2026 Accounting Educators Workshop
6.00 Credits
Member Price $50.00
Non-Member Price $50.00
Overview
This event is limited to full- and part-time educators and adjuncts and is designed to support their vital contributions to the future of the profession. It is made possible through the support of LCPA and our generous sponsors.
Notable changes are ahead with a newly proposed CPA licensure pathway in Louisiana, making it essential for educators to understand both new and existing options to better guide students’ career decisions. This workshop explores licensure pathways and implementation timelines, updates to the CPA Exam, and how AI is being integrated into classrooms and the workplace.
Come a day early and knock out your 2026 State Board Ethics requirement. Separate registration and fee required.
This event, open to full-time, part-time, and adjunct educators and is designed to support their vital contributions to the future of the profession. It is made possible through the support of LCPA and our generous sponsors.
AGENDA
8:30-8:55 am Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:55-9:00am Welcome
Christine Smith, CPA, MBA, MACCT • Senior Professor of Practice, A.B. Freeman School of Business - Tulane University • New Orleans, LA
Chair, LCPA Accounting Education Issues Committeee
9:00-9:50am
New Pathways for Future CPAs (panel)
Moderator: David Zoller, LCPA Director of Government & Political Affairs
Jeremy Thibodaux, CPA, CFE, Member at Large, LCPA Board of Directors and Assurance & Advisory Practice Leader at Ericksen Krentel, LLP in New Orleans
Kandace Mauldin, CPA, CGMA, Member, State Board of CPAs of Louisiana and CFO at Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
In addition to the existing education and experience pathways, a new path is in the works that allows Louisiana students to qualify for licensure with a baccalaureate degree with an accounting concentration plus two years of supervised work experience. Representatives from LCPA and the State Board will discuss the timeline for proposed state legislation and expected implementation. Find out how to advise your students on choosing the path that best fits their career plans, while maintaining the integrity of the CPA.
9:50-10:10am Break
10:10-11:00am
Navigating the CPA Examination (panel)
Moderator: Jennifer Zerangue Mistretta, CPA
Joe Maslott, CPA, Director – Content Management – Examinations, AICPA
Kyle Barrier, Associate Director of International Evaluation Services, NASBA
AICPA and NASBA representatives will cover many important topics including: the CPA Exam process, administration, international candidate administration, CPA Evolution Updates, CPA Exam resources, and hot topics. Bring your questions!
11:00am-12:00pm
AI in the Classroom: Trends, Tools, Techniques & Trust (panel)
Moderator: Christine Smith, CPA
Blaine Fisher, PhD, MS, MA, NRP, PG-Cert
Tulane University School of Professional Advancement
Andrew Schwarz, PhD
Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, LSU
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping accounting education. This session helps accounting educators understand how AI is being used in today’s classrooms and what it means for teaching, learning, and student preparedness. Participants will explore current trends, practical tools, and instructional techniques for integrating AI in ways that support critical thinking and academic rigor. The workshop also addresses key ethical considerations—including academic integrity, bias, transparency, and responsible use—equipping educators to set clear expectations and policies. Attendees will leave with practical insights and ideas for confidently and responsibly incorporating AI into their courses.
12:00-12:30pm Lunch
12:30-2:00pm
AI Deep Dive – The Profession’s Response (panel)
Moderator: Adena LeJeune, CPA
Derek Foret, CPA, Partner, Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP • Baton Rouge
Nicolaus D. Simon, CPA, Partner, Darnall Sikes & Frederick • Lafayette
Maggie Perrien, Director, Assurance Director - Professional Practice Group, PwC • New Orleans
Building on the classroom conversation, this panel brings together CPA firm leaders to share how AI is being used in practice today. Panelists will discuss real-world applications across firm services, emerging ethical considerations, and the skills they expect graduates to bring into the workplace. Educators will gain direct insight into how accounting programs can better align curriculum with firm needs and prepare students to use AI responsibly and effectively from day one.
2:00-2:10pm Break
2:10-3:00pm
AI Deep Dive – The Profession’s Response (continued)
ETHICS FOR LOUISIANA CPAs (Non-Public)
We're offering an ethics course the afternoon before (March 26, 3:00-5:40pm) so you can knock out your 2026 ethics CPE requirement in the same trip. Separate registration and fee required.
Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette (different from workshop location)
1521 W. Pinhook Road
Lafayette, LA 70503
NEED A ROOM?
Carriage House Hotel
603 Silverstone Rd
Lafayette, LA 70508
Call 337.769.8400 to make a reservation.
Designed For
Full- and part-time accounting/finance educators and adjuncts
Ruby Sponsor
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Christine Smith, Senior Professor of Practice Acctg, Tulane Freeman School of Business
Christine Smith is a Senior Professor of Practice of Accounting at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Since 2008, she has taught numerous courses across the undergraduate curriculum including Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I, Intermediate Accounting II, Managerial Accounting and Auditing. In addition, Christine is the Assistant Director of the Joint BSM-MACCT and MACCT programs for the Freeman School.
Christine worked numerous years on audit and litigation support engagements for Ernst & Young and Legier & Materne, apac, serving clients in many industries including healthcare, manufacturing, gaming and insurance. She left the public accounting arena to serve as Financial Accounting Manager for an international manufacturer headquartered in the Greater New Orleans area.
Christine earned a B.A. From Tulane’s Newcomb College, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. She is a licensed CPA in the state of Louisiana.
Jeremy Thibodeaux, Partner - A&A Services, Ericksen Krentel, L.L.P.
Jeremy Thibodeaux is a partner in Ericksen Krentel's Accounting and Audit Services Section, where he oversees the quality and timeliness of services to many of the firm's audit clients with a focus on nonprofits. During his career, Jeremy has performed audits dealing with a variety of entities in industries such as governmental, construction, retail, hospitality, tourism and professional services. He also has extensive experience in auditing governmental and nonprofit entities in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Non-Member Price $50.00
Member Price $50.00