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About Stephen
Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, MS, is a certified public accountant, the senior technology strategist and partner of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, a professional speaker at live events, 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.
My Recent CPE Courses
Integration and Sharing Data for Financial Professionals
Course Category: Automation
The number of apps, services, platforms, etc. that we are uses is increasing every year. The amount of data we are collecting and processing is . . . expanding at an exponential rate. There is a need to standardize, streamline, and optimize our ability to manage the ever-growing list of systems and their data. Conquering your data can help improve efficiency, effectiveness, reduce cost, and errors inside an organization. This course will discuss the various ways of sharing data easily between different applications, platforms, and services. It will look at various tools (e.g. IFTTT, Flow, Zapier), desktop application functionalities (e.g. Power Query), and programming techniques (e.g. VBA, M, etc.) more to manage this process. This course is perfect for the do-it-yourself person that is looking to find ways to personally conquer and manage their data more effectively. The attendee with gain familiarity with these different tools, their strengths, and weakness and how they could be used in their organizations.
Ten Tech Productivity Life Hacks to Save Time
Course Category: Productivity
Today’s busy professional has an ever-expanding workload, but delivery timelines are decreasing. We have more meetings, more emails, and more work . . . projects. Outside of work, we have increased family and social obligations. Simply, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. We all could benefit from an extra hour of productivity throughout the day. Effectively using technology in your personal and business life is a great way to get more mileage out of your day. This course will look at 10 different tools or services that can make your life easier or take the headache out of mundane tasks. We will look at tools that simplify scheduling appointments, take the hassle out of tracking time, improve data sharing between applications, and more. Participants will leave this class with tips and tricks on shaving hours of time per week.
Fraud in Today’s Workplace: What Accountants Need to Know
Course Category: Fraud
Every other year the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) publishes A Report to the Nations. This landmark report is the definitive guide . . . to understanding occupational fraud in today’s workplace. The ACFE report breaks down fraud by the type of perpetrator, types of crime, categories of victim organizations, and more. The report provides fascinating insight and helpful advice to help professionals understand fraud risks in today’s world.
This course is an in-depth discussion and analysis of this report with K2 instructors Tommy Stephens and Stephen M. Yoss. They will discuss the significant findings of the 2022 edition of this report. Attendees will learn methods to spot fraud risks in their organizations and protect themselves.
Excel Formula’s Accountants & Financial Professionals Need to Know
Course Category: Excel
Excel is ubiquitous in the accounting and financial professionals’ workplace, but some of the best functions and features for accounting and financial . . . professionals are unknown or underutilized. Leverage Tables, shortcuts, and best practices to increase efficiency. Master the functions such as VLOOKUP, INDEX & MATCH, Dynamic Array Formulas. As well as Formulas and uses such as Depreciation, Amortization, Interest, Payment, and more. In this course, we will even take you deeper into statistical analysis with formulas for everything from median, most, and standard deviation and regression analysis.
Securing Confidentiality: Safeguarding Client Data Under IRS Rules
Course Category: Security
Tax practices face a critical responsibility: safeguarding client data against cyber threats. This course is tailored for professionals in the tax . . . industry, offering a deep dive into the essentials of creating and maintaining a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) as mandated by IRS regulations and the FTC Safeguards Rule. With a focus on IRS Publications 4557, 5293, and 5708, along with insights from NISTIR 7621, participants will learn not just the theory but the practical steps needed to enhance their practice’s security posture. The course content is designed to be direct and engaging, ensuring that attendees can easily translate knowledge into action.
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of critical topics, from developing a compliant WISP to recognizing and responding to cyber threats, and from implementing strong access controls to effective data protection measures. Special emphasis is placed on real-world strategies for preventing data breaches, including the use of encryption, backup procedures, and secure data disposal methods. Participants will also explore the importance of employee training and the continuous monitoring and improvement of security practices to address new cyber threats and business changes. For tax professionals committed to upholding the highest standards of data security and building a trust-based relationship with their clients, this course is a vital resource. Attendees will not only gain the knowledge to protect their clients’ data but also the confidence to implement best practices within their organization.
