2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference Collaborate Innovate Prosper Virtual Conference for Accountants October 1 and 2, 2014
National virtual conferences highlighting practice growth topics
Featuring keynote and topical speakers, all experts in their fields
16 hours of Professional Development
Webinars:
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Presentations will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 3, 2014 through January 27, 2015
Presentations scheduled from 11:00 am MST to 1:00 pm MST
Schedule includes one hour for presentation and up to one hour for questions
Over 32 webinars with industry experts
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Virtual Accounting Conference began with a bold question: How can accounting professionals collaborate, innovate, and prosper in their accounting businesses? The answer seemed simple enough – find likeminded accountants across Canada and connect them. However, the traditional conference model seemed too simplistic. What about a virtual event that would allow participants and thought leaders to interact without the need for all parties to travel? Throughout this catalog and on our website, we will refer to “accounting businesses” for a specific reason – we want to stress to our readers that accounting firms need to be treated like a business if they are to provide maximum value to their stakeholders. We welcome suggestions for speakers, sponsors, and topics for discussion as the Virtual Accounting Conference date approaches. We will focus on technology and solutions that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability of a modern accounting business. The Virtual Accounting Conference builds on the conversations and work from the Accounting Practitioners Symposium. Participants for both events will be encouraged to share ideas through our forum. The Virtual Accounting Conference will differ from the Accounting Practitioners Symposium because we will include a variety of speakers and we will combine web-technology with in-person interaction.
Key Performance Indicators
Succession Planning
Participants will be encouraged to network with local colleagues and in online forums in order to build connections with like-minded individuals. We believe that collaboration and innovation will lead to increased prosperity in your accounting business. After all, who wouldn’t want to work less, earn more money, and enjoy the work that they do? The harsh reality is that our industry is in a state of transition. We are seeing an aging population and fewer accountants entering professional training programs. This means that there will be a surplus of firms for sale in the near term, with a reduced number of potential buyers. Your firm will have to truly stand out if you plan to sell it in the near term. Join us and learn how to maximize the value of your firm, both in terms of immediate profitability and long term sales value.
After all, who wouldn’t want to work less, earn more money, and enjoy the work that they do? Jeff Borschowa of Dream Practice will be one of our keynote speakers. Please feel free to check out his website and blog at www.dreampractice.ca
Our speakers are industry leaders and they will share their thoughts in the following areas:
Practice Management
Sales and Marketing
Social Media
Technology
Innovative Products
New Service Offerings
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Virtual Conference for Accountants October 1 and 2, 2014
National virtual conference highlighting practice growth topics
Featuring keynote and topical speakers, all experts in their fields
16 hours of Professional Development
REGISTRATION FEES Virtual Conference for Accountants October 1 and 2, 2014
$179.00 (includes tax)
Webinars:
Webinars:
Presentations will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from June 3, 2014 through January 27, 2015 Presentations scheduled from 11:00 am MST to 1:00 pm MST Schedule includes one hour for presentation and up one hour for questions
FREE!
Register Online www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Over 32 webinars with industry experts
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Conference Schedule October 1st 2014
EST Schedule
MST Schedule
PST Schedule
Speaker
Start
End
Speaker
Start
End
Speaker
Start
End
Local content
9:00
10:15
Rick Solomon
8:30
10:00
Rick Solomon
7:30
9:00
Break
10:15 10:30
Break
10:00
10:30
Break
9:00
9:30
Rick Solomon
10:30 12:00
Jeff Borschowa
10:30
11:45
Jeff Borschowa
9:30
10:45
Break
12:00 12:30
Break
11:45
12:00
Break
10:45
11:00
Jeff Borschowa
12:30 13:45
Joel Sinkin
12:00
14:00
Joel Sinkin
11:00
13:00
Break
13:45 14:00
Local content
14:00
15:00
Local content
13:00
14:00
Joel Sinkin
14:00 16:00
Break
15:00
15:15
Break
14:00
14:15
Local content
16:00 17:00
Local content
15:15
17:00
Local content
14:15
16:00
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Conference Schedule October 2nd 2014
EST Schedule
MST Schedule
PST Schedule
Speaker
Start
End
Speaker
Start
End
Speaker
Start
End
Local content
9:00
10:15
Rick Solomon
8:30
10:00
Rick Solomon
7:30
9:00
Break
10:15 10:30
Break
10:00
10:30
Break
9:00
9:30
Rick Solomon
10:30 12:00
Paul Tyers
10:30
11:45
Paul Tyers
9:30
10:45
Break
12:00 12:30
Break
11:45
12:00
Break
10:45
11:00
Paul Tyers
12:30 13:45
Chris Frederickson 12:00
14:00
Chris Frederickson
11:00
13:00
Break
13:45 14:00
Local content
14:00
15:00
Local content
13:00
14:00
Chris Frederickson
14:00 16:00
Break
15:00
15:15
Break
14:00
14:15
Local content
16:00 17:00
Local content
15:15
17:00
Local content
14:15
16:00
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Keynote Speaker: Rick Solomon For over 20 years, Rick Solomon has taught professionals around the world how to create extraordinary results in their professional practices and lives by applying time tested techniques and sometimes ancient wisdom in a number of ways. His past practice as a CPA and business advisor coupled with years of study at the Sedona Institute have provided him a deep understanding of how to guide others to be free of the self-created limitations that for many people make personal and professional success much harder than it has to be.
