2024 Construction Financial Management Conference
2024 Conference Agenda
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Registration open from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
1:00 PM –
1:15 PM
Opening Remarks
Caryl Coronis
Caryl Coronis, CFMA’s 2024-25 Chair, has been an active member of the Houston Chapter since joining CFMA in 2006. During her tenure, she has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Chapter President. At the national level, Caryl has been a member and leader of the Executive Committee, Financial Survey and Benchmarker Committee, Conference Program Committee, Finance Committee and many task forces. She has also helped develop and present CFMA education courses and editorial content.
Currently, Caryl is the CFO of NAPCO, one of the top precast firms in the United States. NAPCO designs, manufactures, and installs precast concrete products. Prior to joining NAPCO, Caryl served as CFO of NBG Constructors, a Houston-based bridge builder.
Caryl’s background also includes experience in equipment management, human resources, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management from her time working with a large commercial landscaping company. A Houston native, Caryl attended Houston Baptist University, where she earned dual degrees in accounting and political science, and subsequently obtained her CPA and CCIFP credentials.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Caryl is an avid outdoor enthusiast and was actively involved in fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a coach and mentor. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Sponsored by:
1:15 PM –
2:30 PM
CFO Roundtable
Opening General Session
1.5 CPE Credits
Join us for an enlightening and interactive panel discussion on the dynamic landscape of construction financial management. Our esteemed panel of experts brings together a diverse range of perspectives, insights, and strategies to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the greatest risks and challenges that construction companies face, as seen through the lens of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
- Identify the strategies used by leading construction organizations and their CFOs to manage financial and business risks and opportunities in the current economic environment.
- Explain how the evolving responsibilities and expectations of the CFO role have influenced the career paths and experiences that prepare individuals for this position.
Matt Carrington
Matt Carrington serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Brasfield & Gorrie (“B&G”). He brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance and corporate strategy (i) as a principal investing in, overseeing and operating businesses, and (ii) as an advisor to companies executing mergers and acquisitions and capital financings. Matt’s career includes working for a large, privately held conglomerate, an investment bank, a private equity firm and for a Big 4 accounting firm. He spent the predominance of his career at EBSCO Industries (“EBSCO”), a multi-billion dollar privately-held conglomerate comprised of over 20 businesses operating in a variety of industries. At EBSCO, he served as a Group President with responsibilities for the leadership, financial performance and value creation efforts of several businesses. Preceding his time as Group President, Matt led the mergers and acquisitions group at EBSCO, including the formation of EBSCO Capital.
Matt began his career at Ernst & Young and while he was there received his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. He graduated with honors from Auburn University with a B.S. in Accounting and received an M.B.A., with honors, from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System, Junior Achievement of Alabama, and OPAL Investments. Matt resides in Birmingham with his wife Mallory and their five children.
Stephanie Pompeo
A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Accounting, Stephanie has been recognized as an Orlando Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honoree and a CFMA Rising Star. She is actively engaged in her community and industry, serving on various boards, including the Industry Accounting Advisory Board of Seminole State College, and is the President of the Central Florida Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Stephanie is also a member of the CFO Forum and Council for Leadership Seminole and an alumna of the Athena NextGen program, actively participating in Athena Orlando Women’s Leadership, which promotes women’s business initiatives and leadership skills development.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Stephanie co-founded the Wharton-Smith Foundation, Inc., where she serves as Treasurer. She resides in Lake Mary, Florida, with her husband and two children, enjoying family time, travel, and visits to Central Florida’s theme parks
Brian Miliate
Brian and his CEO architected the sale of Baker into an ESOP in 2021, transforming a 4th-generation private company into a 100% employee-owned, future-focused and highly-leveraged enterprise. Post-ESOP, the employee-owners at Baker were tasked with servicing significant transaction debt and are succeeding. The company is producing industry-leading cash generation under Brian’s leadership, having turned the company’s liquidity
Sponsored by:
2:30 PM –
2:50 PM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
2:50 PM –
4:05 PM
Concurrent Sessions
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Tracey Smith, FMI
FMI’s 2023 Talent Survey revealed that 93% of companies struggle to hire qualified candidates. This challenge is acutely felt at the executive level, with a 22% turnover rate anticipated over the next five years. In addition, research from DDI’s Leadership Transitions Report indicates significant acclimation challenges at the executive level, with a failure rate of 47% for external hires and 35% for internal promotions. With the rate of growth & change within the industry, there is a need to accelerate senior-level leadership development and future leaders’ ability to understand the business from an enterprise level.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key challenges associated with transitioning to executive leadership roles in the AEC environment.
- Define the core attributes that allow individuals to successfully transition to higher levels of leadership.
- Outline the skill development and experiences that facilitate effective transitions to higher levels of leadership.
Tracey Smith
Tracey’s extensive experience leveraging high-performing team concepts to align organizational structure and processes helps increase leadership capacity. Her clients have spanned the industry, from family-owned architectural firms to multi-billion-dollar contractors.
In addition to client work, Tracey is a frequent speaker at conferences and other events on leadership development and building leadership strategies to achieve strategic goals.
Prior to joining FMI, Tracey completed a successful 20-year Air Force career as an aircraft maintenance officer. Her hands-on experience of leading teams of seven to 1,000 members gives her a wide variety of experience and deep insights into the opportunities and challenges leaders face at every level.
