Seminar
Happening now
Excel Power Skills for Smarter Reporting
Sharpen the Excel techniques that drive faster, clearer, and more reliable reporting. This upcoming online conference focuses on practical, power‑user skills to help you build smarter reports, streamline workflows, and communicate insights with confidence—all from the convenience of a live...
Presented in partnership with Oklahoma Society of CPAs, New Mexico CPA Foundation, Montana Society of CPAs, Georgia Society of CPAs, Iowa Society of CPAs, Washington Society of CPAs, Kentucky Society of CPAs, Mississippi Society of CPAs, Alabama Society of CPAs, Alaska Society of CPAs, Connecticut Society of CPAs, Illinois CPA Society, Indiana CPA Society, Massachusetts Society of CPAs, Nebraska Society of CPAs, Oregon Society of CPAs, Society of Louisiana CPAs, K2 Enterprises.
On the agenda
7 sessions across 4 days, taught by Brian Tankersley and Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland — see the full agenda ↓
About this event
Agenda
Select a day, then a class, for full details.
Day 1 Monday, August 10, 2026 3 sessions
Cybersecurity 2026 Defense for CPAs
7:00 – 10:55 AM · Stephen Yoss · 4 credits
In the modern financial landscape, the security of a CPA’s practice is defined by the strength of their identity management and the resilience of their workflows. In 2026, the distinction between office and remote work has faded, as the cloud serves as our universal workspace. However, this borderless environment has increased the success of persistent threats like Business Email Compromise (BEC), ransomware, and sophisticated social engineering. This course provides a comprehensive update on these fundamental risks, examining how traditional attacks have become more frequent and harder to detect through automation. We will analyze the intersection of established security principles and emerging technological challenges. This includes managing the confidentiality risks posed by staff using unauthorized AI tools for client work and understanding why the professional "minimum...
- Differentiate between current Business Email Compromise (BEC) and sophisticated social engineering tactics.
- Analyze the lifecycle of modern ransomware to implement more effective firm-wide defenses.
- Evaluate the confidentiality risks associated with using unsanctioned AI tools in accounting.
- Apply Zero Trust principles to secure client data in a cloud-based environment.
- Detect how automated tools are currently being used to supercharge traditional cyberattacks.
K2's Top PDF Features You Should Know
9:30 – 11:32 AM · Stephen Yoss · 2 credits
Are you tired of struggling with PDFs? Unlock the full potential of Adobe Acrobat and other PDF tools to make working with PDF files a breeze. Join our course and discover how to use powerful features such as PDF forms, redaction, converting PDFs to Word and Excel files, and electronic signatures. You'll also learn how to create and apply tick marks, build indices, catalogs, and portfolios, and secure your PDF documents to the fullest. As the popularity and usefulness of PDFs continue to grow, many users still haven't learned how to manipulate these documents effectively. Don't let this be you! Join us for this timely session and learn the top features necessary to optimize your work with PDF documents. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to efficiency!
- Identify procedures to reorganize and manipulate PDF documents – including applying bookmarks – to meet specific needs
- Compare examples of how to create and distribute PDF forms and automate the process of collecting and summarizing form response data
- Identify ways to markup and edit PDF documents, including applying tick marks
- Distinguish between options for securing PDF documents and facilitating electronic approvals and signatures
- Compare options for converting PDF documents to Word and Excel files
K2's Small Business Accounting Solutions
12:00 – 2:00 PM · Brian Tankersley · 2 credits
The landscape of small business accounting constantly changes, and K2's Small Business Accounting is your essential guide to navigating these changes. This course focuses on the most effective accounting solutions and supplementary tools for today's small businesses. We explore robust, user-friendly software options, from industry staples like QuickBooks Online and Xero to emerging Cloud-based platforms and add-ons. The course helps you understand how these tools can streamline financial management for businesses with annual revenues up to $15 million. You will gain insights into the latest advancements, integration capabilities, and how to maximize efficiency and accuracy in small businesses.
- Catalog the leading accounting solutions tailored for small businesses
- Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of various accounting tools in the small business context
- Understand the role of add-ons in enhancing accounting software functionalities
- Develop strategies for selecting and implementing the most appropriate accounting solutions for small business clients
Day 2 Tuesday, August 11, 2026 1 session
Database Basics for Financial Professionals
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Stephen Yoss · 4 credits
In today's digital age, databases have become the backbone of every business technology, application, platform, and service. Every system relies on databases to store and organize information, from financial records in Quickbooks and Xero to sales efforts in Salesforce and Hubspot. Popular reporting tools like Power BI and Excel utilize databases to create beautiful, insightful dashboards. Despite the widespread use and importance of databases, many financial professionals lack a basic understanding of how they operate. Traditionally, working with databases has been delegated to an organization's IT department, leaving the accounting team out of scope. However, in today's technology-driven environment, accountants need to have a basic understanding of how databases work and the ability to query data independently. Our database basics course focuses on the knowledge most helpful...