Rick Solomon
Rick is presently the CEO of Thriving Firm, a world leader in helping professional service providers and advisors build more profitable and rewarding practices. He is the founder and serves as the main facilitator of the Masters Program, a two-year workshop and coaching program offered exclusively to open-minded professionals.
www.thrivingfirm.com Thriving Firm (www.thrivingfirm.com) is an interesting site. Their newly branded program is called Accountants Reboot. Essentially, the idea is to step away from your practice for a short period to re-evaluate your product offering, staffing, and successes. Is your accounting firm surviving or thriving? Do you dread the Monday morning return to work? How would it impact your firm and life if you could do what you love at work and be more profitable? The Thriving Firm team offers coaching, a collaborative network, resources, and tools to transform your practice and life. In their words, “having an amazing, vibrant, profitable practice & career is much easier than you may think.” I couldn’t agree more. One of the best decisions that I have made in my professional career was to participate in the Thriving Firm’s Masters Program. The program has since been renamed to Accountants Reboot. Participating in the program changed my practice and my life, both drastically for the better. As a group, my fellow Master’s and I were led through a series of exercises designed to help us create a compelling vision for our firms. I learned firsthand the importance in setting goals and monitoring the results to determine how well I was doing with my practice. I graduated from the program in 2012, but maintain close contact with my peers from the group. We have continued to challenge one another to set and achieve new goals. The program itself was challenging. We were asked, collectively and individually, to explore our mindset and past results to determine areas for improvement.
My biggest challenge was to step away from a growing practice every four months to meet with the group. However, I saw significant improvements in the practice from the beginning, so it was definitely something I wanted to commit my full attention to. There is an assessment tool on the Thriving Firm website if you would like to learn more about where you are currently. If you do nothing else, the conversations and self -exploration that can come from the assessment are highly worthwhile. In all honesty, I cannot do justice to explaining either the program or the positive impact it has had on my life. Friends, peers, staff, colleagues, and clients have all commented on the noticeable changes. All I can suggest is that you check it out yourself!
-Jeff Borschowa (Event Organizer, Host and Speaker)
“I love helping people realize how to be completely successful on their own terms and revealing how much easier it is than they ever imagined." — Rick Solomon
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Keynote Speaker: Joel Sinkin Mr. Sinkin is an editorial advisor to the AICPA’s newsletter Small Firm Solution and a member of The CPA Journal Editorial Review Board. Recently Mr. Sinkin fulfilled a personal goal to create a new type of consulting firm that brings a fresh approach to the succession and growth needs of accounting firms and their owners nationally. In 2004, he joined forces with Terrence E. Putney, CPA to form Transition Advisors.
Joel Sinkin
In 2012 & 2013 Accounting Today named Mr. Sinkin one of the top 100 most influential people in accounting.
www.transitionadvisors.com Succession planning is key to ensuring that you maximize the value of your firm should you decide to slow down or retire. In my experience, there seems to be a mystical shroud around the topic of succession and transition planning for accounting firms. I recently spoke to a group of accountants and every single participant in the room had the same plan – a younger accountant would buy their firm. Not surprisingly, not a single person in the group had identified this hypothetical younger accountant, despite most participants indicating that they intended to retire within two to five years. I have seen many accountants assume that they can successfully sell or transition their practice. Many would rather avoid paying for advice, so they adopt the do it yourself approach. I believe that it is difficult for any business owner to anticipate and respond appropriately to many of the issues that come into play in a transition scenario. I believe that it is even more difficult with an accounting firm, as the owner is personally attached to the business (and clients) and may not be objective. The accountants that I have known and worked with who sold their practices all had one primary concern – would their replacement take good care of their beloved clients? Too often, lack of planning means that the replacement is not necessarily the best candidate and the clients ultimately suffer.
Joel and his team at Transition Advisors have been leading accountants through transition since 1990, completing hundreds of transactions successfully. The majority of their materials and resources discuss topics from the perspective of CPA’s in the United States. However, I have heard Joel speak many times and have always taken away something of immediate relevance to my practice in Canada. I was very happy to see them launch a Canadian office in Toronto. Joel recently published a series of articles in the Journal of Accountancy, highlighting key issues and trends in the field of succession. I highly recommend taking the time to read it (JOA Combined articles 2013 2014). Joel has also co-authored an article with Terrence Putney entitled: “Keeping it Together”. The article covers the importance of planning your transition carefully in order to retain key staff and your clients. I can’t stress enough how important key staff can be to the transition. Many practitioners ignore this aspect at their own peril. You can read the article here: Keeping it Together_Reporting_Patton_April09. If you foresee a transition in your future, you should take a look at the Transition Advisors website. I particularly recommend the articles in their resource section
Jeff Borschowa (Event Organizer, Host and Speaker)
I have had the pleasure of knowing Joel Sinkin from Transition Advisors for a few years. In that time, he has impressed me with his knowledge of the accounting industry and specifically his focus with mergers, acquisitions, and transitions of accounting firms.
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Keynote Speaker: Jeff Borschowa I first joined the accounting world in 1991 and became a Chartered Accountant in 2000. I have spent the bulk of my career working with and advising small to medium-sized enterprises. I have experience working in all sizes of accounting firms, from sole practitioners to international firms. My focus in my career has been to find new and better ways to integrate innovation and technology to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency in the accounting process. My journey has been unique in that I have met some very innovative accountants and mentors Jeff Borshcowa
in my career. I have been very fortunate to be in a position to learn from them, compare their ideas, and to truly choose the best of the best. Personally, I would like nothing more than to free accountants from the stress created by high volume
commodity work, allowing them the freedom to pursue work that is rewarding personally and professionally. My overall goal is to reduce the hours worked by accountants and increase overall profitability. One of my friend’s made an interesting comment recently: “Almost every accountant that I know can tell me how much his gross revenue is, but very few know what their actual costs are.” I challenge you to learn more about your practice so that you can bid on the right kinds of projects and earn what you are worth – your education should be your most valued possession.
