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Firm Optimization: Tools for Smarter Operations

★★★★☆ 4.3 · 149 attendee ratings across these sessions

Firm Optimization: Tools for Smarter Operations is a four‑day live online conference designed to help accounting and finance teams work more efficiently, manage data more intelligently, and reduce operational risk. This program focuses on the tools and strategies that drive modern firm...

DatesOct 12–15, 2026 (Pacific Time)
CPE CreditsUp to 22
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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, Virginia Society of CPAs, Minnesota Society of CPAs, Mississippi Society of CPAs, Alabama Society of CPAs, Connecticut Society of CPAs, Illinois CPA Society, Indiana CPA Society, Nebraska Society of CPAs, Society of Louisiana CPAs, K2 Enterprises.

About this event

Firm Optimization: Tools for Smarter Operations is a four‑day live online conference designed to help accounting and finance teams work more efficiently, manage data more intelligently, and reduce operational risk. This program focuses on the tools and strategies that drive modern firm performance—data governance, secure information management, advanced analytics, and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. If your goal is to streamline workflows and make better decisions, this conference delivers practical guidance you can apply immediately. Across seven expert‑led sessions, you’ll build skills in data transformation, database fundamentals, Power BI reporting, privacy and risk controls, and Excel proficiency for staff‑level effectiveness. You’ll also uncover hidden productivity features in Microsoft 365 that can save hours each week. Taught by Lawrence A. “Mac” McClelland, Stephen Yoss, and Tommy Stephens, the event offers actionable insights for firms aiming to modernize operations—while earning up to 22 CPE credits.

Agenda

Select a day, then a class, for full details.

Day 1 Monday, October 12, 2026 2 sessions
Data Government and Privacy For Organizations - GDPR and CCPA Data Government and Privacy For Organizations - GDPR and CCPA 7:00 – 9:00 AM · Stephen Yoss · 2 credits
Stephen Yoss Taught by Stephen Yoss · ★ 4.7
Information Technology2 CPE creditsLiveHero
Connect, Transform, and Analyze Data Like a Pro with Power Query Connect, Transform, and Analyze Data Like a Pro with Power Query 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Stephen Yoss · 4 credits

In today's data-driven environment, financial professionals are expected not only to analyze numbers but to transform them into actionable insights. This course offers a deep dive into the practical applications of Power Query in both Excel and Power BI, tailored for those who already have a foothold in financial data analysis. Participants will learn how to streamline their data preparation process, saving time and reducing errors by automating the tedious tasks of connecting to various data sources, combining datasets, and cleaning up data for more efficient analysis. As the backbone of any insightful report or dashboard, clean and well-structured data is a must. This course goes beyond the basics, equipping attendees with the skills to create custom columns and perform advanced data transformations that lead to more meaningful financial reports. By the end of the sessions,...

Stephen Yoss Taught by Stephen Yoss · ★ 4.7
Specialized Knowledge4 CPE creditsLiveHero
Day 2 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 2 sessions
An Accountant's Detailed Guide to Databases, Integration, and Data Sharing An Accountant's Detailed Guide to Databases, Integration, and Data Sharing 7:00 – 9:00 AM · Stephen Yoss · 2 credits

Every business professional today needs to know how to work with data. We are all generating more and more data every day. However, only some of us know how it can be effectively leveraged. There are many new opportunities for people who can effectively work with data. From helping their organizations make better decisions to working more effectively on projects to creating integration between applications and automating workflows. This course will take a longer and more in-depth look at how to use databases, structure data for optimum workflow, and share data between applications. This course teaches you how to effectively use Excel, Power BI, SQL, and other data-related technologies. You'll also discover how to integrate and share data between different applications. By the end of this course, you'll be able to utilize databases more effectively and make better decisions based...

