2015 Industry & Financial Professionals Conference by Montana Society of CPAs

March 18 & 19, 2015 Best Western Great Northern Hotel, Helena with 2 bonus classes (8 CPE) on March 17th

The CPAs working in the industry, government and not-for-profit arena told us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want CPE designed to meet OUR needs.â&#x20AC;? You spoke. We listened. This two-day conference will be filled with a variety of two-hour classes that focus on topics the MSCPA Industry Group hand-picked. We encourage you to share this information with anyone you feel might benefit from this conference.

Sponsored by

Worth up to 16 hours of CPE. (2 Ethics) Register online at www.mscpa.org or call 406-442-7301.

1532 Ninth Ave Helena MT 59601 406-442-7301 jean@mscpa.org

For hotel reservations please contact the Great Northern Hotel at 406-4575500, let them know you are attending the MSCPA Industry Conference. A room block has been set aside for attendees. This block will expire on March 5.

March 17 - Tuesday (bonus classes)

MSCPA Industry Conference

8:00 - 11:30 Advanced Excel Reporting: Best Practices, Tools & Techniques – Tommy Stephens, CPA, CITB, K2 Enterprises This seminar is about how to create accurate, easy-to-prepare reports in Excel when the source data resides in an accounting or other databases. Learn how to use tools such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Online Analytic Processing (OLAP) to connect Excel to external data sources, including your accounting software database, to extract data for reporting and analysis. You will learn how to incorporate PivotTables into your reporting routines, including how to add Cost to Attend: calculations to your PivotTables, how to group PivotTable data into fiscal quarters Members: $140 and fiscal years and how to use Slicers to filter your PivotTable data. In addition, Non-member: $165 you will learn best practices for presenting compelling and captivating Excelbased reports, charts and dashboards. Register for this class click here. 12:30 - 4:00 Tech Tools & Gadgets for a More Efficient You – Tommy Stephens, CPA, CITB, K2 Enterprises Technology, specifically the ever-evolving world of tools and gadgets, continues to awe and amaze. “The Internet of Things” is rapidly turning this evolution into a revolution. Learning how to take advantage of these tools and gadgets can Cost to Attend: enhance both personal and team productivity. In this seminar, you will learn how Members: $140 to take advantage of many features in tools that you likely already own, such as Non-member: $165 Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, to become more productive. You will also learn about numerous cloud-based applications and services and will witness demonstrations of leading tools, gadgets and apps, many of which won’t cost you anything, designed to make you more efficient, effective and productive. Register for this class click here.

These extra classes will be held at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Dr, Helena - 406-443-2100.

March 18 - Wednesday

Day 1

MSCPA Industry Conference

7:00 - 8:00

Registration/Breakfast

8:00 – 9:40

Keynote Address: The Pit and the Pendulum – Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group, Inc. This presentation provides a detailed, data-driven update of the performance of the global, national and relevant regional economy. Special attention is given to key aspects of economic life, including trends characterizing financial, real estate, energy and labor markets and their collective impact on the outlook for construction.

9:40 – 10:10

Break - Exhibitor Visits

10:10 – 11:50

Keynote continued: Pitfalls and the Pendulum – Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group, Inc.

11:50– 1:00

Lunch - Vendor Presentations

1:00 – 2:40

Concurrent Sessions: Session 1: – The Next Wave of Business Analytics – Tommy Stephens, CPA CITB, K2 Enterprises It is now official – business analytics represent the “next big thing” in helping businesses increase efficiency and profits. However, business analytics no longer require expensive software or never-ending implementations. New tools such as Power BI put the power of analytics in the hands of end users just like you. Join us for this insightful look at the next wave of business analytics, how you can leverage these tools, and how your company can benefit from greater insights into corporate operations.

Session 2 – The Retirement Dilemmas of Joe and Hannah Montana: Avoiding Unnecessary Wealth Transfers, Optimizing Retirement & Paying for Healthcare – Keith Duncan, NSSA, Keystone Planning Group Joe and Hannah are expecting a dream retirement. What are some of the financial challenges they’ll face and how as their advisors can we help them realize their dream?

March 18 - Wednesday

MSCPA Industry Conferenc e

2:40 – 2:50

Break

2:50 – 4:30

Concurrent Sessions Session 1 – How to Run (and Not Run) Your Business in the Cloud – Tommy Stephens, CPA CITB, K2 Enterprises The cloud opens up many possibilities for improved productivity and profitability, but it also introduces a unique set of risks. For your business to reap the rewards associated with the cloud, you must understand these risks and how to manage them. In this session, you will learn which business activities you can shift to the cloud, the potential rewards for doing so, and how to successfully manage cloud-based operations. Equally important, you will learn best practices for mitigating these risks so that expected rewards materialize.