www.dreampractice.ca
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Keynote Speaker: Paul Tyers Paul Tyers is Managing Director of Wealth Stewards Inc. and Vice President of Portfolio Stewards Inc. registered with the Ontario Securities Commission. He and his team provide comprehensive wealth management services to affluent Canadians, typically in conjunction with their other “trusted advisors.” A Chartered Professional Accountant (C.P.A.), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Paul has both the education and experience to provide comprehensive wealth advisory services. Upon completion of a business degree, Paul Tyers
Paul began his career at a major international CA firm, gaining experience in a wide variety of business sectors. Moving into corporate finance with Bank of Montreal, followed by Corpfinance International, experience was gained in mergers,
acquisitions, succession and growth financing. In 1987, Paul partnered with a venture capital firm to acquire Retirement Counsel of Canada (RCOC) and led it through substantial growth prior to selling it in 2002. Since 2002, Paul has returned to his passion of building, managing and preserving the wealth of affluent private clients. His success is attributed to ensuring clients’ interests always come first. Paul provides advice on the areas noted to the left and has pioneered the integration of wealth management services into Canadian accounting/tax firms.
www.wealthstewards.ca
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Keynote Speaker: Chris Frederiksen , CPA Chris Frederiksen is one of the best-known and most highly-rated seminar leaders in the world as well as a consultant to accountancy firms worldwide. He is also a practicing accountant in San Francisco, California. His experience includes partnership positions with two international CPA firms and building several independent practices in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Chris Frederikesn
As a consultant for the past twenty years, he has been helping small and medium sized accountancy firms achieve their goals of greater profitability and greater personal satisfaction for the owners. He is now committed to helping CPAs and tax professionals excel in financial services, strategic planning and other new service areas.
www.2020groupusa.com The Cloud Exposed! Many business consultants strongly advocate the adoption of cloud computing, believing this to be the future of IT infrastructure. It is generally accepted that the term “the cloud” is synonymous with “the internet.” The precise definition of cloud computing is slightly contentious, but in this post we use the term to signify a hosted service delivery model. A hosted service allows a user’s programs, applications, files and other data to be stored on an off-site server, usually owned and managed by a hosted service provider. The data is then accessed by the user over the internet. Here are 5 advantages that cloud computing holds over traditional methods: Disaster recovery – At any given time, your firm is at risk of numerous disasters: fire, flooding, earthquakes, theft and hardware failure and just a few examples. In the event of such a disaster, you need to ensure that you have appropriate recovery systems in place. An important advantage of cloud computing is that your data and programs are stored off-site. Hosted service providers generally own the servers that store your information and go to great lengths to protect and maintain them, backing up your information in multiple servers and data centers in multiple areas of the country. Security - Data breaches are a serious issue; the costs of a data breach to your firm could be devastating. Primary causes of data breaches include criminal activity (theft and hacking) and staff negligence (the loss or ineffective disposal of equipment containing sensitive information). Cloud computing can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach. As your data is stored securely in an off-site location, it cannot be misplaced or disposed of inadequately. Moreover, the security offered by hosted service providers is generally far superior to that of an
office, reducing the risk of hardware theft and data hacking. Work from Anywhere - Because only an internet connection is required to access your files and programs, you and your colleagues can work from any computer in any location. With the proliferation of mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, business professionals now have even more flexibility to access and work with their data. Collaboration – Traditional methods of computing see a file stored either to a server or an individual machine, with only a single user being able to work on it at a time. An innovative aspect of cloud computing is that you and your colleagues can work simultaneously on the same file. Cost Reduction – As mentioned previously, hosted service providers generally own the servers that store your data. This means that the cost of purchasing and maintaining a server and licenses is nullified. Software updates and virus protection are also handled by the provider, freeing up your resources for other tasks. Additionally, you can scale your operations more accurately when your system requirements are managed by a hosted service provider. Instead of making a large investment in a faster or larger server, you can simply upgrade your service contract. Are you interested in getting on the cloud? Give us a call and we can help you get started on your cloud journey! - 2020 Group USA (originally appeared as a blog post on www.2020groupusa.com)
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Event Organizer Spotlight: Dream Practice My site is dedicated to sharing my “Accountant’s Manifesto”. I cover the following general areas:
Efficiency versus Effectiveness
Outsourcing
Networking and Marketing
Technology
Consulting Tools
Accountants Manifesto: I first joined the
Consulting Mindset
accounting world in 1991 and became a Chartered Accountant in 2000. I have spent the bulk of my career working with and advising small to mediumsized enterprises. I have experience working in all sizes of accounting firms, from sole practitioners to international firms.
Innovations that impact accounting
I create tags to allow easy searching – no point wasting time on a topic if it isn’t immediately relevant to you.
My focus in my career has been to find new and better ways to integrate innovation and technology to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency in the accounting process.
My overall goal is to reduce the hours worked by accountants and increase overall profitability. One of my friend’s made an interesting comment recently: “Almost every accountant that I know can tell me how much his gross revenue is, but very few My journey has been unique in that I have met some very innovative accountants and mentors know what their actual costs are.” I challenge you to learn more about your practice so that you can bid in my career. I have been very fortunate to be in a on the right kinds of projects and earn what you are position to learn from them, compare their ideas, and to truly choose the best of the best. I share my worth – your education should be your most valued experiences as I saw them, sometimes updated with possession. the benefit of hindsight. My postings are candid and generally unfiltered. I do not intend to offend, but will apologize in advance if I do. The purpose of my Blog and website is to share my discoveries in the hopes of advancing our profession. Personally, I would like nothing more than to free accountants from the stress created by high volume commodity work, allowing them the freedom to pursue work that is rewarding personally and professionally.
Visit Us Online: www.dreampractice.ca
I welcome you to share my journey and to offer your thoughts and comments along the way. The information and materials that I will share are not intended to be offered as a one-size fits all solution, but rather to offer you some thoughts that you may wish to explore further.
