ajerausersassociation national conference · may 8-11, 2018 new orleans, la hilton riverside new...

MAY 8-11, 2018 NEW ORLEANS, LA HILTON RIVERSIDE

NEW ORLEANS, LA

2018 AJERAUSERSASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE

#1 2018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG

EARLY BIRD 1 Day Fee $ 925.00 $ 835.00 2 Day Fee $ 1,265.00 $ 1,145.00 3 Day Fee $ 1,495.00 $ 1,345.00Principal Track $ 995.00 $ 895.00

Early Bird pricing is available until 2/28/18*Registration fee is for active members only. Please include an additional $275.00 for annual company memberhip to the listed fee if not currently an active member.

#22018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG

WELCOME TO THE 2018 AJERAUSERSASSOCIATIONNATIONAL CONFERENCE

INFORMATION

HOTEL BLOCK CLOSES April 18, 2018Hilton Riverside - New OrleansTwo Poydras StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130

$199 single or double / night(Rates / avail. may change after 04.18.2018)

Visit Online for Booking: www.ajerausers.org

CONFERENCE DATES May 8-11, 2018

Register Online: www.ajerausers.org

Ajera Users AssociationP.O. Box 562Westerville, OH 43086

24 CPE CREDITS AVAILABLE FOR SESSIONS.Ajera Users Association is registered with theNational Association of State Boards ofAccountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CANCELLATION DEADLINE April 27, 2018 Cancellations must be received in writing two weeks prior to the National Conference to receive a monetary refund. After that time, full credit will be given toward any future AUA event for a period of 1 year. For more informa-tion regarding administrative policies such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at [email protected]

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME LETTER

I am pleased to invite you to register for the 2018 AUA Con-ference. I am honored to serve as President with the members on the AUA Board, a passionate group who work hard for your benefit.

As the AUA Conference registration opens, I invite you, your colleagues, and Principals to register for the Conference in New Orleans May 8th through the 11th, 2018.

The education committee lead by Jenn Goodwin has put together a list of topics that will educate, enlighten and change the way Ajera is used as a business tool for Project Management, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MDM (Master Data Management), and Enterprise Report Management by providing the Principals and members of your organization the data they need in a format that is useful and readily available for them.

What’s new: 1) More Networking opportunities:

A) Welcome reception on Tuesday Night. B) AUA Riverboat Cruise and Dinner on Thursday Night included with your conference registration.

2) Revised session material addressing Ajera changes content for Intermediate and Advanced users.3) Industry specialist Wayne Owens and Herb Cannon will be presenting sessions during the conference.4) Principals Best Practices with Ajera – a day and a half interactive session to showcase the possibilities in using Ajera. We have invited Herb Cannon a noted business consultant to speak during this track and will have Ajera Users and Deltek Specialist to demonstrate the possibilities with Ajera. Included is an opportunity to socialize with and continue the discussion of Ajera on the River Boat cruise Thursday Night. (Please invite your Principals.)

What is the same: 1) Hands on sessions and computer labs. 2) Great support from Deltek and Industry Sponsors. 3) Get your ‘5’ minutes of fame with Great Deltek\Ajera Minds, (Ellen Kelley Product Manager, Michael McCaffery, Ajera Guru, Tracey Henry Support Manager, and more to take notes, answer questions, and provide insight to your issues and questions. 4) The Best Ajera User Networking Opportunity of 2018.

As you review the schedule of sessions, please keep in mind that these sessions have been updated to discuss current top-ics and implementation of the Ajera software enhancements that are continually occurring. We have many new session leaders and their sessions with you in a hands-on lab environ-ment where you are looking, touching, and manipulating the software is what makes the AUA Conference unique. You will also have the opportunity for open lab session on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Please take advantage of Early Registration Discounts. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans. Greg Mayer AUA President

NEWSLETTER CONTENTSWelcome letter pg #1Conference info pg #2Session schedule pg #3-4Session descriptions pg #5-20

