| ATRN's Speakers Bureau
If your organization is looking for an engaging speaker who can deliver informative programs on subjects of interest to accounting professionals, please contact ATRN. Greg LaFollette is a nationally recognized speaker on subjects that address the use of technology to support a better business process with the goal of building a better accounting practice. He ia an accomplished professional, adept at sharing his knowledge in ways that both engage and inform the audience.
Contact any of our consultants to schedule a speaking engagement. E-mail Melody.Wrinkle@Cygnuspub.com or call 800-456-0864. You may download our Speaker Services brochure here.
Don't See What You're Looking For? Contact us. We can create a program just for you.
Each presentation described below can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for, please contact ATRN to discuss a customized program for your organization.
The "Less Paper" Office -
Myth or Reality for Practicing Accountants
It seems as though the entire profession is rushing headlong to the promise of "a paperless office". Is it hype or does it truly make sense? Can it be achieved? Should "paperless" be the objective, or is "less-paper" more accurate? Is it a technology problem or a people / process problem? Gregory LaFollette,CPA.CITP, a veteran of 25 years of public practice, Executive Editor of the CPA Technology Advisor [formerly CPA Software News] and President and CEO of Accounting Technology Resource Network (ATRN), a national consultancy to small and medium sized accounting firms guides attendees through a humorous, but methodological decision-tree beginning with if, when, and how and concluding with an ecumenical review of several of the industry's leading software packages including pluses and minuses of each. You will leave with an actionable roadmap of how your firm can best travel the "road to less paper".
LaFollette is uniquely qualified to help firms navigate the journey towards the less-paper office". In past lives he practiced for over 25 years in the large, local firm he founded in South Dakota and spent nearly 6 years as VP of Product Strategy for Thomson Creative Solutions. He left that position in 2003 to "reclaim my independence" and take editorial and strategic responsibility for the CPA Technology Advisor. His role with CPATA provides him enhanced access to the executive leadership of all of the major software vendors while his consultancy role provides him the opportunity to be in literally hundreds of practices. He has spoken extensively regarding the "less paper office" and is already booked to do so again in 10 states in 2004.
Presentation can be timed for 50 to 240 minutes.
How to Profit and Gain Client Loyalty through Financial Statement Analysis
Accounting firms all across the country are turning to technology tools in their quest to maintain and build client loyalty. A relatively new genre' of software and services has emerged to assist them. This presentation takes a high-level look at "financial statement analysis", examines the reasons for and against offering the service, reviews the products most often used, and helps participants make solid decisions about adaptation.
Presentation can be timed for 50 to 150 minutes.
Is Technology the Key to Riches in Public Accounting?
Developing an "e-Culture" in Your Firm
You've spent thousands on tens of thousands on hardware and software --- and your office is as modern as possible. But where's the PRODUCTIVITY?
As a profession we've attacked the "productivity gap" as a technology problem, when it's actually a "people" problem. Clients are beginning to expect technological prowess from their accountants and to compete in the 21st century you simply must be able to provide it. Vendors are offering unprecedented integration, but many firms' business practices are firmly rooted in the 1980s and therefore they miss huge opportunities. Others chase technology for the "cool factor". Both approaches are expensive and dangerous.
This session provides attendees a working model of how to instill USE of technology as a firm standard --- from partners to junior staff. (Guess who's the biggest problem?) We cover systems, gadgets, computers, Internet sites and applications --- everything under the technological sun. You'll leave with a solid understanding of what's useful and what's not, as well as real-life tips on how to get firm wide buy-in!
Presentation can be timed for 75 to 240 minutes.
Great American Payroll Opportunity
There was a time when accounting firms "owned" the payroll business. Then came the big processors who somehow convinced us that we were "too good" to prepare payrolls. And then proceeded to build multi-million dollar businesses based on our willing referrals. Thousands of firms are turning the tables --- and turning a tidy profit --- in the the payroll business!
Presentation can be timed for 50 to 150 minutes.
Straight Talk on Web Technology Tools and how You Can Develop a Winning Web Site
Why do less than half the firms in America have a Web site? It's because until now there was no compelling business reason to justify the effort. With today's technology, you can create a Web site that delivers value-added service, enhances the client experience and sustains long-term revenue-generating relationships. Unfortunately, there's more hype than help when it comes to choosing the technology that's right for you.
If your firm is ready to create a Web site or enhance what you already have, this program will introduce you to the development tools and different approaches that are available. Participants will receive an impartial assessment of Web products, complete with side-by-side comparisons and a final grading of each offering. Join us for a fair-minded evaluation of the tools, the cost and the commitment associated with Web development. When a Web site is what you need, this session delivers what you need to know.
Presentation can be timed for 50 to 100minutes.
Remote Access and the Anywhere Anytime World of Work
Long hours are nothing new to an accountant in public practice, particularly during tax season. If you've ever worked from home or on the road and found yourself wishing that you had access to your files and office e-mail, this program is for you.
Today's technology can help you work productively no matter where you are. If you're interested in the benefits of a virtual office, but find the implementation and policy issues associated with remote access too confusing, this session will give you clear guidelines and easy-to-understand information to transform your workplace into any place you happen to be.
The program begins with a review of what you need to do to get started. We'll address the people issues of who would use remote access in your firm, how they would use it and how often. This is followed by an introduction and overview of the technology issues that must be considered for the successful implementation of remote access, ranging from bandwidth, licensing, security, virus protection, connectivity and more. In addition to examples of remote access applied to best practice business situations, participants will see a live demonstration of how the remote workplace can function regardless of physical location.
Presentation can be timed for 50 to 240 minutes.
|
