K2's Artificial Intelligence Conference (VIRTUAL)

Lawrence McClelland

Mac McClelland, an attorney and accounting professional, is an associate of K2 Enterprises of Hammond, Louisiana, and Network Management Group of Hutchinson, Kansas.

Mac was formerly the director of the Centre for Financial Studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he lived and worked for seven years from 1990 to 1997. He was also a member of the faculty of the Advanced Business Programme, ranked in the top 100 MBA programs in the world by The Economist, specializing in business strategy and strategic management accounting.

He gained his practical experience in information systems with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and has an established practice in business and technology consulting. Mac has taught hundreds of continuing professional education seminars to accountants and business managers in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia. His presentations are highly rated, and he has won several awards for teaching excellence.

Mac has been published in leading business and practitioner journals, including Tax Ideas, Computers in Accounting, Journal of Accounting Education, Chartered Accountants Journal of New Zealand, and the top-rated Journal of Accounting Research.

Brian Tankersley

Brian Tankersley is a consultant who advises US firms and companies on accounting technology issues. Mr. Tankersley is a frequent speaker at continuing education courses for K2 Enterprises, writes for multiple accounting media outlets, and publishes a nationally recognized blog on accounting and technology (www.cpatechblog.com). Mr. Tankersley has over 30 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, has been with K2 Enterprises since 2005.

Tankersley has been recognized eight times as one of the “Top 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting Technology” by Cygnus Business Media. Brian has made presentations in 48 of the 50 US states and has served as a guest speaker for many professional accounting organizations across Canada. He has received numerous awards for his writing and speaking from state CPA societies. Brian has presented sessions at most major national accounting technology conferences, including AICPA TECH+/Practitioners Conference, The Sleeter Group’s Solutions Conference, Sage Summit, CCH Connections, and Thomson Reuters Synergy User Conference.

Brian is a certified public accountant (Tennessee), a certified information technology professional (CITP), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Finance, cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Tankersley also maintains numerous vendor software certifications, and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Brian and his family make their home in Farragut, Tennessee.

Steve Yoss Jr.

Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., MS, CPA, is a visionary CPA and the entrepreneurial mind behind Devmatics, LLC. Starting his tech journey at age 10, Stephen quickly progressed to establish his own IT company at 13 and began crafting software by 15. He holds a dual degree in Accountancy and International Business from Loyola Marymount, complemented by an Masters of Science in Information Systems and Technology with a focus on Geographic Information Systems from Claremont Graduate University.

At the helm of Devmatics since 2017, Stephen specializes in developing tailored software solutions, mobile apps, and sophisticated automation systems to solve complex, critical challenges for a variety of clients. His innovative approach to technology was first applied at his family’s firm, Yoss & Allen, where he revolutionized their technological infrastructure.

As an authoritative speaker and prolific author, Stephen is a powerhouse in professional education, presenting at over 100 events annually and having authored more than 50 CPE courses. His sessions, packed with expertise and actionable insights, cover critical technology topics from cloud computing to preventing data breaches, artificial intelligence, automation, and empowering professionals across the globe.

Stephen’s expertise in the realm of pyrotechnics is equally impressive. As a licensed pyrotechnician, he’s contributed to some of the nation’s most memorable fireworks displays, including the Macy’s July 4th Spectacular and the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, the annual Burning Man event, and many other shows around the country. His precision and creativity illuminate the sky, showcasing his dedication to this explosive art form.

When he’s not developing software, enlightening professionals, or lighting up the sky with fireworks, Stephen indulges in his passions for music, community service, and the great outdoors. His commitment to community and adventure is evident, whether he’s at Burning Man or volunteering in his hometown of Big Bear Lake, CA.

Dive deeper into Stephen’s blend of technological innovation, educational contribution, and pyrotechnic artistry at https://yoss.io.

Thomas Stephens Jr.

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

• Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm; • Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company; • Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization; and • Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.

In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals. In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner. Over the past twenty-seven years, Tommy has presented over 2,900 educational sessions to over 73,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.