HO

TEL

REG

ISTR

ATIO

N

REG

ISTR

ATIO

N F

EES

24 C

PE

CRED

ITS

AVA

ILA

BLE

CAN

CELL

ATIO

N P

OLI

CY

RESERVE HOTEL BY April 18, 2018www.ajerausers.org

C1 Resource Budgeting DESCRIPTION: pg. 13

B1 Billing Workflow & Advanced Rate TablesDESCRIPTION: pg. 9

A1 New User WorkshopProject Setup & Rate TablesDESCRIPTION: pg. 5

BASICTIMES TIMESINTERMEDIATE ADVANCED INDUSTRY

Lunch Break

Computer Lab Open / Meet with an Expert (by appointment)

C5 Project Managers WorkshopDESCRIPTION: pg. 15

C9 Advanced SQLFormula MadnessDESCRIPTION: pg. 15


C11 Client Invoice DesignerDESCRIPTION: pg. 16

C3 Advanced Widgets & InquiryDESCRIPTION: pg. 13

D1 Business Development & DPS - CRMDESCRIPTION: pg. 17

D5 Month-End Close & Bank ReconciliationDESCRIPTION: pg. 18

D9 Best Practicesfor PrincipalsDESCRIPTION: pg. 20

D7 Performance MetricsDESCRIPTION: pg. 19


D3 FAR ComplianceDESCRIPTION: pg. 17

B5 Intermediate WidgetsDESCRIPTION: pg. 10

B9 In-House PayrollDESCRIPTION: pg. 11

B11 Project ManagerDashboardsDESCRIPTION: pg. 12

B3 Consultant ManagementDESCRIPTION: pg. 9

A5 Formula BasicsDESCRIPTION: pg. 7

A9 Digging Deeper into InquiryDESCRIPTION: pg. 8

A7 Widget BasicsDESCRIPTION: pg. 7

A3 New Users WorkshopHR SetupDESCRIPTION: pg. 6

C2 Advanced Widgets & InquiryDESCRIPTION: pg. 13


C10 Advanced SQLFormula MadnessDESCRIPTION: pg. 15


C12 Client Invoice DesignerDESCRIPTION: pg. 16

C4.1 Credit Card ImportDESCRIPTION: pg. 14

D2 Revenue RecognitionDESCRIPTION: pg. 17

D6 Cash Flow & Incentive CompensationDESCRIPTION: pg. 19


D8 Best Practices for PrincipalsDESCRIPTION: pg. 20


D4.1 AxSchemaDESCRIPTION: pg. 18

B6 Intermediate WidgetsDESCRIPTION: pg. 10

B10 Advanced ExcelDESCRIPTION: pg. 11

B8 Customizing Your FinancialsDESCRIPTION: pg. 11

B12 Project ManagerDashboardsDESCRIPTION: pg. 12

B4.1 Finding the Lost WIPDESCRIPTION: pg. 10

A2 New Users WorkshopWorkflow & BillingDESCRIPTION: pg. 5

A6 Widget BasicsDESCRIPTION: pg. 7

A8 Inquiry BasicsDESCRIPTION: pg. 7

A12 Accounting DashboardsDESCRIPTION: pg. 8

A4.1 Custom FieldsDESCRIPTION: pg. 6

Classes focused on base program functionality. You utilize Ajera to do the minimum processes and have less than 18 months of experience.

You have mastered Ajera basics in the following areas: account-ing/project management, Inquiry, dashboards & widgets, setup procedures, reporting options and views pertaining to each session. You are comfort-able with performing each of the session’s Ajera tasks.

You have been using Ajera for at least 2 years and want to discuss the sessions' advanced techniques. You are looking to enhance Ajera’s abilities to provide the information you need. You modify dashboards / widgets, and want to move your capabilities to the next level.

Your Ajera use is more focused on project costs, managing budgets, and balancing resources for business management purposes.

