Agenda

GENERAL SESSION

LAUNCH GENERAL SESSION
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Staying in the Know on Crypto
Like all forms of currency, cryptocurrency is subject to taxation, litigation and criminal activity. Review today’s most prevalent types of cryptocurrency litigation, investment scams, valuation mechanism and more!
Dorothy Haraminac – Owner, GreenVets LLC, Leonard, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL ONE

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Trade Based Money Laundering
There is more than one way to commit and detect trade-based money laundering (TBML), but how and when should CPAs be wary? Review case studies involving TBML to determine what it entails, how to detect it and what to do when a case of TBML is verified.
Giorgio Bertucci, CPA, CFE, CFI – Forensic Accountant, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 AA

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
The Risks, Rewards, and Remediation of Employee Retention Tax Credits
In August 2022, the Government Accountability Office published a report finding that only 7% of eligible businesses have claimed COVID related government stimulus, including the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)., Shortly thereafter, the IRS began issuing warnings of “promoters” charging large fees for oftentimes misleading advice on this tax credit. Learn some of the popular misconceptions in the market regarding ERCs, why they exist, and how to identify potentially unsupportable filings.
Jesse R. Morton, J.D., LL.M., CPA/CFF, CFE, CAFP, APRP – Managing Director | Disputes, Claims & Investigations, Stout, Atlanta, GA  
Raymond A. Roth, CPA, CFE – Director | Dispute Advisory & Forensic Services, Stout, Royal Oak 
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Probate Litigation: Fiduciary Edition
Acting as a fiduciary comes with its own set of responsibilities, challenges and risks. Uncover the intricacies of fiduciary duty, including how to determine reasonable fees based on legal standards, identifying the most common damage claims associated with breach of fiduciary duty and determining the necessary evidence to prove a transaction or document invalid based on undue influence and/or mental incapacity.    
Laura Morris – Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Grand Rapids 
David Skidmore – Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Grand Rapids 
Credits: 1.0 OT

1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Preventing Fraud from the Inside
Did you know, as of last year, 47% of U.S. companies reported experiencing fraud over a 24-month period? Study the techniques, design patterns and best methods for creating and implementing effective internal controls that can minimize an organization’s exposure to fraud.
Eric Conforti, CPA, CFE – Principal, Plante Moran, Southfield
Eric Leslie, CPA – Senior Manager, Plante Moran, Southfield
Credits: 1.0 AA

2:20 PM – 3:35 PM
A View From the Bench
Taking the stand to deliver testimony can be a daunting prospect, especially for the uninitiated, but understanding the process from a different perspective can improve confidence. Bring your burning questions and be prepared to view financial expert testimony from the judge’s bench.
Hon. Curt A. Benson – Specialized Business Docket, Kent County Circuit Court, Grand Rapids
Hon. Kathleen M. McCarthy – Civil Division, 3rd Circuit Court, Detroit
Moderator: Michelle F. Gallagher, CPA, ABV, CFF – Strategic Partner, Adamy Valuation, Grand Rapids
Credits: 1.5 OT

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
On the Matter of Organizational Victimhood
Fast Company predicts 2023 will see rising ransomware and critical infrastructure attacks on organizations as well as more stolen credentials. Join this session to determine, when it is appropriate to pay ransom as the result of a breach, what means of protection companies have at their disposal, legal ramifications and how to handle the fallout when an employee falls for a scheme or is victimized individually.
Debra Geroux – Shareholder, Butzel, Troy
Jamie Izen – Task Force Officer – Cyber Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit
Credits: 1.5 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL TWO

CHANNEL TWO

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Blurred Lines: Keys to Preserving Expert Credibility
We use case studies to examine the intersection between law and expert practice, common issues such as hearsay and adverse hypothetical questions and best practices for ensuring expert witnesses understand the applicable laws to a given case. Plus, analyze how judges determine whether something is an attack on credibility versus permissible cross examination and more.
John J. Stockdale, Jr. – Attorney, Schafer & Weiner, PLLC, Bloomfield Hills
Credits: 1.0 OT

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
Tips for Following a Complex Money Trail
Asset tracing occurs when forensic accountants “follow the money” to identify a subject’s assets, revenue and all types of transactions connected to both, typically to “untangle” complicated transactions and locate hidden assets. Dust off your magnifying glass and take a closer look at the types of engagements that might require asset tracing and their nuances. Investigate the differences between primary and secondary sources as well as the differences between the roles accountants and attorneys play in these engagements.
Stefanie Jedra, CPA, AM, CFE – Director, Advisory Services, Marcum LLP, East Hanover, NJ
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Invaluable Lessons in M&A Valuations
Merger and acquisition (M&A) valuations differ from those of typical business valuations in several key areas. Discover how to use multiple metrics and databases to better define the value of a given M&A, how to negotiate letters of intent (LOI), and common traps to avoid in purchase agreements.  
Jeffrey J. Groen, CPA/ABV, CFF, CGMA, MST – Managing Partner, Groen Kluka & Company, PC, Troy 
Nicholas R. Groen, CPA/ABV, CMEA, SBA, MMP, MBA/MSF – Shareholder, Groen, Kluka & Company, PC, Troy
Credits: 1.0 AA

1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
On the Importance of Agreements
Buy/Sell agreements have different implications for business valuation services as fair market value and fair value have different implications for those charged with determining business value. Unpack the various components associated with buy/sell agreements, including discounts, what should be on your checklist and, most importantly, what should not be included in such an agreement.
John T. Alfonsi, CPA, ABV, CFE, CFF, CVA – Managing Director, Cendrowski Corporate Advisors, LLC, Bloomfield Hills
Credits: 1.0 OT

2:20 PM – 3:35 PM
Common Healthcare Fraud & How to Prevent It
Unfortunately, no industry is immune to fraud, including the nation’s healthcare system. According to reports, elder abuse is on the rise and Medicare fraud alone costs taxpayers $60 billion per year. Become familiar with the intricacies of these types of fraud, how to investigate when indicators of foul play are present and how to help others avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent behavior.
Bryan Drake – Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit
Credits: 1.5 OT

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
The Cloudy Business Valuation Landscape
Are issues in today’s business valuation landscape clouding your vision? Let’s tackle them together. Discuss how to handle S-Corp premiums, inflation and other areas of fluctuation, company-specific risk factors, new lease standard implications, supply chain shifts, politics, COVID fallout and more!
Nicholas A. Adamy – Managing Director, Adamy Valuation Advisors, Grand Rapids
Credits: 1.5 OT

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