We moved the April FENG meeting to the THIRD Wednesday of the month, so it falls after the tax filing deadline. 

 We are fortunate to have another new host this month.  Clifton Larson Allan LLP will present solutions for Harnessing Data, AI, and Automation that they have used with many of their clients, who are typically small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) so it will be a good practical fit for many of our members. 

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Place: 4601 Six Forks Rd

1st Floor Conference Center (North Tower)

Raleigh, NC 27609

Host: CLA (Clifton Larson Allen LLP)

Many thanks to Kevin Leder, CPA, Principal, for hosting our event. 

Topic: Harnessing Data, AI, and Automation for Smarter Finance & Business Operations

Presentation Description:

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face increasing pressure to leverage data, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) for efficiency, decision-making, and risk management. However, many finance leaders remain uncertain about where to start and how these technologies can provide practical value without unnecessary complexity or cost.

This interactive session will demystify digital transformation, focusing on real-world applications of AI, automation, and data strategies tailored to finance and accounting functions. Through case studies and actionable insights, attendees will gain clarity on how to effectively harness technology to enhance operations, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth. The CLA team will show how they are helping their small to medium sized private companies embrace these technologies to drive efficiencies, improve performance, and maintain security.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

1. Understand the Digital Landscape – Identify key digital trends, including AI, automation, and data analytics, and how they are reshaping finance and business operations.
2. Recognize Practical Applications – Learn how SMBs are leveraging AI and automation to improve processes such as financial reporting, forecasting, and operational efficiencies.
3. Debunk AI & Automation Myths – Gain clarity on what AI is (and isn’t), breaking down misconceptions and highlighting realistic, achievable use cases.
4. Optimize Business Decisions with Data – Discover how finance professionals can use data analytics to drive smarter decision-making, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance financial performance.
5. Assess Risks and Implementation Strategies – Explore the cybersecurity and operational risks associated with digital adoption and best practices for mitigating them.
6. Develop an Actionable Digital Roadmap – Leave with practical steps for evaluating and implementing digital solutions in a way that aligns with business goals and resources.

Speakers’ Bios:

Tim Dively, MBA

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)¬¬

National Digital Director- Financial Services Group 704-816-8575

Charlotte, North Carolina [email protected]

Tim leads the digital service line for the financial services practice at CLA. Tim was previously the SVP, Chief Technology, Operating Officer & Chief Information Security Officer for a mid-sized community financial institution. Tim couples his traditional banking experience from the C-Suite with his passion for education to leverage data, digital, and cybersecurity to help our clients & the industry evolve and develop best strategies in the transformed financial services environment and ecosystem.

Tim believes a solid data & cybersecurity strategy partnered with a formalized digital journey roadmap allows FIs to effectively navigate through the current pace of change within the industry while meeting employee, customer, and regulatory expectations. Tim works directly with our clients in performing data and digital strategy assessments to help recognize their strengths and opportunities while identifying where digital tools such as AI, automation, fintech integration, or adjusting current processes can drive efficiencies to meet bank performance goals, improve CX, and maintain cyber & regulatory compliance standards across all channels.

Technical experience

• IT and cybersecurity audit preparedness for community banks
• Operations and back-office efficiencies through process improvements, AI, machine learning, & automation for community banks
• Project management implementation
• Overall banking & digital strategic planning
• Mergers and acquisitions- operations, it, facilities, core conversions
• Vendor management
• Fintech integration
• Data strategy development and data analytics

Education and professional involvement

• Bachelor of arts, major in International Relations from Knox College in Galesburg, IL
• Master of Business Administration- Management Information Systems from Regis University in Denver, CO
• Graduate School of Banking, Madison, Wisconsin
• Mentor & Advisor- RevTech Labs, Charlotte, NC
• Mentor & Advisor- The Entrepreneur Center- Nashville, TN

CLAconnect.com

CPAs | CONSULTANTS | WEALTH ADVISORS

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer.

Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.

John Seal

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Director Data Analytics  919-873-5319

Raleigh, North Carolina [email protected]

John is a technical delivery leader for CLA’s digital team across multiple industries. John was formerly an Operations, Business Intelligence, and Analytics leader in a Fortune 500 retailer and a family-owned manufacturer. John combines his strong business experience with his deep technical knowledge to help guide clients on their journey to becoming data and analytics focused.

