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2024 Nonprofit Symposium

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Walter E Washington Convention Center

801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW
Washington, DC 20001

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Member Price $825.00

Non-Member Price $925.00

Overview

The Nonprofit Symposium has been proud to deliver unparalleled educational quality to the nonprofit finance & accounting community for more than 30 years.

On behalf of the planning committee, we are thrilled to present a hybrid event this year that gives you the ‘best of both worlds': a season of virtual knowledge (featuring live web based CPE sessions), and a day and a half of community connection on December 3 & 4 (including general and breakout CPE sessions and powerful networking, food, and fun, brought to you in part by our generous sponsors).

The season of knowledge sessions starts on Tuesday, November 5, at 1 pm and will run twice a week – at 1 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays through November 26.  We will also rebroadcast these sessions on Friday of the same week the sessions are held, from 9:10 am to 12:30 pm, for anyone who missed the live sessions. Then, through our annual partnership with TE/GE Exempt Organizations Council, Symposium registrants gain access to another 5.5 CPE of specialized tax sessions featuring IRS leadership and other experts at their all day virtual event on November 22. 

Then, finally, on December 3 & 4 we will host in-person sessions and community connections at the Washington DC Convention Center. There will be ample networking time, as well as access to all the sponsor resources and fun that we know our attendees enjoy. Between virtual and in-person sessions, attendees will qualify for 25+ CPE credits and gain access to a community of resources that extend far beyond a single conference event.


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Whether you are a CFO looking for cutting edge strategies, a Controller hoping to increase efficiency through new technology or processes, or an auditor staying abreast of technical standards - the Symposium has what you are looking for! Curated by the best and the brightest working in the industry themselves, this conference tackles the topics which are top of mind for you and your team. Practical tools you need today and insights that keep you ahead of the curve for tomorrow! 

Objectives: Updates on the changing landscape from regulations to technology. Obtain tools to help make transformational and strategic business decisions. Gain unique networking opportunities through strong peer and professional resource communities you can tap into for years.

Group Discounts (for Nonprofit Industry Staff Only)
Groups of 3 or more, take 10% off (promo code GROUP3)
Groups of 5 or more, take 15% off (promo code GROUP5) 

First Time Attendees Discount
Take $50 off (promo code FIRSTTIME)

Save $100 when you register by Early Bird Deadline October 15!

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Optional Session

- 10 Risks Facing Not for Profit Organizations in the Coming Years (Virtual)

Jon-Michael Rosch, Partner, PBMares, LLP

Jon-Michael Rosch

One of the core values Jonny Rosch learned from his family during his formative years revolves around service. Once he understood how a CPA can impact the community and serve the needs of businesses and not-for-profit organizations, he knew the accounting profession was the right fit for him. Throughout his career, he has experienced firsthand how CPAs can leverage their expertise to make a meaningful contribution to the success of a nonprofit organization and serving these organizations has become a significant focus of his practice.

Simply stated, Jonny loves working with not-for-profit organizations and helping them achieve their goals. This includes performing audit and assurance engagements and assisting them with complicated accounting and tax issues unique to the not-for-profit industry. His specific industry experience includes overseeing engagements for public charities, social welfare organizations, trade associations, business leagues, non-profit childcare centers, private schools, independent research organizations and 527 political action committees. Additionally, when his clients face challenges, he takes it upon himself to uncover solutions and enjoys learning something new that can help these organizations further their mission. His commitment to the not-for-profit community is further demonstrated through his achievement of the AICPA’s not-for-profit certification and his involvement with FAR, the nonprofit business leaders’ network.

Jonny’s commitment to the not-for-profit community extends beyond his professional responsibilities. In fact, his commitment to his local community of Warrenton, Virginia, was rewarded when, at 18-years-old, he was selected to participate as a torch bearer during the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He previously served as Board Treasurer for Pathway Homes, a leading provider of housing and support services for adults with mental illness and co-occurring disorders across northern Virginia. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Fauquier. In addition, the VSCPA named him a Top 5 Under 35 award recipient for his work with the VSCPA and his dedication to the not-for-profit community.

William "JJ" Edmunds, Partner, PB Mares

William "JJ" Edmunds

William “JJ” Edmunds manages and oversees internal and external audit services and has worked closely with clients in understanding their major financial processes to help them strengthen their internal control policies and procedures.

In conjunction with his assurance background, JJ has more than eight years of IT experience. His duties include supervising and assisting in the performance and application of information technology risk assessment, security review services, and he specializes in data protection and privacy. JJ is instrumental in analyzing the root cause and impact of IT issues through gaining a deep understanding of an organization’s operations. He actively translates IT risks, recommending business solutions, and advising organizations on designing strategies to create and improve sustainable data protection and enterprise-wide risk prevention programs.

In addition to being a CPA, JJ has earned the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) designation, and is also COSO Internal Control Certified. JJ also earned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida. At PBMares, he is a member of our Audit Technical and Emerging Issues Group, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, and our Data Analytics ACE Team.

Antonina McAvoy, Partner, PB Mares

Antonina McAvoy

Antonina McAvoy specializes in cybersecurity, as well as data protection and privacy. She has 14 years of experience leading and performing a wide spectrum of cybersecurity reviews (i.e. NIST, COBIT, CIS, PCI, GDPR, ISO Standards), SOX 404 business control mapping and Information Technology General Control (ITGC) assessments, AICPA SOC reporting (SOC 1, 2, 3, SOC for Cybersecurity, and SOC for Supply Chain reporting), HIPAA compliance audits, HITRUST CSF readiness assessments, FFIEC ITGC examinations, Department of Defense (DoD) System Security Plans (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), DoD DFARS and CMMC readiness assessments (CMMC provisional assessor candidate), outsourced IT internal audits, and internal control assessment services.

Antonina has strong technical skills and is instrumental in performing complex data mapping exercises to identify where key data resides in an organization’s environment, assessing the design and operating effectiveness of control environments, as well as identifying control gaps and weak cybersecurity settings. Ms. McAvoy is highly skilled in analyzing the root cause and impact of IT issues through gaining a deep understanding of an organization’s operations. She is well versed in translating IT risks, recommending business solutions, and advising organizations on designing strategies to create and improve sustainable data protection and enterprise-wide risk prevention programs.

Bronach Branan, Senior Manager, PB Mares

Bronach Branan

Bronach Branan is a Senior Manager with over 15 years of public accounting experience. In addition, she has 10 years of private industry experience, gained in London and Ireland, serving clients in telecommunications, media technology and banking. She has performed management consulting with “Big 4” firms, specializing in enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation.

Bronach’s international and domestic industry knowledge provides audit and assurance services to the firm’s hospitality, construction, government contracting and employee benefit plan clients, to include various types of retirement plans with assets ranging from $2 million to $2 billion, including entities required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. She oversees the firm’s engagements through planning and implementing project design and strategy, directing and reviewing fieldwork and managing the financial reporting aspects of the jobs.

Bronach is passionate about continuous improvement and uses her broad experience to provide consulting services related to process optimization using a variety of Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and FEMA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).? She leads the firm’s internal Audit & Assurance Operational Excellence Team and serves as a firm resource on new auditing approaches as well as audit efficiency initiatives. She is also involved in developing and conducting department training.

Listen to Risk Advisory and NFP experts discuss risks facing NFP organizations. Learn how to avoid and mitigate these risks through an engaging discussion.

Attendees will learn to identify risks facing their NFP organization and develop strategies to find solutions and mitigate risks.

Credits: 1.5 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Optional Session

- Unpacking the 2024 Revised Uniform Guidance Standards (Virtual)

John McIntosh, Audit Senior Manager, GRF CPAs & Advisors

John McIntosh

Mr. McIntosh has been working in GRF’s audit department since 2015 and has spent his career in public accounting, specializing in the nonprofit sector. As an audit manager, he is responsible for managing and training staff and ensuring that his audits are completed accurately and in an efficient manner as well as drafting audit reports and presenting at client board meetings. Mr. McIntosh also advises organizations on internal control best practices, as well as other accounting and operational areas critical to the organization’s financial health.

Mr. McIntosh has experience in conducting audits of various nonprofit organizations, including international organizations, associations, private foundations, private schools and other charitable organizations. He also has extensive experience working with U.S. Federal award recipients subject to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance).

Susan Colladay, Partner, Audit, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Susan Colladay

A partner in the audit services department at GRF, Ms. Colladay has served as the lead partner on the audits of trade associations, professional membership societies, arts and humanities nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and grant-making foundations. With 30 years working in the nonprofit industry and 25 years in public accounting, her depth of nonprofit experience includes audits of federal award programs and employee benefit plans, integrated audits of internal control and financial statements, and agreed-upon procedures engagements. During her career, Ms. Colladay has led a team that provided outsourced internal audit services to nonprofits and applied her knowledge of tax-exempt organizations to various consulting engagements such as finance and accounting process reviews and enterprise risk management. A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the Greater Washington Association of Certified Public Accountants (GWSCPA), Ms. Colladay was recognized by GWSCPA as a Woman to Watch in the Experienced Leader category in 2015. She is also a charter member of the Maryland Delta Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Mathematics Honor Society, and currently serves on the board of directors of Mindful Memorial Foundation as a member of the Finance Committee.

On April 4, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released an updated set of guidelines for federal awards issued on or after October 1, 2024.This release is intended to increase clarity and streamline processes for organizations while navigating the complexities of federal funding. Join our team as we take a deep dive into the new standards, how they impact compliance, and the best strategies for implementation. During the session, we’ll discuss the increase in the audit threshold, strategies for increased transparency, changes to indirect cost recovery, simplified compliance guidelines, and more. As always, bring your questions for our experts!