Licenses & Certifications:
Green Belt certificate in continuous process improvement
Capabilities
Leadership Training
Content Development
Organizational consulting
Industries
Construction
Engineering
Education
Master of Arts, Human Resource Development, Webster University; Master of Arts, Counseling and Leadership Development, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, the United States Air Force Academy
1.5 CPE Credits
Speakers: Tim Mikolajewski, Liberty Mutual Security; Mike Zahn, MarshMcLennan Agency
Tim Mikolajewski, President of Global Surety at Liberty Mutual and Mike Zahn, Surety Sales Executive at MarshMcLennan Agency will be covering several timely and relevant topics to the current surety market, including but not limited to claim and reinsurance trends, labor challenges and their impacts, the rise of the megaproject, and other topics.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand timely and relevant content related to the current state of the surety marketplace
- Recognize reinsurance trends and increased awareness of claim activity.
- Apply your knowledge of emerging risks as seen by surety professionals.
Timothy Mikolajewski
Tim currently serves on the Management Committee of the International Credit Insurance and Surety Association (ICISA), a Dutch based association focused on Global Surety and Trade Credit issues. Tim has been active in several construction industry organizations, including the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and The Beavers Organization, where in 2021 he was awarded the Golden Beaver for Service & Supply.
Tim graduated with a BBA from the University of Cincinnati and has an MBA from Xavier University.
Mike Zahn
Mike Zahn is a surety specialist at Marsh McLennan Agency. Based out of Boise, Idaho, his client base spans the Midwest and Western United States. Mike’s in-depth industry knowledge has been gained through three years of surety underwriting experience and fourteen years on the brokerage side of the business. He is an active member of CFMA’s Idaho Chapter, the Idaho AGC, is a current board member of the Surety Association of Idaho and a past President of the Surety Association of Wisconsin. In his free time, Mike enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, woodworking, hunting, and spending time with his family. He and his wife have two young sons and a labrador retriever that keep them incredibly busy!
1.5 CPE Credits
Speakers: Roger Yang, KPMG; Michael Mehanna, KPMG; Michael Cowen, KPMG
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the commercial real estate landscape, exploring investment and construction trends, identifying key challenges and opportunities, reviewing the potential impact on commercial lending, and examining incentives for commercial-to-residential conversions.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand current macroeconomic and commercial real estate trends across property types.
- Identify available credits, grants, and incentives.
- Explain strategies to address underperforming assets and commercial real estate conversions to residential and other property types.
Roger Yang
Michael Mehanna
Michael has experience in all stages of these projects, from the assessment stage to the IRS audit defense stage (including both at the Examination and Appeal levels). He has managed and implemented accounting methods and research tax credit engagements for clients in multiple industries.
Michael’s experience includes the successful completion of a rotation in the KPMG Washington National Tax (WNT) Income Tax and Accounting group. Michael is also a member of the national Power & Utilities Tax Credit Group and is actively involved in training staff on tax accounting methods and research credits on a national level. Previous to his involvement with the Tax Practice, Michael was in the Audit Practice of the Los Angeles office of KPMG.
Michael Cowen
On a national basis, Michael leads many of KPMG’s Real Estate and Facilities advisory services for corporate clients and public agencies. He’s led the development and delivery of KPMG’s Real Estate Portfolio Rationalization advisory services that help organizations drive value from their owned and leased real estate assets, including conversions and repurposing of underutilized buildings to higher value uses.
Michael has provided strategic real estate development, portfolio rationalization, cost savings and revenue management advice to private real estate operators, developers and public agencies including: Fortune 500 technology companies, mixed-use developers, affordable housing funds, healthcare providers, higher education and a cross-section of government departments.
4:05 PM –
4:30 PM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
4:30 PM –
5:45 PM
Concurrent Sessions
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Ed Shill, QCI Wealth Enhancement Group
Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2024 and into 2025.
Learning Objectives:
- Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
- Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
- How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.
Ed Shill
1.5 CPE Credits
Speakers: Kelli Franco, Moss Adams; Jim Lundy, CBIZ
The Session will be an interactive discussion of the prospects of changes to Federal and State taxes after the election, a review of any tax legislative and regulatory updates during 2024, and a practical primer on Federal and State pre-year end tax planning.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand pending or proposed tax legislation that will impact construction companies and those that advise them.
- Understand and discuss current tax issues and apply best practices available in the industry.
- Identify pre-year end tax planning opportunities to ensure that the most beneficial strategies and techniques are in place.
Kelli Franco
Kelli leads the firm’s Construction, Hospitality, Real Estate, and Professional Services Tax Committee. Kelli sits on the National Construction Financial Management Association Tax Committee and the National Associated General Contractors Tax and Legislative Affairs Committee. Her close, hands-on approach to client relationships enables her to effectively and creatively advise clients on a wide range of business matters.
Jim Lundy
James is an accomplished speaker and the author of many articles published on construction tax-related issues. The Tennessee Society of CPAs has honored him as Speaker of the Year more than 10 times; the Alabama Society of CPAs has presented him with their Thomas A. Ratcliff Outstanding Discussion Leader Award; and he has been the highest-rated speaker at both the American Institute of CPAs’ National Construction Industry Conference and the AICPA National Tax Conference. He is often sought out to provide in-house training to other CPA firms and organizations interested in obtaining the most up-to-date and practical applications of the tax rules and regulations pertaining to the construction industry. He has also testified before the Tennessee Tax Commission regarding the taxation of multi-state contractors.