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Event Organizer Spotlight: 2020 Canada 2020 Canada is the premier "volunteer" membership group for accountants in Canada for small and medium-size practitioners. 2020 Canada started in 2005; our membership is coast-to-coast, representing CAs, CGAs and CMAs in Public Practice. 2020 Canada appeals to those accountants who are interested in improving their practices through improved efficiencies, expanded offerings and marketing initiatives that result in improved bottom lines.
world-wide members as part of 2020 International. 2020 Canada offers Professional Development courses through webinars, seminars and conferences, focussing primarily in non-compliance areas: Practice Management, Marketing and Consulting, Business Advisory Services, Legal Issues, Efficiency Resources in IT, Software, Outsourcing Services and others.
2020 Canada is the Canadian branch of The 2020 Group Worldwide in the UK. The 2020 Group was founded in the 1990s by three of the best-known consultants and seminar leaders in the profession, Ian Fletcher, Chris Frederiksen, and Gordon Gilchrist. They recognized that historical compliance services were likely to be limited growth areas for accountants and that progressive firms would need to offer their clients more value-added services. For that, new tools and ideas would be needed. Since the launch the 2020 Group has organizations in UK and For Ireland, U.S.A., South Africa and Canada with
Membership Information Visit Us Online: www.2020canada.ca
Benefits of 2020 Canada Membership: Fantastic VALUE!
25% discount on 2020 Canada Professional Development Courses Discounts on 2020 Tools Discount on 2020 Canada Conferences and Seminars Discounts on third party products and services (Please see our list of Value Added Services)
Members Newsletter You will also receive regular correspondence through our e-newsletters, packed full with useful practice management and marketing ideas. Members are also encouraged to pose questions in the Q&A section of the website, where answers and features are made within the newsletters Telephone/Email support: We act as a resource to your practice and encourage you to call us with questions and requests. Over the years, the 2020 Membership Group has become highly collegial, and members are generally more than willing to share information with each other Access to an international affiliation of professional accountants
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Gold Sponsor
Increase productivity, expand your business and save money – outsource your business processes with Tursa Group. We have a talented team of specialists in various fields of IT, marketing, administration and finance, ready to look after your company’s needs so that you can concentrate on growing your company.
For More Information Visit Us Online: www.tursagroup.com
I’ve worked with a company that fully embraces “business process outsourcing”. Anything that we could outsource to virtual workers, we have, and it has greatly reduced the amount of square footage that our company needs, hence greatly reducing our carbon footprint and office expenses. It also benefits the workers we employ, in the sense that they get to live where they want, and be in their home work environment. If you really think about it, you ’d be surprised about exactly how many task you can actually outsource, and that can be done online. It ’s nice to be on the forefront of a new growth industry. John B – Geeks On The Way
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Gold Sponsor
Zoho.com offers a comprehensive suite of award-winning online business, productivity & collaboration applications. Customers use Zoho Applications to run their business processes, manage their information and be more productive while at the office or on the go, without having to worry about expensive or outdated hardware or software. To date, Zoho.com has launched 25+ online applications — from CRM to Mail, Office Suite, Project Management, Invoicing, Web conferencing and more. Zoho has received numerous awards, including an InfoWorld 2009 "Product of the Year" award, a 2008 PC World "25 Most Innovative Products Award" and a 2007 TechCrunch "Best Enterprise Start-up." Zoho.com is a division of Zoho Corporation, a privately-held and profitable company. With offices in CA, Austin, Chennai, Yokohama and Beijing, Zoho Corporation serves the technology needs of more than 9 million customers worldwide.
For More Information Visit Us Online: www.zohocom
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Silver Sponsors The Accounting Practitioners Symposium is an information resource for Accounting Professionals to examine bringing together different technology to create a simplified and streamlined office process to help grow your business. www.accountingsymposium.com
We build tools that simply make life easier. The goal of Client Track is to help take control of your practice and save you time by combining all of the office management tools into one easy-to-use package www.clienttrack.ca Online Marketing & Web Design VH Marketing’s strategy is to build an outstanding web . presence, not just a website, by providing clients with an up-to-date web design, mobile setup and social media presence tied together with strong, ongoing SEO (search engine optimization). Following this proven strategy places our clients business in front of the right target market, generating leads on consistent basis. www.vhwebsites.com Wealth Stewards Inc. is the partner of choice for Chartered Professional Accountants who want to provide their valued clients with a wealth management firm that is prudent and a true steward of their wealth. Wealth Stewards Inc. partners with accountants to provide both tax effective and sound wealth management strategies; together we help our clients achieve long-term financial goals.
www.wealthstewards.ca Wolters Kluwer enables legal, tax, finance, and healthcare professionals to be more effective and efficient. We provide information, software, and services that deliver vital insights, intelligent tools, and the guidance of subject-matter experts. www.wolterskluwer.com
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Schedule: Spring/Summer Date
Topic
Speaker Last
Speaker First
6/3/2014
Connect With Your Clients With Intent Using ASPiRE
Crosser
John
6/10/2014
Integrating Wealth Management
Tyers
Paul
6/12/2014
Learn about XLGL an Excel add-in which connects to Sage 50 databases to produce customized reports.