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017

WENDSDAY, MAY 10, 2017

12:30 PM1:30 PM

8:50 AM10:30 AM

8:00 AM8:40 AM

4:00 PM5:30 PM 10:50 AM

12:30 PM

8:50 AM10:30 AM

12:30 PM1:30 PM

10:50 AM12:30 PM

5:30 PM6:30 PM

3:30 PM5:10 PM

1:30 PM3:10 PM

12:30 PM1:30 PM

3:30 PM5:10 PM

1:30 PM3:10 PM

8:50 AM10:30 AM

3:30 PM4:20 PM

1:30 PM3:10 PM

10:50 AM12:30 PM

5:30 PM6:30 PM

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018

BEST PRACTICES

Registration

5:00 PM6:00 PM

Welcome Reception

Keynote Speaker - Matt Connor, CPSM (Houston, TX) - Level Up Your Job, Career, Life and More!6:00 PM7:00 PM

7:00 AM8:00 AM

Registration

7:00 AM8:00 AM

Breakfast

General Session - "Welcome"8:00 AM8:40 AM

C4.2 Formula FoundationsDESCRIPTION: pg. 14

D4.2 Let's Go MobileDESCRIPTION: pg. 18

B4.2 Outsourced PayrollDESCRIPTION: pg. 10

A4.2 Security & RolesDESCRIPTION: pg. 6

4:30 PM5:20 PM

B2 Billing Workflow & Advanced Rate TablesDESCRIPTION: pg. 9

A10 New Features in AjeraDESCRIPTION: pg. 8

A11 Accounting DashboardsDESCRIPTION: pg. 8

Lunch

General Session - "Ajera Roadmap: The Future of Ajera"

7:00 AM8:00 AM Breakfast

Off-Site Networking Event - Dinner and Social event aboard the paddle wheeler Creole Queenattendee cost included with registration, additional guest for a fee

Computer Lab Open / Meet with an Expert (by appointment)

B7 Customizing Your FinancialsDESCRIPTION: pg. 11

Lunch

General Session - "Board Meeting"

Breakfast

8:00 AM8:40 AM

7:00 AM8:00 AM

6:00 PM9:00 PM

#5 #62018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG 2018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG#5 2018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG

2018 CONFERENCE SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

A1 NEW USER WORKSHOP PROJECT SETUP & RATE TABLES

INTENDED AUDIENCEAccounting, Project Managers

LENGTH OF CLASSSingle (100 minutes)

PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Understand and set up the Project Command Center to work for your company.2. Understand and be able to set up the Manage tab for projects.3. Learn the structure, function and effect of basic rate tables.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will introduce you to how information entered in Project Setup and Rate Tables affects your Ajera system. Project budgets and schedules and special reports will all be discussed. You will expand your knowledge of the basics and learn the tips and tricks to help Ajera work for you. You will learn how to get help when needed and have hands-on computer usage and Q&A.

A2 NEW USER WORKSHOP WORKFLOW & BILLING



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Understand how choices of decisions and selections made in the Project

Command Center affect billing processing and client invoicing.2. Learn to utilize the Client invoicing and Client receipt functions for payment

of invoices.3. Understand the financial statement effects of invoicing.4. Learn about Ajera standard Reports and how to customize reports for your

needs.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis class will move you from Project setup to beginning invoice processing and basic invoice setup. We will also cover standard invoice template setup, paperless invoic-ing, AR reporting, statements and will bridge into the Beginning Reporting Session. The session includes hands-on computer usage and Q&A.

BASIC (A COURSES)

BASIC (A COURSES)Classes focused on base program functionality. You utilize Ajera only during the day to do the minimum processes or less than 18 months of experience.

A3 NEW USER WORKSHOP HR SETUP

INTENDED AUDIENCEEveryone


PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn to use Ajera for Human Resources.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONEveryone starts somewhere, and this class shows how Ajera can be customized for in-formation useful for your Human Resources department. We’ll give you tips and tricks, using inquiry, custom field and dashboards to make this information easily available at the click of a button. There will be hands-on activities as well as Q & A time.

