WSCPA Spring Conference Brochure

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and earn CPE!

APRIL 18 7:30 - 7:50 am

Registration

7:50 - 8:00 am

Welcome

8:00 - 10:00 am

GASB Update David Bean, Director of Research and Technical Activities, GASB With pressing issues on its technical agenda and several new standards that will affect WA governments, it is important to stay abreast of GASB activities. Learn what’s on the GASB technical agenda and explore the new standards on financial reporting entity, service concession arrangements, and the codification of base-line private sector standards that apply to governmental entities.

10:00-10:15 am

Refreshment Break

10:15 - 11:30 am

GASB Update continued

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Luncheon

12:30 - 1:40 pm

The ERM-practicing Organization and The Role of the Accountant: A Work in Progress Drew Zavatsky, Loss Prevention Coordinator,Washington State Office of Financial Management, Risk Management Division How does the practice of ERM look in an organization? How can you create value with ERM and evaluate ERM activities? Get the answers to these and other important questions related to ERM.

1:40 - 2:50 pm

Responsibility to Health Care Reform Chris Rivard, CPA, Partner, Moss Adams LLP Explore the looming changes faced by all employers. Discover the required changes, while reviewing tax and accounting specifics, insurance reform realities, and big picture considerations.

2:50 - 3:00 pm

Refreshment Break

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Fraud, Waste and Abuse – Update for Auditors Tiffany Couch, CPA/CFF, CFE, Founder, Acuity Group PLLC The organizations you audit are operating with reduced staff and tighter budgets. Discuss key red flags of fraud related to asset misappropriation, corruption, and financial statement fraud. Learn practical tips for assessing fraud risk for every organization.

APRIL 19 7:30 - 7:50 am

Registration

7:50 - 8:00 am

Welcome

8:00 - 10:00 am

Governmental Auditing Update Mary Foelster, CPA, Director, Governmental Auditing and Accounting, AICPA Uncover the latest developments affecting the audits of state and local government entities. Review recent AICPA standards and find out what’s new with single audits, Recovery Act implications, the Yellow Book, and other governmental and compliance auditing initiatives. Get a status update on the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center and a summary of GAQC tools.

10:00 - 10:15 am

Refreshment Break

10:15 - 11:30 am

Performance Audit Frameworks Barbara J. Hinton, Deputy Director for Performance Audit,Washington State Auditor’s Office How can you conduct more focused, high-quality performance audits? Get a better understanding of the general frameworks of the government programs you are auditing and frameworks for conducting performance audits. This knowledge will allow you to set up more systematic approaches for assessing the adequacy of an agency’s “way of doing business” and perform audits more effectively and efficiently.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 1:35 pm Concurrent Sessions A

Luncheon A-1 The State of the State Economy Arun Raha, Ph.D., Chief Economist & Executive Director, Economic Revenue Forecast Council Get an overview of the current state of the U.S. and Washington economies, with a revenue forecast for Washington State. Hear Dr. Raha’s economic outlook and find out what to expect during the recovery.

A-2 Indirect Cost Rates and Cost Allocation Plans – What To Do and What Not To Do Chris Cortines, CPA,Washington State Auditor’s Office Vincent Stevens, CPA, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PS It is critical to be reimbursed for the proper indirect costs and allocable shared costs. Avoid compliance pitfalls when charging these types of costs.

Review basic indirect cost and cost allocation plan principles. Identify common pitfalls discovered by the SAO and best practices related to indirect costs and cost allocation plans.

1:35 - 1:40 pm

Change Room Break

1:40 - 2:50 pm Concurrent Sessions B

B-2 Capital Markets and Financing: B-1 Using Risk Assessments to What’s Happening!

Develop Work Plans and Audits Lori Pilcher, MBA, CPA, CIA, Assistant Inspector General Lindsay Sovde, MBA, Seattle-Northwest Securities Cynthia Weed, LM, Partner, K&L Gates LLP for Grants, Office of Inspector General Learn how an IG shop uses risk assessment to plan and prioritize audits. Learn why risk management is used in the federal government, how auditors can add value with ERM, using ERM as the basis for the work plan, and applying ERM in the audit process.

2:50 - 3:00 pm

Refreshment Break

3:00 - 4:05 pm Concurrent Sessions C

C-1 Using Risk Assessments to Develop Work Plans and Audits continued

States and local governments are almost universally under financial distress. Discover the current financial products available to local governments.

Get valuable details on credit access, credit rating issues, the state of the capital markets, and today’s interest rate environment. Discuss the related disclosure and accounting issues.

C-2 Panel: Coping with the Down Economy Michael Bailey, CPA, MBA, Director, City of Redmond Finance and Information Services; Marty Brown, Director, Office of Financial Management; and Kevin Phelps, Deputy County Executive, Pierce County Learn how organizations have responded to revenue challenges, cost cutting and long range budget and forecasting issues.