This session sponsored by:

Session 2: Legislative Update – George Olsen, CPA; Holly Franz, Franz & Driscoll PLLP; Jane Egan, MSCPA; Glenn Oppel, MT Chamber of Commerce This Legislative Update will give you a behind the scenes look at the 2015 Legislature. The panelists will update you on what has happened to date and share their predictions of how this Session will affect your business. CPA Lounge - please join us for hosted drinks and snacks as well as valuable networking opportunities. 4:30 - 7:00

Sponsored by:

March 19 - Thursday

Day 2

MSCPA Industry Conference

7:00 - 8:00

Registration/Breakfast

8:00 – 9:40

General Session: Life at Ground Zero: An Industry Professionals Guide to Managing Human Resources in Montana – Jim Nys, SPHR, CSP, Personnel Plus! Consulting Services Managing people can be stressful, high liabilty responsibilty. Many industry professionals have responsibilty for managing a staff of financial professionals and may even be the designated HR representative in their organizations. The HR reponsibility does not come with an user’s manual. This presentation will alert you to some of the things you should know when managing people in Montana so as to maximize productivity and minimize liability. Jim will address some of the challenges of managing under Montana rules that are often unique in the United States. Additionally he will address new or proposed federal and state laws, rules or regulations that may affect your organization and require action on your part.

9:40 – 9:50

Break

9:50 – 11:30

General Session: The Human Side of Ethics – Chuck Gallagher What causes an otherwise intelligent person—a person who knows the difference between right and wrong—to make a choice that will negatively impact themselves and their organization? You’ll find out in this fascinating presentation on human values and ethics. With a unique perspective gained from his own past experience, Chuck sheds new light on why we do what we do and how to influence behavior.

11:50 – 12:30 12:30 - 2:10

Lunch/2015 Industry Award Presentation Concurrent Sessions Session 1: Employee Benefit Market Trends – Shannon Jensen, PayneWest Insurance This course will review employee benefit trends, including both health and ancillary benefits. We will review funding mechanisms and how to effectively manage future cost and risk, through both budget and health management. The course will also outline recent studies on employee’s perception of benefit needs, ACA requirements and how to effectively deliver the benefits package in a way that results in a ROI for the employer.

March 19 - Thursday

MSCPA Industry Conference Session 2: Group Works: Getting Results with Others – Wendy Samson, FutureSYNC International In a busy workplace environment your staff has only minutes to connect, build a relationship and maximize each and every interaction with fellow team members. This presentation provides the behavioral insights needed for professionals to mindfully navigate each interaction. Imagine the impact these skills will have when dealing with those “difficult people” you encounter throughout your workday!

2:10 - 2:20

Break

2:20 - 4:00

Session 1: Minimizing Exposure to Employee Claims – Malin Stearns Johnson, Garlington Lohn & Robinson Malin will provide an overview of Montana employment laws and liability risks and offer guidance on how to reduce your exposure to employment lawsuits. Session 2: Emotional Intelligence – Wendy Samson, FutureSYNC International Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive when you discover yourself to be a greater person than some of your “self-talk” would suggest you to be. You will always get what you expect from yourself. Likewise, you will always get what you look for in others. By changing what you’re looking for, you will change what you expect and generate powerfully different outcomes for yourself and others.

4:00

The End – Thank you for coming! See you next year!

Bio’s

MSCPA Industry Conference Anirban Basu is Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most recognizable economists, in part because of his consulting work on behalf of numerous clients, including prominent developers, bankers, brokerage houses, energy suppliers and law firms.

Keith Duncan is a third generation Montanan, raised on a ranch in north central Montana. Today, with offices in both Helena and Great Falls, Keith’s Financial Services practice focuses on Retirement, Estate and Business Succession Planning and Asset Management Strategies. Through the Retirement Planning Today class, Keith has assisted hundreds of people as they make preparations for the exciting and challenging chapter of life called retirement. Keith Duncan is securities licensed through Investacorp, Inc. a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA, SIPC. Keith Duncan offers advisory services through Investacorp Advisory Services, Inc. a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm.

