Back by popular demand, Aaron Harris, CTO of Sage, returns to share fresh insights on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in accounting. He will discuss key trends and the biggest AI shifts impacting the accounting profession in 2025 and beyond. From task automation to intelligent AI agents, this session will explore the most significant AI trends shaping the profession in 2025 and beyond. Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on how AI is driving innovation and transformation across the finance function.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key trends and the biggest AI shifts impacting the accounting profession in 2025 and beyond.
• Explore emerging AI capabilities, from task automation to AI agents.
• Understand how AI technologies will reshape roles, services and client expectations.

Part 1: The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical requirement for contractors working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). With cyber threats escalating and regulatory expectations tightening, organizations across the government contracting (GovCon) space must prepare to demonstrate their security posture through CMMC readiness and certification. This session provides participants with a comprehensive overview of CMMC, including its purpose, structure, and role in protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI). Attendees will gain insights into the certification levels, audit expectations, and the practical steps needed to achieve compliance. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, participants will leave with a clear understanding of what is required to position their organizations for success in the CMMC journey.

Part 2: The role of today’s government contractor CFO is anything but restful. From navigating agency budget reductions and delayed or canceled contract awards to enduring the scrutiny of DCAA and DCMA audits, the challenges are relentless. Compliance has become the cornerstone of the CFO’s reality—but while the stakes are high, the path doesn’t have to be grueling. With the right strategies and mindset, living in a compliant world can be both manageable and empowering.

Learning Objectives:

Part 1:

• Understanding the CMCC requirements - Identify the structure, objectives, and core components of the CMCC framework, and explain how It aligns with DoD cybersecurity expectations.
• Differentiate between levels of certification and determine organizational needs - Evaluate which CMCC level is applicable to their organization based on contract requirements and data sensitivity. 
• Recognize audits and compliance risks- Pinpoint areas within their systems and processes that may create vulnerabilities during a CMMC assessment and developed strategies to mitigate those risks.

Part 2:

• Gain a foundational understanding of compliance frameworks, with a focus on essential internal controls that support regulatory success.
• Develop practical skills for managing financial compliance, ensuring fiscal responsibility while meeting government requirements.
• Discover the value of audit readiness and learn actionable steps to achieve a state of preparedness that fosters confidence and peace of mind.

Unethical behavior can ruin professional careers, and could result in fines, penalties, or even a loss of licensure. This course focuses on the risks faced by those that work in either public accounting or industry. 

NOTE: This course is approved by the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) to satisfy the Virginia specific ethics requirement.

Learning Objectives:

• List the foundation of ethical behavior
• Detail moral and ethical dilemmas faced in day-to-day situations
• Explain important principles underlying ethical decision-making

A panel of expert actuaries, legal counsel and consultants will convene to help learners understand the root causes of rising insurance costs and fiduciary liability and develop strategies to manage and mitigate risks effectively. Through interactive discussion and real-world examples, we will analyze and understand the effect of current trends in risk management and develop strategies to decrease organizational risk. We will review new laws and regulations that apply to retirement and best practice in financial wellness. We will explore innovative approaches to managing risk, including the use of technology and data analytics.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding root causes to rising costs of insurance and retirement practices
• Analyze & understand the effect of current trends in risk management and mitigation
• Understand new policies and legal implications in retirement practices
• Employ strategies to develop cost containment practices and decrease organizational risk

This two-part session from Wells Fargo brings together timely economic insights and forward-looking strategies for financial automation.

Part 1: Economic Update:

Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist at Wells Fargo Securities, will provide a one hour economic update. Tim will discuss historic and present economic conditions both globally and domestically. He will also discuss the current and expected rate environment as it relates to the Federal Reserve of both the US and other markets.  

Part 2: Let’s Get Digital: Banking Automation with APIs and Embedded Finance:

As technology and automation options continue to advance, how we do our work is changing. We’ll talk about solutions – APIs, ERP integration, embedded finance – and other elements of the paper-to-electronic transformation. 

Learning Objectives:

Part 1:

• Understand the current & expected rate environment.
• Enhanced comprehension of global and domestic economic metrics.
• Learn about fiscal policy impact to US economic indicators.

Part 2:

• Understand current landscape of payment automation
• Discuss common fraud tactics and ways to prevent fraud within organizations
• Gain insights on using automation, APIs and embedded financing to protect and streamline data and processes.  

Provide a lively discussion among a panel of well established, financial executives who have been highly successful at the Chief Financial Officer level. The panel will share their thoughts, techniques, behaviors, training etc. that have enabled them to advance in their careers and serve as effective leaders for their organizations. 

Learning Objectives:

• Participants should obtain greater understanding of proven techniques, behaviors, and skill sets that will help them be more effective in their accounting/finance roles and as organizational leaders. 
• Provide participants with guidance to facilitate their career development.