James is a past chair of the TSCPA Construction Committee and is former chairman of the AICPA National Construction Committee. He helped direct the very successful initial statewide construction conference and has been active in other committees, including the Continuing Education Committee, the Accounting Careers Committee, the Tennessee Road Builders Investment Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Middle Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors.
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), former chair, National Construction Committee
• Middle Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors, Board of Directors
• Richland Country Club Finance Committee
• Tennessee Road Builders Investment Committee
• Tennessee Society of CPAs, former chair, Construction Committe
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Bryan Callahan, ForvisMazars
There is a lot of change going on. Cyber threats, geo-political instability, the AI boom, etc. So many distractions and things to focus on. Fraudsters love it when you are distracted. See how the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to fraud.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore and identify the latest fraud trends through detailed case studies.
- Review and analyze key findings from the 2024 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud & Abuse.
- Understand strategies and techniques to mitigate and detect fraud early, enabling you to prevent potential losses effectively.
Bryan Callahan
5:45 PM –
6:30 PM
Welcome Reception
Open to all attendees
Sponsored by:
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Registration open from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7:30 AM –
8:15 AM
Continental Breakfast
Open to all attendees
Sponsored by:
8:15 AM –
8:25 AM
Opening Remarks
Speaker: Dave Allison, CFMC Conference Chair
Dave Allison
David Allison, CCIFP, CPA, is Chief Administrative Officer for Crossland Construction Company, Inc. and related Crossland family entities in Columbus, KS. With more than 30 years of experience in public accounting, David’s duties include strategic and financial leadership for the family enterprises, including HR, IT, corporate finance/accounting/tax, enterprise risk, and internal support. Previously, he served as a National A/E/C Industry Director for CBIZ and Mayer Hoffman McCann PC. David is a longtime member of CFMA and its Kansas City Chapter, and is a prior author for CFMA Building Profits. He is also a member of AGC and is Chair of its Financial Issues Committee. He earned a BBS in Accounting from Kansas State University.
8:25 AM –
9:40 AM
How AI Will Change Construction
Morning General Session
1.5 CPE Credits
This session will begin with a brief overview of the remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) over the past ten years. With this historical foundation in place, the discussion will then shift to an exploration of the multifaceted impacts of AI – both the significant benefits as well as the potential risks and challenges. Finally, the focus will narrow to examine how AI is poised to transform the construction sector specifically.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the diverse impacts of AI, including both the significant benefits and potential risks/challenges.
- Explain how AI is positioned to transform the construction industry.
- Explore how leading construction companies are strategically responding to AI.
Nate Fuller
Nate Fuller is a passionate and accomplished construction technology leader with a diverse background in corporate innovation, construction technology, and entrepreneurship. He contributed to engineering design and project management for global construction projects before helping to create Bechtel’s Office of Innovation in 2016. He then ventured into entrepreneurship and later founded Placer Solutions, a management consultancy firm in 2021. Nate’s proven track record defining strategy and directing change management in construction has led to successful consulting engagements with North America’s largest construction contractors.
Corey Haygood
In his role, Haygood views finance as a crucial service organization bridging accounting and operations, driving effective change and growth. He emphasizes the importance of providing a unified view of financial data and plans to leverage technology and automation for efficiency and innovation. Haygood anticipates AI’s transformative impact on the industry and aims for Haydon to lead in this space.
Haygood holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a dual-degree from Northwestern University’s MMM Program – an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and a Masters of Engineering Management, with a focus on Innovation, from McCormick School of Engineering.
Outside work, Haygood and his family enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Arizona’s Snowbowl. He finds solitude and meditation in running, particularly in the desert, and he pursues his passion for brewing beer alongside preparing for ultra marathons.
Lubomir Bourdev
Lubomir Bourdev is a founder / CEO of Primepoint, a stealth company focusing on Construction Intelligence. Lubomir has a PhD in Machine Learning from UC Berkeley, authored over 100 patents and his papers have over 70,000 citations. Lubomir is one of the founders of Facebook AI Research and formed and led the first ML team at Facebook focusing on understanding the content of all images and video. Prior to Primepoint he founded WaveOne, a company using Generative AI to do better video compression. WaveOne was acquired by Apple and that technology will power Apple’s video ecosystem.
9:40 AM –
10:00 AM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
10:00 AM –
11:15 AM
Concurrent Sessions
Repeated Sessions
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Ed Shill, QCI Wealth Enhancement Group
Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2024 and into 2025.
Learning Objectives:
- Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
- Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
- How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.
1.5 CPE Credits
Speakers: Kelli Franco, Moss Adams; Jim Lundy, Marcum, LLP
The Session will be an interactive discussion of the prospects of changes to Federal and State taxes after the election, a review of any tax legislative and regulatory updates during 2024, and a practical primer on Federal and State pre-year end tax planning.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand pending or proposed tax legislation that will impact construction companies and those that advise them.
- Understand and discuss current tax issues and apply best practices available in the industry.
- Identify pre-year end tax planning opportunities to ensure that the most beneficial strategies and techniques are in place.
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Bryan Callahan, ForvisMazars
There is a lot of change going on. Cyber threats, geo-political instability, the AI boom, etc. So many distractions and things to focus on. Fraudsters love it when you are distracted. See how the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to fraud.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore and identify the latest fraud trends through detailed case studies.