A4.1 CUSTOM FIELDS


LENGTH OF CLASSMini (50 minutes)

PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Attendees will learn to set up and organize Custom Fields in Ajera in multiple

areas of the program.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAjera is designed for the A&E industry, but your company is unique with unique information needs. Attendees will learn how to add and organize custom fields to provide the unique information you need for your company’s widgets, tracking, and reporting. You will learn the different types of Custom Fields: Text; Memo; Custom List; Number; Date; and Checkbox and insert them in various areas and see the results in our hand on classroom environment.

A4.2 SECURITY & ROLES



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Utilize roles to provide effective information to Ajera users.2. Provide the correct level of access to change Ajera data.3. Understand proper security and what that means to your firm.4. Understand why roles (Security) safeguards your data and provide a reliable

project and accounting reporting platform.5. Understand the security on widgets and dashboards.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAttendees will have a hands-on experience with roles (Ajera Security) and Dashboard Security. During the hands-on experience the session attendees will create and pro-vide access to various user levels while discussing the various security requirements for Ajera data access, report and informational reviews. Attendees will participate in a security discussion throughout the class with the intent of understand why security is important and knowing how to create and apply Ajera security.


A5 FORMULA BASICS



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. To understand the basics of formula building within Ajera.2. To learn basic SQL mathematical and textual formulas to use in Ajera.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONFormulas are everywhere in Ajera – in Widgets, Inquiries, Financial Statement De-signer, and Custom Invoice Designer. The purpose of the Formula Basics class is to teach beginner-level attendees the basics of formula building in the SQL environment of Ajera. After completing this class, you will be able to understand the different characters and fields used in creating formulas and when, where, and how to add components to a formula for both mathematical and text-based data.

A6 WIDGET BASICS A7


LENGTH OF CLASSDouble (200 minutes)

PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Which widgets come premade in Ajera and how to utilize those widgets.2. How to modify and existing widget with additional columns and filters.3. How to create a basic widget from scratch.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will introduce you to Widgets and how they can provide live information to the decision makers of your firm. Widgets are the building blocks of the Ajera 8/9 dashboards. They allow you to access and present information in a clean and user-friendly interface. After completing this class, you will know which widgets are included with Ajera, how to modify an existing widget and how to create one from scratch.

A8 INQUIRY BASICS

INTENDED AUDIENCEAccounting


PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. To learn the basics of Ajera’s Inquiry module and how to use it to identify a firm’s

most common information needs.2. To work with and modify Ajera’s standard inquiries to create simple custom

inquiries.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThe inquiries function allows you to target specific data in Ajera’s database to easily access only the information you need. In this class, you will learn how to distinguish between the various standard inquiries, modify columns, group your data, filter the data, and export your data.

A9 DIGGING DEEPER INTO INQUIRY



PREREQUISITESA8 Inquiry Basics

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Have expanded basic Inquiry knowledge with intermediate level formulas,

conditions, and links.2. Be able to create more advanced inquiries to dig deeper into a firm’s information.3. Be able to organize and share inquiries with others in a firm.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAjera’s Inquiry module has the ability to link data together and apply conditions to provide detail-level information with the click of the mouse. In this session, we will demonstrate how to utilize this capability to rollout Inquiries to various staff levels in your firm. After completing this class, you will be able to create moderate-level formulas, recognize the difference between conditions and links, and understand how to set conditions on an inquiry or a link.

A10 NEW FEATURES IN AJERA



PREREQUISITESBasic working knowledge of the standard features of Ajera.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn the features of Ajera to be able implement within your own firm.2. Learn new ways to accomplish old workflows given new functionality of Ajera.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis class will cover and provide insight into new features in Ajera. After this class you will be able to: enter and approve new timesheets with the new browser based Timesheet functionality, be able to approve project time from one centralized dash-board location (with drilling down multiple levels to see detail), attach backup detail (AP, Expense Report, Inhouse Expenses) automatically to your billing review process and client invoicing, and have further flexibility with the entry, review, modification and approval of expense reports.

