Accounting Technology Conference
7.90 Credits
Member Price $399.00
Non-Member Price $499.00
Overview
Your Source For Key Updates & Insights On Timely Issues
Attend this year’s Accounting Technology Conference and get ready to work smarter, not harder! Hear from leading accounting technology experts on the latest in AI, Microsoft 365, Excel, Power Query and data analytics. Explore what’s new with agentic AI, discover practical ways to put Copilot and ChatGPT to work, learn how to choose the right AI tools for your organization and get real-world guidance on using emerging technologies responsibly. With practical strategies and an expert panel ready to tackle your toughest tech questions, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and tools you can put to work right away.
Who Should Attend
Accounting and business professionals in all levels and areas of the profession, including public practice, business and industry, government and nonprofit organizations will benefit greatly by attending.
Overnight Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved at Wildwood Lodge for the night of Wednesday, Dec. 16, with a room rate of $109 (plus tax). To reserve a room in the block, please book by calling 262-506-2000 and mention you are attending the WICPA Accounting Technology Conference.
Online Option
For those looking to attend online, this conference will also be offered via WICPA CPE Livestream, which includes all of the general sessions and the most popular breakout sessions chosen by in-person attendees. Most popular sessions will be determined and updated on the livestream event page approximately two weeks prior to the conference.
View livestream details >>
Gold Sponsor
Dec 17, 2026
General Session
- Registration & Networking
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Welcome & Opening Remarks
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- The State of AI: What CPAs Should Know
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
AI continues to evolve rapidly, making it difficult for accounting professionals to separate meaningful change from market noise. This session will provide a current view of the AI landscape for CPAs with a focus not on a specific app, but on recognizing what has changed in AI models, applications, embedded features, agents, enterprise deployment, vendor strategies, regulation and workforce impact.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- A Strategic Approach to Selecting Your AI Tools
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
Determining which AI tools to deploy in your organization is not a simple task. This session will present a strategic framework for selecting your AI tools and review the landscape of AI applications at a macro level. This session will then drill down into highlighting key features of the foundation models and apps, including ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini and Grok. You will also review the market of vertical AI tools for accounting, tax and finance applications.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Power Query for CPAs: The Hidden Gem of Data Preparation
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA, Owner, DataSmith Pro, LLCBryan Smith
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)
Accounting professionals spend too much time manually cleaning, combining and preparing data before they can actually analyze it. Power Query, one of Excel’s most valuable yet often underused tools, can automate much of that repetitive work and turn time-consuming processes into repeatable, refreshable workflows. This session will demonstrate practical ways you can use Power Query to import, clean, transform and combine data for reporting and analysis. Through hands-on demonstrations, you will learn how Power Query can reduce manual effort, improve consistency and free up more time for higher-value analysis.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Agentic AI for CPAs: What They Are & How To Use Them
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
AI is moving from answering questions to completing multistep work. This session will introduce agentic AI in practical terms for CPAs and finance professionals, focusing on what agents are, how they differ from chat-based AI and traditional automation, and where they can be useful. You will also examine common agent components such as goals, instructions, skills, tools, actions and more.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Modern Excel for CPAs: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA, Owner, DataSmith Pro, LLCBryan Smith
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)
Excel has changed considerably over the years, but many accounting professionals still rely on techniques they learned long ago. In this demonstration-driven session, you’ll explore practical Excel tools and techniques that can make everyday accounting and financial tasks faster, easier and more reliable. Through real-world examples, you’ll see how modern Excel can simplify formulas, make working with data easier and reduce repetitive work. You’ll leave with practical techniques you can put to use immediately.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI for CPAs: Proceed With Caution
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the accounting and finance landscape, but its impressive capabilities come with risks that CPAs cannot afford to overlook. Explore the potential pitfalls of AI, including inaccurate information, confidentiality and data security concerns, bias, fraud, regulatory issues and overreliance on AI-generated results. Through real-world examples of AI failures and costly mistakes, you will learn where AI can go wrong and why professional skepticism remains essential. The goal isn’t to discourage AI adoption, but to help CPAs use it with appropriate caution, controls and professional judgment.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- AI-Powered Excel: Transforming Workflows With Microsoft Copilot & ChatGPT
Bryan Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA, Owner, DataSmith Pro, LLCBryan Smith
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)
Get a comprehensive overview of how Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT transform traditional Excel workflows into dynamic, AI-driven processes, enabling you to accomplish tasks faster, more accurately and with less manual effort. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just beginning your journey, this session will guide you through practical applications and best practices to make the most of Copilot’s and ChatGPT’s capabilities. Through hands-on demonstrations, you will learn how each tool can save time, improve decision-making and elevate your analytical skills to new heights.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Microsoft Copilot for CPAs: Getting Started
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
Microsoft 365 Copilot brings generative and agentic AI into the productivity environment many accounting professionals already use every day. This session will give CPAs a practical starting point for Microsoft Copilot, including where it is accessible, how it uses prompts and work context and how it can assist within Microsoft 365 applications. You will review use cases in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Copilot Chat and more. This session will also address data access, permissions and privacy protection.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Ask the Experts: Panel Discussion on Emerging Technologies
John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLCJohn Higgins
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.
Bryan Smith
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)
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. This session will also include a series of online polling questions to identify key technological challenges facing CPAs and ways to address them.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Closing Remarks & Prize Drawings
This session is available to registrants only.
Non-Member Price $499.00
Member Price $399.00