- Review and analyze key findings from the 2024 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud & Abuse.
- Understand strategies and techniques to mitigate and detect fraud early, enabling you to prevent potential losses effectively.
11:15 AM –
11:35 AM
Networking Break and Lunch Pickup
Grab your lunch in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
11:35 AM –
12:50 PM
Has Using RIR and EMR Hindered Our Industry from Stopping the Real S#*! That Can Kill You?
Lunch General Session
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Adam Mack, Sundt
Sundt is enhancing its traditional rules-based compliance program by incorporating the principles of energy-based safety and human performance. Our STOP The STCKY program (STCKY – S#*! That Can Kill You) is specifically designed to identify and mitigate high-energy hazards through the identification, implementation, and execution of direct controls and safeguards. This approach ensures that our safety efforts target the most significant risks, moving beyond compliance to actively prevent incidents with the most severe consequences.
In this session, you will explore how the Sundt Safety Team leverages metrics and data-driven strategies to effectively reduce high-energy hazards. We will also discuss how relying solely on traditional safety metrics, such as Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) and Experience Modification Rate (EMR), may fall short in addressing the most critical risks in our industry—those that pose severe and life-threatening dangers.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Limitations of Traditional Safety Metrics: Participants will learn how relying solely on traditional safety metrics such as Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) and Experience Modification Rate (EMR) may fail to address the most critical and life-threatening hazards in the industry.
- Apply Data-Driven Strategies to Improve Safety Outcomes: Attendees will explore how Sundt’s Safety Team uses metrics and data-driven approaches to reduce high-energy hazards, ensuring that safety efforts are focused on preventing incidents with the most severe consequences.
- Identify High-Energy Hazards and Mitigation Strategies: Participants will learn how to recognize high-energy hazards—referred to as STCKY (S#*! That Can Kill You)—and implement direct controls and safeguards to effectively mitigate these risks.
- Implement the STOP The STCKY Program: Participants will be equipped with practical knowledge on how to apply the STOP The STCKY Program to their own safety programs, moving beyond compliance to actively prevent serious incidents and protect workers from the most dangerous risks.
Adam Mack
Adam began his construction career framing houses in the late 90s before joining Sundt as a concrete form carpenter in 2005. Over the years at Sundt, he has excelled in various roles in operations as both a tradesman and administrative employee managing large-scale projects. After being promoted to the corporate safety team, Adam dedicated the last three years to overseeing the rollout of Sundt’s Stop the STCKY program as a District Safety Manager in California. Driven by a passion for building and a commitment to measurable results, he continues to lead efforts in enhancing safety and mitigating high-energy hazards in the construction industry.
12:50 PM –
1:10 PM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
1:10 PM –
2:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions
1.0 CPE Credit
Speakers: Jason Myers, Forvis Mazars; Sarah Windham, Forvis Mazars; Scott Yandle, Forvis Mazars; Heather Alley, Forvis Mazars
Building off Forvis Mazars’ 3-part webinar series, “From the Ground-Up: Building Your Construction Company’s Financial Future” where the basics of Tax, Assurance, and Business Operations were covered, our speakers will provide you with the finishing touches to make your financial house a home. This will be an informative session for construction industry financial professionals alerting them to emerging issues that could have impact on their financial reporting. The session will also take a look back at previous foundational standards that have been issued and their impact on today’s construction financial professionals from a financial and tax standpoint. Lastly, we will have open discussions with the audience on how the construction financial professional can use these changes to become more forward looking and build the framework for success.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore current and past construction industry financial hot topics
- Describe best in class ideas for being forward looking in these areas
- Collaborate on ideas to leverage industry tools/ideas for the benefit of participants
Jason Myers
Jason Myers is National Industry Leader of the Construction & Real Estate Practice at Forvis Mazars. He has extensive experience providing assurance, accounting and consulting services to both public and private companies. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Indiana CPA Society and Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). His writing has been published in CFMA’s Building Profits magazine, and he is a past chair of the CFMA Publications Advisory Group. Jason currently serves as a CFMA Officer (Secretary) and has served on the CFMA Executive Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Committee. He is a member of Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana and The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and serves on the AGC program and membership committee.
Sarah Windham
Sarah serves as the market leader of the Charleston, South Carolina, office of Forvis Mazars as well as the assistant managing partner for the South Carolina/Western Carolina practice unit. Sarah has been practicing as a CPA since 2001, and her exceptional client service has afforded her opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients, including many family-owned and multigenerational businesses. Throughout her career with Forvis Mazars, Sarah has developed extensive experience in several financial areas, including tax planning, business consultation, and generational wealth planning/succession planning, as well as tax research and compliance for corporations, partnerships, limited-liability entities, and individuals with high net worth. Her vast industry knowledge includes construction, real estate, and agribusiness.
Scott Yandle
Scott is a director with Forvis Mazars and is based in the Greenville office. He has more than 15 years of experience leading large audit and consulting engagements in a variety of industries including construction, healthcare, and nonprofit. Scott has presented at various educational events for Forvis Mazars, SC Asphalt Pavement Association, and Construction Financial Management Association.
He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, South Carolina Association of CPAs, Professionals United for Leadership and Social Enrichment, and Healthcare Financial Management Association. He is a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP®).
Scott is a graduate of University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, Columbia, with a B.S.B.A. degree in accounting and an M.Acc. degree.