A11 ACCOUNTING DASHBOARDS A12



PREREQUISITESKnowledge of Dashboard and Widget design. Understanding of general accounting principles.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. To review widget and dashboard terminology, functionality, and security.2. To discuss best practices for dashboard setup and rollout.3. To provide additional in-depth knowledge regarding the use and setup of

Widgets and Dashboards specifically focused on the accounting needs of your firm.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAjera’s dashboards offer unlimited capabilities for accessing your data. With so many options, the challenge is in deciding what you want your team to see. In this session, we will discuss techniques to help your firm succeed with dashboards and alerts specifically geared towards the Accounting roles in your firm. After completing this session, users will be able to leverage their real-time widget reporting to maximize efficiency and profitability for their firm.


B1 BILLING WORKFLOW & ADVANCED RATE TABLES B2



PREREQUISITESSome experience with Client Invoicing helpful, but not required.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Understand the flow of information to the invoices.2. Explore the traditional and paperless methods of billing workflow.3. Discussion of billing review stages.4. Emailing invoices to clients.5. Discussion of customized invoice formats (covered in another class).6. Advanced set up of billing rate tables.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this double session, we will cover the ins and outs of billing workflow. We will examine the pros and cons of the different methods of billing within Ajera. One size does not always fit all. You will learn several options for distributing billing information to Billing Managers helping you create an efficient line of communication between the Billing Managers and Accounting. We will also demonstrate some tips for viewing and changing invoices. We will cover the use of widgets, alerts and inquiries that could be used in paperless billing. We will demonstrate the usefulness of customized invoice formats for retaining backup information for your invoices. We will cover advanced set up of billing rate tables. Come learn what others are doing that might help improve your process.

B3 CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT



PREREQUISITESKnowledge of project budget practices.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Gain an understanding of using Resources for tracking and monitoring

sub-consultant costs.2. Understand how the Pay When Paid Report will help with the payment of

sub-consultants.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will provide you with knowledge for why tracking subconsultant work on your projects is important. From tracking the budgets for your sub consultants to knowing when the client was billed for the services to paying your vendors based on payment by your clients, consultant management is truly a proven method for Project Management, managing cost and billing needs and prompt payment for vendor relationships.

B4.1 FINDING THE LOST WIP



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Examine a couple different ways to find “lost WIP” in Ajera. 1. Discuss some of the reasons that can cause lost WIP.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this mini session, we will examine the work in progress report. We will take a look at different billing statuses and come up with some inquiries / widgets to help you find “lost” time and expenses. We will also talk about some of the situations that create WIP that is hard to find. We hope this class can help you clean up your work in process so the WIP on your financials is a true reflection of your situation. If time allows, we will have an open discussion on what issues users are having and what they are doing to solve them regarding WIP.

B4.2 OUTSOURCED PAYROLL



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Running payroll in Ajera and reading the generated invoice2. Reconciling the Ajera generated invoice with your payroll service providers

reports and benefits3. Improving payroll workflow

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this mini session, we will walkthrough processing payroll in Ajera when using an outsourced payroll company. We will walk through reconciling the Ajera generated payroll invoice and example reports from a payroll company. We will also talk about some of the workflow/checklists that one might use from processing payroll in Ajera and the outsourced payroll company.

B5 INTERMEDIATE WIDGETS B6



PREREQUISITESBeginning widgets. Knowledge of inquiry is helpful as a number of concepts between inquiry and widgets exist.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Where to find “keys” and why this is important to know.2. Creating a new tab and table widgets.3. Using SQL formulas to find and develop data.4. Conditional formatting to draw attention to specific data.5. Parent–child widgets.6. Work through class examples to get comfortable with “widgeting”.7. Work on a class assigned design on your own with others available to assist you

if needed.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis intermediate-level session will build upon the lessons introduced in Beginning Widgets or move you to a higher level of usage if you already feel you know the basics. We will work through a variety of widgets which could help you back at your job. Get ready for some tips on where to find data and how things “flow”. Discover the importance of key fields, how to find them, and developing widget formulas by using some simple common SQL formulas. Use parent-child relationships to hop to more detail automatically. Make your widgets pop to the eye of the user with conditional formatting. Learn how to use of filters, grouping, sorting, date ranges, and column titles to manipulate the data. See how to do a final clean-up of your tab, such as resizing widgets and securing a tab and the widgets contained in it to specific users and groups. We end the class with you working on developing your own widget to solve a work problem, based on some of the things you just learned (no fear, we are there to assist you and coach you through the process).