Attendees will learn: • About changes to the Uniform Guidance that were announced on April 4, 2024. The revised Uniform Guidance will be applied to federal awards that are issued on or after October 1, 2024. • How the Uniform Guidance will increase the accessibility of federal funds for smaller nonprofits and also decrease the administrative burden related to compliance. • The threshold for a single audit (and for Type A program determination) will be raised from $750,000 to $1,000,000. • The de minimus indirect rate will be raised from 10% to 15%. A recipient with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) cannot elect the de minimis rate and federal agencies may not require a recipient to use a lower de minimis rate when there is a NICRA in place.

Credits: 1 - Auditing (Governmental)

This session is available to registrants only.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Optional Session

- Session TBD

This session is available to registrants only.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Optional Session

- Complicated Contributions: Examining Split-Interest Agreements (Virtual)

William Donahue, Audit Partner, Aprio

William Donahue

Will Donahue has over a decade of experience serving nonprofit clients in the DC Metro region. As a director in Aprio’s nonprofit assurance practice, Will enjoys helping nonprofits find innovative ways to improve their processes, operations, and reporting. He takes pride in building relationships with his clients that are based on frequent communication, technical insight, trust, and stability. Will is a graduate of Temple University, and is a member of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs and the AICPA. He is the Chair of the Audit Committee of the University Club of Washington, DC, a member of the AICPA Not-for-Profit Conference Committee, and an Eagle Scout. When he’s not working with exempt organizations, you can often find Will camping in the woods or hiking up a trail in the DMV and beyond!

Some contributions aren't too tough to account for, but split-interest agreements can be very intimidating, even for experienced accountants! As the current generation of stakeholders and donors age, we need to be prepared to receive, understand, and account for these gifts as responsible and knowledgeable stewards. In this session, we will “get into the weeds� and put our skills to work as we learn about and apply the correct accounting treatment for these donations. Our goal is that you will leave this session with the confidence that you can handle these complicated contributions when they come your way.

Attendees will learn to identify the features of different types of split-interest agreements, how to approach the measurement of the value of an organization's portion of the contribution, and how to record and report these complicated contributions in accordance with GAAP.

Credits: 1.5 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Optional Session

- The Power of Noncash Gifts (Virtual)

George Burnette, VP-Charitable & Philanthropic Strateg, First Citizens Wealth

George Burnette

With over a decade of experience in the legal, financial services, and nonprofit industries, George brings knowledge, professionalism and understanding of the legal and financial landscape to his relationships. He is well known as a trusted, knowledgeable and innovative advisor, helping his clients do more with their assets and resources as they work to shape their future.

Here to help develop customized philanthropic strategies for both individuals and organizations, George is knowledgeable in charitable giving strategies, nonprofit law, as well as, estate, business and tax planning. Drawing on the experience of our skilled team of financial professionals, First Citizens partners with you to manage your assets in order to help meet your financial goals and keep an eye on financial trends and new products and services.

A North Carolina native, George is a graduate of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian School of Law and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was awarded a degree in History, as well as, a degree in Peace, War and Defense. George is a licensed attorney and a member of the North Carolina Bar. George lives in Raleigh with his wife, Catie, daughter Lillian, and his dog, Lola. When not working George enjoys spending time with hid family, traveling, and playing and watching most competitive sports.

What are these assets and how to they fit into nonprofit fundraising? This session will identify the different types of assets that donors are leveraging in their gift planning, how those assets can lead to increased charitable dollars, the tax ramifications of these gifts to the donor and charity, potential pitfalls, as well as, an overview of the current M&A market outlook.

Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Optional Session

- Advocacy, Lobbying, and Political Activities for 501(c)(3)/501(c)(4) Organizations (Virtual)

Elinor Litwack, Partner, OAAS, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Elinor Litwack

Ms. Litwack has worked in accounting since 2005, and has played a pivotal role in transforming client accounting engagements. She specializes in providing financial and organizational solutions to nonprofit organizations and professional services firms, utilizing state of the art technology combined with deep industry expertise. Ms. Litwack brings value to organizations through her proficiency in systems design, cloud technologies, audit preparedness, and accounting best practices.

Ms. Litwack was chair of the AICPA’s Digital CPA Advisory Board and was recognized in NYN Media’s Nonprofit 40 under 40 class of 2021. Additionally, she serves as Treasurer of I Support the Girls, a national nonprofit that distributes essential hygiene items to those in need. A thought leader across the accounting profession, she was appointed to the AICPA PCPS Executive Committee and CPA.com’s CAS Advisory Council.

Richard Locastro, Partner and Director of Nonprofit Tax, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Richard Locastro

Mr. Locastro has worked in public accounting since 1986, including six years in the tax offices of Big Four firms. His clients include private foundations, colleges, universities, healthcare organizations, museums and other large nonprofit institutions. He has extensive experience assisting clients with unrelated business income tax analysis, private foundation excise taxes, Form 990 and Form 990-T preparation and presentation, intermediate sanctions analysis, payments to and from controlled subsidiaries, nonresident alien withholding and reporting requirements, foreign grantees withholding requirements, IRS dispute resolution, exemption application assistance and private letter ruling request submissions.

Currently the Immediate Past Chair of the AIPA Tax Division Technical Resource Panel (TRP) for Exempt Organizations, Mr. Locastro has been a member of the TRP since 2013, serving as Vice Chair in 2017 and Chair in 2020.

Mr. Locastro oversees the firm’s team of tax professionals who provide consulting and tax compliance services to more than 500 nonprofit organizations. He coordinates tax planning, consulting services, return preparation and representation on IRS audits, and frequently speaks at national conferences.

This course explores the dynamic landscape of multi-entity nonprofits, which are organizations that operate multiple legal entities to advance their missions and influence public policy. These structures allow nonprofits to engage in various forms of lobbying, advocacy, and political activities, while navigating the legal and regulatory constraints that apply to different types of entities. Join us to obtain a better understanding of the rules and regulations governing multi-entity organizations, with particular focus on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Our presenters will define lobbying, advocacy, and political activity, and discuss the limits and prohibitions. They will also provide best practices for navigating important cost and resource sharing agreements between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.

Credits: 1.5 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Optional Session

- TEGE Exempt Organizations Update

Explore in detail the latest statutory, regulatory and judicial developments impacting tax exempt organizations.

Topics include: Legal Insights/Updates from TEGE Council’s Advocacy Projects and Practitioners Roundtable; Treasury Guidance Update; IRS Exempt Organizations Division Update and Q&A; Legal Analysis of Treasury Updates; New Trends in Engagement between Non-profit and For-profit Entities; and DAFs Update – Specific Issue Discussion.

Credits: 5.5 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Optional Session

- Ethics for NFP Organizations (Virtual)

Scott Davis, Partner in Charge of NFP Srvs, Prager Metis CPAs

Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a Partner at Prager Metis, a member of Prager Metis International Group. He is the Partner-in-Charge of the Not-for-Profit Services Practice and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, California, and Florida. Scott brings extensive experience serving a diverse array of nonprofits, including membership organizations, educational institutions, and charitable organizations. Scott is a VSCPA at-large board member, Chair of the VSCPA Education Foundation Scholarship Committee, and a member of the VSCPA Ethics Committee.

Required VBOA ethics and presentation of ethical cases affecting not-for-profit organizations. Attendees will learn about various ethical dilemma’s facing not-for-profit organizations, recent fraud at not-for-profit organizations, and the required information to comply with the VBOA ethics cpe requirements. (Content pending approval from the VBOA).  

Credits: 2 - Regulatory Ethics

This session is available to registrants only.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Optional Session

- Accounting & Auditing Update

Richard Cole, Partner, Forvis Mazars, LLP

Richard Cole

Rick has more than 25 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations. He is Forvis Mazars’ Nonprofit and Education Industry Leader for the New York Metro Area, and is a member of its Higher Education Center of Excellence, which is an internal committee focused on addressing issues important to the higher education industry. Rick focuses on audits and advisory services for nonprofit and higher education organizations.

Before joining the firm in 2019, he worked at FASB, where he served as a supervising project manager for almost six years. In that role, he was the project manager on Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities; ASU 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made; and ASU 2019-03, Updating the Definition of Collections. He also was coordinator for FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee and Private Company Council. Prior to joining FASB, Rick was vice president and controller at a large national museum in New York for seven years and a senior manager with a large international accounting firm where he worked for 14 years and specialized in audits of higher education institutions and other nonprofit organizations.

Rick was a member of the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Entities Expert Panel. He is a lecturer at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, in their Nonprofit Management program. He also has been a frequent speaker with NACUBO, the AICPA, and various state CPA societies.

He is a CPA in New York and New Jersey and is a member of the AICPA and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Rick is a graduate of Montclair State University, with a B.S. degree and an M.B.A. degree.

Credits: 1 - Accounting

Credits: 1 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Session TBD

Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Behind the Headlines

Louis Mezzina, Retired KPMG Partner

Louis Mezzina

After 45 years at KPMG, including 12 years as National Industry Director of the firm’s Higher Education and Other Not-for-Profit Organizations practice, Lou recently completed an 18 month Senior Advisor consultancy supporting Prager Metis’s Not-for-Profit Services practice. He continues to consult with not-for-profit organizations with respect to financial reporting, accounting, enterprise risk management, and operational improvement.

This session will focus on generational differences and their impact on the workplace, fundraising, and volunteering. It will also cover accounting, auditing, and financial reporting considerations.