Heather Alley
Heather has more than twenty years of experience in public accounting advising clients on complex tax issues. Heather leads Forvis Mazars’ Washington National Tax Office (WNTO), a group focused on evolving tax authority and other federal tax developments emerging from the Nation’s capital. In this role, Heather provides analysis, insight and advice on complex tax issues, emerging legislation and other evolving tax developments. Prior to taking her current role with WNTO, Heather was the Forvis Mazars National Director of Tax Quality. In this role she worked with tax professionals and clients across the firm’s national footprint to identify potential tax opportunities, minimize risk, address mitigation of exposure, resolve tax issues and lead implementation of changes resulting from changing tax law.
Heather is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA). She is a member of the NCACPA Advocacy Committee and is immediate past Chair of the NCACPA Tax Resource Group.
She is a graduate of Mars Hill University, North Carolina, with a B.S. degree in accounting.
1.0 CPE Credits
Speaker: Greg Sassi, Gilbane Insurance Group
Construction contractors are reporting a recent rise in the number of threats and violent acts from the public towards project staff sometimes resulting in serious injury or death. In many cases there are no precursors to these events. Unlike planning for typical high-hazard activities, there are usually no precursors to these unprovoked events leaving contractors unprepared. Increasingly, the responsibility for protecting project staff is falling back on the contractors. This session will discuss what a contractor’s response plan should include and how situational awareness, new developments in technology, and employing effective deterrents can better prepare you for the unforeseen.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the value of physical security.
- How to develop a physical security plan to mitigate risk for a particular project site.
- Establishing a response plan for incidents that occur.
Greg Sassi
A veteran of Federal law enforcement for over 30 years, Greg has held positions at agencies such as the U.S. Customs Office of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security, where he was a Resident Agent-in-Charge. In this position, Greg held a Top Secret Security clearance and was responsible for leading complex investigations focused on criminal organizations threatening commercial/financial systems, national security, and public safety.
Prior to joining Gilbane, Greg was a Regional Security Manager for CH2M, where he developed and managed the implementation of security procedures for CH2M’s offices and project sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. He was also responsible for providing training on travel security, active shooter response, situational awareness, school security, construction site security, crisis response, and emergency preparedness.
To execute Gilbane’s corporate security vision, mission, and goals, Greg performs the following critical tasks: provides security leadership and direction; implements corporate strategy for contingency and crisis planning, and coordinates crisis exercises; develops and executes security procedures to protect employees and leadership, project site, company and client information, employee travel, and other corporate assets; plans and manages resources to safeguard executives, events, and travel security; collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to support corporate interests; evaluates data from events company-wide to develop strategies to improve safety and security; develops corporate Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan; leads office and project security vulnerability assessments to reduce risk; provides 24/7 security guidance and incident management.
Considered an expert in security assessment and policy development, risk analysis, crisis management, and investigative techniques, Greg has spoken at conferences and organizations such as the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Risk Summit, Texas Associate of School Administration Conference, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, South Carolina State Legislators, U.S. Customs National Fraud Conference, the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition Conference, as well as various local, state, and federal law enforcement groups.
Greg is a graduate of Northeastern University and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. For more information on Gilbane Building Company, visit www.gilbaneco.com
1.0 CPE Credits
Speakers: Chris Gewain, Moss Adams; Dominic Cellitti, Moss Adams
Building on current economic and industry trends discussed earlier in the conference, this session will delve specifically into the topics of cash flow and treasury management for contractors in a volatile market. Join an interactive discussion that addresses the many aspects of this critical issue, including operational risk evaluation, protecting and improving cash flow, process improvement, tax efficiency and much more.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify best practices for cash flow and liquidity management
- Understand how market variability can affect your company’s current cash management and future growth.
- Recognize the key factors of operational risk assessment and how they impact cash flow and treasury management within your organization
- Evaluate the components of cash flow analysis, risk management, tax efficiency and other factors to gain competitive advantage
Chris Gewain
Chris is a Partner with Moss Adams in Irving, Ca. He has practiced public accounting since 2003. He manages audits for construction and employee benefit plan clients. Chris provides business consulting and accounting services to financial management personnel and owners of construction businesses, including internal control and financial reporting system matters; billing practices and cash flow improvements; business owner succession planning; and tax planning and other compliance issues. He has presented on various topics related to the construction industry and employee benefit plans and has written numerous articles for construction organizations including Building Profits. He currently sits on CFMA’s Publications committee.
Dominic Cellitti
Dominic is a lead advisor for Moss Adams Wealth Advisors, based in the Pacific Northwest. Dominic is a Certified Financial Planner, member of the Moss Adams Investment Committee, and heads the firm’s private investment platform. Primarily serving closely held businesses, executives, and families, he helps them prepare for transactions, retirement, and other complex wealth management needs by leveraging his expertise in cash flow planning, investment diversification, and risk management.
1.0 CPE Credits
Speaker: Jefferson Chen, CBIZ
Join us for an informative session designed to provide an understanding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) focus areas that could impact your business. This session will cover critical topics including IRS exam issues on 831(b) captive insurance companies, the IRS crackdown on corporate jets, IRC Section 280A for vacation homes and the Augusta rule, and IRC Section 274 pertaining to meals and entertainment expenses. Attendees will gain valuable insights into staying compliant with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and avoiding potential pitfalls that could lead to costly penalties.
Topics Covered:
- 1. 831(b) Captive Insurance Companies:
- An overview of 831(b) captive insurance companies and why they are under IRS scrutiny.
- Common issues identified during IRS exams.
- Best practices for compliance and risk mitigation.
- 2. Corporate Jets:
- Recent IRS crackdowns on the use and abuse of corporate jets.
- Understanding the rules and documentation required for compliance.
- How to ensure that your corporate travel and entertainment assets are in line with IRS expectations.
- Understanding the taxable fringe benefits associated with personal usage.
- 3. IRC Section 280A – Vacation Home and Augusta Rule:
- Explanation of IRC Section 280A and its implications for vacation home rentals.
- Criteria for determining rental income versus personal use.
- Tax reporting requirements and strategies for staying compliant.
- 4. IRC Section 274 – Meals & Entertainment:
- Current rules and limitations under IRC Section 274 for deducting meals and entertainment expenses.
- Key changes and updates to be aware of.
- Practical tips for documenting and substantiating deductions to ensure compliance.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the IRS’s key focus areas, including captive insurance companies, corporate jets, vacation homes and the Augusta rule, and meals and entertainment expenses.
- Understand how to effectively navigate the complexities of these tax code areas and implement best practices for compliance.
- Recognize and avoid common pitfalls in these focus areas that could result in IRS penalties.
Jefferson Chen
Mr. Chen has a proven track record in eff ectively assisting clients with IRS Exams, Appeals, and Collections negotiations. He has assisted clients obtain Currently Not Collectible “CNC” status and successfully negotiated with IRS appeals to remove unfavorable adjustments, penalties, and interest.His profiiency extends to alternative investments tax compliance, including work with hedge funds and private equity funds. He has considerable experience with aggregate allocations, carried interest, and waterfall calculations, providing clients and fund managers with comprehensive insights into their investment portfolios. Due to his experience with small businesses, Mr. Chen is able to assist with tax compliance and consulting for both private equity funds and their portfolio company investments. His profi ciency also encompasses
international tax compliance, focusing on foreign withholding and reporting for hedge funds and private equity funds.
Mr. Chen also advises clients on real estate transactions, including 1031 exchanges, tenant in common transactions, and Delaware Statutory Trusts. His strategic approach to these tax deferral strategies ensures clients can leverage tax advantages under the current tax law.
In the rapidly evolving sector of cannabis, Mr. Chen off ers specialized 280E cannabis
consulting, delivering innovative solutions that meet regulatory compliance while optimizing business growth. Mr. Chen has represented clients in BBA CPAR Partnership Audit Exams in the cannabis industry, negotiating COGs and SG&A expense allocations. With a strong accounting and tax background, Mr. Chen has assisted small businesses navigate sell-side tax due diligence. He’s negotiated on behalf of his clients with buyers regarding issues such as net working capital adjustments, performance based earn-outs,
and tax gross up calculations. He has a comprehensive approach to sell-side due diligence that helps simplify the due diligence process for his clients.
Overall, his in-depth knowledge and vast experience in these specialized areas of taxation position him as a trusted advisor, providing clients with the assurance and guidance they need to navigate the ever-changing tax landscape.
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
• American Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants (AICPA)
• California Society of Certifi ed Public Accountants (CalCPA)
• Financial Executives Orange County (FEI OC Chapter)
2:00 PM –
2:20 PM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
2:20 PM –
3:10 PM
Perspective on the Financial Accounting Standards Board
Afternoon General Session
1.0 CPE Credits
Speaker: Jim Kroeker
This session will provide an update on the activities of the FASB including its recent decisions on the accounting for government grants, software, and disaggregation of performance information.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the recent activities and decisions made by the Financial Accounting Standards.
- Explain the FASB’s updated guidance on the accounting for software-related transactions.
- Discuss the FASB’s new requirements for the disaggregation of performance information in financial reporting.
Jim Kroeker
3:10 PM –
3:30 PM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
3:30 PM –
4:45 PM
Roundtable Breakouts
1.5 CPE Credits
Moderators: Jim Lundy, CBIZ; Kelli Franco, Moss Adams
Interactive panel/participant program addressing hot issues relative to income tax strategies and techniques, procedures to adopt and adapt to changes with focus on questions from conference participants.
Learning Objectives:
- Engage in collaborative group learning on diverse tax topics relevant to their peers.
- Identify and apply effective tax planning strategies, techniques, and potential pitfalls in an uncertain economic environment.
- Summarize and discuss key tax issues and trends as we approach the end of 2024.
1.5 CPE Credits
Moderators: Jason Myers, Forvis Mazars; Dan Gaston, Forvis Mazars
This will be a thought-provoking roundtable session discussing a wide range of topics facing construction industry financial professionals. We will cover many areas such as Technology, Financial Processes, Human Resources, State and Local Tax (SALT), Succession Planning, and other hot topics in the industry. Come be a part of this collaborative key discussion and learn how to leverage best practices for success from your peers.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore current construction industry financial/operational hot topics
- Describe best in class ideas for being proactive in these areas
- Collaborate on ideas to leverage industry tools/ideas for the benefit of participants
1.5 CPE Credits
Moderators: Brian Langhorst, Procore Technologies; Cindy Ly, Procore Technologies
The construction technology landscape is entering a new era – paving the way for a more connected future during the project lifecycle. Leaders see how technologies are changing the game with efficiencies, cost savings, data capture and reporting. Many of us are responsible for, or involved with, how to innovate practices for accounting, operations, security and compliance. With the next phase of the construction information technology revolution around the corner, are you ready? This roundtable discussion will focus on strategy, budget, implementation, products and the challenges of keeping up as consumer tech evolves.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate how technology and data can enhance project forecasting, self-performed cost management, and cash flow analysis
- Implement best practices for managing large volumes of organizational data to support project management
- Assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on project management and competitive advantage
Brian Langhorst
Brian Langhorst is a Industry Partnerships Manager with Procore Technologies based in Austin, TX. Brian has a passion for finding and collaborating with the best technologies available in the construction industry. After moving to Austin, TX in 2007, he spent 4 years in electrical distribution sales, and another 5 years in heavy equipment rentals. Brian joined Procore in 2017 to pursue his passion for bringing technology and innovation to the construction market. With nearly 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Brian now connects technologists, thought leaders and industry associations to continue to drive advancement and innovation.