Cybersecurity 2024: Proactive Defense for CPAs
Course Category: Security
In an era where digital threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, financial professionals require a robust understanding of cybersecurity . . . measures to protect both their personal and client data. This course offers a thorough update on the latest security and privacy challenges that CPAs and business experts will face in 2024. Participants will delve into the intricacies of Windows 11 security features, learn to recognize and respond to sophisticated ransomware attacks, and understand the implications of data breaches in a heavily interconnected world. With a focus on practical solutions and actionable strategies, this course equips attendees with the knowledge to implement robust privacy policies, counteract phishing attempts, and navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance.
Attendees will emerge from this course not only with a comprehensive grasp of the most pressing cybersecurity issues but also with best practices tailored for the financial sector. They will gain insights into mitigating IoT threats and managing the unique risks associated with work-from-home arrangements. By the end of the sessions, CPAs and business professionals will be armed with the tools necessary to fortify their digital defenses and ensure the integrity of their professional services. Secure a spot today and commit to being at the forefront of cybersecurity proficiency, safeguarding your practice and enhancing your value in the marketplace. Act now to transform your approach to digital security and lead with confidence in the face of cyber threats.
Excel Empowerment for Organizational Success – Custom Training
Course Category: Excel
In today’s data-driven business landscape, proficiency in Excel is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This tailored training session is designed . . . for financial professionals who are familiar with Excel but are aiming to enhance their skills further. The course zeroes in on the specific needs of small groups within an organization, ensuring that the material is relevant and immediately applicable. Participants will dive into the intricacies of Power Query, Pivot Tables, and the creation of compelling Charts and Graphs, tools that are pivotal for insightful data analysis and reporting.
The interactive format of the training encourages participants to bring their own projects to the table, fostering a hands-on learning environment where real-world problems are addressed with expert guidance. This approach guarantees that every minute spent in training translates into tangible improvements in the workplace. Attendees will leave with a solid grasp of advanced Excel functions, equipped to turn complex data into strategic assets that drive business success. By investing in this course, professionals will not only boost their personal skill set but also contribute significantly to their organization’s analytical capabilities.
Data and Statistical Analytics Using Microsoft Excel
Course Category: Excel
In today’s data-driven business environment, the ability to analyze and interpret data is an invaluable asset for any professional. This comprehensive . . . course equips participants with the skills to utilize Microsoft Excel’s robust analytical tools, transforming raw data into actionable insights. Attendees will discover how to apply descriptive statistics to gauge performance, employ Excel’s advanced functions for predictive forecasting, and harness the power of regression analysis to optimize organizational planning and budgeting.
Participants will leave with a toolkit of techniques to conduct sophisticated data analysis that can inform strategic decisions. By understanding how to identify opportunities for analytics application in real-world business projects, attendees will be able to elevate their organization’s data strategy. They will learn to navigate Excel’s capabilities to create forward-looking forecasts and measure operational effectiveness, gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. This course is a must-attend for professionals seeking to enhance their analytical prowess and drive their business forward with confidence.
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My Businesses
Devmatics is a professional software development company. At its core, it focuses on solving problems through the implementation of technology. Devmatics focuses on building custom software solutions for its clients. We’ve built everything from distance learning to custom eCommerce projects to mobile apps. We’ve built up a wide range of expertise over the years to assist clients in any industry. We’re always ready to take on a new project and help our clients grow their businesses.
CPE Today strives to provide outstanding continuing education and training to working professionals. We promise to provide top-quality learning accessible on the device of your choosing. Whether you are looking to acquire new skills or stay competitive you learn on your terms with us.
We focus on making learning easy, fun, approachable, and flexible on all the user’s devices. Our focus is on creating a common platform that can be customized to a wide range of professions and industries.