2021 CPA Crossings Technology Trends Symposium Webinar

One of the biggest professional challenges for CPAs, CFOs, controllers and auditors today is keeping current with the rapid pace of change in information technology. This presentation explores the new and emerging technologies impacting the fields of accounting, finance, auditing and business overall. Covering the full landscape, from the ground level of personal computer technology to the 5,000-foot level of emerging mega technologies like blockchain, digital and crypto currencies, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, robotic process automation (RPA) and more. This live presentation will provide you with the latest updates on all these mega trends. Investing a day to attend this presentation will prepare you to actively participate in discussions with clients, colleagues, management, IT and service providers on the current state of technology and its impact on business. Particularly in our new "remote working" paradigm.

Learning Objectives:
After attending this presentation you will be able to...

• Recognize and be aware of the important technology trends that will impact you and your organization
• Recall the important aspects of these technologies to prepare you to participate in discussions with your colleagues, clients, customers, IT staff and service providers
• Select a strategy for how to integrate these technologies into your business model
• Identify the emerging skills that will benefit you professionally

Highlights
This event will be organized into a series of learning modules focused on specific technology trends.

Module 1 - The Big Picture

"Industry 4.0” is the term that is commonly used to provide a macro level description of how all of the emerging mega technology trends are coming together to change the way commerce is conducted, This module will introduce you to the concept and the tech trends that it comprises and will provide a foundation for the material presented throughout the remainder of the day.

Module 2 - The State of Cloud Computing and Working Remotely

We have all seen the impact of the Covid-19 on the way we work and how we have had to rely on the cloud computing infrastructure. This module will provide insight to the nature of the supporting infrastructure, how it works and the major service providers.

Module 3 - Data Analytics and Dashboards: The New Frontier for CPAs

As CPAs, CFOs and advisors, we have an unprecedented opportunity to add more value by leveraging the vast amounts of data available to us. This module will review the tech trends that are at the core of this opportunity: Internet of Things (IoT), big data, data analytics and KPI dashboards. We will discuss the role that you can play in helping business organizations leverage these technologies.

Module 4 - Automation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The automation of workflows through AI, machine learning, RPA and bots is transforming every aspect of society, including the business office. In this module will review how these technologies are being integrated into traditional business processes.

Module 5 - Crypto Currency and Blockchain Technology

The Bitcoin crypto currency, the first commercial application of blockchain technology, was first put into use in 2009. Since that time the evolution of both blockchain technology and the crypto currency market have expanded substantially. This module will explain the nature of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other crypto currencies and the blockchain technology they are built on. We will also discuss the broader application of blockchain for other commercial applications.

Module 6 - Financial, ERP, Workflow and Personal Productivity Software Update

This module will provide a round robin review of the current state of cloud based software offerings in each of these categories. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with finding and implementing these applications in a rapidly changing market.

Module 7 - Personal Device Update

In this final module we will review the trends in the landscape of personal computing devices including PCs, laptops, displays, mobile devices and accessories.