By Alan E. Close
I have been in the insurance industry my entire career, spanning forty years. And, before you ask, that figure is not a misprint! I started in the insurance industry in 1965, but I didn't know about IASA until the early 1990′s when I was asked to speak at one of the technical sessions.
Back then when I first started to volunteer for IASA, I didn't have an appreciation for the size or structure of the organization. It wasn't until I was asked by a colleague to join the IASA Education Committee that I fully understood the educational value of IASA. The quality provided by the staff, the dedication of the volunteers, the commitment of the vendors and associate members, and the expert panelists have all helped to create top-notch conferences year after year.
Since the early 1990s, I have been a regular attendee, renewing old acquaintances and forming new ones all the while expanding my knowledge and business skills. Today, I am a volunteer serving as Vice President of Education, and I am responsible for this year's technical program. The conference, committed to continuing the value and standards of IASA, offers more than 70 educational sessions. With so many choices, I know I won't have any difficulty tailoring a schedule to fit my needs.
As Director of Accounting Policy at Northwestern Mutual Life, I am especially interested in the latest accounting issues facing the industry. Clearly, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), specifically with respect to the documentation and testing of internal controls, is at the top of my list. While SOX has had a dramatic effect on corporate reporting for SEC registrants, it can't be ignored by non-registrants. The NAIC, the regulatory body for the insurance industry, is considering changes to the Model Audit Rule, which could have a far-reaching effects on the insurance industry.
My personal first choice of sessions will focus on SOX, and there are plenty of sessions to choose from. This year's program offers sessions for accountants and IT professionals intended to provide insight into the implementation challenges for those obligated to implement SOX or those considering it as a "best practice"-just what I need. (See "Web Seminar to Provide SOX Compliance Preparation Facts" and related sidebar "SOX Info Available at 2005 IASA Conference" on page 9 of this issue).
I am actually having a difficult time making a selection from the many offerings on Wednesday. Colleagues have told me that Session 671: IT Town Hall is not one to miss. This session was a huge success last year and it's coming back in 2005 stronger than ever.
From time-to-time, I find myself a member of a team responsible for the development and deployment of technology or involved in the decision-making process to select and apply technology, which is why this session has appeal. Kicking off the session with "Survival of the Fittest: Strategies to Stay Competitive in Insurance" is Kimberly Harris, Vice President & Research Director, Gartner Group. Kimberly's presentation will offer a mix of business and technology strategies developed from her many years spent analyzing the technology trends and business drivers in our industry. Kimberly's introduction offers a perfect segue into the Town Hall part of the session where Robert Buhrle, Agile Technologies, will facilitate an exceptional panel of industry experts ready to answer your questions. I already have my list of questions prepared.
While accounting is my life-blood, I often try to expand my managerial skills. The educational opportunities extend beyond accounting and technology to encompass both personal and professional growth. Effective and practical techniques for individual improvement in these areas are part of the workshop environment of the professional skills development sessions. "How to Manage Interdepartmental Conflict" is one session that has caught my attention. Managers and professionals in all organizations deal with non-business issues at one time or another. These often include "dysfunctional family issues" such as politics, finger-pointing, conflicting goals or power games, just to name a few. Through enhanced communication and leadership training, I hope to gain skills that are easily and immediately implemented in the workplace.
With so much to offer and at the right price, I need to invite a colleague to share the IASA experience. Maybe you should do the same! See you in Anaheim!
Alan Close is Director of Accounting Policy for Northwestern Mutual Life in Milwaukee, WI, and also Vice President of Education for IASA. He can be reached via email at alanclose@northwesternmutual.com
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