - Federal Tax Update

D2 - Revenue Recognition: The New Perspective (A&A)

2:25 - 3:15 p.m.

E1 - Do CFOs Need Social Media? You Better Believe It!

E2 - Applying the New Code of Ethics in Industry (A&A)

3:25 - 4:40 p.m.

F1 - Risky Business

F2 - New Asset Misappropriation Scams (A&A)

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

12:55 - 2:10 p.m.

J1 - Reinventing the Office: Lean Processes

J2 - Accounting Update, 2015 (A&A)

2:25 - 3:15 p.m.

K1 - Working Together with SharePoint: Tools for Collaboration

K2 - Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) (A&A)

3:25 - 4:40 p.m.

L1 - Excel Tips and Tricks

L2 - Recent SEC and PCAOB Developments (A&A)

Choose one session per time slot

In-Person Attendance OR LiveStream Attendance

MATERIALS Download eMaterials No printed materials provided at the conference

Printed Materials Will receive printed materials at the conference

Choose how you wish to receive conference materials

Live Stream Attendees will receive eMaterials

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