Agenda

GENERAL SESSION

LAUNCH GENERAL SESSION
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:Preparing for a New Frontier of AI Fraud Risk
While artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool many accounting firms are using to augment operations; it is also a major disruptor to fraud risk prevention. From voice cloning to visual deepfakes, AI-generated fraud is on the rise and, more concerning, providing fraudsters with automation tools of their own. Study the latest forms of AI-generated fraud and determine meaningful strategies for updating detection and prevention practices.
Clay M. Kniepmann, JD, CPA/CFF/ABV, CFE – Forensic, Valuation and Litigation Principal, Anders CPAs + Advisors, St. Louis, MO
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL ONE

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Criminal Tax Investigations: How CPAs Add Value
Explore the distinct combination of white-collar crime and tax that characterize criminal tax investigations. Your defense attorney client probably doesn’t have an accounting or tax background, which is where your expertise is crucial. Identify ways that you can add value to these types of high-stakes federal court proceedings.
Venar R. Ayar, Esq. – Principal Attorney, Master of Laws – Taxation, Ayar Law, Farmington
Credits: 1.0 OT

10:40 AM – 11:55 AM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Recruiting AI and ChatGPT in the Fight Against Fraud
As the digital transformation of the financial function continues, forensic accounting is becoming more relevant than ever before. Explore the capabilities of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in streamlining fraud examination workflows, communication and automation. Then, examine the potential areas of risk, including a deeper look at how ChatGPT learns and shares (or possibly overshares) information.
Christopher Ramezan, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity and Coordinator, Business Cybersecurity Management, John Chambers College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Credits: 1.5 OT

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Excel at Fraud Detection
Take your Excel skills to the next level in this intermediate-level training which builds upon basics you already know. Taught by a top 10 Microsoft Excel World Cup qualifier, topics will range from mastering shortcuts to recording a macro, with pivot tables, fuzzy lookups, and more in between, all with fraud detection at its core. With practical examples in a take-home workbook that you’ll use during this interactive session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Excel capabilities. And even if you’re starting from a beginner level, or you’re already an advanced power user, this session will provide practical tools you can apply immediately.
Kyle Sutton, CPA, CFE– PhD Student in Accounting, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Credits: 1.5 OT

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Inside the Latest Guide on Fraud Risk Management
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) recently published the second edition of its Fraud Risk Management Guide, the first update issued to the guide since 2016. Determine how your practice can leverage the new COSO guide in areas of fraud investigation, including litigation, internal controls, data analytics, and more.
Gregory H. Soule, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CFE – Partner, AHP, Bloomfield Hills
Credits: 1.0 AA

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Identity Illusion Creates New Area of Employment Fraud
Discover how fraudsters are using “identity illusion” and AI to exploit remote work environments. Analyze a recent case study to uncover tactics that combine old schemes with new technology then develop strategies to protect against these evolving threats.
Christopher DeAngelis, CFE – Vice President of Enterprise Fraud Strategy and Prevention, Zelis, Philadelphia, PA
Credits: 1.0 OT

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Organization from Costly Threats
With the average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million in 2023, cybersecurity is no longer optional- it’s a strategic necessity. We explore three critical ways to effectively safeguard your organization.
Robert Cote – President, Security Vitals, Clarkston
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL TWO

CHANNEL TWO

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
LITIGATION SUPPORT: Navigating Financial Expert Witness Services in Family Law
Explore the vital roles that forensic accounting and business valuation play in family law matters. Evaluate the specialized services that financial expert witnesses provide and gain insight into how these services can support fair dispute resolution.
Michelle Gallagher, CPA/ABV/CFF – Strategic Partner, Adamy Valuation Advisors, Lansing
Nathan Olberding, CPA/ABV – Manager, Adamy Valuation Advisors, Grand Rapids
Credits: 1.0 OT

10:40 AM – 11:55 AM
BUSINESS VALUATION: Business Valuation and Dispute Advisory
When a business is caught up in litigation, valuation experts are often leveraged to determine the value of a business, or its parts, and to assess claims for certain damages. Analyze the opportunities and common processes associated with business dispute valuation services, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mediation to identify patterns and provide additional insights.
John Alfonsi, CPA, ABV, CFE, CFF, CVA – Managing Director, Cendrowski Corporate Advisors, LLC, a division of Prosperity Partners, Bloomfield Township
Credits: 1.5 OT

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
BUSINESS VALUATION: Cash Only: Valuation Principles & Pitfalls
Cash is still king for many types of businesses, from restaurants and bars to laundromats and general contractors. Unfortunately, underreported income and inadequate financial documentation are just some of the common pitfalls associated with cash business valuations. Use common tools to develop strategies for valuing a cash business and forming a supportable and defendable conclusion.
John Alfonsi, CPA, ABV, CFE, CFF, CVA – Managing Director, Cendrowski Corporate Advisors, LLC, a division of Prosperity Partners, Bloomfield Township
Gary Leeman, CPA/ABV/CFF, CGMA, CMC – President, Gary Leeman, CPA, PC, Farmington Hills
Credits: 1.5 AA

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
LITIGATION SUPPORT: A Litigator’s Perspective on Estate & Trust Disputes
Our attorney and forensic accounting panelists discuss the nuances of trust and estate litigation and provide essential guidance for those who are interested in this area. Come away with practical strategies and real-world case studies that showcase how forensic accounting skills can be used to navigate estate and trust disputes.
Juliet R. Boyd, Esq – Member, Dickinson Wright, PLLC, Troy
Credits: 1.0 OT

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
BUSINESS VALUATION: The Price Is Right: A Guide to Option Pricing Models & Stocks
Determining the theoretical value of stock options is at the heart of the 409A valuation process and requires valuation professionals to first choose an appropriate option pricing model for the given situation. Define best practices for selecting the most relevant pricing model, including the six key factors permissible models must incorporate.
Matthew Mezs, CFA – Director, Alvarez & Marsal Valuation Services, Bellevue, Washington
Credits: 1.0 AA

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
LITIGATION SUPPORT: Case Law Updates
The recent ruling by the U.S. Tax Court on Cecil v. Commissioner upheld the tax affecting approach to S Corporation valuation and determined that future instances of the method will be determined on a case-by-case basis. This case represents just one of the many ongoing legal questions regarding valuation techniques and their application. Examine the relevant details of current cases associated with valuation topics and the potential implications of their outcomes on valuation professionals and services.
Jeff Groen, CPA/ABV, CFF, CGMA, MST – Managing Partner, Groen Kluka & Company PC, Troy
Nicholas R. Groen, CPA/ABV, MBA/MSF, CMEA, SBA – Staff Accountant, Groen Kluka & Company PC, Troy
Credits: 1.0 OT

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