2024 Nonprofit Seminar

Introduction & Welcome

John guided attendees through the essential housekeeping notes for navigating our virtual event, detailed the process for earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, and gave attendees a brief overview of the day’s agenda. This session was key to a seamless experience, ensuring attendees were 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.

Accounting Standards Update

Watch as AAFCPAs’ nonprofit assurance leaders 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.

Exploring Nonprofit Collaborations, Mergers, Affiliations, and More

Watch AAFCPAs’ Tax Consulting Attorneys for an 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.

Employee Benefit Plan Risk Update

Watch 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.

Overcoming Blockers to Optimize Reserve Funds

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. Watch an informative session that delves into the reasons behind nonprofit reluctance and offers practical strategies for making informed investment decisions.

Keynote: Unlocking the Power of AI with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable

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.

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.

What’s New at AAFCPAs

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

Watch 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.

Decoding RPA for CFOs: Strategizing Financial Automation for Future Success

Watch 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.

Unlocking the CFO’s Role in Digital Transformation

Watch 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.

Wrap-up and Gratitude

As we drew our one-day virtual seminar to a close, we held a “Wrap Up and Gratitude” session, a moment to reflect and express our thanks. This 15-minute closing was 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 also shared next steps and resources to continue the momentum. Attendees participation made this seminar a valuable convergence of learning and inspiration, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.