John works directly with client leaders to assess their digital needs and works with stakeholders to implement data architecture, data governance, reporting, GenAI, and process automation solutions. These solutions help clients better understand their business influences and gain efficiencies through technology.

Technical experience

• Project management implementation
• Vendor management
• Data strategy development and data analytics
• ERP implementation
• Data governance
• Data architecture/engineering
• Financial reporting (FP&A)
• Inventory management (APICS)
• Supply chain management
• SIOP leadership
• GenAI

Education and professional involvement

• Bachelor of science, major in Business Information Technology, Virginia Tech
• Yellow Belt Six Sigma
• APICS certification

Driving Directions:

From RDU Airport

• Head northeast on John Brantley Blvd. Go for 0.3 mi.
• Turn right onto W International Dr toward Parking Ride 4/North Cargo/General Aviation. Go for 0.4 mi.
• Turn right onto N Ramp Dr toward Express Parking/Economy Parking/General Aviation. Go for 0.1 mi.
• Continue on E International Dr. Go for 1.1 mi.
• Continue on Commerce Blvd toward Airport Exit/I-540/US-70. Go for 0.5 mi.
• Turn right onto Lumley Rd toward US-70. Go for 0.4 mi.
• Turn right onto Glenwood Ave. Go for 0.2 mi.
• Take ramp onto Glenwood Ave (US-70 E). Go for 3.0 mi.
• Turn left onto Lynn Rd. Go for 5.2 mi.
• Turn right onto Six Forks Rd. Go for 1.5 mi.
• Turn right onto Northbrook Dr. Go for 322 ft.
• Turn left. Go for 315 ft.
• 4601 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609-5210

From I-440 on the north side of Raleigh

• Head north on Six Forks Road. Go for .8 miles
• 4601 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609-5210 will be on your left.

Registration: If you are planning to attend, please register early to help us get an accurate headcount and help our hosts plan for the hospitality needs. 

RSVP:   Members - Go to the FENG website at andhttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hFRNgixcrd0-6qOExbIY-ZY3rCM4YGjnz50wp-zOjuDGkKbqiY_Fys0CTyz6MmVItABOsvMFSHItvUMgH4priIKdWKHv9h9uBIzRzz8ciLVNO1YxCTqDpQ== log in to get to your personal homepage, and check the box for this meeting.

                 Guests - Go to the Raleigh chapter page of the FENG website at  

http://thefeng.org/chapters/announcement.php?ChapterID=134 and click "reserve a spot at this event" near the top of the page. 

Members Login: http://www.thefeng.org/membersonly/ this will take you to your personal home page. Please enter the website with your password and scroll to the Raleigh Chapter to register for this event. 

Guests of Members: Please use this link:https://www.thefeng.org/chapters/north-carolina/raleigh/111

Please Register no later than noon on April 14^th so our host has a good headcount to plan for food and drinks. 

Agenda

6:00 to 6:30 pm – Open Networking

6:30 to 6:45 pm – Welcome, thank our host, up-coming events, and general comments. 

6:45 to 7:45 pm – The speakers will talk for 45 minutes to an hour saving time for questions.

7:45 to 8:00 pm – Open networking

About the Raleigh Chapter:

The Raleigh chapter has over 700 members and meets monthly, generally on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Meeting locations vary so be sure to double-check this each month. Guests and prospective FENG members are always welcome. First-timers are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the other chapter members. Most meetings include a speaker and topic of current interest to our members.

We look forward to meeting you and getting to know each other.

See you at the FENG meeting on Wednesday. 

Best Regards,

Ted Bachman, Chairman

Raleigh FENG Chapter

(919) 606-3477 (Business/Cell)

Email: [email protected]

Website:  http://BachmanAssoc.com

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tedbachman

Raleigh Chapter Leadership:

Ted Bachman, Chairman 
[email protected]
(919) 606-3477

Joyce Gibney, HQ Coordinator

[email protected]

(203) 856-5055

Cochairs

Dana Crawford

[email protected]

(919) 271-9917

Katrinka Tezyk

[email protected]

(315) 406-4510

Best Regards,

Ted Bachman, President

Bachman & Associates