In early December, more than 100 tax and accounting professionals met at The Line Hotel for the annual EY Austin CPE Conference. The event, sponsored by HPI and Hire Solutions, focused on key topics affecting finance and accounting.
The conference provided updates on tax policy and planning, examined the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on finance and accounting, reviewed trends in financial reporting and regulation, and offered an outlook on U.S. economic conditions. The gathering took place amid ongoing changes in regulations and uncertainty in the economy.
EY partners and guest speakers discussed recent developments from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as how technology is changing compliance and reporting practices. One session explored SEC rulemaking, enforcement actions, comment letter trends, and highlighted current focus areas such as non-GAAP measures, segment reporting, and revenue recognition. These topics are shaping new disclosure requirements for businesses.
“The big takeaway was that proactive engagement with regulators is more important than ever, and I appreciated the great discussion on what that engagement should look like,” said Taylor Sisson, EY Austin Office Managing Partner. “That’s our goal with this conference: to share ideas and perspectives with leaders in our community and give Austin professionals a valuable opportunity to build relationships.”
Artificial intelligence was another major topic at the conference. Presenters described practical ways AI can support reconciliations, financial statements preparation, risk management, and audit quality improvement. They also addressed how AI adoption requires strong governance strategies within organizations.
“What I appreciate most about our CPE conference is how everyone leaves with action plans already in mind,” added Sisson. “It’s motivating to see more than a hundred passionate professionals come together to learn how they can strengthen their careers, their businesses and our broader economy.”
Sisson said the event helped foster a sense of community among attendees during a time of rapid change in the industry.
To express interest in future EY Austin CPE Conferences or receive updates about similar events, readers are encouraged to contact AustinOfficeCommunications@ey.com.
