Back to the Basics: Valuing Securities
Take a beginner’s look at valuing securities utilizing the popular option pricing method (OPM). And leave with the knowledge on how OPM works by employing the Black-Scholes model as well as how to make the determination if OPM is the correct method to employ for your client’s business.
Frank Kiepura, CPA, ABV – Lieberman LLP, New York, NY

From the Top Down: Government Fraud
Governments are no strangers to fraud. Track the most recent frauds that have occurred within the public sector with case study examples. Equip yourself with the skills to identify the red flags and the best practices that could have mitigated the entity risk.
Eric Conforti, CPA, CFE– Principal, Plante Moran, Southfield

It Takes A Village: A Look at Determining Income for Support Purposes
Join this comprehensive discussion regarding the latest updates taking effect this year to the Child Support Formula Manual. Walk away with a solid understanding of how to use the manual in the determination of support payments, clearing confusions regarding double dip considerations and more.
Michelle Gallagher, CPA/ABV/CFF – Strategic Partner, Adamy Valuation, Lansing

Occupational Fraud: It Comes with the Job
While occupational fraud is a threat in our own backyard, job-related scams and exploitations are an issue on a global scale. Unveil the most prevalent issues in real world case studies highlighting one of the highest risk areas, expense report abuse, then dive into the data to help mitigate the risk for your business clients.
David Hammel, CPA, CFF, CFE– President, David Hammel Forensics PLLC, Saint Clair Shores

Remote Expert Testimony – How to Succeed in this Brave New World
The litigation process, like the rest of the world, has evolved over the course of the pandemic. If you plan to testify (i.e., at a deposition, mediation, arbitration, or trial), it is highly likely that your testimony will be taken via remote audio/visual technology. This new method of taking testimony presents new opportunities and new risks. This session will give you examples of the games being played and present what you need to know to improve your chances for successfully communicating your testimony.
Kathryn Eisenstein, CPA, JD, M.Sc.– Associate, Mantese Honigman, PC, Troy
Jim Schmid, CPA, CFF, CFE, ABV– Managing Director, ResX, PC, Troy

Dangers of the Digital Age
The hyper-speed growth of digital currencies and technologies has been both blessing and curse for the economy, fraud examiners, and auditors. We provide insight on emerging tech fraud schemes as well as how you can protect yourself and your clients by reducing exposures, strengthening internal controls, and creating data secure policies.
Greg Soule, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CFE– Partner, AHP, Auburn Hills

Getting Paid Post-COVID: What are my Rights?
As states emerge from lockdowns and quarantines, payables and cash flows have been reduced to a trickle.  This panel discussion will cover the various legal means available to protect creditors’ rights, specifically the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act (“UVTA”).  Solvency testing will be also be discussed in detail, including the law behind the tests and the application of the analysis.
Roger P. Meyers, Esq– Member, Bush Seyferth PLLC, Troy
Brian Phillips, CPA. CFE, CIRA– Director, Capstone Headwaters, Birmingham
J. Bradley Sargent, CPA/CFF/ABV, CFE, CFS, CCA, FABFA– Managing Member, The Sargent Consulting Group, LLC

Emerging Investigations
Uncover the latest fraud schemes appearing from the uncertainty of COVID-19. A key focus will be a deep dive into case studies examining fraud aimed at the Michigan Unemployment Agency. As the number of unemployed Michiganders has drastically risen since the start of the pandemic so have the cases of fraudulent activity by scammers looking to exploit the system.
Timothy Kolar– State Office Administrator, Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Detroit
Kerry Kraus – Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Detroit

Franchise It! Valuations & Contract Marketing Agreements
Struggling with franchise-specific valuations? Finding reference data can be challenging but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Uncover resources for determining the value of your franchise client’s business while comparing the differences between franchise and contract marketing agreements.
Christine Hoppe, CPA, AVB, CFF, CVA – Director, Crawford & Winiarski Financial Consulting, Detroit

A Year in Review: COVID-19 Lasting Impact
Take a look back (and forward) as we explore the varying perspectives in the areas of valuation, growth and exit planning post-pandemic. Attendees discuss successes and hurdles faced during these uncertain times with a focus on how to handle valuations during this period of economic uncertainty.
Jim Hitchner, ABV, ASA– Managing Director, The Financial Valuation Group, Atlanta, GA

The Emotional and Psychological Toll Fraud has on Business Owners
Responses to employee theft are driven by the perception that these behaviors are issues of personnel management that can be addressed at the individual and organizational levels. Literature gives attention to the methods and practices used to prevent, identify and respond to theft, however, the actual theft target, the business/owner is often overlooked. Find out what is missing in the follow up.
Jay P. Kennedy, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice