2024 Nonprofit Seminar

AAFCPAs’ Annual Nonprofit Educational Seminar is a 1-day virtual event for nonprofit executives taking place on April 24, 2024.

Register  

Welcome to AAFCPAs’ educational conference for nonprofits, where decades of financial and business insights meet cutting edge innovation. As we navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, our focus is on equipping you with the tools and strategies essential for smart, efficient financial management.

Agenda | Registration | Details

Introduction & Welcome | 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM

John will guide you through the essential housekeeping notes for navigating today’s virtual event, detail the process for earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, and give you a brief overview of the day’s agenda. This session is your key to a seamless experience, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with the day’s sessions, connect with speakers and attendees, and make the most of the opportunities for learning and networking. Start your day informed and ready to dive into the insights and activities we have lined up for you!

John Buckley
John Buckley

John Buckley

CPA, CGMA | Partner

Accounting Standards Update | 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM

Join AAFCPAs’ nonprofit assurance leaders for this must-attend accounting standards update. In this seminar favorite, we offer insights on the lease standard along with key considerations as we enter year two of adoption. Gain understanding on lease renewals, accounting changes, and schedules. Delve into the Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) standard effective in CY 2023 and FY 2024 and learn how to ensure your nonprofit navigates effectively. Hear about more ASUs on the horizon and leave with practical takeaways to confidently apply these with absolute efficiency and ease.

Matthew Hutt

Matthew Hutt

CPA, CGMA | Partner
Amy Staunton
Amy Staunton

Amy Staunton

CPA | Director & Consulting CFO

Exploring Nonprofit Collaborations, Mergers, Affiliations, and More | 9:40 AM – 10:10 AM

Join AAFCPAs’ Tax Consulting Attorneys for this insightful look into various forms of nonprofit collaborations spanning informal information-sharing through formal affiliation agreements and strategic partnerships. Hear in-depth analysis on nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) affiliation considerations, advantages of tandem for-profit structures, and benefits of affiliated organizations in terms of resource and employee sharing. Leave with a broader understanding of the diverse landscape and collaboration possibilities within the nonprofit sector along with valuable insight to enhance your strategic planning efforts.

Joshua England
Joshua England

Joshua England

LLM, Esq. | Partner & Tax Attorney
Chris Consoletti
Chris Consoletti

Chris Consoletti

Esq. | Consulting Tax Attorney

Employee Benefit Plan Risk Update | 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM

Join AAFCPAs’ employee benefit plan and assurance leaders for an engaging quickfire session on the Department of Labor’s 2024 agenda. Gain strategic insights on plan cybersecurity, SECURE 2.0 updates, and the proposed fiduciary advice rule. Leave with knowledge to better manage risk inherent for retirement plan fiduciaries along with guidance to keep your organization in compliance with regulatory changes.

Davide Villani

Davide Villani

CPA, CGMA | Partner, Employee Benefit Plans
Shawn P. Huxley
Shawn Huxley

Shawn P. Huxley

CPA, MSA | Partner, Employee Benefit Plans
Coffee Break

Break | 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Take this time to step away, relax, and rejuvenate. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, stretch your legs, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet. This short break is a great opportunity to disconnect briefly, ensuring you return to the next session feeling refreshed and energized. Remember, taking a moment for yourself can enhance your focus and engagement for the rest of the event!

Overcoming Blockers to Optimize Reserve Funds | 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Explore the common barriers that make nonprofits hesitant to invest their reserve funds and discover how guidance from seasoned investment professionals can help them navigate these challenges effectively. Join us for an informative session that delves into the reasons behind nonprofit reluctance and offers practical strategies for making informed investment decisions.

Kevin P. Hodson
Kevin Hodson

Kevin P. Hodson

CMT, CAIA, AIF® | Wealth Advisor

Keynote: Unlocking the Power of AI with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a timely keynote presentation featuring Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable, as we explore the ways in which artificial intelligence may be used to transform nonprofit organizations. In his keynote and dialogue session with Joyce Ripianzi, CPA at AAFCPAs, Philip simplifies AI fundamentals, addresses common concerns, and empowers nonprofits to embrace technological innovation. Hear real-world AI success stories and learn how organizations have already applied AI within their finance functions.

Take control of security and privacy, hear ethics and legal considerations, gain practical insights on ways to get started, and rethink the ways in which your nonprofit operates across the board. From free to custom GPT solutions, Philip covers it all through the lens of the nonprofit organization. Enjoy this engaging introduction to AI and leave better prepared to harness smart technology to grow your mission and impact.

Free to attend, the event is just one more way AAFCPAs gives back to nonprofits that serve and enrich our communities every day.

More About Philip Deng

Philip is recognized for his mastery of AI as it relates to the future of nonprofits along with grant writing automation, AI value within the nonprofit space, and its use within organizations looking to make a shift from a quantity to a quality-focused mindset. As host of The Process Podcast, Philip regularly explores areas where philanthropy and technology overlap. His Substack further dives into the future of technology in the nonprofit space, two areas that are striving to make the world better but often differ in their understanding of what that means. He holds a B.A. from Tufts University.

