Master the shift from data entry to client advisory and lead your firm through the era of AI and global disruption.

The accounting profession is undergoing a massive transformation. Driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting client expectations, the industry is moving decisively away from traditional, compliance-only models and toward proactive, strategic partnership. Building What’s Next in Accounting is a forward-looking course designed to equip financial professionals, firm leaders, and ambitious CPAs with the exact blueprint needed to thrive in the modern financial landscape.
This comprehensive program focuses on the three critical pillars of the future accounting firm: visionary Leadership, cutting-edge Technology, and high-value Client Advisory Services (CAS). Participants will learn how to modernize their tech stacks, lead their teams through digital transformation, and transition their client relationships from backward-looking reporting to forward-looking strategic consulting.
Whether you are looking to scale your own practice, increase firm profitability, or elevate your career as a strategic financial leader, this course provides the actionable strategies to build a future-proof accounting business.
What You Will Learn:
Module 1: Visionary Leadership in a Changing Industry
Module 2: Leveraging Next-Gen Technology
Module 3: Mastering Client Advisory Services (CAS)
Who Should Attend:

Motivational & Leadership Speaker
Adam Mendler is a nationally recognized authority on leadership, renowned for his unique ability to deliver perspective-shifting insights shaped by interviewing more than 500 of America’s most successful leaders. The creator and host of the top-rated business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, Adam regularly elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. A keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations, Adam has written extensively on business and leadership, having authored more than 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc., and HuffPost. A Los Angeles native and lifelong Angels fan, Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA, serves on the board of UCLA’s Master of Applied Statistics & Data Science program, is an emeritus member of USC’s Board of Governors, and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders.

Partner and Practice Leader, Client Advisory Services, CohnReznick Advisory LLC
Kane Polakoff has more than 25 years of experience developing and implementing strategic services and solutions to help businesses drive operational growth and value. His wide range of expertise includes strategic visioning and implementation; technology innovation; P&L management, global operations, and account management; client accounting advisory services; business process outsourcing; and management consulting. In addition to working with U.S. companies, Kane has led business process solutions deployment internationally, including in Australia, China, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico, and the Philippines. Industry experience includes private equity, banking and financial services, insurance, manufacturing, automotive, and publishing. His thought leadership has been featured extensively in national publications including Accounting Today, CPA Practice Advisor, and U.S. News & World Report. He was previously a featured presenter for key industry organizations including the AICPA, Financial Executives International, Information Technology Alliance, and Digital CPA. Kane was recognized on Accounting Today's 2026 Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list. His prior experience includes serving as the National Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) Practice Leader for a major public accounting firm. He is also a Rightworks Community Leader - CAS.