Cindy Ly
At Procore, Cindy has leveraged her extensive industry knowledge to assist over 300 clients in optimizing their financial software journeys, driving efficiency and innovation in financial management for construction projects.
1.5 CPE Credits
Moderators: Dave Allison, Crossland Construction; Richard Forrestel, Jr., Cold Spring Construction
Large or small, public or private, family or disparate ownership, all construction companies have challenges and issues unique to our industry. This roundtable discussion will cover the many facets of our industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore how CFOs at various companies navigate the complexities of our occasionally not very pretty industry.
- Discuss common challenges experienced in daily operations and how others are addressing them.
- Analyze and review current trends: inflation, staffing, contract complexity, insurance, and bonding.
- Highlight succession planning and business continuation issues.
Richard Forrestel
Richard Forrestel, Jr., is Treasurer and Secretary of Cold Spring Construction Company in Akron, NY. While he earned his BA from Princeton University and MBA from the University of Michigan, Richard spent eight summers in the field for Cold Spring – primarily a highway contractor that was founded in 1911 by Richard’s grandfather, Eugene P. Forrestel. Richard spent the first two years of his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. He then returned to Cold Spring and became Treasurer two years later. Richard is a member of the AGC Tax and Fiscal Affairs Committee as well as the Small Business Advisory Committee to the FASB.
Dan Gaston
He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA) and previously served on the board of directors for KSCPA and currently is a member of the Kansas State Accounting Advisory Council. He is a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP®) through the Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals.
Dan serves on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Ensemble Advisory Council, the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team, and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Conference Planning Committee and previously served on the board of the Kansas City chapter of the CFMA as the Education Committee chair.
Sponsored by:
4:45 PM –
5:30 PM
Networking Reception
Open to all attendees
Sponsored by:
Friday, November 8, 2024
Registration open from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
7:30 AM –
8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast
Open to all attendees
Sponsored by:
8:00 AM –
9:15 AM
Inside the Political Circus: AGC Political Update
Morning General Session
1.5 CPE Credits
Our panelists from AGC of America will be providing an update regarding the current political and economic landscape surrounding the construction industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand political trends driving decision making in Washington, D.C. and the country in general.
- Identify policy priorities of the Biden administration and Congress.
- Understand the impact of fiscal and regulatory policies on construction employers.
Matt Turkstra
Matt is the Director of Congressional Relations for Tax, Fiscal Affairs, and Accounting for the Associated General Contractors of America. In this role, Matt oversees all issues related to taxes and accounting for the construction industry with Members of Congress, the Administration, and AGC Members. Matt oversaw the AGC advocacy effort during the consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, resulting in numerous positive outcomes for the construction industry, including an increase in the “small contractor exemption” from percentage of completion accounting, and ensuring construction was eligible for the newly created 20 percent deduction for qualified business income.
Previously, Matt was the Senior Manager of Government Relations at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). He also chaired the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, a group of over 50 trade associations committed to estate tax relief for family-owned businesses, and oversaw the coalition’s advocacy effort in 2012 that resulted in the estate tax relief in the American Taxpayer Relief Act.
Matt has extensive experience on Capitol Hill, working as the Legislative Director for Rep. Nan Hayworth (NY), and the Senior Legislative Assistant for Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ). He also worked on the Committee on Ways and Means as the Senior Committee Clerk, where he oversaw the Committee’s hearings and markups.
Matt graduated from Gettysburg College in 2002, and grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey. He currently resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife and children.
Alex Etchen
Prior to joining AGC, Alex served as Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). He served to advance the mission and goals of FHWA while working with Members of Congress and external stakeholders.
He also worked in Congress for nearly seven years; first for a Member of Congress from Idaho and then on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. During his tenure on the Committee, he worked on the federal-aid highway portfolio and drafted provisions included in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
Originally from Ligonier, Pa., Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University.
9:15 AM –
9:35 AM
Networking Break
Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.
Sponsored by:
9:35 AM –
10:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Tony Ivener, Ivener Group
This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview on various issues, initiatives, and solutions that encompass management succession and ownership transfer in a construction environment. Essentially, we will explore a comprehensive approach that will teach the attendee ways to properly plan, identify techniques and suggest alternative approaches to accomplish goals and objectives pertaining to ownership transfer matters, initiatives, and solutions that encompass management succession and ownership transfer
Learning Objectives:
- Identify obstacles to succession planning.
- Define goals and objectives.
- Implement the succession plan.
- Apply different approaches to Value.