INTERMEDIATE (B COURSES)

You have mastered Ajera basics in the following areas – Accounting/Project Management functionality, Inquiry functions, Dashboards & Widget functionality, Setup procedures, Reporting options and views setup pertaining to each session. You should be comfortable with performing each of the session’s Ajera tasks.

#11 #122018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG 2018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG

B7 CUSTOMIZING YOUR FINANCIALS B8



PREREQUISITESBasic accounting knowledge. Experience reviewing and compiling financial statements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn how to utilize the Financial Statement Designer module to customize your

financials.2. Discuss the best way to present Financial Statement Designs to meet your firm’s

needs.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this two-part training course, you will see first-hand how to build a financial state-ment, add/delete columns and rows, create accumulators, and add budgets to your design. We will be doing hands-on work to create templates that you will be able to export and take with you to apply to your own firm. This class will also help show you how to organize your monthly report into groups so you can quickly produce many different sets of financial statements at the push of a few buttons.

B9 IN-HOUSE PAYROLL



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Understanding the in-house payroll function in Ajera.2. Tips and tricks for effective payroll – forum type discussion

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this single session class, we will be discussing the in-house payroll function. If enrolled in this class, we will assume you have a basic knowledge of how to run a payroll in Ajera. We will go thru the process, reports, government forms, etc. This class will also have round table feel to discuss tips and tricks of payroll and best practice solutions.

B10 ADVANCED EXCEL



PREREQUISITESStrong understanding of the basics in Excel.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Utilize Pivot tables and Excel 3D Concepts in their Financial and project invoicing

and reporting.2. Create and manipulate templates to make more dynamic spreadsheets.3. Utilize Ajera inquiry and widgets to extract information from the SQL Databases

of Ajera.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this course, we will be doing an advanced exploration of Pivot tables and Excel 3D capabilities. The class will demonstrate several data extraction methods from Ajera. The class will focus more on what to do with the data after it is in Excel, creation of Project information reports, an efficient method of summarizing like financial and project information. The class will include discussion of real life situations, hands on application and the utilization of Excel to create the Ad Hoc reporting that you require.

B11 PROJECT MANAGER DASHBOARDS B12



PREREQUISITESA basic working knowledge of Ajera and Dashboard/Widgets

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Best practices for dashboard setup and rollout.2. Real time reporting – what makes it work?3. Review of widget and dashboard terminology, function, and security.4. Demonstration of “go-to” dashboards by role.5. Easy modifications of “out of the box” dashboards to add value.6. Creation of PM centric Dashboard(s) from scratch.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will provide insight to the best practices use of dashboards and widgets. Real Time Reporting in a fast-paced A/E environment is an invaluable tool to aid your Project Management team and to drive your profits to new highs. After completing this session users will be able to leverage their real-time widget reporting to maximize project visibility, efficiency and profitability.


C1 RESOURCE BUDGETING



PREREQUISITESStrong interest in Project Manager and/or Accounting creation or review of Budgets (Dollar and Resource Hours) and the subsequent review and management of Scheduled hours and Budgeting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Discuss project creation within Ajera and where their role comes into play during

the project lifecycle.2. Review Ajera workflow for initial project creation. This will conclude with a discus-

sion on phases and forms they take.3. Utilization of the Manage tab within the Project command Center for Budgeting

and Management of projects and utilization of resource management within Ajera for allocating all hours (fees) to those projects.

