Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Description
Unlock the transformative potential of AI for CPAs and finance professionals. Join us on September 18 for an immersive day of expert-led sessions, tailored specifically to the financial sector. Delve into the opportunities and shortcomings of artificial intelligence while you gain valuable insights and strategies to stay ahead of industry trends. Enhance your skill set with tools designed to future proof your business and ensure you are prepared for change. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your approach to finance with AI innovation.
Save $50 with our Early Bird Sale (excludes Passport prices). Act fast, the sale ends July 10, 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: Speaker to be announced |
| 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: TBD Topic: TBD |
| 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:
|
| 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:
|
| 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 Host: Speaker to be announced |
| 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:
|
| 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 | |
|---|---|
|
|
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 | |
| Dr. Cindy Gordon is the CEO and founder of SalesChoice, a SaaS AI, and Data Sciences as a Service company focused only on B2B mid to large enterprises. Our Vision is to accelerate revenue growth and end revenue uncertainty. SalesChoice has two SaaS products in market: SalesInsights providing guided AI selling and behavioral insights (Salesforce ISV, available on the AppExchange) and MoodInsights, an employee sentiment platform. Her company also offers data science services to design and build complex AI models in CRM or SCM areas, with proven success. | |
| 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. |
| Dr. Foteini Agrafioti is the Senior Vice President, Data and AI and Chief Science Officer of RBC. Foteini is responsible for the Data and AI ecosystem at RBC including data services, ML platforms, AI solutions and R&D. Foteini joined RBC in May 2016 as Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder and Head of RBC Borealis, which, under her leadership, has contributed to the development of several AI-enabled products including Aiden and NOMI Forecast. She has helped establish RBC as one of the leading voices on AI. | |
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.