The Messenger 10.30.07

The West Tennessee Accounting Conference is planned for Nov. 8 at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Offered by the UT Martin Office of Extended Campus and Continuing Education and the UT Martin Department of Accounting, Economics, Finance and International Business, the workshop will be in Watkins Auditorium of Boling University Center.
Six professionals will staff the workshop that will provide participants with seven continuing professional education credits. The day will begin with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The first session begins at 8 a.m. The fee for the conference is $175.
“The Top 10 Technology Issues Facing Accountants in 2008” will be taught by Steve Holt, director of the Instructional Technology Center and Web Services. This session provides the most up-to-date information available on how accountants can avoid pitfalls, use technology to enhance client service and improve information security. It will also provide practical information on the top 10 IT issues facing accounting practitioners this year and offer solutions to these challenges.
“Financial Accounting Standards Update for Businesses” will be taught by Robert Putman, professor of accounting. This session provides an update of changes to Financial Accounting Standards Board standards and other financial accounting standards, as well as information on trends in accounting and expected updates in financial accounting standards.
“Ethical Practices: I Know What I Did but Nobody Else Does” will be taught by Mark H. Crocker, interim director of the state board of accountancy and investigator for the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy. Attendees will hear about situations and tips to help fine-tune their decision-making skills in addition to learning more about the laws and rules that regulate the activities of CPAs. Accountants will learn from an experienced regulator and gain insights through the application of the specific examples that underscore the “do’s and don’ts” associated with ethical accounting practices.
“The 2008 Economy and Structural Trends: A Financial Outlook for Accounting and Financial Advisors” will be taught by Dr. Tom Payne. Payne is the chairholder of the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking and interim chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics, Finance and International Business. This session addresses recent trends affecting accountants and clients in the regional, national and global economy and financial markets. Policy decisions and recent upheavals in financial markets affecting asset values and investment practices will be discussed. An economic forecast for 2008, including interest rates, equity markets, housing and regional business growth and employment patterns also will be provided.
“Technology That Will Have an Impact on Your Business: Vista, Office 2007, and more ...” will be taught by Shannon Burgin, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief information officer. This session provides accountants with important information to ensure forward and backward compatibility with the new platforms and programs. This information is critical to smooth technology implementation both internally and when sharing files with clients. Anticipate and plan for changes that can improve communication, customer service and the bottom line, while protecting information.
“Individual Tax Update” will be taught by Paula Hearn Moore, assistant professor of accounting and business law. This session focuses on the changes in individual income tax laws for the tax year 2007 that will likely impact the rural tax preparer.
To register, call ECCE at 1-800-482-5199 or (731) 881-7082 or register online at www.utm.edu/departments/ecce/non_credit_registration.php.