4. Answer the age-old question, what is the perfect level of micro-management?5. Have the ability to schedule out the tasks/resources/ phases/projects on your

roster to completion.6. Enabling PM driven project and employee hour (and/or) dollar management

within Ajera’s Schedule Manager.7. Displaying Employee and Project scheduled hours and potentially dollars via

Ajera’s Dashboard reporting.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAttendees in this session will gain insight into the budgeting and resource manage-ment capabilities of Ajera. Budget and resource management will be demonstrated in a hands-on environment from Entry on the Manage tab of the project command center to utilization in managing project budgets and resource management to pro-vide greater profitability though utilization of the applications, reporting and widgets that Ajera provides. This session will be geared to providing Management information and increasing employee utilization though proper budgeting and scheduling.

C2 ADVANCED WIDGETS & INQUIRY C3



PREREQUISITESIntermediate Widgets.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Expose the user to what advanced options exist for widget and inquiry.2. Design an inquiry that combines information from multiple parts of Ajera using

Transact-SQL formulas.3. Redesign a widget that replicates the information designed in an advanced

inquiry.4. Describe advanced tab/widget organization methods.5. User will leave the class with the confidence to design whole widget ecosystems

that can benefit many users at their organizations.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis advanced level Widget and Inquiry class will expose the already experienced user to design techniques and strategies that will empower them to create new widgets and inquiries that will keep their users asking for more. By the end of the class, you will feel comfortable designing whole widget tab ecosystems from scratch and further modifying them as users ask for more.

ADVANCED (C COURSES)

You have been using Ajera for at least 2 years, actively utilizing the discussed functions, and are seeking to discuss the session’s advanced techniques. You are looking to enhance Ajera’s capabilities to provide the information your company needs. You modify dashboards and widgets and desire to move your widgets, reporting and accounting capabilities to the next level.

C4.1 CREDIT CARD IMPORT



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Setting up your Credit Card Import file. 2. Downloading Credit Card files and importing into Ajera3. Importing Credit card charges into Expense Reports

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will introduce you to the credit card upload feature in Ajera. We will walk you through the setup of the credit card import settings, the default credit card activity, and the bank account for your credit card and assign it to an employee. Using a csv credit card import file, we will show how to upload your file into Ajera. We will then show you how the charges are imported into an expense report.

C4.2 FORMULA FOUNDATIONS



PREREQUISITESConsiderable experience creating custom widgets and inquiry.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Introduce Transact-SQ.2. Introduce SELECT formula and run through two examples of how they can be

used.3. Introduce CASE formula and run through two examples of how they can be used.4. Introduce a combined SELECT and CASE formula that is built upon the first four

examples.5. The User will leave the class feeling confident with SELECT and CASE

Transact-SQL formulas

SESSION DESCRIPTIONFormula Foundations is an advanced level class that will unlock the power of the database to a user who wants to take their Widget and Inquiry reporting to the next level by pulling select information from seemingly unrelated parts of Ajera. The class will focus on the power of SELECT and CASE formulas and how they can be used to connect different areas of Ajera onto one Widget or Inquiry. The focus will be on building a strong foundation on two Transact-SQL formulas that will set you up for success in any of a number of other conference sessions.


C5 PROJECT MANAGERS WORKSHOP C6 C7 C8


LENGTH OF CLASSAll Day

PREREQUISITESA basic working knowledge of Ajera.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Become an Active PM Throughout the Project Lifecycle.2. Customize the Project Command Center.3. Set up project templates (Top-down & Bottom-up).4. Set up projects using templates.5. Assign both internal and external resources.6. Manage these resources.7. Set up and use Schedule Manager8. Review projects for billing.9. Create invoices.10. Create Widgets (in-class examples throughout the workshop).11. Review Ajera Complete standard reports.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis class is intended for, but not limited to, project managers and is led by a Deltek Project Management Consulting Expert with an Accounting/Finance driven background. Accounting professionals may find this workshop helpful to develop their own training program for their project managers. A working knowledge of Ajera would be extremely helpful as this class is very hands-on. Class participants will learn how to create and utilize widgets using Ajera 9 that provide valuable information and links specific to project managers. We will learn to customize Ajera views so that project managers are only viewing the information they need to better manage projects. Participants will then learn best practices on how to set up projects, create project budgets, and allocate resources. We will use Schedule Manager to schedule employee hours for a project we create in class. This will enable us to compare the scheduled hours with the budgeted hours and analyze employee workload. Finally, the participants will learn how to utilize various reports available in Ajera and how to build a custom Widget report or two. After completing this course, attendees will be better equipped to use the many tools available in Ajera to effectively manage

