Access Basics
Databases are more powerful and easier to use than ever before, and have moved out of the back room and on to the desktop. As a result, PC database software has become a cornerstone application for many business professionals. This session is designed to give accountants a basic understanding of how to use Microsoft Access to organize data and create reports. Coverage includes creating and using tables, forms, reports, queries, converting spreadsheet data to Access, and using Excel and Access together. The session is designed to get users over the initial learning curve hump that users commonly experience when trying to learn how to use database software. If you have databases in Excel with over 100 rows of data, you need this session.
Best Practices for Automating CPA Firms
Technology tools which were previously only available to the largest enterprises are now being implemented in CPA firms of all sizes. Stay on top of the rapidly changing world of CPA firm technology by learning best practices for preparing tax returns, managing workflow, utilizing hosted applications, supporting teams of remote workers, and outsourcing. You will also receive resources for selecting hardware and discuss practice management issues and how technology can help your firm work more effectively and efficiently.
Collaboration Tools
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.
Crank Up QuickBooks with Add-on Solutions
QuickBooks revolutionized the accounting function for millions of small businesses. Now, revolutionize how you use QuickBooks by taking advantage of great add-on products to leverage your investment in and knowledge of QuickBooks software. Numerous products are available to assist QuickBooks users in solving complex business problems such as document management and workflow; sales tax reporting and compliance; financial reporting and analysis; inventory management; payroll preparation and compliance; and sharing data files across multiple locations. Attend this session and learn how you can extend QuickBooks by using third-party products such as SourceLink, QODBC, MISys, Adagio fx, Avalara, Groove and ProfitCents.
Excel 2007 - Best Features for Accountants
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.
Financial Reporting Toolbox
Savvy financial managers are looking beyond traditional two-dimensional reports to gather the information needed to more effectively manage the financial and operational aspects of their businesses. ODBC connections, dashboards, PivotTables, OLAP cubes, SharePoint-based reports, real-time alerts, and web-based analytics are all increasing in popularity as effective tools for improved reporting, and for good reason - they all provide timely access to relevant and actionable information. Investing a little time in this session and learning about these improved data connectivity and reporting tools will pay big dividends in the form of improved financial and operating reporting processes.
FutureTech
Knowing where technology is today is not enough, you need to know where technology is headed. What types of innovative technology tools will your company need five years from now? If you think it does not matter – think again. Will you attend meetings in Virtual Classrooms; will you wear your mouse on your head and guide your computer with your thoughts? Can processors get faster? And what will the virtual office of the future look like? See the future of technology and what it means to your business.
Google Apps - Ready for Prime Time
Google, the developer of the ubiquitous search engine, offers a full suite of business applications available for use free via the web. The applications include e-mail and sharable calendars with access from mobile devices, public or private web sites for team activities or document libraries, Office-compatible document, spreadsheet, and presentation creation and modification, real-time sharing of documents for collaborative processes, and many useful ancillary business applications. But how functional and usable are these applications? This session is designed to answer that fundamental question. Your instructor will demonstrate the broad functionality and usability of Google Apps in a business environment and will identify the settings and circumstances where Google Apps are uniquely suitable.
Improving Audit Quality with CAATTs
Whether you are in public accounting, government, or industry, you are constantly challenged to do more with less and the areas of auditing and detecting fraud contain no exceptions to this paradigm. This session will provide you with an overview of computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs) to help you find those “exceptional transactions” more effectively and efficiently. In this session, you will learn practical approaches for improving antifraud efforts and how to avoid common pitfalls when using automation in audits. Become more efficient and effective in your auditing and fraud detection efforts by learning first-hand how to utilize CAATTs to their fullest.
Office 2007
Microsoft Office 2007 dramatically changes how users will perform everyday functions such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, sending and receiving e-mail messages, creating slide shows, and working with databases. New features such as the Ribbon interface, improved graphics capabilities, and XML-based data files offer significant opportunities for increased productivity. This session will include coverage of Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Office Accounting.
Optimizing Vista
As of June 30th, 2008 PC manufacturers are only shipping the Microsoft Vista operating system on business PCs. Attend this session to learn how to successfully implement Vista in your organization. Topics covered include: optimizing Vista to get the level of performance you expect from new hardware, dealing with legacy software that supposedly will not run under Vista, and how to take advantage of the many powerful new features that are included in this latest version of the Windows operating system. If you own a Vista PC or plan on buying a new PC you need this session.