Carrier
Daniel
6/17/2014
LedgerDocs Never Lose a Receipt
Zielke
Wayne
6/19/2014
Protecting Those that Run Your Business
Crosser
John
6/24/2014
Drop the Struggle & Thrive
Solomon
Rick
7/3/2014
Working In The Cloud: A Bookkeepers Perspective
Bouffard
Keri
7/8/2014
Clouds, Taking the First Steps
Irving
Graham
7/10/2014
Importing Data into Small Business Accounting Programs
Mason
Dan
7/15/2014
Shoeboxed.com
Hourigan
Mike
7/22/2014
5 Ways to Grow Your Business
Borschowa
Jeff
7/24/2014
Supercharge Your Documentation
Bellehumeur
Adrienne
7/29/2014
Protecting Your Business Entity
Crosser
John
7/31/2014
Client Track as a Practice Management Solution
Merritt
David
8/5/2014
Creating and Implementing a Marketing Plan
Buol Ruszczyk Bonnie
8/12/2014
Accounting in The Cloud
Zandbergen
Scott
8/19/2014
High Level Overview of Business Processes
Borschowa
Jeff
8/26/2014
The Enlightened Accountant
Solomon
Rick
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Schedule: Fall/Winter Date
Topic
Speaker Last
Speaker First
9/2/2014
Sandler Rules for Building Your Practice to Work Smarter Knox Not Harder
Hamish
9/4/2014
Social Media Strategies for Accountants and Bookkeepers Olah
Viola
9/9/2014
Make Your Website a Business Development Tool
Buol Ruszczyk Bonnie
9/11/2014
Business Development Intelligence (BDI)
Fritsch
Chris
9/16/2014
Succession Planning
Tyers
Paul
9/18/2014
Turning Your Accountancy Firm Website Into a Lead Generation Machine
Reyburn
Karen
9/23/2014
Benchmarking for Success
Borschowa
Jeff
9/25/2014
A Brief Tour Through Wills and Estate Planning
Jones
Stephan
9/30/2014
Sales and Marketing
Eden
Jan
10/7/2014
Social Media: The Good, Bad and Effective
Buol Ruszczyk Bonnie
10/9/2014
An Introduction to SR&ED: What It Is and What Can It Do Smith For Your Clients
Graham
10/14/2014
Understanding and Utilizing Insurance Company Investment and Income Products
Findlay
Curtis
10/16/2014
Key Elements of a Lead Generating Website
Olah
Viola
10/21/2014
Improving the Bottom Line Through Niche Marketing
Tyers
Peggy
10/23/2014
LedgerOnline
Zielke
Wayne
10/28/2014
Going Paperless
Duncan
Brooks
11/4/2014
Growing Your Firm with LinkedIn
Buol Ruszczyk Bonnie
11/6/2014
Expanding Business Activities to the United States (Canadian Companies)
Shumate
Amy
11/13/2014
Business Planning For Organizations of all Sizes
Findlay
Curtis
11/18/2014
The Power of Niche Marketing for Accountants
Reyburn
Karen
11/25/2014
Profitable Cloud-Based Payroll for your Practice
Vassa
Sam
12/2/2014
Turning Great Ideas Into Reality
Suart
Glenn
12/9/2014
Colour Accounting
Descoteaux
Stephanie
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Adrienne Bellehumeur, CA, CISA, PMP
Adrienne Bellehumeur lives in Calgary, Alberta and works as a consultant specializing in business analysis, audit and effective documentation. Her focus is on helping companies track, monitor and protect their most valuable assets: information and intellectual capital. Adrienne began her career as a Chartered Accountant working with clients on audits, assessing financial controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance projects. Her experience over the years includes requirements management, process modelling, project communications, technical writing and developing documentation strategies and systems. Adrienne continues to actively research, present on and write about effective documentation and business analysis practices. Company: BELLEHUMEUR & ASSOCIATES Website: www.leadersinbusinessanalysis.com
Jeff Borschowa - Event Organizer & Host I first joined the accounting world in 1991 and became a Chartered Accountant in 2000. I have spent the bulk of my career working with and advising small to medium-sized enterprises. I have experience working in all sizes of accounting firms, from sole practitioners to international firms. My focus in my career has been to find new and better ways to integrate innovation and technology to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency in the accounting process. My journey has been unique in that I have met some very innovative accountants and mentors in my career. I have been very fortunate to be in a position to learn from them, compare their ideas, and to truly choose the best of the best. Personally, I would like nothing more than to free accountants from the stress created by high volume commodity work, allowing them the freedom to pursue work that is rewarding personally and professionally. My overall goal is to reduce the hours worked by accountants and increase overall profitability. One of my friend’s made an interesting comment recently: “Almost every accountant that I know can tell me how much his gross revenue is, but very few know what their actual costs are.” I challenge you to learn more about your practice so that you can bid on the right kinds of projects and earn what you are worth – your education should be your most valued possession.
Company: Dream Practice Website: www.dreampractice.ca Twitter: @DreamPractices
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers Kerri Bouffard Kerri Bouffard, CPB has been a professional bookkeeper for over 20 years and has been operating her own company, Add-Vantage Bookkeeping, since 2003. She has been happily working completely in the cloud since 2012 – with no copies of any software loaded directly on her local computer system.
Company: Add-Vantage Bookkeeping Website: http://addvantagebookkeeping.com
Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk is the founder and president of bbr marketing which provides marketing services and strategy for professional services firms. Every day, she and her talented staff help accountants all over North America reach their audiences and grow their firms by creating and implementing customized solutions that differentiate each client in their individual market. Named one of 2013’s Top 100 Most Influential People in accounting by Accounting Today, for the 2nd year in a row, she is an active volunteer in a number of organizations, including serving as president of the Atlanta AAM Chapter and a regular contributor to a variety of news and industry websites.
Company: bbr marketing Title: Founder and President Website: www.bbrmarketing.com
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Daniel Carrier Daniel Carrier has close to 40 years’ experience in bookkeeping. He’s worked as a consultant since 1993 and has recommended and installed a number of bookkeeping software. Daniel founded Logicim in 2004 with his partner, his son. It is Pierre Alain Carrier who has created the now famous XLGL and Daniel is proud to be participating in this great reporting initiative.