Jane Egan, Executive Director, MSCPA After 25 years with the Montana Society of CPAs, Jane Egan has become an expert on legislation affecting Montana CPAs and their businesses. Jane’s historical background helps her identify legislative trends and makes her a valuable voice at the Capitol for CPAs across the state. Holly Franz, J.D., Franz & Driscoll PLLP, isn’t an accountant but she has done a heck of a job representing Montana CPAs as MSCPA’s lobbyist for the past several legislative sessions. Holly has a firm grasp of the issues affecting businesses in Montana and works hard to help us protect our members’ interests at the Legislature. Shannon Jensen is an Employee Benefits Consultant for PayneWest Insurance, residing in Billings. She works with clients throughout the region and holds Insurance Licenses in Life, Health, Disability, Limited Lines Credit, Property and Casualty. Shannon received her B.A. in Education from the University of Montana and specializes in total employee benefit strategic planning, specializing in mid-size and large employers. Her passion is for self funded

Bio’s

MSCPA Industry Conference programs and how consumerism and healthy lifestyles can impact long term cost trends. Shannon’s objective is to advance her clients’ overall business initiatives by developing customized benefit programs, ultimately ensuring employer return on investment through employee value, recruitment and retention.

Chuck Gallagher learned a lesson about ethics, choices and consequences the hard way—but now he shares his experience so that others don’t have to. You may have seen Chuck on television, or heard him on CNN, CBS or NPR radio programs. His business insights are sought after for his strong position on ethics and ethical leadership. Chuck’s focus is business—but his passion is empowering others. Currently COO of a national public company, but in the middle of a rising career, Chuck lost everything because he made some bad choices. He has since rebuilt his career and his life back to immense success. Malin Stearns Johnson is a lawyer in Missoula practicing in the area of employment law and litigation. Malin has been rated “AV” (preeminent) by her peers in

the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and recognized as a “Rising Star” by Mountain States Super Lawyers. Malin is an adjunct professor of Employment Law and Legal Writing at the University of Montana School of Law and is a frequent speaker and trainer on employment laws, discrimination and harassment, and law practice skills. Malin is a 2004 high honors graduate of the University of Montana School of Law and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame. Jim Nys, SPHR, CSP is with Personnel Plus! Consulting Service and a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources who advises employers in a wide variety of industries on the rights and obligations as employers in Montana. George Olsen, CPA, is chair of our Legislation and Governmental Affairs Committee. He is retired from Galusha Higgins & Galusha in Helena and is a graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula.

Bio’s

MSCPA Industry Conference

Glenn Oppel serves as Government Relations Director with the Montana Chamber of Commerce. He was hired on at the beginning of the 2013 Legislative Session. Prior to his current position, he headed policy research efforts at the Montana Policy Institute, a public policy “think tank” with offices in Bozeman and Helena. Also, Glenn served nearly a decade as Government Affairs Director for the Montana Association of REALTORS®. His areas of expertise include lobbying, electoral involvement, issue advocacy and research, grassroots development, coalition building, fundraising and political communications. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/History from the University of Montana – Missoula Wendy Samson is the President of FutureSYNC International, a forwardthinking employer resource and leadership consortia. She is the author of Heart Strings for Business and The Mosaic Manager Development. During her tenure as the President of FutureSYNC International, she has designed and developed leadership effectiveness programs, healthcare service systems/measurements and employee engagement programs for a wide variety of multisite organizations throughout the country. Wendy has been privileged to work with

people committed to excellence in small and large progressive organizations. From “Lean Thinking,” “Accountability Cultures” to “Organizational Customer Focus,” FutureSYNC International is on the cutting-edge. Wendy’s tools and case study testimonies are the product of innovative practices and her “outcome-based” approach to organizational diagnosis, solution implementation and facilitation. Wendy is highly recognized as an inspiring, national speaker who delivers a lasting message packed with content. Tommy G. Stephens, Jr, CPA, CITP received a B.S. in Business Administration (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University and received his Masters of Science from the George State University. He has 24 years of public practice experience, five years of corporate internal auditing experience and four years corporate and cost accounting experience. Tommy has 18 years of experience as a continuing professional education discussion leader and has presented over 1,500 sessions to more than 45,000 participants. He is a member of the AICPA, Georgia Society of CPAs and is a former member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

MSCPA Industry Conference Vendors

Conf e re nce Pric ing: MSCPA Members $320 Non-Members $420 Register Today! Montana Society of CPAs 1534 9th Ave Helena, MT 59624 406.442.7301 800.272.0307

mscpa.org