Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Description
Join CPA Ontario for a dynamic one-day virtual conference that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the accounting profession. From practical tools like Microsoft Copilot to the strategic implications of cybersecurity and digital transformation, this event brings together top experts to help you navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.
Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, you'll gain actionable insights, real-world examples, and forward-thinking strategies to elevate your practice and future-proof your career.
Save $50 with our Early Bird Sale (excludes Passport prices). Act fast, the sale ends July 18, 2025. Access the Early Bird Sale by logging into your account.
Agenda
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Networking |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. | CPA Ontario Welcome Remark: Steve Wong, EVP, Chief Information Officer at CPA Ontario |
| 9:10 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Host Opening Remarks: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA, Governance, Risk and Compliance Strategist for Auvenir |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Opening Keynote: Eric Noël, Geo-economist, SVP Global & Long-Term Perspective (Macro Trends & Futurist Expert) Topic: Harnessing the AI Revolution: Strategies for Balance between Risk and Innovation Eric Noël, globally recognized geo-economist, futurist, and long-term strategic thinker, presents a comprehensive overview on the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping our future. From the increasingly digitized global economy to the rapidly evolving political landscapes, AI is not just a technological revolution—it is a major catalyst driving fundamental changes across societies and industries. In this presentation, Noël analyzes the dual nature of AI as both a transformative tool for progress and a potential source of risk. He unpacks the rewards AI brings to the table—improved efficiency, novel solutions, predictive capabilities, and potential for unlocking unprecedented growth. However, he also delves into the inherent risks, such as job displacement, security threats, ethical dilemmas, and the potential concentration of power. Armed with more than three decades of experience and extensive research on long-term global trends, Noël brings together the pieces of the AI puzzle. He helps leaders understand the strategic implications of AI, equipping them to better prepare, plan and position their organizations in an AI-integrated future. Noël takes his audience on a journey, painting a picture of an AI-augmented future, showcasing its potential, and providing actionable insights on how to navigate its challenges. He provides a roadmap on how to strategically implement AI, keeping it humane, sustainable, and geared towards long-term societal well-being. Whether you’re an investor, a business leader, or a policy-maker, this thought-provoking presentation by Eric Noël will illuminate the path towards an AI-informed strategy, offering essential guidance for decision-making in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence. |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
Speaker: Steve Prentice, Partner at The Bristall Company Topic: The Transformative Power of AI for Accounting Professionals This presentation will deliver up-to-the minute and forward-looking information and expertise on the ways in which AI and generative AI can benefit accountants and accounting firms, as well as the threats and dangers, and a list of resources and definitions. Delivered in clear non-technical language, it will provide participants with the knowledge and comfort required to steer their firm and their careers in a fast-changing environment. Key Takeaways:
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| 11:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. | Short Break |
| 11:25 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. |
Speaker: David Fortin, CPA, Microsoft MVP | Excel & Copilot Professional Topic: Beyond the Hype: What Copilot Actually Does for Accountants AI is everywhere, but what can it really do for you as a CPA? In this practical session, you'll see exactly how Microsoft Copilot can lighten your workload and help you focus on what matters most. From writing complex Excel formulas to speeding up financial reports analysis and even building presentation-ready slides in PowerPoint, we’ll explore real-world examples of how Copilot is quietly becoming one of the most valuable assistants in the accounting world. Whether you’re just curious or already using AI tools, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can apply to your daily work. Key Takeaways:
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| 12:25 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:25 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. |
Speaker: Imran Ahmad, Partner and Head of Technology, Co-Chair Cybersecurity and data privacy at Norton Rose Fulbright Topic: Cybersecurity: Recent Developments and Best Practices In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is crucial for finance professionals. This presentation will cover the latest trends, such as AI-driven attacks and ransomware, and the growing threats to organizations of all sizes and industries. We will discuss recent legal developments, including enhanced cybersecurity standards and evolving AI policies, reshaping the regulatory environment. Key Takeaways:
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| 2:25 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. |
Fire-Side Chat Session with Hosts: Andrew Morgan, CPA, CA, Partner at EY & Daniel Mortimer, CPA, CA, Senior Manager at EY Topic: Future State of AI - AI 2.0: What's Next for the Profession |
| 3:25 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. | Short Break |
| 3:35 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. |
Closing Keynote: Lital Marom, Innovation Strategist and Visionary Topic: Exponential Transformation: Digital Transformation in 2025 and Beyond Ready to unlock the secrets that set thriving companies apart in our digital economy? In this captivating talk, Lital Marom will illuminate the game-changing shifts in creative thinking and business models that make a difference. As the post-pandemic world pushes us to up our digital game, getting the foundation of your digital transformation right has never been more crucial. Marom will arm you with the strategy for building a resilient business, empowering you to kick-start your innovation journey, lead transformation, and unlock and act on untapped opportunities that will set you apart! Key Takeaways:
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| 4:35 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. | Host Closing Remark: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA, Governance, Risk and Compliance Strategist for Auvenir |
| 4:40 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Networking |
Who Will Benefit
This conference applies to CPAs at all levels of their career and in any type of organization across a wide range of industries and roles.