Credits: 0.5 - Accounting and Auditing

Credits: 0.5 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Reception

This session is available to registrants only.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Breakout Session

- Harnessing Technology and AI to Enhance Internal Controls

Alejandra Jensen, Audit Partner, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Alejandra Jensen

As an audit partner, Ms. Jensen manages all aspects of client engagements and relationships. Her nonprofit audit experience includes proficiency in technical accounting issues, the requirements of Uniform Guidance, and employee benefit plan audits. She presents regularly to clients and at industry conferences sharing her expertise on technical topics such as preparing for and implementing new accounting pronouncements. As a technology-savvy practitioner, Ms. Jensen helped GRF’s audit team implement AuditMiner to increase efficiency in employee benefit plan audit engagements and she serves as a champion for the implementation of artificial intelligence on audit engagements. She was instrumental in helping the firm adopt new accounting software platforms including PPC Smart, AdvanceFlow, Suralink, and MindBridge.

Andrew Deyhle, Audit Manager, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Andrew Deyhle

Andrew Deyhle is an Audit Manager with GRF CPAs & Advisors. He has been working in the firm’s audit department since 2014. He is responsible for managing staff and ensuring that his audits are completed accurately and in an efficient manner as well as drafting audit reports. Mr. Deyhle specializes in the auditing of nonprofit organizations and pension plans. Mr. Deyhle also works with US-based and international clients, and has performed field audits in Africa and Europe. While traveling for the firm’s international clients, Mr. Deyhle performs a variety of audit work and agreed-upon procedures to ensure the client’s internal controls are appropriate and compliant with donor requirements over the management of their funds.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way that internal controls are implemented and managed. Is your organization maximizing these resources? Join our experts as we discuss how recent innovations can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls, improve risk management, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards – both for auditors and their clients.

Attendees will learn practical integration strategies for AI and technology into your audit processes, how to navigate the challenges of digital transformation, how to ensure compliance and adherence to risk management standards, and how to increase transparency at all levels of your organization.

Credits: 0.5 - Information Tech

Credits: 0.5 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

- How to Align Your Nonprofit's Strategic Planning, KPIs, and Budget for Maximum Impact

Jessica Roper, Senior Director | Outsourced CFO, Vault Consulting, LLC

Jessica Roper

Jess Roper is a Director and Outsourced CFO at Vault Consulting. She specializes in assisting tax-exempt organizations with prepation and anaysis of financial statements, compliance with GAAP, financial projections and cash management, and federal and non-federal grant reporting and compliance. She regularly prepares and presents financial information to board and committee members. Mentorship and personnel development are passions of hers.

Carolyn Mollen, Vice President of Finance & Admin, Resources for the Future

Carolyn Mollen

Carolyn Mollen is the Vice President for Finance & Administration and Treasurer at Resources for the Future (RFF). In her role at RFF, she oversees finance, technology, building services, and human resources, ensuring RFF has efficient and effective operations that support the organization’s mission advancement. She specializes in nonprofit accounting and operations issues, with an emphasis on financial reporting, budgeting, and talent management.

This course will delve into the relationship between strategic planning, KPIs and multi-year budgeting. It will look at how organization-wide strategic planning and multi-year budgeting helps organizations institute tactical KPIs. It will examine the relationship between strategic budgeting and the overall strategic plan for the organization. And, finally, the course will explore how best to align all three to cohesively move an organization forward. Attendees will learn about the relationship between strategic planning, KPIs and multi-year budgeting and how best to align all three to cohesively move an organization forward.

Credits: 1 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

- Let's Run It Back! A Post-Election Recap and Outlook for the Economy and Markets

Adam Proger, First Vice President - Investments, Raymond James

Adam Proger

Adam is an institutional consultant, retirement plan consultant and financial advisor on our Institutional Consulting Team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics from the University of Maryland and is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder. Adam has worked with SPG Fiduciary Partners for the last 16 years in various capacities. His current responsibilities on the team include committee/board engagement and working with our clients on asset allocation strategy, investment policy design, risk assessment and investment reviews. Prior to joining Raymond James in 2019, Adam was a member of the UBS Institutional Consulting Advisory Council, a group of institutional consultants from around the country that help advise the firm on all aspects of the institutional business. Adam has been licensed for over 18 years (Current licenses include the Series 66, 31, 7 and SIE). Adam currently chairs the Finance Committee for an approximately $35 million non-profit organization and chairs the Finance Committee for his local synagogue. Adam has been a featured speaker at nonprofit industry conferences such as the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). This past year, Adam chaired the GWSCPA Non-Profit Symposium which brings together over 600 non-profit focused CPAs and other professionals. Adam and his wife, Kate, have three children and live in Rockville. Adam is an avid golfer and University of Maryland sports fan. One of Adam’s main passions is helping young children and proudly serves as a licensed foster care parent in Montgomery County, MD.

The Symposium comes just weeks after the outcome of one of the most anticipated elections. The country feels more divided than ever before and the election could be equally divisive. The 2024 presidential race is going to center around key issues such as the economy, geopolitical risk, inflation, monetary policy decisions, immigration, and much more. we’ll have a lot more clarity on economic policy and the outlook for 2025 and beyond. This session will focus on implications of the election, potential changes in economic policy, and the outlook for the market. Attendees will learn about the outlook for 2025, policy issues impacting non-profit investment reserves, and the potential for investment returns in 2025.

Credits: 1 - Economics

This session is available to registrants only.

- Navigating Tax Changes for Exempt Organizations: Year-end review and 2025 Insights

Raymond Ly, Tax Managing Director, KPMG, LLP

Raymond Ly

Ray is the DC Metro Practice Leader of KPMG’s Development and Exempt Organizations Tax Practice. He provides advisory, consulting, and compliance services on complex tax matters to clients in the higher education, humanitarian, healthcare, private foundation, pension trusts, and other not-for-profit sectors. He has more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector.

David Stark, Tax Partner, KPMG LLP

David Stark

David is a partner in KPMG’s Winston-Salem office. He leads KPMG Development and Exempt Organizations’ Compliance and Regulatory group in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Join us for an informative session where we’ll explore critical tax developments for exempt organizations. This session will cover recent updates from the Treasury and IRS, highlight key matters to watch in 2025, discuss election impacts, and review new Treasury and IRS guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the tax landscape! In this session, attendees will gain insights into: Key and Current Tax Developments: Explore recent updates relevant to tax-exempt organizations. Changes to Tax Law: Understand how recent legislative changes impact tax-exempt entities. New Treasury and IRS Guidance: Stay informed about the latest guidance affecting tax-exempt organizations. Trending Tax Topics: Discover the hot-button issues shaping the tax landscape for exempt entities.

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

 

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- A System Implementation – The Process, Best Practices & Pitfalls

Zerihun Haile-Selassie, Chief Financial Officer, Endocrine Society

Zerihun Haile-Selassie

Zerihun Haile-Selassie is a distinguished financial executive and a strategic leader in agile non-profit organizations through transformational leadership for long-term sustainable growth, diversified revenue, business continuity plan, and organizational risk management. Zerihun joined the Endocrine Society in August 2022.

Mr. Zerihun has over 18 years of experience leading organizational financial sustainability, corporate investment strategy, trade association, human capital management, and growth-oriented financial management. Recently, Zerihun has served as Chief Financial Officer of a non-profit healthcare professional certification organization at Inteleos. In this role, Zerihun executed strategies that drive innovation, financial sustainability, international market expansion, legal risk management, strategizing investment policy, and capital management. Zerihun also previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO)- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at a non-profit language association at ACTFL. In his role, he transformed the information technology footprint, advanced human capital management, and breakthrough business efficiency. He built and executed the strategy that drove two-fold growth by aligning technology and finance.

Before ACTFL, Zerihun was a member of the Finance leadership team at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC; in this role, he actively engaged and managed planned-giving and endowment initiatives. Zerihun also brings multi-industry non-profit leadership experience through his work with lobbying organizations 501C (4), charity foundations and educational associations 501C (3), and trade associations 501C (6). He built a solid financial foundation for mission impact and led cross-functional initiatives driving profitable growth.

Zerihun was recognized for his exceptional financial executive expertise and was awarded CFO of The Year “2018 Rising Star” by the Non-Profit CFO industry. He was recognized for his leadership that transformed the organization’s revenue diversification and increased revenue by two folds and the long-term reserve investment portfolio by three folds.

Zerihun earned his Master’s degree in Accounting and Information Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus and earned certification from Santa Clara University- Leavey School of Business (Black Corporate Board Readiness). Zerihun is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). He is a member of the 2022-2024 DELP Scholar at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Trish Johnson, Director, O'Connor Consulting Services, LLC

Trish Johnson

Trish Johnson is a senior financial leader with more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, project management, and team development. She joined OCS in 2022 after serving as a consultant and interim CFO to not-for-profit organizations in the DC area from 2020 - 2022. Prior to that time, Trish served in the roles of CFO and Executive Vice President at National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) between 2017 – 2020 and various nonprofit accounting roles between 2010 – 2017, including Controller at WETA, a PBS member television station and Senior Director, Assistant Controller at Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Trish has significant experience with financial system implementations, managing audit engagements, financial reporting, 990 tax filings, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls analysis, and process improvement. Trish earned a Master of Science in Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting from George Mason University and a Master of Education from the University of Mary Washington. She is a certified public accountant licensed in Virginia. Trish has been an adjunct professor at George Mason University since 2017, teaching budget and finance in the Master of Arts Management program and previously served as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, from 2020 – 2022, teaching accounting.

Implementing a new accounting system can be a daunting task. This session will lay out a plan for a successful system implementation that includes a redesigned cart of accounts, the potential for a payment solution implementation, and improvements to processes and reporting while avoiding some common pitfalls that can take our project off track quickly. The two presenters, a practitioner and a client, will include direct experiences working together on such an implementation with shared insight, examples, and practical tips that others can incorporate into their system project planning, such as: When is the best time for a new system implementation? What impact will a new system implementation have on our other systems? Can I implement more than one system at a time?

Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

- Be prepared! 1099 compliance and mistakes to avoid during a IRS payroll tax audit

Amy Ciminello, Partner, Plante Moran

Amy Ciminello

I provide federal, state, and local tax compliance and consulting services, with a focus on the taxation of exempt organizations. I work with healthcare, higher education, not-for-profit, and for-profit companies including single-location entities and multi-entity locations around the country. I assist clients with tax-planning strategies, payroll compliance, accounting methods, and complex technical issues. I also hold a role in our National Tax Office and frequently counsel clients on Form 990, mergers and acquisitions, not-for-profit and for-profit transactions, restructuring, and current not-for-profit tax trends. I have over 16 years of professional experience and am a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Society of?Certified Public Accountants, the American Health Law Association, and the TEGE?Exempt Organizations?Council. I’ve been involved in education development and presented on tax-exempt topics for these organizations and others, including the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Hospital Association, American Health Law Association, the Association of Independent Colleges, and Universities of Ohio. I am also a frequent presenter for Plante Moran educational webinars.

Amanda Coon, Senior Manager, Plante Moran

Amanda Coon

With over a decade of professional experience, I specialize in the firm’s tax-exempt organization practice, with a focus on healthcare, NFP, and higher education. I am a repository of technical knowledge related to all areas of IRC section 513 and 514 and I specialize in managing tax compliance for large NFP systems. I work frequently on IRS audits, specifically related to 1099 and other payroll audit issues.

Tackle definitions to determine whether the organization has an employee or independent contractor -Understand compliance requirements for 1099s and W-9s -Discuss implications of failure to file 1099s and response for Notice CP2100 (also how to respond to Notice CP2100) -Provide best practices for ensuring 1099 process runs smooth -Discuss Form 990 red flags and triggers. Attendees will learn about best practices for issuing 1099s, staying compliant to avoid headaches during IRS audits, and spot checking the Form 990 to catch red flags related to payroll compliance.

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

- Navigating Digital Transformation - Strategies for Success when Selecting and Implementing an ERP

Brittney Gordon, Director of Business Development, The Alliance Group

Brittney Gordon

Brittney Gordon, CPA is the Director of Business Development at The Alliance Brittney is the Director of Business Development at The Alliance Group and has led the firm’s non-profit practice since 2017, in addition to serving clients in the Fortune 500, private companies, and multinational firms. In her role, Brittney provides executives with access to a range of talent solutions including consulting, advisory, executive search, and interim staffing. Brittney is also on the Board of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA) and began her career in public accounting at EY where she developed a passion for client service and strategizing around business challenges. She is an active member of GWSCPA, AICPA, NVTC, ACG, and NACD.

Nikki Tercero, VP, Financial Systems Consulting, The Alliance Group

Nikki Tercero

Nikki has over 20 years of Accounting, Finance and Information Technology experience working with enterprise and middle market organizations. Serving as a member of the Finance Leadership Team at an international publicly traded company, Nikki was responsible for successfully leading teams through Accounting, Finance and HR related transformation initiatives.

This session with help organizations gain and understanding of the importance of finance transformation in supporting an organizations growth. Specifically, this session will focus on how to develop a systems roadmap (high level) and dive into the process for selecting an ERP. Areas to cover could include: - What drives the need for transformation - Importance of understanding future state organization goals and aligning the roadmap to those goals - Developing a roadmap for systems, process and organization transformation - ERP selection process - ERP vendor landscape for NFP organizations - Implementation resourcing and best practices

Credits: 1 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

- Working with AI: How to Get Along with an Artificial Coworker

Edwin Harvey, Dept..Leader, AI Solutions & Trng., Your Part-Time Controller

Edwin Harvey

Edwin Harvey leads the AI Solutions and Training department at Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, where he champions effective, responsible adoption of emerging AI technologies. Edwin has consulted across the fields of analytics, automation, and business strategy, especially in the nonprofit and financial management sectors, leading teams that leverage technology to tell stories, inform decisions, and enhance efficiency. The advent of generative AI has renewed the relevance of Edwin’s training in the humanities – including a doctoral degree from U.C., Berkeley – as he helps clients and colleagues alike to navigate the overlap between digital tools and natural language. A passionate trainer, Edwin speaks frequently at conferences, events, and webinars.

Technology advancements and a shrinking pipeline of accountants are driving artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI (GenAI), into the workflows of nonprofit accounting, auditing, and reporting. In this session, we will demystify the core concepts of GenAI, consider where and in what forms you may encounter it, and discuss how to approach it responsibly. Along the way, we will review a couple of case studies and share our “Checklist for Mindful Prompting” to help you communicate effectively with chat-based GenAI tools.

Credits: 1 - Information Tech

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Honey, We Shrunk the Accountants! Facing the Reduced Talent Pool and What You Can Do About It!

Danny Martinez, Managing Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Danny Martinez

Danny is a licensed CPA with over 17 years of experience providing advisory and training services to a wide range of governmental and nonprofit entities. As the leader of the Government and Public Sector Accounting Advisory group, he is responsible for the quality and growth of all of the firm’s Accounting-as-a-Service and Surge Team advisory services. Under his leadership the Firm had significant growth in these services and achieved high client satisfaction and retention scores. He has presented on various industry and accounting topics at national and regional conferences, including the future of the accounting workforce, accounting standard updates, and internal control and grants management best practices.

The number of accountants is shrinking by the year and that future talent pool doesn't look promising. This course will take a look the current staffing environment and the impact this is having on nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. Then we will turn to actionable solutions nonprofits should consider to respond to these challenging times.

Attendees will learn about the current trends and statistics in the nonprofit accounting and finance workforce. They will also gain an understanding of how other nonprofits are navigating these challenges. Lastly, they will come away with a template to help identify where in their organization they can implement these solutions and a framework for making these decisions.

Credits: 1.5 - Personnel/HR

This session is available to registrants only.

- How to Grow Your Endowment: The Strategic Endowment Plan + Accounting considerations of endowments and donor-restricted funds

Lydia Wolf, Senior Wealth Advisor, Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors

Lydia Wolf

Lydia is responsible for providing comprehensive wealth management advice to high net worth individuals and families, entrepreneurs, business owners, and foundations and endowments throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan region. She works closely with clients and their advisors to develop financial strategies to help clients meet their current needs and plan for their long term objectives. Lydia also coordinates the various services her clients require based on their unique needs, including investment management, planning, trust, private banking, and family office services. Lydia has more than three decades of experience advising both commercial and individual high net worth clients, with considerable experience in lending and investment advisory services. Her comprehensive background allows her to support clients in any stage of wealth creation, wealth preservation, and wealth transfer. Prior to joining Wilmington Trust, she was a senior private banker and advisor at Wells Fargo, leading a team effort for sourcing and structuring complex financing strategies for premium finance, commercial and residential real estate, aircraft, yachts, marketable collateral, and nonprofit entities. Earlier in her career, she worked for Chevy Chase/Capital One Bank in leadership roles advising high net worth families, professional practices, and government contracting businesses and owners. Lydia began her career on Wall Street working in International Corporate Banking where she was a global lender specializing in health care and pharmaceutical companies. She holds an MBA in finance from Adelphi University and a bachelor’s degree in business from the Mount Vernon College/GW University.

Walter Dillingham, Director, Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors

Walter Dillingham

Walter specializes in working with endowments, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to help them grow their endowments by taking a holistic approach. He advises clients with both their endowment and philanthropic objectives and provides value-added services that go beyond investing. As director of the Endowments & Foundations Practice for the U.S. markets, Walter is responsible for working with market leaders and wealth advisors in each region to lead the growth of this important business and to create a coordinated and consistent approach to working with our clients. With more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry, much of which focused on nonprofit and institutional clients, Walter has a unique perspective on the changing needs of the endowment and foundation marketplace. He has authored original research that has been covered by the financial press on a number of nonprofit sectors, including health care organizations, community colleges, public libraries, private schools, and religious organizations. Please visit our Research & Insights library to read Walter’s research papers. Walter is a recipient of Wilmington Trust’s Chairman’s Club Award, and he launched the firm’s successful Philanthropic Speaker Series in 2011, which showcases strategies for nonprofit organizations. He is also regularly called upon to speak at industry conferences and with key advisors in the philanthropic arena. Walter holds a master’s degree in philanthropy from New York University, an MBA from Babson College, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bates College. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. He is also a member of the New York Society of Securities Analysts, the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York, and the Healthcare Finance Management Association. Passionate about philanthropy and perpetuating the ability of nonprofits to impact their communities, Walter is a trustee and treasurer of Fisher College (Boston), a trustee at The Nancy Woodson Spire Foundation, and served on the Forest Hills Gardens Corp. Finance Committee. He is also an adjunct professor at NYU where he teaches Endowment Concepts and Practices and Philanthropy and Fiscal Management.

Douglas Boedeker, Partner, Marcum LLP

Douglas Boedeker

Doug Boedeker is a partner in the Assurance Services Division in Marcum’s Washington, DC office. Doug has worked exclusively with nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years and has a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges they face. In addition to client services, he shares his knowledge on topics pertaining to nonprofit organizations at national and local conferences.

Prior to joining Marcum in 2022, Doug was an assurance partner at another national accounting firm, where he helped grow the firm from about 10 associates to over 150 professionals dedicated solely to serving the nonprofit community.

Doug takes great pride in being able to draw on his years of specialized experience in order to guide and educate nonprofits on topics such as, application of accounting standards, internal control design, endowments and reserves, intercompany transactions, and federal grant compliance.

