2026 Controllers Conference - Webcast

Overview

In today’s fast-paced world, controllers and finance leaders must navigate constant change while driving innovation and success. The Controllers Conference is your chance to tackle key challenges, explore emerging trends, and build a stronger future for your organization. Connect with industry peers, sharpen your strategy, and walk away with tools to elevate your leadership and financial expertise.AGENDA

7:30 – 7:55 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast

7:55 Opening Remarks

8:00 – 8:50 am
State of the State
Barry Erwin • Leaders for a Better Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA 

8:50 – 9:50
Louisiana State and Local Tax Update
Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA
This presentation will cover recent developments in Louisiana state and local taxation including caselaw items as well as regulatory matters from the Department of Revenue.  Coverage will also include highlights from the recent state tax reform, particularly in the sales and use tax area.  

9:50 – 10:10 am Break

10:10 – 11:10 am
Recent Tax Developments in Compensation and Benefits – One Big Beautiful Bill and Beyond
Stephen Tackney • KPMG LLP • Washington, DC
This session will address recent legislative and regulatory developments on the taxation of compensation and benefits.  Anticipated topics include recent legislative changes impacting Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), employee tips and overtime income (including employer reporting responsibilities), the section 162(m) $1 million deduction limitation on certain employees of public corporations, the section 4960 excise tax on tax-exempt organizations for compensation in excess of $1 million and certain severance arrangements, Trump accounts including potential employer contributions, the 100% deduction limitation on certain employer expenses for employee meals, as well as other recent developments. 

11:10 am – 12:00 pm 
Current Environment for the Insurance Market and Effective Risk Management
Will Garcia • HUB International • Baton Rouge, LA
Is the 2026 insurance outlook better than 2025?  What does a “best in class organization” really mean in the insurance marketplace?  How can I position my company to get the most attention from underwriters?  Will the tort reform bills passed have in impact on our insurance rates?  What are creative ways to structure our insurance program to save money?  These are all topics we will address in this presentation.

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (provided)

1:00 – 2:00 pm
From Breach to Defense: Lessons from Today’s Cyber Landscape
Allison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and organizations must remain vigilant to protect their data and operations. In this session, we’ll explore the current state and future outlook of the cybersphere, focusing on real-world breach scenarios that highlight the risks businesses face today. Attendees will gain insight into emerging trends, practical mitigation strategies, and how to adopt a hacker’s mindset to strengthen defenses and reduce organizational risk.

2:00 – 3:00
AI Practical Application: Case Study at Stuller Jewelers
Lori Carter, CPA • Stuller Jewelers • Lafayette, LA
Sumit Saha • Stuller Jewelers • Lafayette, LA
Stuller, Inc. will demonstrate AI practical use cases within their organization through their adoption of widely available tools. They will provide insight and information on ways to use AI in the workplace to improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs.

3:00 – 3:20 Break

3:20 – 4:20 pm
NIL
Taylor Jacobs • LSU Associate Athletic Director • Baton Rouge, LA

Notice

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.