2025 Accounting Technology Conference Afternoon Sessions - Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Overview

Sessions covered in this On-Demand replay of the Accounting Technology Conference:

From Numbers to Narratives: Mastering Data Analysis for CPAs
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, accounting professionals are expected to be more than just number crunchers; they must also serve as insightful interpreters of data. In an era where data is king, this session is your gateway to becoming a savvy data analyst with a competitive edge in your field. This session will guide you through the intricacies of making complex data analysis approachable and engaging. You will learn the all-important data analysis process flow that will take you from collecting data to making insightful decisions. It's not just about learning a tool -- it's about enhancing your professional identity as a forward-thinking accounting professional.

Power BI in Practice: Building End-to-End Analytics Solutions
This session takes a deep dive into the critical aspects of using Power BI to its fullest potential, emphasizing a holistic approach to data analytics. Learn how to build a streamlined workflow, ensuring every step in your data journey contributes to actionable insights. The session also focuses on utilizing advanced features of Power BI services to move beyond basic data models and create advanced solutions tailored to real-world business needs. By the end of the session, you'll be able to synthesize all your Power BI skills to design and deliver powerful analytics solutions tailored to any audience.

Ask the Experts: Panel Discussion on Emerging Technologies
In this unique panel-style session, you'll have the opportunity to get your burning questions answered by leading experts on all things related to emerging CPA technologies. The session will also include a series of online polling questions to identify key technological challenges facing CPAs and ways to address them.

NOTE: Certificates of attendance showing the CPE credit earned from this On-Demand program will be sent to your primary email on file approximately 2 weeks after viewing as we receive attendance reports from our streaming service provider. Members will also see this program reflected in their CPE tracker.

Leader(s):

Bryan Smith, Owner, DataSmith Pro, LLC
John Higgins, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory LLC

Leader Bios

Bryan Smith, Owner, DataSmith Pro, LLC

Bryan is the owner of DataSmith Pro, LLC, a company that helps accounting, tax and financial professionals leverage technology to increase the quality and efficiency of their services.

Bryan has extensive knowledge and experience in proper Excel design techniques as well as helping CPAs build spreadsheets that are accurate. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), he has spent a considerable amount of time auditing and validating thousands of Excel spreadsheets. He has developed various data analysis and Microsoft Power BI courses. He has also worked with multiple organizations to train and coach staff on proper data analysis techniques.

Bryan holds a Master of Science of Information Assurance, is a member of the Information System Audit and Control Association and is a past chair of task forces for the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Highlights

Owner of DataSmithPro, LLC
Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC
Strategic technology advisor to CPAs w/40 years of experience
Nationally recognized author and presenter on CPA technology
Extensive knowledge and experience in proper Excel design techniques as well as helping CPAs build spreadsheets that are accurate
As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), spent a considerable amount of time auditing and validating thousands of Excel spreadsheets
Developed various data analysis and Microsoft Power Bi course and has worked with multiple organizations to train and coach staff on proper data analysis techniques
Masters of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA)

Return to Top

John Higgins, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory LLC

John is the co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, which specializes in helping accounting, tax and financial professionals to leverage technology. John serves as a strategic technology advisor to CPAs in the planning and deployment of effective technology solutions and workflow automation. This aids them in the transformation to a digital practice model that features paperless processes and leverages cloud computing. In 2015, John established CPA Crossings’ new Cloud Accounting Learning Center. This is a comprehensive knowledgebase of training, information and consulting services that is designed to help CPAs make the transformation to delivering client accounting services through the use of cloud based accounting systems and other tools. This is the new accounting services paradigm for the 21st century, and John is regarded as a foremost authority on how CPAs can seize the opportunity. John recently co-authored Ten Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud, published by the AICPA. This book provides CPAs with a strategic roadmap for taking their firms online by leveraging cloud computing. John’s primary qualification is his passion for helping CPAs achieve success by leveraging technology. He has extensive knowledge and experience working with CPAs throughout the country.

Return to Top