- Identify alternative approaches to include if an ESOP is the right transfer technique for a Construction Company.
Tony Ivener
Tony Ivener, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is Founder and Managing Shareholder of Ivener Management Group (IMG). He has more than 30 years of experience specializing in management succession planning, ownership transfer, tax advisory and financial consulting within the construction industry. Prior to creating IMG, Tony was Shareholder of a regional CPA firm for which he oversaw the Construction Industry Services Division. In this role, he oversaw attestation, tax and consulting services to construction contractors throughout the country.
Tony has been a regularly featured speaker on business, tax and construction industry-related issues for numerous organizations including the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Association of General Contractors (AGC), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association (CICPAC).
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Cal Beyer, SAFE Project
Intensifying weather. Flooding. Utility disruptions. Wildfires. What looming disaster threatens to disrupt your business? The frequency and severity of unplanned business disruptions continues to rise, and the stakes for businesses are higher. Unplanned disruptions threaten the vitality and survivability of your business. The need for effective disaster response and business continuity is essential in today’s increasingly volatile world. A business continuity plan protects the strategic assets of your company, including people, processes, property, projects, and profits. You need to be prepared with business survival strategies. Without a business continuity plan, your business is rolling the dice in a game of chance with severe to catastrophic consequences. Are you prepared?
Learning Objectives:
- Understand business continuity planning as a proactive approach to strategic risk management
- Conduct a vulnerability assessment for emergency preparedness and disaster response
- Institute a simple planning process to develop functional plans
- Share resources for business continuity planning
Cal Beyer
Cal Beyer, CWP is the Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for national nonprofit SAFE Project (SAFE = Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic). Cal is a catalyst, advocate, and a force multiplier to educate, equip, and empower leaders and organizations to address root causes of addiction AND to amplify actions to promote successful solutions in workplaces.
Beyer’s work with mental health, substance misuse, addiction treatment and recovery, suicide prevention, and overdose prevention grew out of his work on human capital risk management. Following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, he presented various versions of this program hundreds of times in various formats and lengths. This ultimately grew into the mental health and suicide prevention campaign CFMA helped launch in 2015 and the 2016 formation of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
Beyer has 35 years of construction and manufacturing risk/safety management experience. He worked in national roles for two leading construction insurance carriers. He also served as director of risk management for a hot mix asphalt producer and heavy/highway contractor. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and a regular contributor to various publications. Reach Beyer at cal@safeproject.us or via cell at 651/307-7883.
IRA Energy Credits: Opportunities & Challenges for Contractors at the Crossroads of Tax & Labor Law*
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Laura Cataldo, Baker Tilly
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created game-changing opportunities for many projects to capitalize on the largest energy investment in US history through tax credits. Complying with prevailing wage & apprenticeship (PW&A) under IRA can significantly enhance credit value by 5x and therefore many project owners are asking contractors to comply. It took nearly two years for the prevailing wage & apprenticeship requirement final rule – leaving many contractors in a state of flux as project owners are pushing penalties and/or loss of credit to contractors. Yet, this is also a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the $270B of tax credits and incentives in the longest running US energy policy.
Unfortunately, being ‘in accordance with’ Davis-Bacon but not a covered act, has created significant confusion for both credit seekers and contractors. This is tax credit compliance for the IRS and there are record-keeping requirements for an extended period of time. Baker Tilly will review fundamentals of the IRA base and adder credits, including domestic content, energy community and prevailing wage. This session will review the final PWA rule, explain recordkeeping and provide recommendations on how contractors can help their projects comply.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the significance of the IRA in creating opportunities for energy projects through tax credits.
- Understand the compliance requirements of the IRA prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirement final rule.
- Acknowledge he IRS’s record-keeping requirements related to tax credit compliance and maintaining records to defend under IRS audit.
Laura Cataldo
Laura Cataldo is National Director of Construction Advisory and Firm Leader for Baker Tilly’s IRA Energy Credit Compliance. She has more than 25 years of experience working with the construction industry. She is recognized nationally as a leader in construction industry workforce and labor matters and is a frequent presenter and author on industry matters.
10:50 AM –
11:00 AM
Transition Break
11:00 AM –
11:50 AM
Will Construction Thrive or Dive in ’25?
Closing General Session
1.5 CPE Credits
Speaker: Ken Simonson, AGC of America
The U.S. economy for construction has experienced historic growth in recent years, but has recently showed signs of slowing. This session will present current trends regarding construction employment by segment and location; spending by project type; and materials cost and supply-chain issues. The speaker will discuss how the industry might be affected by enactment of various types of spending and tax legislation, and policy initiatives regrading trade and labor.
Learning Objectives:
- How construction employment trends compare across states and industry segments
- Trends and outlook for nonresidential project types
- Recent changes in materials costs and availability, and prospects for 2025
- Possible impacts on labor supply and project demand from federal regulatory, funding, tariff, and tax initiatives
Ken Simonson
Ken Simonson has been chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to more than 20,000 subscribers. Ken has more than 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating andcommunicating about economic and tax issues. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and he is co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, a professional meeting group he co-founded in 1982. Ken has a BA in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MA in economics from Northwestern University.
* Select sessions marked with an asterisk will be offered through webinars to conference attendees for free following the conference.
The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org.
The Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation is the only standard to recognize financial professionals who truly know the business of construction. Credits earned at this conference are eligible toward CCIFP recertification requirements.