Excel remains the most critical tool in any accounting professional's arsenal but the platform keeps evolving, and most practitioners aren't tapping into even half of what's now possible. This specialized conference cuts through the noise to focus exclusively on Microsoft Excel's latest capabilities that matter most to your daily workflow. From dynamic arrays and LAMBDA functions to Power Query automation and modern data manipulation tools, you'll discover features that can genuinely transform how you work. These aren't theoretical exercises—they're real-world techniques you can implement immediately to handle larger datasets, reduce errors, and reclaim hours every week.
Whether you're still relying on methods from five years ago or you're already pushing Excel's boundaries, these sessions will equip you with practical skills that make an immediate difference. Don't let your Excel knowledge stagnate while the platform races ahead.
Business professionals who want to increase their proficiency when working with Excel
- Apply advanced Excel functions and features released in recent updates to streamline common accounting tasks and improve accuracy in financial analysis
- Implement Power Query and modern data manipulation techniques to automate repetitive processes and handle increasingly complex datasets
- Utilize PivotTables and dynamic array functions to create more flexible, maintainable reports that adapt to changing business requirements
- Recognize overlooked built-in tools and shortcuts that can significantly reduce time spent on routine Excel operations
- Build more efficient workflows using contemporary Excel capabilities designed specifically for data-intensive professional environments
- Excel Blocking and Tackling – Often Overlooked Tools
- Advanced Excel Functions and Latest Features
- Power Query and Other Data Manipulation Tools
- PivotTables – Excel's Best Feature Is Now Even Better
- Modern Dynamic Arrays and Formula Techniques
- Workflow Optimization Strategies for Financial Professionals
8.00 credits
Lawrence McClelland, MBA, JD
Thomas Stephens, CPA, CITP, CGMA
Brian Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, writes for multiple accounting media outlets, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). Mr. Tankersley has over 25 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, has been with K2 Enterprises since 2005.
Tankersley has been recognized eight times as one of the "Top 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting Technology" by Cygnus Business Media. Brian has made presentations in 48 of the 50 US states and has served as a guest speaker for many professional accounting organizations across Canada. He has received numerous awards for his writing and speaking from state CPA societies. Brian has presented sessions at most major national accounting technology conferences, including AICPA TECH+/Practitioners Conference, The Sleeter Group's Solutions Conference, Sage Summit, CCH Connections, and Thomson Reuters Synergy User Conference.
Brian is a certified public accountant (Tennessee), a certified information technology professional (CITP), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds bachelor's degrees in both Accounting and Finance, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Tankersley also maintains numerous vendor software certifications, and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.
Brian and his family make their home in Farragut, Tennessee.
Stephen Yoss, CPA
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, MS is a certified public accountant, the partner, and principal of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, and a licensed pyrotechnician. While his interests and skills are varied, they all share a common thread—his love for and skill in finding technology-based solutions.
At age 10, Stephen began working with technology; he started his first IT company at just 13, which focused on designing web applications for local businesses. At 15, he began writing original computer code and has been designing and implementing technological solutions continuously since then.
Stephen is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, with degrees in Accountancy and International Business. While at Loyola, he served the campus as student body president and as the student representative to the Board of Trustees. He has a Master's of Science degree in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems.
In 2017, Stephen formed Devmatics, a software development company that focuses on solving problems through the implementation of technology. Devmatics builds custom software, mobile apps, integration solutions, workflow automation, and more for all types of organizations. He specializes in taking on high-difficulty, mission-critical organizational issues that require technical expertise and an ability to find solutions to problems that no one else can answer. With all of his clients, he emphasizes the need to embrace technology at every opportunity and utilize the latest technological trends and breakthroughs to gain a competitive advantage while increasing efficiency and productivity.
Before starting Devmatics, Stephen worked as an accountant in his family's practice, Yoss & Allen. At Yoss & Allen, he completely redesigned the firm's technology practices and instituted a technological infrastructure to streamline the firm's practices and allow them strategic flexibility. Many of the technologies, strategies, and concepts that Stephen uses himself (and consults companies on how to use) were designed, perfected, and implemented to help his family's business and their clients. In addition to his time with Yoss & Allen, Stephen worked in New Zealand as a management accountant.
Since 2009, Stephen has also been teaching continuing professional education, providing written, webcast, in-house, and live instruction. He has presented to thousands of practitioners worldwide on topics such as cloud computing, mobile technology, Excel tips and best practices, data modeling and analysis, big data, information security, identity theft prevention, and more.
Stephen is also a professionally licensed pyrotechnician and works on major fireworks displays throughout the nation for Pyro Spectaculars, North America's largest full-service fireworks display production company. He's proud to have helped produce incredible displays, including the Macy's July 4th Spectacular in New York City, the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, KGB Skyshow in San Diego, and many more.
Whether it's teaching in the classroom, consulting clients in a boardroom, or shooting a fireworks display, Stephen brings passion, hard work, value—and above all else—technological expertise to each of his clients. With an open, honest approach, he creates a unique strategy for each client specifically designed to benefit their needs and streamline their operations to create efficiency and maximize their financial potential.
Stephen calls Big Bear City, CA, home; when he's not at the desk, in a boardroom, at the podium, or producing a fireworks display, he spends as much time as he can pursuing his other passions. He is an avid music lover and attends multiple festivals each year. At the Burning Man, Stephen helps setup and produce pyrotechnic displays for the city. In Big Bear City, he regularly volunteers his time to perform various community services. He's also an avid outdoorsman and regularly carves out time to scuba dive, camp, hike, and photograph both close to home with family and friends and on his many travels.