You'll learn to:
  • Discuss how to use databases and data-related technologies inside an organization.
  • Explain the central principles of databases, including data structure, keys/constraints, and cardinality.
  • Demonstrate how to connect to a database via Excel Power Query functionality and database management tools (e.g. SSMS, DBeaver, etc.)
  • List the major types of database technologies and their major use cases.
  • Discuss and demonstrate how an Integration-Platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS) tool is used in conjunction with a database to push and pull data throughout an organization.
Stephen Yoss Taught by Stephen Yoss · ★ 4.7
Information Technology2 CPE creditsLiveHero
Practical Advice for Preventing Organizational Data Breaches Practical Advice for Preventing Organizational Data Breaches 9:30 – 11:30 AM · Stephen Yoss · 2 credits

In an era where generative AI and deepfake technology have revolutionized the precision of social engineering, the risk profile for professional service firms has shifted dramatically. Financial practitioners are no longer just defending against generic "spam"; they are now targets of highly coordinated attacks designed to exploit the specific trust and authority inherent in the CPA-client relationship. This course breaks down the anatomy of a modern breach—from ransomware extortion to sophisticated supply chain vulnerabilities—and provides a practical roadmap for securing a small-to-mid-sized firm without an enterprise-level IT budget. Moving beyond simple firewall conversations, participants will explore the transition to a "Zero Trust" environment and the implementation of high-security protocols like passkeys and FIDO2 authentication. We will examine the increased regulatory...

Stephen Yoss Taught by Stephen Yoss · ★ 4.7
Information Technology2 CPE creditsLiveHero
Day 3 Wednesday, October 14, 2026 1 session
K2's Excel Essentials for Staff Accountants K2's Excel Essentials for Staff Accountants 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland · 8 credits

Staff accountants often face unique challenges when working with Excel, and their existing knowledge might not always meet their needs. This comprehensive eight-hour session is designed to bridge that gap and empower you with the essential skills to maximize efficiency and accuracy. Participate in this dynamic and engaging session, and you will learn how to: • Summarize data quickly and accurately • Generate stunning, professional reports • Create essential accounting calculations for depreciation, amortization, and interest We start with a quick overview of Excel best practices and dive into advanced topics like PivotTables, sophisticated formulas, Tables, formatting, and working with dates. Our course is packed with accounting-centric examples to reinforce key learning points. Plus, you'll enjoy a “laptop-friendly” environment with access to all demonstration files. This...

You'll learn to:
  • Identify five critical best practices associated with creating workbooks
  • Use PivotTables and PivotCharts to quickly summarize and present data without generating formulas
  • Select from functions such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, CHOOSE, XNPV, XIRR, PMT, IPMT, ACCRINT, and TRIM, when creating financially-oriented calculations in your worksheets
  • Use Tables from ranges of Excel data and identify the primary advantages of working with Tables
  • Apply formats quickly and efficiently to Excel reports and understand the importance of Styles
Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland Taught by Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland · ★ 4.5
Computer Software and Applications8 CPE creditsLiveHero
Day 4 Thursday, October 15, 2026 2 sessions
K2's The Best Kept Secrets Of Microsoft 365 K2's The Best Kept Secrets Of Microsoft 365 7:00 – 9:00 AM · Tommy Stephens · 2 credits

Many organizations have implemented Microsoft 365/Office 365 at a basic level, but few have truly explored the breadth and depth of tools included with their subscriptions. Some less commonly known apps help you manage shared email boxes, create and use web forms, schedule appointments, trade shifts, create real-time closed captions, and translate presentations. Attend this session and learn more about the hidden features in Microsoft 365 that you can use to level up your productivity.

You'll learn to:
  • Select at least three optional services included with Office 365
  • List at least two tools that extend Microsoft Teams to perform new tasks
  • Identify at least one optional Office 365 service which protects confidential information
Tommy Stephens Taught by Tommy Stephens · ★ 4.6
Computer Software and Applications2 CPE creditsLiveHero
Advanced Topics in Power BI Advanced Topics in Power BI 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Tommy Stephens · 2 credits

Advanced topics in Power BI

Tommy Stephens Taught by Tommy Stephens · ★ 4.6
Information Technology2 CPE creditsLiveHero

Your instructors

Lawrence A. "Mac" McClelland

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

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

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...

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