Company: Logicim Inc. Website: www.logicimtech.com
John Crosser John Crosser is the owner of Knights Financial Management, an independent insurance service company. John believes it is important to ensure businesses not only properly protect their business entity but also those that make their business run. At Knights Financial Management we focus on small to medium sized businesses looking for help as they navigate their way through the world of business. Having the right type and the right amount of insurance will help provide financial peace of mind to owners so they can concentrate on “doing” business. John is actively involved in his community. As the author of ASPiRE: A Financial Workbook for the Canadian Teen, John routinely presents to schools and business to help increase financial literacy. By helping people understand the moving parts of a financial game plan (goals setting, cash flow and debt management, asset protect and building wealth) John feels they will be more financially: • Fit--through wise budgeting of time and money. • Independent--through discovering their own skills, setting and accomplishing goals. • Responsible--through focused activities and self-discipline. • Secure--through building multiple streams of cash flow. With proper financial literacy individuals, families, schools, businesses, communities, provinces, and Canada at large will be stronger. In addition to growing his business, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Jeanelle and their two daughters Ashley and Jayme. John loves working on his golf handicap, making furniture, and barbecuing with family and friends.
Company: Knights Financial Management and Portfolio Strategies Corporation Website: http://www.knightsfm.ca/
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers Stephanie Descoteaux, DFA-BSS Stéphanie Descôteaux is president and CEO of Calculated Approach Consulting Inc. and founder of Digits & Decimals Inc. But those are not the titles she loves; it’s her real job as a bookkeeping systems specialist that indicates her true passion. Her focus is always on educating clients, improving systems and measuring the accomplishments of those systems. This vision empowers small business owners and entrepreneurs and has commanded an impressive client list that continues to grow. Stéphanie founded Digits & Decimals Inc. in 2001, a professional bookkeeping company. She is the lead trainer and consultant and has grown the business to include a staff of experts. In 2011, Stephanie launched Calculated Approach Consulting Inc., a company that offers mentorship, controllership and consulting services to business owners or other bookkeepers. Stéphanie’s professional affiliations include membership in the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA), Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC) and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). She is also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, has completed the Distinguish Financial Advisor – Bookkeeping System Specialist (DFA,BSS), a 2 years bookkeeping certification with the Knowledge Bureau, she recently became a Sale Partner with Accounting Comes Alive – Color Accounting and is one of few accredited Training Partner in Canada for Accounting Comes Alive – Color Accounting. Stéphanie’s presentations are available in English or French.
Company: Calculated Approach Consulting Inc. Website: www.digitsdecimals.com Twitter: @DigitsDecimals
Brooks Duncan Brooks Duncan helps individuals and small businesses go paperless at DocumentSnap.com where he writes about tools, workflows, and taking action. He's a CPA,CMA and a former computer programmer and financial software support manager. Brooks lives in Vancouver, BC.
Company: DocumentSnap.com Website: www.documentsnap.com
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Curtis Findlay Curtis Findlay, CFP is recognized nationally in the Canadian financial industry as both a mentor of financial advisors, as well as a successful advisor. After graduating college, Curtis entered the financial industry in 1978. He operates his business activities from Canmore, Alberta. Curtis has extensive experience advising entrepreneurs and mid-wealth individuals with a variety of financial, business, and personal planning endeavours. His comments are made to Dream Practice through his firm Compass Financial Planning Services Ltd. and not related to a securities entity.
Company: Compass Financial Planning Services Ltd. Website: http://www.compfin.net/
Chris Fritsch, J.D. As a Business Development Intelligence Consultant, Chris Fritsch works together with professional services firms to help support their Business Development efforts and maximize their return on investment. Chris and her team at ClientsFirst help Clients utilize information and competitive intelligence to guide their business development decisions and strategies to enhance their client development efforts. Chris also writes and speaks nationally on topics including competitive intelligence, business development, client relationship management, relationship intelligence, web marketing and the use of technology to enhance profitability. In her former role as a Legal Technologist, she advised top law firms and professionals about competitive intelligence and innovative uses of Internet technology. Chris has also worked in-house as a Legal Technologist for an Am Law 50 law firm based in Atlanta and as a Technology Consultant and Webmaster for Emory Law School. She was also the Managing Partner of a consulting firm specializing in providing technology solutions. Chris received her law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, GA, where she served as Managing Editor of the Emory International Law Review, as well as student and faculty technology consultant. .In her spare time, Chris blogs and designs websites and electronic newsletters.
Company: Clients First Consulting Title: Business Development Intelligence Consultant Website: www.ClientsFirstConsulting.com Twitter: @CRMSuccess
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers Mike Hourigan Mike Hourigan is the Marketing Manager for Shoeboxed.com. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied advertising. Mike oversees all of Shoeboxed's online marketing initiatives as well as the company's integrated partner relations. When Mike isn't helping small businesses and accountants get set up with Shoeboxed, he enjoys hiking and walking 18 holes at the nearest public golf course.
Company: Shoeboxed.com Website: www.shoeboxed.com Twitter: @michaelhourigan
Stephen Jones, LL. M, CPA, C.A. Stephen graduated from Dalhousie Law School. He then articled in Toronto. Shortly after he obtained his CA designation working for one of the predecessors or KPMG. In 1990 he joined BMO at its head office as a taxation lawyer and accountant. He rounded out his education in 2006 graduating with his Masters of Laws (LLM) in trust and fiduciary law at Osgoode. Stephen now provides counsel for Wealth Stewards overall tax and estate activities, Stephen brings his expertise and experience to the planning and implementation of individual client situations. Stephen is registered with the Law Society of Upper Canada in private practice and with the Ontario and Canadian Institutes of Chartered Professional Accountants.