Day 3 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 1 session
K2's Excel Best Practices
9:30 AM – 5:04 PM · Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland · 8 credits
In the ever-evolving world of spreadsheets, staying ahead means mastering the latest and best techniques. Join our comprehensive program and dive deep into the best practices for creating, editing, and auditing Excel workbooks. You'll learn how to secure your workbooks, collaborate seamlessly with others, and effectively report data. Today's Excel best practices are a far cry from those of the past. This "must-see" CPE program will equip you with the knowledge to work smarter, not harder. Our course materials are packed with relevant examples to enhance your learning experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to fully utilize Excel and elevate your skills to new heights.
- Distinguish critical spreadsheet design fundamentals
- Use Excel’s Table feature as a foundational component of spreadsheets
- Differentiate between the three different methods for consolidating data
- Apply four techniques for sharing an Excel workbook and collaborating with others
- Identify different practices for auditing and error-checking Excel workbooks, including Trace Precedents, Trace Dependents, and Formula Auditing
Day 4 Thursday, August 13, 2026 2 sessions
K2's Data Analytics For Accountants And Auditors
7:00 – 10:44 AM · Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland · 4 credits
In today's world of "Big Data," every business professional is a data analyst to some extent. This is especially true for auditors, who increasingly rely on data analytics to identify situations that require follow-up and investigation. Those who master the tools and techniques for thorough data analysis can achieve superior results in less time. Join our dynamic session to unlock the full potential of data analytics! You'll explore various tools and techniques, including Excel, multiple Excel add-ins, and Microsoft's Power BI application. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or dive deeper into the world of data analytics, this course is designed for you. Our expert instructors will guide you through practical, real-world examples, ensuring you grasp the key concepts and apply them effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your data analysis skills and stay...
- Compare the four types of data analytics and identify situations in which each can be useful in auditing environments
- Identify opportunities to use features in Excel to analyze data in the context of auditing
- Distinguish between Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Differentiate between correlation and causation
- Compare examples of how Power Query, Power BI, and other tools can streamline and enhance Data Analytics
K2’s Excel’s Best New Features
11:30 AM – 1:17 PM · Tommy Stephens · 2 credits
With recent Excel updates provided through Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscriptions, Office 2021, and Office 2024 Microsoft continues to pack new features into the popular spreadsheet tool. More recent Excel versions offer enhanced data analysis tools, new functions, and improved collaboration opportunities. For those who know about these new features and apply them, exciting opportunities for improved productivity await. So, take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to use Excel’s best new features! Summary Description Microsoft continues to add new features to Excel at a breakneck pace. Dynamic Arrays, XLOOKUP, Power Query, and collaboration and commenting tools can improve productivity and efficiency. Learn about these features – and others – in this session.
Your instructors
Brian Tankersley
Speaker & Author · K2 Enterprises · ★ 4.5 instructor rating
Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). He has also served as the technology editor for a major accounting industry publication. Mr. Tankersley has over 25 years of...
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Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland
Speaker & Author · K2 Enterprises · ★ 4.5 instructor rating
Mac McClelland, an attorney and accounting professional, is an associate of K2 Enterprises of Hammond, Louisiana, and Network Management Group of Hutchinson, Kansas. Mac was formerly the director of the Centre for Financial Studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he lived and worked for seven years from 1990 to 1997. He was also a member of the faculty of the Advanced Business...
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Stephen Yoss
Speaker & Author · CPE Today · ★ 4.7 instructor rating
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, MS, is a certified public accountant, partner and CEO of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, a and a licensed pyrotechnician. While his interests and skills are varied, they all share a common thread—his love for and skill in finding technology-based solutions. In 2017, Stephen and Alex White formed Devmatics, LLC, a company focused on helping...
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Tommy Stephens
Partner · K2 Enterprises · ★ 4.6 instructor rating
Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. In 1995, Tommy began...
Full profile →Co-sponsored with your state society
We're proud to co-sponsor this event with the societies below. Society members: register through your state society to receive special member pricing — check your society's CPE catalog or member portal for this event, or register directly with us here.
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What attendees say about these sessions
Every event runs once, so these are verified reviews from past attendees of the individual sessions on this agenda — the same instruction, the same courses.
“Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Steve's knowledge and manner. The course was very helpful and kept me very engaged. Appreciate all the tips and recommendations. Scheduling more classes soon! Eva”
“Steve has a solid understanding of data security which is great!”
“I always enjoy Excel courses presented by Tommy. Thank you very much!”
“Learned some useful features of Excel. Thanks!”
“Randy was very knowledgeable about the different accounting software. Really learned a lot.”
“I appreciate the thoroughness of this instructor in instruction and support materials. It was a great session. Thank you.”
“Randy did a great job on this one. He had information on each software and took just the extra minute to dive in a little deeper and present the pros and cons in a very useful way. Loved it!”
“Great presentation showing you how to use the tools that were discussed.”
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