Throwback to Global Accounting Events 2024

Being an offshoring expert, we often interact with our clients and members of the accounting profession through the screen. This is, perhaps, one of the best benefits of technology. However, there is no better alternative than meeting them face-to-face, indulging in candid conversations, talking about our successes and failures, and laughing together. To make this happen, we attend global accounting conferences where CPAs, CPA and accounting firm leaders, accounting professionals, and offshoring service providers come together.

Over the past few months, we attended about 5 global accounting conferences. While we had a lot of learnings, the memories and experiences we brought back home will last a lifetime. Thoughts have been overflowing and hence, we have put together everything we could about these events. Read on.

AICPA – Engage

One of the renowned and most comprehensive events for accounting professionals, AICPA Engage is an accounting conference for niche attendees. Hosted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this event covers topics of varied dynamics. Topics like auditing, tax, personal financial planning, and technology broaden the attendees’ horizons. This event is particularly known for its high-caliber keynote speakers, and the opportunity to earn Continuous Professional Education (CPE) credits. Attending Engage, helped us understand the challenges of these niche accounting firms.

Scaling New Heights

This is one of the most exclusive accounting conferences for accounting professionals. This event is tailored for those passionate about leveraging technology to enhance their accounting services. The power-packed main-stage sessions and panel discussions also shed light on how offshoring can be an incredible tool for leveraging the accounting industry. It is also a great platform for accounting leaders to connect with peers, clients, and leaders of the fraternity to share the best practices in the field of accounting. In this event, Co-Founder and Director of Growth and Alliance of Finsmart Accounting, Maanoj Shah gave a speech on the main stage and shared a panel with other industry experts, both of which opened up the conversations around accounting outsourcing.

At Scaling New Heights, we also organized a meet-and-greet session with our clients. It was a great opportunity to break out of the screen, get candid, exchange insights, and take feedback home. 

BKX:

The Bookkeepers-only conference was an intimate affair, where we got a chance to interact with and understand the challenges that small accounting firms and bookkeepers face. Two prominent things came about – there is a severe talent crunch that prohibits firms from achieving complete potential. Another key aspect that poses a challenge is clean-up and catch-up. While we help solve capacity challenges and provide curated clean-up services, the learnings will help us serve better.

Maanoj Shah was a part of a panel at this event as well, along with other industry experts, where the focus was on leveraging accounting through offshoring.

Bridging the Gap:

One of the most prestigious and premier accounting conferences in the world, Bridging the Gap was everything we had imagined. The great speakers, performers, guests, and hosts, everybody contributed to the event in their own way. We are grateful for having the opportunity to sponsor and present at the gala dinner. To everyone, we spoke, they have left an imprint that will help us become better at what we do. Bridging the Gap was a showcase of talent, of differences, and most importantly, how we use our skills and learnings from others to our advantage. As the name suggests, Bridging the Gap Conference, defined the path to a better tomorrow. 

Xerocon:

One of the leading accounting software companies in the globe, Xero organizes Xerocon. We attended the one in Nashville, the second Xerocon of the season. Often referred to as the “Coachella of Accountants”, Xerocon lives up to the hype. This vibrant conference, is a celebration of innovation, bringing together accountants, bookkeepers, and everyone else associated with the industry. In this Xerocon, we also gained insights into the latest innovations and developments that Xero has to offer. This event truly empowers its attendees, promoting overall growth and success. 

Key Takeaways from the Events:

• The Power of Face-to-Face Meetings:
  
  Attending these conferences underscored the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions. Face-to-face meetings allowed us to engage more deeply, fostering a stronger connection with industry peers and experts. The direct exchange of ideas and insights in these settings goes beyond what virtual interactions can achieve.

• Opens Your Window to Diverse Perspectives:
  
  The diversity of attendees and speakers at each event offered us a broad range of perspectives. These interactions expanded our understanding of global trends, challenges, and opportunities in the accounting world, helping us see beyond our usual frame of reference and inspiring innovative approaches to problem-solving.

• The Value of Informal Conversations:
  
  Some of the most impactful moments came from informal conversations during breaks, dinners, and networking events. These candid discussions, while people are at ease, often reveal practical tips, emerging trends, and personal experiences that aren’t typically covered in formal sessions. These are crucial for real-world application.

• Building Lasting Relationships:
  
  The connections made at these conferences are not just fleeting contacts; they lay the groundwork for long-term professional relationships. Building trust and rapport through face-to-face interactions increases collaboration opportunities and creates a support system for industry professionals. These are the folks we can turn to for advice or partnerships in the future.

Want to partner with us for your end-to-end accounting needs? Write to us at connect@finsmartaccounting.com. 

Maanoj Shah

Maanoj is Co-founder & Director of Growth Strategy & Alliance at Finsmart Accounting. He is an Outsourcing Expert, a People Champion, and a Dynamic Leader with strong Business Strategy and Scaling-up experience. He has incubated businesses, sold & exited ventures; helped build strong enterprises in very diversified verticals like Fintech, HR & Consulting spaces in various CXO capacities over the last 20 years.