Company: Wealth Stewards Inc Title: Director, Tax & Estate Planning Website: www.wealthstewards.ca
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Hamish Knox As a licensed member of the global Sandler network, Hamish works with business owners and chief executives who are serious about creating sustainable sales cultures. Hamish worked in sales across a variety of industries including media, communication services, software and professional sports before joining the Sandler network, which melded his passions for sales and education. Early in his Sandler career Hamish was anointed a Sandler "Rising Star" for quickly building his business and helping fellow Sandler colleagues with their businesses. Hamish is a former Sandler Global Rookie of the Year, is a current member of Sandler's Franchisee Advisory Council and his book, Accountability the Sandler Way will be published in November.
Company: Sandler Training - Calgary Website: www.hamish.sandler.com Twitter: @sandlerhamish
Dan Mason I speak about innovation related to business software and business models that help small and medium sized businesses to transform and automate their business processes to achieve maximum efficiency and improve customer experience. Dan Mason focuses on strategic planning and business model innovation by helping small and medium sized businesses to automate and optimize their business processes. Drawing from his 20 years of experience working with various accounting and ERP systems, Dan has helped several small and medium sized businesses in various verticals to build robust business software systems. Dan started Business Innovation Technologies Inc. in 2008 and has successfully led the company from its inception into a market leading provider of innovative business software solutions. As CEO of Business Innovation Technologies, Dan is responsible for driving the organization’s strategic agenda, technology vision and business operations. In addition to helping companies deploy best-of-the-breed business software systems, Dan has been working on integrating diverse business systems through his company’s industry leading software solution to import and export data from ANY source to various accounting and business software.
Company: Business Innovation Technologies Inc. Title: President & CEO Website: www.businnovatech.com
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers David Merritt David Merritt, owner and creator of Client Track, graduated with a B.Sc in Computing and has been designing software ever since. David developed Client Track after he saw a real need in the Accounting Practitioner's industry for a solution to help public practice accounting professionals to organize and control all of their deadlines efficiently. Realizing that a large part of running a successful practice was managing clients, chasing down paperwork and handling all the returns, David developed Client Track into a software solution that is built based on the unique needs of accounting professionals across Canada.
Company: Client Track Website: http://clienttrack.ca Twitter: @Client_Track
Viola Olah Viola Olah, is a Hungarian born and raised in Transylvania (yes it’s a real place…) . She lives in Calgary with her hubby and her dog, Nikki. After she worked as a systems analyst for a large oil and gas company for a number of years, she decided in 2009, to open up her own business, VH Marketing Ltd., an online marketing company. She thrives on the challenge of keeping up with the fast changing pace of the Internet world and implementing cutting edge marketing strategies to her clients’ marketing plan. Seeing clients succeed gives her great satisfaction and she is grateful for the long-term strong relationships she forged with them. Her clients are local small business owners and individual professionals who are very good at their own craft and don’t have the time or the desire to market their own business. VH Marketing’s strategy is to build an impactful web presence not just a website by providing clients with an up to date web design, mobile setup and social media presence. This is all tied together with strong, ongoing SEO (search engine optimization) placing the clients’ business in front of the right target market, generating leads on consistent basis.
Company: VH Marketing Ltd. Website: www.vhwebsites.com
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Karen Reyburn Karen Reyburn is a creative-minded individual who specialises in online marketing for accountancy firms. A former accountant (and a Certified Public Accountant in the States), Karen now assists accountancy firms with understanding and using online marketing to get more leads. A dual British-American citizen, Karen's past careers include working with a Glasgow-based accountancy firm, setting up and maintaining a separate consultancy division for this firm. She instigated monthly business workshops, training and facilitating business owners in marketing, strategy, and profitability. She has delivered online webinars and offline seminars for the Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Scotland, women in business, and business growth events. She assisted in the delivery of a comprehensive Business Consulting Programme to accountants for over five years. For five years, Karen managed the European office of a global network of accounting firms, helping both accountants and SME's to improve their marketing efforts. This included delivering webinars, providing online training, website design and improvement, email marketing, blogging, and marketing action plans. Karen is also an internationally-recognised photographer, doing wedding photography, family portraits, and landscape photography in Scotland, England, Ireland, Cyprus, Australia, the United States, and more!
Company: The Profitable Firm Title: Owner Website: www.theprofitablefirm.com Twitter: @ProfitableFirm
Graham Smith Graham Smith is Vice President of Business Development for TSGI-Chartered Accountants, one of the top SR&ED consultancies in western Canada. He has been active in the SR&ED industry for more than 8 years and has co-taught the course on SR&ED for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. Graham has worked on wide range of claims for companies of all sizes and in all industrial sectors.
Company: TSGI Charted Accountants Title: Vice President - Business Development Website: www.tsgi.ca
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers Amy Shumate Amy brings 13 years US tax experience to her role as Director in the US Corporate Tax Advisory practice. Amy assists her Canadian clients and their affiliates with their U.S federal and state corporate income, franchise, sales, and use tax issues from a unique cross-border perspective. She has worked with all sizes of both public and private corporations in all types of industries in helping them manage their US federal and state tax compliance and consulting needs. Prior to joining Trowbridge in early 2014, Amy worked for two of the Big 4 firms beginning in 2001 where she helped clients with US corporate tax compliance, federal and state tax consulting, due diligence work, structuring, and controversy. Amy has a B.A. and M.B.A. from McMaster University and an MSc (Tax) from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant registered in Ontario and a Certified Public Accountant registered in Illinois.
