2026 Accounting and Auditing Conference - IN PERSON - 2ND DAY ONLY

Overview

We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. 

Following a successful inaugural year, the combined Accounting & Auditing Conference for CPAs returns for its second year on August 17–18 at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans as part of Ledgers & Legends Week.
This unique event combines two premier conferences:

• Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference

• Louisiana Accounting & Auditing Conference

Bringing together more than 250 CPAs from across Louisiana, attendees can mix and match between the two specialized tracks, earn valuable CPE, and connect with professionals from across the state. It's two days of learning, networking, and insights designed to keep you ahead.
 
August 18, 2026
 
7:30am - 7:55am Registration/Continental Breakfast 
 
7:55am - 8:00am Opening Remarks 
  
8:00am - 9:00am 
Auditing Hot Topics 2026: Quality, Risk, and Compliance Issues Facing Today’s Practitioners 
Jeremy Thibodeaux, CPE, CFE • Ericksen Krentel • New Orleans, LA
This session will provide a practical update on current auditing hot topics affecting CPA firms and governmental audit practices, including audit quality trends, peer review findings, risk assessment, internal controls, sampling, documentation, independence, Yellow Book, and single audit issues. The discussion will focus on recurring deficiencies and emerging practice challenges that engagement teams should be addressing in planning, fieldwork, reporting, and quality management. Participants will leave with practical reminders and takeaways to help strengthen audit execution, improve documentation, and avoid common issues identified through peer review and regulatory oversight.
 
9:00am – 9:50am
Professional Issues Update/New Pathways for Future CPAs 
Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA 
David Zoller • Director of Government & Political Affairs - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA 
Lisa A. Benefield, JD • Executive Director - State Board of CPAs of Louisiana • New Orleans, LA 
 
9:50am – 10:10am Break 
 
Concurrent Sessions 
10:10am – 11:00am 
Fraud – Case Studies (GAAC) 
J. Michael Inzina, CPA, CGFM, CGMA • Altec, Inc. • Monroe, LA 
 
Louisiana Economic Update (LAAC) 
Michael Hecht • Greater New Orleans, Inc • New Orleans, LA 
 
11:00 – 11:05 Change Break 
  
Concurrent Sessions 
11:05am - 11:55am 
Beyond the Numbers: Identifying Fiscal Warning Signs and Communicating Concerns Effectively (GAAC) 
Judith "Judy" Dettwiller, CPA, CIA, MBA • Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office • Baton Rouge, LA 
Jennifer Hawkins, CPA • Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier CPAs • Natchitoches, LA 
Fiscal distress rarely occurs overnight. This session will examine common warning signs that may indicate a government is losing financial flexibility, including liquidity concerns, reliance on one-time revenues, governance challenges, and other emerging risks. Attendees will also learn approaches for communicating these observations in a constructive manner and helping clients look beyond the audit opinion and findings to better understand what their financial data may be signaling about future risks. 
 
National Economic Update (LAAC) 
Speaker TBA • Hancock Whitney • New Orleans, LA 
 
11:55am – 12:55pm Lunch 
 
Concurrent Sessions 
12:55pm – 1:45pm 
Legal Update: The Highs and Lows of the ’26 Legislative Session (GAAC) 
Jenifer Schaye, JD, CFE • Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office • Baton Rouge, LA 
I will endeavor to offer an explanation of the legislation which directly impacts government audits.? I will also give an overview of significant legislation which will impact all citizens of Louisiana.?  
 
Special Purpose Framework Reporting Measurement and Disclosure Issues  (LAAC) 
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
CPAs typically think of the term “GAAP Departures” when describing a misstatement in financial statements. However, when a Special Purpose Framework (such as income tax basis) is used, such misstatements are referred to as “Framework Departures”. This session will delve into understanding how to determine the measurement, disclosure, and presentation requirements in Special Purpose Frameworks.

1:45pm – 2:05pm Break 
 
2:05pm – 2:55pm 
AI Policies - Risk Management 
Justin Headley, CPA, CISSP, CISA, CRISC • Warren Averett • Birmingham, AL

2:55pm - 4:25pm 
Beyond Automation: How CPAs Are Using AI to Add Value  
Moderator: Becky Hammond, CPA, CISA, CITP, CGAP • Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC • New Orleans, LA 
Derek Foret, CPA • Partner, Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP • Baton Rouge 
Nicolaus D. Simon, CPA • Darnall Sikes & Frederick • Lafayette, LA 
Maggie Perrien • Professional Practice Group, PwC • New Orleans, LA 
Marc Katsanis,  ABV, CFA, CPVA • Chaffe & Associates, Inc. • New Orleans, LA 
Join a panel of CPAs as they share how they are practically using AI to improve efficiency, enhance client service, and support their teams. Hear real-world examples, lessons learned, and honest insights on what’s working—and what’s not.  

The 2026 Accounting & Auditing Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession.

Relax & Recharge During Ledgers & Legends Week
Take time to unwind during your conference stay at the Ritz Spa with exclusive wellness perks.

• Louisiana Residents: Enjoy 20% off spa services Monday–Thursday with valid Louisiana ID. 
• LCPA Attendees: Enjoy a 15% discount through the weekend by mentioning LCPA and the contracted discount when booking & checking out.

Notice

HOTEL INFORMATION
Accounting and Auditing Conference attendees get exclusive rates on rooms for this event starting at $164/night:

The Ritz Carlton New Orleans
921 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
504.524.1331

Book by July 21!

RESERVE ONLINE

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.