Schedule 7:30 - 8:00 am

Registration, continental breakfast and distribution of materials

8:00 - 9:00 am

International Estate Planning Update Harold Snow, JD, LLM, Partner, Lane Powell What estate planning opportunities did recent laws create for those connected to the U.S.? Discuss the ever increasing reporting and disclosure requirements for non-U.S. citizens with business interests.

9:00 - 10:00 am

Outbound to Canada: Recent Developments Leonard Glass, Partner, LLB, Lawson Lundell LLP What are the latest issues affecting cross-border businesses and crossborder employees? Discover the ways an American business can expand into or acquire a business in a Canadian jurisdiction.

10:00 - 10:15 am

Refreshment Break

10:15 - 11:10 am

Corporate Inversions & Expatriations Edwin S. Green, JD, LLM, Principal, International Tax Services, Deloitte Tax LLP Given the tax footprint and expansion plans, you need to understand the tax and business issues surrounding corporate inversions and expatriations.

Delve into tax law, structuring alternatives, as well as non-tax issues.

11:10 am 12:05 pm

Business Issues Facing U.S. Companies in China Fraser Mendel, JD, LLM, Shareholder, Schwabe,Williamson & Wyatt What has compelled some U.S. companies to scale back their business activities in China? What do you need to know to set up operations in China? Discuss commercial, regulatory, IP and other issues.

12:05 - 1:05 pm

Luncheon

1:05 - 2:05 pm

Current Developments in IRS Offshore Compliance Efforts Darek Jarski, JD, LLM, LeSourd & Patten, PS Robert McCallum, JD, LLM, President, LeSourd & Patten, PS Explore the ins and outs of IRS offshore compliance efforts. Discuss voluntary disclosures, information returns and FACTA legislation.

2:05 - 3:00 pm

International Transfer Pricing: What the Tax Practitioner Must Know and Should Be Doing Gary Tober, JD, LLM, Shareholder, Lane Powell PC How can you avoid tax penalties arising from transfer pricing controversies?

Unravel the complexities in the U.S. transfer pricing regime and eliminate those pesky penalties.

3:00 - 3:15 pm

Refreshment Break

3:15 - 4:15 pm

U.S. International Tax Developments David Cordova, CPA, Partner-International Tax Services Group, Deloitte Tax LLP Are you aware of the major changes affecting the U.S. taxation of cross border income and operations? Discover the past year’s key U.S. legislative and regulatory developments that require your attention.

Schedule 8:00 - 8:30 am

Registration, continental breakfast and distribution of materials

8:30 - 9:15 am

Department of Revenue Tax Simplification Project Tremaine Smith, Deputy Director,Washington State Department of Revenue Did you know the Department of Revenue is working to simplify the tax code and reduce the administrative burden and costs to businesses?

The DOR is exploring, evaluating and recommending tax simplification solutions to assist small businesses, attract businesses, and keep Washington competitive. Learn about these activities and share your ideas.

9:15 - 10:25 am

New Washington Tax Developments Rachel Le Mieux, CPA, Principal and Jordan Miller, JD, Director,Transaction Tax, Ryan With all of the recent tax changes, how can you be certain you didn’t miss something? Even if you are aware of the changes, do you understand everything you need to know? Discuss the new Washington tax legislation, important new administrative rules, determinations, and court cases.

10:25 - 10:35 am

Refreshment Break

10:35 - 11:20 am

Update on Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions Ron Bueing, JD, Pivotal Law Group The Department of Revenue has been working on a rule to define abusive tax avoidance transactions. Get a glimpse of the latest versions of those rules. Learn how to recognize abusive tax avoidance structures and steer clear of the stiff penalties for engaging in such transactions.

11:20 - 11:35 pm

Update on Digital Products Taxation Ron Bueing, JD, Pivotal Law Group How will digital products be taxed? While we anticipate final regulations on the taxation of digital products, the Department of Revenue has changed its position on some of the issues. Review these changes and explore a framework for making decisions on the taxability of sales of digital goods.

11:35 - 12:20 pm

Economic Nexus and Washington Service Mike Herold, Principal, State & Local Tax, LarsonAllen LLP Richard Tedrow, Senior, State & Local Tax, LarsonAllen LLP There are winners and losers under the new economic nexus standard and service apportionment calculation. Which one are you? Hear a discussion on the economic nexus standard and service apportionment calculation for the affected industries, and then you’ll be able to answer this question with confidence.

12:20 - 1:20 pm

Luncheon continued on next page

1:20 - 2:05 pm

Impending Tax Controversies Mark Hugh, CPA, Mark Hugh & Associates PLLC Jeffrey Mahan, Review Manager, DOR Appeals Division The issues are new, ambiguous, untested, and material. What tax controversies loom in the future? From bundled transactions to digital goods, shifting nexus standards and pressure for revenue for basic state services, the rapid rate of change of law, regulation, and the economy are creating new controversies, new opportunities, and the need to be informed to protect your organization and clients.