Lunch Break | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

It’s time to refuel and recharge! You have 30 minutes to enjoy a nourishing lunch. Use this time to savor your meal, step away from your screen, and relax. Whether you prefer a quick snack or a full lunch, this break is your chance to unwind and rejuvenate. Remember, a well-deserved break for a meal not only satisfies your hunger but also enhances your focus for the exciting sessions ahead.

What’s New at AAFCPAs | 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM

Join AAFCPAs’ Partner & Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Boyle as he highlights some exciting things happening at the firm, how we chose to celebrate our 50th year anniversary and why, and where AAFCPAs is heading in our exciting future together. Leave with a solid understanding of our aligned goals, opportunities for additional value AAFCPAs may provide your organization, and our continued commitment to serve our clients with the utmost distinction.

AI Risks: Establishing Workplace Guidelines | 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM

Join AAFCPAs’ business intelligence, cybersecurity, and information risk management leaders for an informed discussion on AI risks in the workplace, from algorithm manipulation to misinformation, privacy safeguards, and transparency. Learn ways to mitigate risk by pairing AI-powered tools with human empathy, imagination, and forward-thinking capabilities. Future-proof your organization with best practices for establishing and updating guidelines for responsible use. Leave with greater insight on how you can protect sensitive data, address regulatory compliance, navigate challenges, and confidently integrate AI within your organization.

Ryan K. Wolff
Ryan Wolff

Ryan K. Wolff

MBA | Solutions Specialist
Vassilis Kontoglis
Vassilis Kontoglis

Vassilis Kontoglis

Partner, Analytics, Automation & IT Security

Decoding RPA for CFOs: Strategizing Financial Automation for Future Success | 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM

Join AAFCPAs’ leading technologists for a deep dive into the critical questions CFOs have regarding Robotic Process Automation (RPA) implementation in the finance function. Stay ahead of the curve when it comes to ROI, cost implications, automation process suitability, and integration challenges within existing systems. Deepen your understanding of change management, scalability, security, and compliance concerns. Leave with the essential insights CFOs need to make the most informed decisions about RPA adoption, ensuring RPA aligns with your strategic financial objectives.

Vassilis Kontoglis
Vassilis Kontoglis

Vassilis Kontoglis

Partner, Analytics, Automation & IT Security
Ryan K. Wolff
Ryan Wolff

Ryan K. Wolff

MBA | Solutions Specialist

Unlocking the CFO’s Role in Digital Transformation | 1:40 PM – 2:20 PM

Join AAFCPAs’ Fractional CFOs and Business Process Architects as they embark on a journey to empower attendees with actionable insights and strategies to enhance their finance function. Given the CFO’s pivotal role in driving efficiency and data-informed insight, we’ll help attendees set the stage for digital transformation. We’ll explore the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technologies, including AI, RPA, and leading innovations showcased at the 2023 Digital CPA conference. Our experts will provide you with a roadmap tailored to your starting point, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in this era of rapid technological advancement. Our goal is to leave you feeling empowered and less overwhelmed. Learn how to kickstart your digital finance journey, become a change champion within your organization, and make informed decisions when selecting the right systems for your unique environment. By the end of this seminar, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how these efforts can enhance decision-making, boost productivity, improve forecasting, and ultimately amplify your organization’s impact.

Joyce Ripianzi
Joyce Ripianzi

Joyce Ripianzi

CPA | Nonprofit Partner, Outsourced Accounting & Finance
Robyn Leet
Robyn Leet

Robyn Leet

Partner, Business Process Assessments & Attestations

Wrap-up and Gratitude | 2:20 PM – 2:30 PM

As we draw our one-day virtual seminar to a close, join us for the “Wrap Up and Gratitude” session, a moment to reflect and express our thanks. This 15-minute closing is a chance to acknowledge the insights shared, reflect on the connections made, and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all nonprofit executives who spent the day with us. We’ll also share next steps and resources to continue the momentum. Your participation has made this seminar a valuable convergence of learning and inspiration, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Stick around for post-seminar Breakout Discussions!

John Buckley
John Buckley

John Buckley

CPA, CGMA | Partner

Post-seminar Breakout Discussions (with Speakers and Peers) | 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

  • “I am a huge fan of AAFCPAs’ Annual Nonprofit Seminar! I find it is a wonderful day of learning for CFOs and Executive Directors of nonprofits to step away from their office and think critically about issues that may need attention. It is fun and inspiring. AAFCPAs keeps me and my organization in the know, and I appreciate and value this aspect of my client experience.”
    Liz Chaves, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
    Rosie’s Place
  • “The finance team at CEDAC enthusiastically attends AAFCPAs’ annual educational conference for nonprofits and appreciates the day of learning, connecting, and inspiration.”
    Roger Herzog, Executive Director
    Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC)
AAFCPAs' 10% Back to Nonprofits

Registration & Details

Register Here