Laura Ullrich is Director of Economic Research in North America at the Indeed Hiring Lab. Prior to joining Indeed, Laura served as a Senior Regional Economist and Senior Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, primarily focused on research related to higher education and workforce dynamics. For over a decade, Laura was an economics professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Winthrop University. Her research interests include higher education, community college policy, labor participation, and the economic impact of local development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Georgia and a master’s and doctorate in Economics from the University of Tennessee.

May Session Description: Join us for an engaging session with Laura Ullrich as she breaks down the current job market and what the data is really telling us. From hiring trends and workforce shafts to the evolving role of technology, this session will provide a clear, data-driven perspective on what opportunities exist and where challenges may lie. 

Participants will be able:

1. Analyze key job market indicators to better understand employment opportunities and risks.
2. Assess how AI is influencing job roles, particularly in accounting and business and determine greater factors.
3. Identify in-demand skills and develop strategies to be competitive in a changing market.

Instructional Delivery Method: Group-Based Internet
Recommended CPE: 1.2 credits
Field of Study: Personal Development
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Basic
Advanced Preparation: None

Scott Showalter is a professor of practice and director of the Master of Accounting Program in the NC State Poole College of Management. Prior to joining the faculty in 2008, Scott was an audit partner with KPMG LLP, where he retired after a 33-year career. During his career with KPMG, he provided audit and consulting services to large Federal, state and local governments.

Scott is the former chair and Board member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) where he completed his 10-year term in June 2019. He is the past chair of the Board of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and a current member of the AICPA Board of Directors. He also served two terms as a member of the Standing Advisory Group to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. He has served in numerous leaderships positions in the American Accounting Association.

Scott earned a BS degree in accounting, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Richmond and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (active) and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

Join us for a timely discussion on the evolving role of sustainability reporting in today’s business environment. As regulatory expectations, stakeholder priorities, and market dynamics continue to shift, this session will explore whether sustainability reporting remains a critical component of organizational strategy or if its relevance is changing.  

Participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate the current relevance of sustainability reporting by examining recent regulatory developments, stakeholder expectations, and market trends.
2. Identify key sustainability reporting frameworks and standards, and understand how organizations are applying them in practice.
3. Analyze the implications of sustainability reporting for accounting professionals, including its impact on decision-making, risk management, and long-term organizational strategy.

Instructional Delivery Method: Group-Based Internet
Recommended CPE: 1.2 credits
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Basic
Advanced Preparation: None

Bonnie Hancock is a professor of practice in the NC State Poole College of Management, where she teaches graduate classes in financial management and financial planning. Prior to joining NC State, she worked with Progress Energy as senior vice president of finance and information technology and later as president of Progress Fuels, a subsidiary with over $1 billion in assets that produced and marketed gas, coal and synthetic fuels, and operated fuel terminals and ash management facilities. During her time at Progress Energy and its predecessor, Carolina Power & Light, she also held the positions of tax manager, vice president – accounting and vice president – strategic planning. In addition, she was the executive director of NC State’s Enterprise Risk Management Initiative from 2006–2021.

Bonnie is the member of several Boards of Directors, including HomeTrust Bank, AgCarolina Farm Credit, and the North Carolina Coastal Pines Girl Scout Council.

Join us for a practical and engaging session that combines a guided personal financial checkup with a clear overview of the most impactful recent changes in tax law and financial planning. You’ll leave with a sharper understanding of your financial picture and actionable strategies to improve it.

Participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate their current financial position by completing a financial checkup that identifies strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement.
2. Understand the impacts of the recent updates in tax law and financial planning regulations.
3. Apply planning strategies to optimize retirement savings, improve tax efficiency, and strengthen long-term financial security.

Instructional Delivery Method: Group-Based Internet
Recommended CPE: 1.2 credits
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Basic
Advanced Preparation: None