Tom Ciolkosz, Senior Vice President, M&T Bank

Tom Ciolkosz

Tom is a Senior Vice President Relationship Manager with M&T Bank. He has over 30 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. Tom is responsible for developing and growing commercial relationships in the Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. markets.

His expertise includes working with Education, Not-for-Profit and Trade Association clients. He is currently a member of the Greater Washington Society of CPA’s (GWSCPA) where he Chaired the 2022 Nonprofit Symposium. He also serves on the Membership and Programs committee, and he previously served as Board of Director for the organization. He is a Board of Director for HealthWorks of Northern Virginia.

Tom is also involved with various associations including American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Nonprofit Financial Accountability Task Force. Tom graduated from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management program in 2019.

In this session the panel of speakers will share the importance and benefits of having, building and managing a strategic endowment plan. The presenters will discuss how nonprofits are most effective by focusing their efforts on both their fundraising and investing strategies, hand-in-hand. There will be a discussion on the changing landscape and how it effects the endowment performance metrics. Everyone in attendance will be provided a blueprint to document their own Strategic Endowment Plan.

The proper stewardship and reporting of endowments and donor-restricted funds are unique to the nonprofit world. Given the variety of donations and the complexity of the accounting and legal requirements, this is a challenging area. In this session, we’ll cover the critical legal and financial reporting concepts related to endowments and donor-restricted funds. Real-world examples will be used to give everyone a sense of how these concepts are applied in practice.

Credits: 0.5 - Accounting

Credits: 1 - Finance

This session is available to registrants only.

- Protecting your organization from bad actors: Best practices in fraud prevention.

Brian Morgan, Managing Directo, Grant Thornton LLP

Brian Morgan

Brian is a Managing Director in Grant Thornton’s Not-for-Profit and Higher Education Audit Practice and has 15 years of public accounting experience. Brian has led and performed financial statement and Uniform Guidance audits for clients in a variety of not-for-profit industry sectors, including higher education, social services, trade and professional organizations, foundations, research institutions, conservation, health care, and religious organizations. Brian also advises not-for-profit organizations on implementation of new accounting standards, improving financial reporting processes and controls, and navigating the impact of new laws and regulations.

Paul Kerrigan, Senior Group Controller, AARP

Paul Kerrigan

Paul Kerrigan, CPA, is the Senior Group Controller for Charitable Affiliates at AARP, Inc. He has three decades of experience in the not-for-profit industry, initially as an auditor and later as a Controller and Director of Finance. Paul began his career in the UK, moving to Washington, DC in 1998. He has many years of experience of presenting in a variety of professional settings, including internal training sessions and professional conferences.

This session will provide an overview of common frauds that non-profit organizations have recently fallen victim to, real-life case studies highlighting the sophisticated techniques used by bad actors those perpetrate frauds, and best practices organizations can implement to protect themselves.

Attendees will learn about the common frauds NFPs fall victim to, the techniques used by fraudsters to commit their crimes, and policies, processes, and internal controls that can be put in place to help prevent fraud at their organizations.

Credits: 1.5 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

- The Great A.I. Debate

William Donahue, Audit Partner, Aprio

William Donahue

Will Donahue has over a decade of experience serving nonprofit clients in the DC Metro region. As a director in Aprio’s nonprofit assurance practice, Will enjoys helping nonprofits find innovative ways to improve their processes, operations, and reporting. He takes pride in building relationships with his clients that are based on frequent communication, technical insight, trust, and stability. Will is a graduate of Temple University, and is a member of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs and the AICPA. He is the Chair of the Audit Committee of the University Club of Washington, DC, a member of the AICPA Not-for-Profit Conference Committee, and an Eagle Scout. When he’s not working with exempt organizations, you can often find Will camping in the woods or hiking up a trail in the DMV and beyond!

Karl Spanbauer, Controller, Capital Area Food Bank

Karl Spanbauer

Karl Spanbauer, CPA, brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the forefront of accounting innovation, specializing in the nonprofit sector. With a solid foundation of five years in public accounting as a dedicated nonprofit auditor, Karl has developed a keen eye for the unique financial and operational challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. This experience laid the groundwork for his current role as Controller at the Capital Area Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the Washington DC area. Beyond traditional accounting, Karl is a fervent advocate for the transformative power of technology in finance and accounting. He is an expert in process automation, leveraging cutting-edge Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other techniques to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and foster efficiency. Karl’s passion for technological innovation is matched by his commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others in the field. He has successfully implemented advanced automation solutions in his role as Controller, significantly reducing manual workload and enabling a focus on strategic initiatives. He also has an article published in the journal of accountancy. Outside of work, he is an avid chef, runner, and outdoorsman. As a fun fact, he used ChatGPT to help formulate this biography.

It’s easy to call changes in the way we work “unprecedented”, but the truth is that change is part of our nature as nonprofit organizations, and we must adapt to address and engage with the environment around us. Join us for a riveting and lively debate between two experienced accounts about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats introduced by the influence of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit workplace. Our session will explore real-life case studies, opposing views, and inject some humor to make this an enjoyable, educational session. Our goal is that you will leave this session with confidence that you can handle the changes that our coming our way (and some that are already here) because of artificial intelligence.

Credits: 1.5 - Information Tech

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Lunch

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Data, data everywhere, but it’s doing nothing for me!

Heidi Haneberg, Nonprofit Industry Lead, Hartman Executive Advisors

Heidi Haneberg

Heidi is Hartman’s Nonprofit Industry Lead. She believes that technology can help organizations advance their missions through process improvement and by creating efficiencies that can be leveraged on mission critical initiatives. In her role, she strategically engages with Hartman clients to identify and advise on business innovation opportunities. She leads a team that works with mission-oriented organizations that help humanity, industries, regions and professions solidify their IT operations to allow them to effectively serve their stakeholders and meet their objectives. Heidi brings more than 30 years of experience helping nonprofits meet their missions through strategy, execution and cultural alignment. She has worked in association management companies, stand-alone nonprofits, corporations, and technology companies serving nonprofits, and has held roles in almost every operational aspect of nonprofit organizations. With her background, Heidi can relate to the challenges faced by nonprofits, and it is her passion to help organizations fulfill their missions, serve their stakeholders, and meet their objectives. Most recently, Heidi was the CEO at Sidecar, a community for mission-driven professionals. Prior to that, she has guided many nonprofit organizations, from small to large and national to global in scope. Highlights include the National Association for Educational Procurement (NAEP), the Audio Visual and Integrated Experiences Association (AVIXA) and the AVIXA Foundation, and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Heidi has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Commercial Recreation and Business Administration from Central Michigan University. She is a Certified Association Executive, Six-Sigma Yellow Belt, and Design Thinking Master Designer.

Nonprofit executives stand at the intersection of data and engagement, where harnessing the potential of data is key to attracting and retaining donors and supporters. Most of those same executives are challenged with getting access to timely, trustworthy and actionable data insights to help them understand and deliver increased value to their constituents. Often the barriers are many and various – data is scattered, poor quality, or too stale to be relevant. Analysis is labor intensive, and results are not fully understood or not trusted. This session will go into detail on how nonprofit leaders can move from frustration to forward momentum in resolving the challenges and becoming a data driven organization that confidently uses data insights to identify areas for improvement, streamlined operations, and better allocated resources.

Credits: 1.5 - Information Tech

This session is available to registrants only.

- Hot Issues in Employment Law

Jeffrey Pargament, Attorney, Pargament & Hallowell

Jeffrey Pargament

Jeffrey J. Pargament received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Upon graduation from Cornell, he commenced employment with the National Labor Relations Board as a Field Examiner in Washington, D.C., where, for five years, he investigated and resolved unfair labor practice charges, served as a hearing officer, and conducted union elections. Mr. Pargament graduated from the George Washington University National Law Center. He has practiced labor and employment law since 1985. He commenced his legal career with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld and is currently is a partner with Pargament & Hallowell, PLLC. Mr. Pargament has represented national and local clients on matters covering the spectrum of labor and employment law, including employment discrimination issues, wage and hour claims, union management relations, employee handbooks and policy manuals, harassment issues, workers’ compensation, drug and alcohol testing, unemployment insurance, and affirmative action plans. Mr. Pargament also conducts training programs and employment law audits to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Mr. Pargament has performed legal services for a cross section of clients including, but not limited to, hospitals, nursing centers, financial institutions, security companies, trade associations, government contractors, casinos, hotels, retail establishments, traveling entertainment shows, real estate companies, temporary staffing agencies, construction companies, and transportation firms. Mr. Pargament frequently lectures to employers, business groups and clients on a variety of labor and employment law subjects. He also served as an adjunct professor for Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Mr. Pargament is admitted to the bar in Maryland and the District of Columbia, as well as numerous state and federal courts. He previously served as the Board Chair for the Maryland Hospital Association. Mr. Pargament also served as a Trustee for the Adventist HealthCare Board where he served on the Strategic Planning Committee. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Development Committee for the Charles E. Smith Life Communities.

For over 20 years, Attorney Jeffrey Pargament has provided an employment law update to GWSCPA. This year the focus will be on new employee rights and protections, anticipated changes to employment laws, and how to minimize employment law claims. Join us for this informative and fast-paced presentation from a speaker who consistently receives top marks from the GWSCPA membership.

Attendees will learn recent developments in employment law, anticipated changes in the laws, and tips for avoiding employment law claims.

Credits: 1.5 - Business Law

This session is available to registrants only.