Company: TROWBRIDGE PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Title: Director, US Corporate Tax Services Website: www.trowbridge.ca
Rick Solomon, CPA, CGMA - Keynote Speaker For over 20 years, Rick Solomon has taught professionals around the world how to create extraordinary results in their professional practices and lives by applying time tested techniques and sometimes ancient wisdom in a number of ways. His past practice as a CPA and business advisor coupled with years of study at the Sedona Institute have provided him a deep understanding of how to guide others to be free of the self-created limitations that for many people make personal and professional success much harder than it has to be. Rick is presently the CEO of Thriving Firm, a world leader in helping professional service providers and advisors build more profitable and rewarding practices. He is the founder and serves as the main facilitator of the Masters Program, a two-year workshop and coaching program offered exclusively to open-minded professionals. The Masters Program shares a very unique way to achieve abundance in one's personal and professional life. Rick has challenged thousands of professionals worldwide to expand their view of themselves and the value they bring to their clients in order to reach new levels of personal and professional abundance
Company: Thriving Firm Title: CEO - Founder and Lead Facilitator of the Masters Program Website: www.thrivingfirm.com Twitter: @ricksolomoncpa
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Glenn Suart Glenn Suart is a Calgary-based Strategist, Entrepreneur and Host of “Today’s Great Idea”, a nationally syndicated program aimed at helping people doing something with their great ideas Over the past 20 years at WriteMyPlan, PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting and Nordicity Group Ltd. he has helped hundreds of people build successful businesses. Friendly and approachable, Glenn and his team create strong viable businesses and craft compelling, winning business plans. Glenn also teaches "Building An Effective Business Case" at Mount Royal University in Calgary.
Company: WriteMyPlan Website: www.WriteMyPlan.com
Paul Tyers Paul Tyers is Managing Director of Wealth Stewards Inc. and Vice President of Portfolio Stewards Inc. registered with the Ontario Securities Commission. He and his team provide comprehensive wealth management services to affluent Canadians, typically in conjunction with their other “trusted advisors.” A Chartered Professional Accountant (C.P.A.), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Paul has both the education and experience to provide comprehensive wealth advisory services. Upon completion of a business degree, Paul began his career at a major international CA firm, gaining experience in a wide variety of business sectors. Moving into corporate finance with Bank of Montreal, followed by Corpfinance International, experience was gained in mergers, acquisitions, succession and growth financing. In 1987, Paul partnered with a venture capital firm to acquire Retirement Counsel of Canada (RCOC) and led it through substantial growth prior to selling it in 2002. Since 2002, Paul has returned to his passion of building, managing and preserving the wealth of affluent private clients. His success is attributed to ensuring clients’ interests always come first. Paul provides advice on the areas noted to the left and has pioneered the integration of wealth management services into Canadian accounting/tax firms.
Company: Wealth Stewards Inc. Title: Managing Director Website: http://wealthstewards.ca/
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
Webinar Speakers Peggy Tyers, BBA - Event Organizer Peggy Tyers earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. After graduating she entered the retail sector. She spent over 20 years working with National retailers in several areas: consulting, marketing, buying and merchandising. Peggy transferred those skills to another industry sector when she brought the 2020 Group (leading volunteer membership organization for progressive accountants in the world) to Canada. Peggy looks for products and services to help accountants improve the efficiency of their practice and improve their bottom lines.
Company: 2020 Canada Title: President Website: www.2020canada.ca
Sam Vassa Sam Vassa heads PaymentEvolution – Canada’s largest and most loved cloud payroll and payments service. Sam founded the company with a team of technology and subject matter specialists and devised an award-winning solution that empowers organizations and their accountants to manage their own payroll process. Previously, Sam led business development for the capital markets industry at Microsoft Corporation. His team worked with leading Microsoft partners to build compelling solutions for the financial services industry. Sam was responsible for alliance relationships with Microsoft’s largest global partners, as well as sales and marketing execution with the community. He has worked with Microsoft’s US and Canadian subsidiaries and is known for his passion for forming strong partnerships. Sam was a channel manager at Digital Equipment Canada and served with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at their foreign missions worldwide. He is a board member of Telecompute – a leading software development firm pioneering the use of portable database technology for vertical markets. Sam is active in the emerging business market as an advisor and mentor to firms seeking management and technology expertise. Sam is a graduate of McMaster University where he studied biochemistry.
Company: PaymentEvolution Website: www.paymentevolution.com Twitter: @samvassa
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
Webinar Speakers Scott Zandbergen Scott Zandbergen has worked in the accounting software world for over 17 years. He spent many years at Sage, where he built and grew the Simply Accounting Certified Consultant program. Later, as Vice President of Product Management, he led the product strategy for Simply Accounting, Accpac and MAS 90/500. In early 2011, Scott joined Wave Accounting, a fully automated, 100% free double entry accounting software designed for small businesses with less than 10 employees. Scott's mission there is to educate the accounting and bookkeeping communities about the solution Wave offers their small business clients. In a little over 3 years on the market, Wave now has over 2 million users on it's platform.
Company: Wave Accounting Title: VP, Pro Network Website: www.waveapps.com Twitter: @WaveHQ
Wayne Zielke Wayne is the founder and CEO of LedgerDocs, an online document management application that was designed around the sharing, managing, and collaboration needs of bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses. Wayne has spent his career working in the accounting industry, and understands first-hand the workflow and process involved in providing exceptional full cycle bookkeeping and accounting services to clients. From these experiences, he decided to create an application that streamlines the bookkeeping and accounting process, while promoting collaboration among bookkeepers, accountants, and their amazing clients.
Company: LedgerDocs Title: Chief Executive Officer Website: www.ledgerdocs.com Twitter: @ledgerdocs
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference 2014
www.virtualaccountingconference.com
2020 Dream Practice Virtual Accounting Conference Collaborate Innovate Prosper Virtual Conference for Accountants October 1 and 2, 2014 Webinars:
Presentations will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 3, 2014 through January 27, 2015
Presentations scheduled from 11:00 am MST to 1:00 pm MST
Schedule includes one hour for presentation and up to one hour for questions
Over 32 webinars with industry experts
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
www.virtualaccountingconference.com