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Disclaimer
The views expressed in the course are non-authoritative and have not been formally endorsed by CPA Ontario and do not reflect the views of CPA Ontario. The information included in the course is for general information purposes only.
CPA Ontario, the presenters and the authors do not accept any responsibility or liability that might occur directly or indirectly as a consequence of the use or application of or reliance on this material.
How to Access the Conference
This CPA Ontario PD conference is hosted on the innovative RingCentral (formerly Hopin) platform. An email invitation with a link to join the event on the RingCentral platform will be sent closer to the date.
Please check your Junk and Spam folders and ensure no-reply@events.ringcentral.com has been added to your safe addresses. We recommend you join five minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
| HOST | |
|---|---|
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Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA, is a Senior AI Product Manager at Auvenir. With two decades of experience in audit innovation, data analytics, and governance, he focuses on integrating GenAI and other exponential technologies into the audit platform of the future. He has led several GenAI workshops across Canada and delivers professional development on blockchain, disruption, and AI ethics. He also lectures at the University of Waterloo. |
| OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER | |
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Eric Noël is a Canadian futurist, intellectual and long-term thinking advocate. As a macro-change strategist, techno-entrepreneur and financier, he helps organizations anticipate and plan for tomorrow’s markets, including business, political and socio-economic challenges coming from demographic, scientific, environmental, and international changes. In addition to serving government agencies, the United Nations, public pension funds, and global philanthropies, Eric has advised several Fortune 100TM companies and many of Canada’s largest organisations on transactions exceeding $US 30B in some 30 countries. Following a successful 25-year career at Oxford Analytica, a leading global markets research and advisory firm, Eric continues sharing his analysis and expertise in the attempt to stimulate more long-term thinking, planning, incentives and actions. Eric is the founder of the Canada Towards 2030 foresight project; he serves as Canadian Chair, Millennium Project; and he is program advisor, Future Forum -Dubai Future Foundation. |
| CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER | |
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Lital Marom is a thought leader on agile business processes and digital transformation. The founder of The Academy of Tomorrow, where she helps equip leaders with the mindset and skillsets needed to navigate and thrive in tomorrow’s world. She helps organizations unlock their potential by fostering exponential thinking, leveraging emerging technologies, and championing innovative business models. In her engaging and compelling talks, she inspires business leaders to disrupt their own norms and push beyond their limitations to future-proof their business. Marom led the sales and global strategy of several Fortune 100 corporations across three continents before founding four companies. She is currently the founder and president of UNFOLD, where she works closely with global brands to drive digital transformation through the integration of new business models and the application of emerging technologies, such as distributed ledgers (blockchain), artificial intelligence, and machine learning. |
| FEATURED SPEAKERS | |
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Steve Prentice is an expert in the space where people and technology crash into each other. He is a consultant, published author, and keynote speaker who specializes in helping humans understand the tools of their business and handle the pace and stresses of change. He is also an expert in cybersecurity, working as a writer and media personality for a large organizations and industry news outlets. Learn more here: https://steveprentice.com |
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David Fortin is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a 2024 Microsoft MVP. He runs Piggy Bank Accountant, a YouTube channel where he shares practical insights on Excel and Microsoft Copilot. With a background in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) for a SaaS startup, David was instrumental in raising $30 million in venture capital funding and played a key role in the company’s successful exit, valued at hundreds of millions. Known for his dynamic and energetic personality, David is all about helping people, which he does through his online courses on Excel and Copilot at courses.davidpba.com. What sets David apart is his ability to make learning fun and engaging, bringing a unique energy to his videos that resonates with his audience. David Fortin’s Linkedin and Youtube. |
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Imran Ahmad is the Canadian head of our technology sector and Canadian co-head of our information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in our Toronto and Montreal offices and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer by several legal directories. Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce. As part of his cybersecurity practice, Imran works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation advice, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response. |
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Andrew Morgan is a Partner in the Financial Services group in the Assurance practice in Toronto. He has fourteen years of experience auditing banks, a leasing company, broker-dealers, mortgage companies, mutual funds, pension funds, and investment companies. He has also provided advisory services to three banks and a provincial investment corporation. |
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Daniel Mortimer, CPA, CA is a Digital champion within EY’s asset management and financial services practice and is embedded within teams to implement leading-edge custom analytics and workflows. He is proficient with ETL data analysis through use of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA – Excel Macro Coding Language), as well as, Alteryx and MS Access. Daniel uses this knowledge with many of EY’s audit clients to provide detailed analytical results, improve quality and increase efficiency and effectiveness. |
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Testimonials
All the speakers were very knowledgeable and interesting. The topic was explored from many different angles, which kept me intrigued. I would highly recommend.