- How Much Should you Hold In Reserve? Challenges and Opportunities in Sizing Your Operating + Investment Portfolios

Mark Murphy, Chief Investment Officer, Raffa Wealth Management, LLC

Mark Murphy

As Raffa Investment Adviser’s Chief Investment Officer, I support all areas of the firm’s analytical and due diligence processes, and serve as a primary portfolio?manager for our nonprofit and association clients. I have two decades of financial services experience, and I’ve been with Raffa Investment Advisers since 2010. Prior to Raffa, I was a Senior Account Executive at CapitalSource Finance, LLC, where I managed a portfolio of commercial real estate loans. My responsibilities included financial analysis and due diligence in support of overall strategy recommendations. I started my career as an Investment Performance Analyst at Cambridge Associates, LLC, where I was responsible for performing a variety of research and analytical functions, including the effect of asset allocation and security selection on risk and return. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, I earned the right to use the CFA designation after meeting the CFA Institute’s educational and professional requirements. The CFA designation is globally recognized and attests to a charterholder’s success in a rigorous and comprehensive study program in the field of investment management and research analysis. I’m a member of the CFA Society of Washington D.C. and an investment adviser representative of Raffa. I’ve spoken on issues impacting nonprofit & association investing for the following organizations: the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), BoardSource, Association TRENDS, and the Finance and Administration Roundtable (FAR). I graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and concentrations in Accounting and Finance.

Jordan Forney, Principal | Wealth Advisor, Bernstein

Jordan Forney

Jordan L. Forney is a Principal and Wealth Advisor in Bernstein’s Washington, DC, office. His practice is focused on advising the nonprofit community, including membership associations, advocacy organizations, foundations, and endowments. Jordan joined the firm in 2012. He is active in the DC community and serves in committee and board member capacities at Council for Court Excellence, KIPP DC, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Warrior Scholar Project. Jordan earned his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and his BA in economics from Yale University.

Christopher Clarkson, National Director, Bernstein

Christopher Clarkson

Mr. Clarkson is a Senior Vice President and the National Director of Planning for Bernstein’s Foundation and Institutional Advisory business. He works with donors and nonprofits nationwide to ensure their finances are best positioned to fulfill their philanthropic mission. He has expertise in a variety of complex investment planning issues, including charitable giving, selling a business, multigenerational wealth transfer, and diversification of concentrated stock and option portfolios. Mr. Clarkson is a frequent lecturer to groups of tax and legal professionals and charitable organizations throughout the western United States. He has given educational seminars for the Los Angeles Council of Charitable Gift Planners – Western Regional Planned Giving Conference, USC Tax Institute, Advisors in Philanthropy, Colorado Society of CPAs, Estate Planning Council of San Diego, Hawaii Tax Institute, and Greater Washington Society of CPAs. Mr. Clarkson joined the firm in 1995 and has been a member of the Wealth Strategies Group since 1998. He earned a BA with high honors in business/economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder.

Dennis Gogarty, President, Raffa Investment Advisers Raffa Investment Advisers

Dennis Gogarty

Dennis P. Gogarty is the President of Raffa Investment Advisers. Dennis launched his investment advisory career with Raffa Financial Services, Inc. in 2002 and co-founded Raffa Wealth Management in 2005. Since co-founding RWM, he has served as the firm’s President and lead investment adviser representative.

Dennis actively promotes the need for increased investment education and transparency. He is the founder of the Study on Nonprofit Investing (SONI), an annual study promoting access to information that allows nonprofits to benchmark their investment performance and policies with their peers.

Dennis has lectured on issues impacting nonprofit investing for the following organizations: the Council on Foundations, the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, the AICPA, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), BoardSource, and the Finance and Administration Roundtable (FAR). Dennis is a past Chairman of ASAE’s Finance and Business Operations Council. Additionally, he offered his knowledge and expertise to support local nonprofits as a committee member for organizations including St. John’s Community Services Foundation and StreetLaw.

Dennis completed the Certificate in Financial Planning program at the Georgetown University Center for Continuing and Professional Education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University. Dennis is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and an investment adviser representative of Raffa Wealth Management, LLC.

A good practice for all nonprofit organizations is to have an “emergency fund” in reserve to cover a potential shortfall of revenues versus expenses. A cushion can also be helpful if/when other spending needs arise. So, how much should your organization set aside? Our answer is: it depends. Each nonprofit is unique and can experience distinct unexpected circumstances that may affect their long-term financial health.

With that said, experts from Raffa Investment Advisers and Bernstein Private Wealth Management are here to help. They will lead a discussion on how to think about your reserves in the context of today’s operating environment and while factoring in the financial risks and opportunities of your organization. Specifically, the team will:

• Present a benchmarking study on how organizations size their reserves
• Discuss today’s capital markets/macroeconomic environment and its impact on reserves
• Provide a framework of how to evaluate financial risks of your organization
• Share case studies in how they have supported their nonprofit clients size their reserves
• Outline best practices related to reserves/investment policy and asset allocation

All of this is to be shared in an effort to provide actionable insights for audience members to support their organizations in prudent financial decision-making now and into the future.

Credits: 1.5 - Finance

This session is available to registrants only.

- Strategic Planning and Fiscal Sustainability for Finance Leaders

A. Michael Gellman, CFSO, Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits, LLC

A. Michael Gellman

A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, is an independent Fiscal and Financial Strategist for Nonprofit Organizations and a co-founding principal partner for Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits, LLC and co-founder for Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits an open access source of fiscal, financial, legal and governance information for nonprofit organizations. Mr. Gellman’s primary focus is helping legacy nonprofit organizations and new organizations build and achieve a sustainable and financially healthy future. Mr. Gellman was a former 20-year Shareholder for Rubino & Company, Chartered, CPA’s and Consultants. Mr. Gellman has more than 35 years’ experience in nonprofit fiscal, financial and accounting systems working as a chief financial, fiscal and management consultant where he has focused on specialized management and advisory services for trade and professional associations, public charities and NGOs (nongovernmental organizations). Mr. Gellman has also developed comprehensive budget and projection-based reporting systems in support of senior management and organizational leadership.

Mr. Gellman has been designing strategies and teaching budget and projection-based systems and fiscal and financial management systems for over 30 years. He has conducted numerous seminars and has written articles on budgeting, operating reserves and cash management guidelines, financial management, fiscal sustainability, leading economic indicators for nonprofits, and the impact on governance and transparency and accountability. Organizations and Institutions Mr. Gellman has spoken before including American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Greater Washington Society of CPA’s (GWSCPA’s), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Center for Nonprofit Advancement (CNA) and numerous nationally recognized nonprofit organizations. Mr. Gellman teaches at Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership and the McDonough School of Business and he teaches courses and has made presentations for DC Pro Bono Bar, Mayor’s Office District of Columbia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM), Various United Way Agencies, Volunteers of America, National Urban League, Nonprofit Legal, Finance and Grants Conference, United States Conference on Aids, various state CPA societies and many other nonprofit organizations.

Mr. Gellman has served as Chair of Greater Washington Society of CPA’s Not-For-Profit Committee and Chair of the Annual Not-For-Profit Organizations Symposium and is a Past President of the Greater Washington Society of CPA’s. He has also served on the Finance & Administration Section Council of the American Society of Association Executives and is serving on various nonprofit boards including B’nai B’rith International as the current Treasurer and the Greater Washington Society of CPA’s as President Emeritus.

Paul Preziotti, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP

Paul Preziotti

Paul Preziotti, CPA, is a Partner for the multi-office CPA firm, Johnson Lambert LLP. He is responsible for providing audit and consulting services to not-for-profit entities and employee benefit plans. He has significant experience serving as an advisor for organizations on a variety of issues including risk assessment, governance, compliance and internal control considerations. Paul received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor in International Business degrees from the University of Maryland, and he joined Johnson Lambert after graduating. He is a frequent speaker on audit and accounting topics at various industry conferences and seminars. He is an alumnus of the AICPA Leadership Academy, an honor for which less than 40 people are recognized nationally each year. He received the GWSCPA’s 2018 Outstanding Member in Public Practice Award for his contributions to the growth and enhancement of the accounting profession. Furthermore, he is a current member of the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Council and a past chair for the GWSCPA’s Nonprofit Finance & Accounting Symposium. Additionally, Paul serves as the Treasurer for St. John’s Community Services, a board member for the GWSCPA, a Finance Committee member for United Way of San Diego County and a member of the governance structure for the Radiation Effects Research Foundation Foundation.

Eighty-four percent of nonprofit CFOs say their organization needs to optimize tools, methods, and systems to better serve their mission*. As a finance leader, what steps can you and your team take to meet the needs of financial users (Boards, volunteer leadership, senior management, and staff), accomplish more, and make this fiscal year the most successful? One first step? Examine whether the tactics, financial communications, and tools your finance department team uses are effective and are enhancing financial reporting, day-to-day accounting and financial messaging, and meeting important fiscal and financial compliance regulations and requirements This session will explore ways to enhance visibility, financial communications, accountability, improve management of financial resources, and optimize the impact of financial reporting and messaging.

