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2025 Contemporary Issues in Accounting Conference

November 24, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm CST

Gerdin in the morningThe Ivy College of Business Department of Accounting will host the 23rd annual Contemporary Issues in Accounting Conference on Monday, November 24, at Iowa State University.

Learn from industry leaders and enjoy a day on campus while you earn eight credits of continuing professional education, including two credits of ethics education. This year’s conference features engaging speakers on topics ranging from generative AI to adapting to changes in the accounting profession.

Learn more about this year’s speakers.

Continuing Professional Education

Eight credits of continuing professional education will be offered, including two credits of ethics education. CPE credits from this conference are accepted by the Iowa Accountancy Examining Board. Out-of-state participants should check with their state board of accountancy to determine eligibility.

CPE certificates will be sent to you electronically following the conference.

Registration

  • This event is open to the public. Single tickets are $220 through November 7 and $240 after November 7.
  • Registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch.
  • Registration closes November 17, 2025.

Conference Agenda

7:30 amCheck-in and continental breakfast
8:00 amWelcome from Dirk Black
Donna J. Fuller Accounting Professor and Chair of the Department of Accounting
8:10 am“Leading Through Disruption and Change: Cultivating Future-Ready Leadership in Accounting” (1 credit)
Suzanna de Baca, CEO, Story Board Advisors

In a world where disruption is constant and change is the new normal, effective leadership requires more than strategy; it calls for adaptability, empathy, and courage. The accounting profession is experiencing this reality firsthand as technology, regulation, and client expectations evolve at an unprecedented pace. This interactive keynote session will help accounting professionals develop the mindsets and skills needed to lead through uncertainty, build resilient teams, and turn disruption into opportunity. Through real-world examples, reflection, and collaboration, participants will explore how to navigate transformation with clarity and confidence while becoming future-ready leaders in accounting.
9:00 amBreak
9:10 am“Expanding Voice and Vision with Generative AI” (1 credit)
Christine Dension, Roger P. Murphy Professor in Accounting, Ivy College of Business

We often think of using generative AI to get work done faster, but when accountants communicate with AI effectively, ethically, and creatively, it can elevate their professional impact. We’ll discuss how to engage in ethical, transparent use of AI tools to craft clear, persuasive communications and unlock creative problem-solving and alternative perspectives.
10:00 amBreak
10:10 am“Noteworthy Recent Ethical and Legal Controversies from the Corporate World” (2 ethics credits)
Michael Bootsma, Dean’s Teaching Fellow in Accounting, Ivy College of Business

Michael will provide an overview of some of the most notable corporate legal and ethical scandals of the recent two years. Participants will be provided with an overview of the scandal as well as the major ethical and legal issues implicated in the controversy. The role of accounting and financial analysis in the controversy will be highlighted, with an emphasis placed on the effects for key stakeholders.
11:50 amLunch
12:30 pmChoose a breakout session (2 credits)

Option A: “The Purpose of a Corporation: Dueling Nobel Laureates”
Cynthia Jeffrey, RSM Fellow in Accounting, Ivy College of Business

Milton Friedman believed the purpose of a corporation was to maximize shareholder value. Daniel Kahneman, Jack Knetsch, and Richard Thaler thought that might not be the best definition of purpose and looked at the role of corporate social responsibility as a consideration in evaluating corporate performance. It is hard to argue with Nobel laureates (Friedman, Kahneman, and Thaler were all recipients of the Nobel Prize in Economics), but they have different views of the purpose of a corporation. We will look at the different perspectives, and some of the considerations that might be important in evaluating corporate performance.  

Option B: “Generative AI Governance Today”
Diane Janvrin, William L. Varner Professor in Accounting, Ivy College of Business

Given the growth of generative AI (GenAI), business must address its risks along with its potential. We will discuss recent developments regarding GenAI governance frameworks and engage in hands-on activities to improve your understanding of the essential domains of GenAI governance.
2:10 pmBreak
2:20 pm“The Evolving Landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Athletics” (1 credit)
Brent Blum, Director of NIL Development, Cyclone Sports Properties

Brent will discuss the evolution of NIL legislation, how it has transformed college sports, and what it means for Iowa schools, businesses, and supporters moving forward.
3:10 pmPanel Discussion: “New Pathways for CPAs” (1 credit)
Moderated by Lindsey Haley, Director of Membership and Business Development, Iowa Society of CPAs
4:00 pmClosing remarks

Questions

For questions about registration, please contact Registration Services. For questions about the conference, please contact conference coordinators Kayla Sander or Jennifer Finch.

Notice of Photography and Media Recording

When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending this event, you consent to the possibility of your image and likeness being used in Ivy College of Business publications. This may include any of the college’s marketing materials, such as the website, social media, or other platforms.

Gerdin Business Building

2167 Union Drive
Ames, IA 50011 United States + Google Map