Question the Speakers
This is an optional, not-for-CPE credit session. The three instructors from the day’s sessions will serve as a panel for a formal question and answer session. Participants may submit their questions in advance or during the session. Through this new forum we hope to solicit interesting questions and provide useful content. We look forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with you about your issues.
PDFs - Essential Tips, Features and Tools
Accountants are spending as much time working with PDF files today as they do spreadsheets. This seminar will introduce you to features, tools and tips for working with PDF files. We will demonstrate how to create custom dynamic stamps (tick marks), how to add a register tape to a PDF, how to quickly and automatically generate simple office forms, how to electronically sign a PDF, and how to make a PDF secure from common tampering. Bring your questions as well as your own tricks to share to one of the most fun and informative sessions at the conference.
Paperless Done Right
Everyone’s talking about it, but who has done it and how did they do it? Taking your office paperless requires an understanding of document management, collaboration tools, workflow, and security. Learn how the most successful firms and small businesses have implemented a paperless environment and what they learned in the process.
SAS and SOX Compliance Tools
Corporate governance, professional standards, and attitudes toward internal control have changed the way auditors and clients interact with each other. From the risk assessment standards to SAS 112 to specific provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley, the rules for documentation, testing, and evidential matter have all changed dramatically, as have the requirements for governance and recordkeeping. This session will discuss tools available to help you more efficiently assess organizational risk and comply with laws, regulations, and professional requirements. In addition, you’ll learn practical approaches to enhance governance.
Security - Risks, Responsibilities and Solutions
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.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
There is a major change underway in how businesses acquire and utilize technology. Some believe it will turn out to be as important as the advent of personal computers. This change is the movement away from running applications in-house on a company’s computers to using hosted services. At first it appears to be only a physical change in which the software is hosted. However, the benefits are turning out to be huge. Lower costs, improved reliability, very significantly improved functionality, ease of access, and improved security are some of these benefits. Attend this session to find out how SaaS can make you more efficient, more effective, and more profitable.
Reclaim Your Life Using Microsoft Outlook
As technology advances and provides more and more information most people are overwhelmed. This session shows Microsoft Outlook and management techniques that, when combined, will enable you to use technology to fight back against information overload. Learn how to control information, find information, and make your entire world portable.
Technology Update
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!
Today's Top Accounting Solutions
Is it time to upgrade or switch your accounting solution? Clients are asking you what they should buy and what features to look for? This is the best place to get all your answers at once from an independent reliable source. These instructors have decades of experience and are familiar with the top accounting solutions on the market today. Ask questions and get answers for your accounting needs.
Using a Mac in a PC World
Can Apple’s Mac really work and be productive in a PC environment? Our team has taken the challenge and will show in this session how an Apple MacBook Pro can keep up with Windows, run Windows (including Vista), and yes, be productive. Learn how to use Mac’s Leopard OS features such as Finder, Safari 3, Quick Look, Time Machine, and Spaces. This session includes Windows virtualization via Parallels & VMware as well as practical real life issues, potential hazards, tips, tricks, and fun stuff. After all it is a Mac!
Using Microsoft Outlook to Improve Productivity
Microsoft Outlook has lots of features to help in managing the onslaught of information and requests (ex. emails, tasks, meeting requests, contact information) that many of us face on a daily basis. Lots of these Outlook features are unknown to the majority of accountants, even though most accountants use Outlook regularly and have been using it for years. This session takes traditional time management concepts and shows you how to use Outlook features to take back control of your life.
Virtual Machines
Whether you’re seeking to run Windows XP-based applications in a Vista environment, reduce the number of servers in your organization, or establish a training and testing environment without fear of corrupting your existing computers or network, virtualization should be at the forefront of your plans. Participants are introduced to the concepts and benefits of virtualization and will learn how to create, deploy, and manage virtual PCs and servers. Hardware requirements, software licensing issues, and managing virtual machines are all addressed, along with how to avoid some of the more common mistakes associated with virtualization. As a bonus, instructions will be provided on how to obtain free, fully-licensed copies of virtualization software such as Microsoft’s Virtual PC 2007 and Virtual Server 2005.