Credits: 1.5 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- 2024 Revised Uniform Guidance – How the changes will impact NFP Organizations and their Audits

Lee Klumpp, National Assurance Partner, BDO

Lee Klumpp

Lee Klumpp is a Professional Practice Principal with BDO and has more than 30 years of experience serving the nonprofit, healthcare and government industries. Lee completed a two-year Fellowship with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in Norwalk, CT. During his fellowship, he led the FASB’s project to reexamine existing standards for financial statement presentation by nonprofit entities, focusing on improving the net asset classification requirements and information provided in financial statements and notes about liquidity, financial performance, and cash flows. He also focused on various FASB agenda projects and emerging practice issues that focused on nonprofit. Lee spends an extensive amount of time: ? Researching, writing, and disseminating information related to recent accounting and auditing pronouncements promulgated by the FASB, the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board, and others that provide guidance for the nonprofit and government industries. ? Providing consultation to BDO engagement teams and our Alliance firm network around the country on various financial, accounting, auditing, and reporting issues related to nonprofit and government organizations. Additionally, Lee provides assistance to our international offices on various topics and issues for their nonprofit and government clients with focus on foreign sub-recipients of funds from United States federal agencies. ? Preparing and presenting speeches, seminars, and webinars on various accounting, auditing, internal control, governance, financial reporting, and Single Audit issues and topics around the country. ? Lee is a national sought-after speaker, preparing and presenting speeches, seminars, and webinars on various accounting, auditing, internal control, governance, financial reporting, and Single Audit issues and other topics around the country. ? Lee has written many articles and white papers on various accounting, internal control and governance and been interviewed and published in several accounting and nonprofit media outlets as well as various other financial media outlets. Additionally, Lee is one of the authors of How To Read Nonprofit Financial Statements – A Practical Guide ? Lee has been a guest lecture at various intuitions of higher education such as George Mason University, University of Maryland, Yale University, Georgetown University.

Join us for an insightful session where we will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent revisions to 2 CFR Part 200, also known as Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). This course is designed specifically for CPAs and financial managers within Not-for-Profit organizations who are navigating the complexities of compliance with federal awards. The updates to the Uniform Guidance signify crucial changes that could affect your organization’s operational, financial, and audit procedures. Our session aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and adapt to these changes effectively.

Credits: 1 - Auditing (Governmental)

This session is available to registrants only.

- AI The Game Changer for Nonprofits

Evan Stelmachowicz, Data & AI Analytics, BDO

Evan Stelmachowicz

Evan is primarily a Data Visualization Specialist focused on Power BI development, but brings additional experience in developing Data Literacy Training, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence solutions, and Low-Code front-end Applications.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force, reshaping the way organizations operate, make decisions, and interact with their stakeholders. “AI: The Game Changer” is designed specifically for CFOs of nonprofit organizations. This course aims to demystify AI, offering an overview of its various types, significance, and the myriad ways it can revolutionize nonprofit operations. From enhancing marketing strategies and mitigating risks to optimizing financial reporting, AI promises to be a paradigm shift for the nonprofit sector. Participants will gain insights into the critical aspects of deploying AI, exploring its potential to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact.

Credits: 1.5 - Information Tech

This session is available to registrants only.

- Ask the tax experts

Laura Kalick, Owner, Kalick Law LLC

Laura Kalick

Laura Kalick is the founder of Kalick Law LLC. She has over 40 years of experience providing advice to nonprofit clients through her work in government and private practice. She has worked at the IRS National Office, the US Senate, as Tax Legislative Counsel to a senator on the Finance Committee, was the National Nonprofit and Healthcare Tax Consulting Director of BDO and Coopers & Lybrand (PwC) and practiced law with the firm of Arent Fox. Laura advises new and existing charities, private foundations, trade associations, hospitals and universities on tax, governance, transactions and structuring issues.

Lisa Heller, NP Tax Principal, GRF CPAs & Advisors

Lisa Heller

Lisa has over 25 years of experience working with tax-exempt organizations. Over the course of her career, she has helped countless exempt organizations with their tax compliance and advisory needs. As a subject matter expert in the field, she has worked with hospitals and healthcare organizations, research associations, private schools, social welfare organizations, membership and trade associations, public charities, and private foundations. She has also worked with small to midsized businesses and with individuals, which allows her to bridge the gap between tax-exempt organizations and for-profit operations. Lisa has extensive experience assisting clients with Form 990 and 990-T filings, exemption applications, IRS examinations, lobbying and political activities, unrelated business income analysis, taxable subsidiaries and related entities, private foundation excise tax matters, and COVID-19 tax relief provisions. Lisa frequently writes and speaks on topics relevant to the world of tax-exempt organizations. She is a past Chair of the GWSCPA Nonprofit Symposium (2020), and serves on the AICPA Exempt Organizations Tax Technical Resource Panel.

Michael Sorrells, Owner, EO Tax Services LLC

Michael Sorrells

Mike recently retired from RSM US where he served as a Tax Senior Director. Prior to that, he was National Director of Nonprofit Tax Services for BDO USA for more that 15 years. He has provided tax consulting services to a wide spectrum of tax-exempt organizations including colleges and universities, hospitals, national & international charities, trade associations, & private foundations. He currently is providing tax compliance and consultation through EO Tax Services LLC. Mike’s expertise and experience include:Federal and state compliance for nonprofits;Large, complex multi-entity organizations including related corporations, partnerships and PACs, Analysis, planning and calculation of unrelated business income including income from advertising, Debt-financed property and alternative investments, Lobbying and political activity, IRS examinations, Exemption applications, reinstatements and exempt status issues, State and local tax consultation and compliance. Mike frequently writes and speaks on a variety of issues affecting tax-exempt organizations. He has been a regular presenter at nonprofit industry conferences such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) National Nonprofit Industry Conference, the Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants (GWSCPA) Nonprofit Symposium, the Higher Education Tax Institute, the Washington Nonprofit Tax Institute, and many state CPA society meetings.
Professional affiliations and credentials: Certified public accountant, Maryland and Virginia, GWSCPA, past president, nonprofit section member and emeritus board member, AICPA, former national council member Education: Bachelor of Arts, history/government and politics, University of Maryland.

Back by popular demand! Do you have a burning 990 or exempt organization tax question?  Ask it here and allow our experts to weigh in on the matter. Join our panel of seasoned tax experts to gain insights on your most pressing tax questions as we cover the latest tax regulations, compliance strategies, and effective tax planning techniques for your organization. During this session, the panel will answer questions from previous sessions that were not addressed, as well as new questions from participants.

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

- Building Your Grant Compliance Team

Rachel Werner, Principal, MyFedTrainer

Rachel Werner

Rachel Werner is the Principal at MyFedTrainer, a leading national compliance training consulting firm, and is the Owner and CEO of RBW Strategy, a grants consulting firm located in the Washington, DC Metro area. Rachel began her career as a New York City public-school teacher which parlayed into a two-decade career of work in the public sector in both grant writing and grant management roles with public, nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She and her team at MyFedTrainer offer compliance training to groups and individuals to ensure they can manage the complexities of federal grant awards and offer grant management consulting through MyFedTrainer and its affiliation with RBW Strategy. She graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor’s in Arts and received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service. She has also obtained a Certificate in Grants Management (2012), is a certified Project Management Professional (since 2014) and is a Certified Grants Professional (since 2010), and Grant Professionals Association Approved Trainer.

In this session, we’ll break down the different federal grants compliance requirements and identify the specific “department” that they should fall under. It is important to establish a culture of compliance, and resource allocation is a critical piece. Even if your organization already receives federal grant funding or is new to grants, there are updated requirements and expectations to ensure you maintain compliance and ensure accountability. It doesn’t matter if you are a one-person office, or are part of a larger department; the same rules apply.

Credits: 0.5 - Auditing (Governmental)

Credits: 0.5 - Accounting (Governmental)

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Don't Panic: Change is Inevitable. Strategies for Success.

Heather Johnson, Partner, Han Group LLC

Heather Johnson

Heather has been providing client accounting services to nonprofits for over 25 years. She enjoys serving her clients as a trusted business advisor by implementing best practices surrounding closing and reporting processes. Heather is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in nonprofit accounting best practices, US GAAP, and AICPA Standards.

Nancy Johnson, Partner, Han Group LLC

Nancy Johnson

Nancy provides audit, tax, and advisory services to nonprofits. Nancy has worked with nonprofits of all types and sizes for over 30 years in Washington, DC and Maryland. Nancy currently serves as Treasurer for the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences at NIH and is passionate about supporting nonprofits.

In this session, we’ll address the challenges and considerations involved in transitioning the controller role in not-for-profit organizations, catering to both executives facing a controller’s departure and incoming controllers stepping into the role. We’ll provide guidance and practical strategies for executives to facilitate smooth transitions and for incoming controllers to navigate the handover process effectively. Topics covered include essential questions to ask, key information and documents to request, risk identification and mitigation, and best practices for managing transitions in not-for-profit finance.

Credits: 1 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

- Financial sustainability strategies for nonprofit organizations

Taylor Powell, Director, CliftonLarsonAllen

Taylor Powell

Taylor is a Director in CLA’s DC nonprofit practice serving clients as a consulting CFO. Taylor has fifteen years’ experience in accounting and finance and leverages these skills to assist clients in financial modeling and reporting, operational efficiency, performance management, risk management, and financial statement preparation. Additionally, Taylor has worked alongside of dozens of non-profit organizations of all sectors and sizes, from associations to philanthropies and social clubs alike.

Julien Decosimo, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen

Julien Decosimo

Julien is a Nonprofit Principal CLA’s DC nonprofit practice. He provides seamlessly integrated professional services to the nonprofit industry. Julien is a strategic resource to the clients he serves advising on the optimal resolution of accounting and tax matters and providing general business and compliance advice. Julien has over 17 years of experience providing financial advice and strategies to the nonprofit organizations. He engages with the nonprofit industry through participation with GWSCPA, FAR, ASAE, and other organizations. Julien frequently presents and writes on topics important to nonprofit leaders and industry partners.

Ji Yong Shin, Engagement Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen

Ji Yong Shin

Alex is a Manager in CLA’s DC Nonprofit Assurance practice. Alex has several years of public accounting experience serving the nonprofit industry. Alex has a special focus on providing audit, tax, and business advisory services to a wide array of associations, foundations, and other exempt organizations. He has profound knowledge of business operations and the financial statements of the nonprofit industry.