2:05 - 2:50 pm

Related Party Transactions Marke Greene, CPA, Director, State & Local Tax, Moss Adams LLP Beware of this trap for the unwary: Washington’s unique taxation of intercompany transactions. Uncover some ways to mitigate the tax cost to your business, and get an update on the DOR’s affiliate study.

2:50 - 3:00 pm

Refreshment Break

3:00 - 3:45 pm Concurrent Sessions A

A1 Use Tax 101: Common Sense Strategies for Identifying & Reporting Use Tax Janet Matney, CPA, Group Manager of Excise and Property Tax, Microsoft Corporation Tarah Seehafer, CPA, Director, State & Local Tax,Weyerhaeuser Eric Siedentopf, CPA, Costco Wholesale Corp Learn what use tax is, discuss how to identify when it is due, and share best practices for tracking and reporting it.

3:45 - 3:55 pm

Refreshment Break

3:55 - 4:40 pm Concurrent Sessions B

B1 Best Practices for Reporting Personal Property to County and State Taxing Authorities Sandy Guilfoil, CMI, Director, Property Tax, Ryan Hear how you can make this annual compliance obligation more efficient and effective.

A2 Multistate Tax Update Akash Sehgal, PricewaterhouseCoopers What’s happening with other states’ tax laws? What are the key issues that you must understand? Get a review of the highlights (and low lights) of state income tax, as well as sales tax issues from states across the nation. Identify areas to watch and make sure your business is in compliance.

Date

Conference

April 18-19

Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference

May 4

International Tax Conference

May 18

Washington State Tax Conference

May 23

Business and Industry Conference

June 2

new! Women’s Leadership Summit

June 3

new! Emerging Leaders Conference

Aug 12

The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation

Aug 18

Farm Tax Conference

Oct 21

new! Accounting and Auditing Conference

Nov 7-9

new! Pacific Tax Institute

Nov 10-11

Pacific NW Construction Industry Conference

Nov 17-18

Not-For-Profit Conference

Dec 2

Fraud Conference

Dec 12-13

Information Technology Conference

Learn more and register at www.wscpa.org/conferences or call (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington) or (425) 644-4800.

B2 State Income Tax Planning Ideas Mark Hawkins, JD, Senior Manager, State & Local Tax, Clark Nuber PS Explore some planning ideas to minimize state income tax for multistate businesses.

Schedule 7:30 - 8:00 am

Registration, continental breakfast and distribution of materials

8:00 - 9:00 am

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Hunt for Gold Gerald Swanson, JD, LLM, KOM Consulting, PLLC Businesses are being hit hard by state tax authorities in need of revenue.

Discover the tools businesses need to navigate this challenging environment. You’ll explore legislative developments, how to take action when faced with an audit defense, and refunds and trends in state taxation.

9:00 - 9:10 am

Refreshment Break

9:10 - 10:00 am

Will US GAAP Survive? IFRS Update Marinilka Barros Kimbro, PhD, Assistant Professor of Accounting, School of Business Administration, Gonzaga University Are you keeping up with the headlines related to IFRS? Do you know how it will affect you? Examine the IFRS convergence (or adoption) process and the practical challenges faced by the accounting profession.

10:00 - 11:30 am

Creating Business and Departmental Plans That Work – The Process from Concept to Daily Action Items Denny Andrews, Founder and Director, Denny Andrews Consulting Both small departments and large companies can improve productivity and efficiency by following a plan that focuses everyone’s efforts to achieve the most vital organizational goals. Learn a user-friendly, proven process to develop an effective plan for your organization.

11:30 am 12:30 pm

Luncheon

12:30 - 1:30 pm

Creating Business and Departmental Plans That Work – The Process from Concept to Daily Action Items, continued Craig Weeks, CTW Publications

1:30 - 1:40 pm

Refreshment Break

1:40 - 2:30 pm

New Business Strategies in the Wake of Health Care Reform Dan Fisher, CEO, EmSpring Corporation Expand your understanding of federal health care reform beyond how to just stay in compliance. Few businesses can adjust their HR and compensation strategies without government clarification and advice from CPAs and benefits consultants.You’ll gain a new perspective on what lies ahead.

2:30 - 4:00 pm

Great Disappointment or Sustained Recovery?

A Regional Economic Update Michael Parks, Editor Emeritus, Marple’s Letter Hear an entertaining perspective on the current economic situation.

Gain insight into global and national trends. Explore pertinent measures of the regional economy and related forecasts.

April 18-19

Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference

May 4

International Tax Conference

May 18

Washington State Tax Conference

May 23

Business and Industry Conference