We’ll explore the critical aspects of financial sustainability for nonprofit organizations. We’ll delve into strategies for long-term financial planning. This includes identifying business lines, mapping programs based on impact and profitability to set strategy. Using that information to developing strategic imperatives based on mission and strategic goals. We will cover leveraging the budgeting process to fund and achieve strategic goals. Additionally, we’ll discuss strategies for creating operating and capital reserves, assessing risk, and engaging the board in key decisions. Join us to learn practical steps for enhancing your nonprofit’s financial resilience and impact.

Attendees with learn:
1. Strategies for Long-Term Financial Planning
2. Strategies to Increase Profitability and Impact
3. Assessing Risks That Could Impact Financial Stability
4. Building and Managing Reserves
5. Board Engagement and Transparency

Credits: 1 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

- For-Profit Tax Considerations for Non-Profits

Jason Hofberg, Tax Principal, BDO

Jason Hofberg

Jason brings more than 14 years of public accounting experience to this engagement. He has significant experience in the non-profit, technology, manufacturing sectors, serving both publicly traded companies and closely held corporations as well as large, multi-national nonprofits. He has managed and performed tax and advisory services in the areas of accounting for income tax, international tax, research and development credits, and mergers and acquisitions. Jason has experience with ASC 740 – Accounting for Income Taxes through his work with large, publicly traded audit clients – most of which are international and undergo frequent mergers and acquisitions. Jason is active in the local non-profit community and currently services as Board President of Arts on the Block, whose mission is the teaching of transferable job skills to low income, high risk youth, through art.

The session will focus on Tax Strategy for non-profit’s in the for-profit space or looking to enter the for-profit space. The session will go through the life cycle of a for-profit investment, including considerations, benefits, and pitfalls.

Attendees will learn: 1. Overview of a For Profit Subsidiary 2. GAAP Considerations of a for profit Subsidiary 3. Non-profit transfer pricing considerations 4. Using case studies, attendees will learn about the benefits and pitfalls of investing in for-profit subs

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

- Internal Controls: Your Blueprint for Maintaining Accountability of Your Federal Grants

Rachel Werner, Principal, MyFedTrainer

Rachel Werner

Rachel Werner is the Principal at MyFedTrainer, a leading national compliance training consulting firm, and is the Owner and CEO of RBW Strategy, a grants consulting firm located in the Washington, DC Metro area. Rachel began her career as a New York City public-school teacher which parlayed into a two-decade career of work in the public sector in both grant writing and grant management roles with public, nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She and her team at MyFedTrainer offer compliance training to groups and individuals to ensure they can manage the complexities of federal grant awards and offer grant management consulting through MyFedTrainer and its affiliation with RBW Strategy. She graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor’s in Arts and received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service. She has also obtained a Certificate in Grants Management (2012), is a certified Project Management Professional (since 2014) and is a Certified Grants Professional (since 2010), and Grant Professionals Association Approved Trainer.

Since 2020, nonprofit and governmental organizations have received unprecedented federal government funding (peaking at over $1 Trillion). There are new federal grant recipients, sub-recipients, and contractors entering the space and trying to figure out how to manage the complex federal grant requirements. This process can seem daunting and complicated, and many do not understand where to start, what resources to use, and how best to manage these funds (and avoid audit findings). In this session, we’ll discuss the importance of internal controls and provide a step-by-step process for integrating them into your organization.

Credits: 1 - Accounting (Governmental)

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Fraud Avengers: Assembling Industry Experts to Defeat Scams

Fraud can encompass waste and abuse, improper payments, money laundering, terrorist financing, public security, cybersecurity issues as well as reputational risk. Fraud is often perpetrated through synthetic identities, customer account takeover, nefarious applications, digital payments and authentication, procurement policies, weak oversight, and other financial crimes. 

The major topics that will be covered include:
• Factors contributing to an environment for fraud to occur. 
• Eliminate lax oversight and weak internal controls.
• The fraud detection and prevention technology that you should choose.
• Describe the issues companies should look for in preventing fraud and embezzlement.
• The fraud happened, what now? Ways to get your money back.
• Early detection and prevention of network intrusion and email takeover.
• Examine recent events involving theft of money and circumstances that allowed the fraud to occur.  

Credits: 1 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

- Is Your Company Worth Quitting For? A Self-Assessment

Brittney Gordon, Director of Business Development, The Alliance Group

Brittney Gordon

Brittney Gordon, CPA is the Director of Business Development at The Alliance Brittney is the Director of Business Development at The Alliance Group and has led the firm’s non-profit practice since 2017, in addition to serving clients in the Fortune 500, private companies, and multinational firms. In her role, Brittney provides executives with access to a range of talent solutions including consulting, advisory, executive search, and interim staffing. Brittney is also on the Board of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA) and began her career in public accounting at EY where she developed a passion for client service and strategizing around business challenges. She is an active member of GWSCPA, AICPA, NVTC, ACG, and NACD.

Ed Barrow, Managing Partner, The Alliance Group

Ed Barrow

Ed is one of the founding partners of The Alliance Group and leads our firm’s non-profit executive search practice. Ed has over 25 years of experience placing financial executives with trade associations, charitable organizations, and clients in the international development space, including federal funds recipients. He has a deep network in the nonprofit community and enjoys partnering with our client’s leadership teams to provide access to the industry’s top talent. As a former CPA he brings a strong technical understanding of the positions we place in our practice.

This presentation is designed to guide financial leaders in communicating the unique strengths of their organization to candidates in a way that attracts and retains top talent. In this session we discuss how to best showcase your organization’s strengths to candidates throughout the interview process, how to execute competitive onboarding, and strategies for talent retention. Attendees can expect a conversational presentation with practical takeaways and best practices they can implement at their organizations immediately, which will help them to attract and retain one of their most important assets: their talent.

Credits: 1 - Personnel/HR

This session is available to registrants only.

- Navigating Nonprofit Policies: The Recipe for Success

Lawren Gewecke, Director | Outsourced CFO, Vault Consulting, LLC

Lawren Gewecke

As a practical and highly responsive Director, Lawren maintains client satisfaction through her transparent communication and consistent engagement with nonprofit association contacts. Throughout a partnership, Lawren gains the trust of clients with her unquestionable honesty and a commitment to going above and beyond to meet client needs. Lawren brings 11 years of expansive accounting experience, from generating financial statements to federal grant management, to her role on the Vault team. Lawren pursued a career in accounting because of her natural aptitude for math and her love of uncovering patterns. It is her communication capabilities, however, that make her stand out as an effective Director for multiple client engagements. Lawren excels at translating debits and credits to meaningful business insights which allow nonprofit organizations to see tangible financial improvements. Her attentiveness and dedication to her clients make her an invaluable part of their team. When Lawren isn’t accounting, she enjoys sweating it out at hot yoga classes. She also finds escapes from the nonprofit world’s most challenging accounting problems in reading romance or fiction novels and taking walks in the DMV area where she lives with her husband. Lawren holds her CPA in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is a two-time graduate from American University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus in Accounting and Marketing as an undergraduate, and Master of Science in Accounting in her post-graduate education.

Catherine Robbins, Senior Director, Vault Consulting, LLC

Catherine Robbins

Catherine Robbins has more than 20 years of experience serving the nonprofit industry in the outsourced accounting practice group. Her responsibilities include the management and preparation of financial statements, analysis of financial statement variances, compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, financial projections and cash management, federal and non-federal grant reporting and compliance, budgeting, tax compliance and planning for unrelated business income tax. She also provides other consulting services including the design and implementation of accounting policies and procedures, payroll processing, investment procedures, various CFO services, as well as working with client executives to both prepare and present financial information to board members. Catherine assists tax-exempt organizations with their audit and tax preparation, and provides general business consulting relating to meeting registration processes and logistics, procedures and reconciliations. She is well versed in the various accounting and AMS packages in use by the nonprofit industry and thus helps clients with system selection, implementation, and training. She has assisted clients with a variety of special projects, including vendor selection RFPs, overhauling reporting and COAs, specialized assessments, and pension plan fund termination. Catherine graduated from The College of William & Mary where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She holds her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in the state of Virginia. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She is currently pursuing the AICPA Nonprofit Certificate II and enjoys serving on the boards of several local nonprofit groups.

Good governance is like a recipe—carefully mixing the right ingredients, providing leadership, and following thoughtful policies. This session will do a deep dive into the essential policies and procedures that every nonprofit should have in place or be considering for implementation. Based on the increased scrutiny of nonprofit organizations and updated 990 inquiries on governance and policies we will share generic examples of the best policies for each nonprofit to consider. We would partner with members of IT outsourced organizations and audit firms to explore the principles and practices that contribute to effective nonprofit management through policy adoption and compliance.

Credits: 1 - Business Mgt & Org

This session is available to registrants only.

- Nexus: what nonprofits need to know

Matthew Piatt, Manager, Tax Specialty Practice, Wipfli LLP

Matthew Piatt

Matt Piatt is a manager in Wipfli’s state and local tax (SALT) practice and has broad experience across various industries and SALT topics. He has worked in various SALT roles for Big Four accounting firms and a large law firm. During this time, he gained substantial experience advising large and mid-size companies in a variety of industries on SALT compliance, consulting, and controversy matters. Matt is passionate about helping businesses and their owners solve problems by providing practical, plain language advice on complex SALT issues.

Most nonprofit leaders have heard of “nexus”, but many do not know if and how it applies to their organization. If your organization hosts virtual fundraising events, engages in business across multiple states, or has funds generated from non-mission aligned activities, you should have a deeper understanding of nexus. In this session, we will discuss real-world examples of nexus issues nonprofits have experienced, as well as provide an overview of nexus in the context of sales tax, income tax, and gross receipts/franchise/minimum tax as it pertains to nonprofits.

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

Non-Member Price $925.00

Member Price $825.00