C9 ADVANCED SQL FORMULA MADNESS C10



PREREQUISITESFormula Foundations

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Expose the class to resources available to explore SQL formulas.2. Build on the Formula Foundations class by adding elements to the SELECT and

CASE formulas.3. Show areas in Ajera where SQL formulas can benefit their users.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis class dives into the deep end of the Ajera data pool identifying where data is located and how to get data where your users will value it. This is accomplished by learning about a few specific Transact-SQL language functions that return the information you need to your widgets and applications. Utilizing these key functions, you can connect multiple parts of the Ajera database to create dynamic reports your users will crave. By the end of the class, you will know where to look for data and how to pull that piece of information into the proper report.

C11 CLIENT INVOICE DESIGNER C12



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn how standard setting options effect invoice formats.2. Pros and Cons of using Custom Invoicing.3. Basics of Creating a Custom Invoice Format.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONWe will look at Invoice Format options and how the different options effect your client invoices in the first part of this class. In the second half, we will learn the basis of creating a custom invoice format and how to apply that format to projects.


D3 FAR COMPLIANCE

INTENDED AUDIENCEAccounting, Principals


PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Set up and manage Ajera for AASHTO and FAR compliance for State DOT and

Federal contracting.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThe purpose of this course is to educate Ajera users on how numbers flow to the Gen-eral Ledger (GL), provide a working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in regards to classifying and accounting for costs, and how to setup an Ajera system to be FAR compliant. Time permitting, users will further learn how to calculate and report their FAR compliant overhead rate.

D4.1 AXSCHEMA - WHERE IS THE DATA I WANT?



PREREQUISITESNone.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES2. The user will know the database structure for use in report writing.3. Location and use of AxSchema.4. The different types of Data Tables and Views.5. Be able to look at data fields.6. This is the basis of the formula classes.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONLearn how to navigate the available fields in the Ajera Tables to incorporate data-base information in your Inquiries, Widgets, and Invoice Designs. Learn the difference between Tables and Views. Learn how to utilize tables and views to retrieve infor-mation for your Inquiries, Widgets, Invoices and Financial statement designs. This class is to prepare you with information for the formula, widget, Invoice, and Financial statement classes.

D4.2 LET'S GO MOBILE!



PREREQUISITESEither you or someone at your firm has a need or want to enter timesheet or expense reports when they are not in the office.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn how to enable Ajera for Mobile Timesheet and Expense Report Entry.2. Learn how to enter timesheet via the URL for Mobile Timesheets with Ajera.3. Learn how to enter Expense Reports and upload receipt backup via Ajera’s New

Mobile Expense Report App. 4. How to review and approve Timesheets and Expense Reports once entered and

submitted via Mobile.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn this session you will learn how to how to enable Ajera for Mobile Timesheet and Expense Report Entry, and then learn how to enter timesheet via the URL for Mobile Timesheets with learn how to enter Expense Reports and upload receipt backup via Ajera’s New Mobile Expense Report App. Finally to close off your workflow, you will learn how to review and approve Timesheets and Expense Reports once entered and submitted via Mobile. This all will hopefully remove your staff’s excuse that they can’t enter what you need because they are “out of the office.”

#17 2018 AUA NATIONAL CONFERENCE - AJERAUSERS.ORG

INDUSTRY & BEST PRACTICES

Your Ajera use is more focused on project costs, managing budgets, and balancing resources.

D1 AJERA'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & DPS - CRM



PREREQUISITESA basic knowledge of standard marketing processes and Ajera project setup.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Set up Business Development in Ajera.2. Set up a BD project.3. Update and track a BD project to manage your BD efforts.4. Use reports and inquires to analyze your BD efforts.5. Overview of differences between Ajera’s BD and DPS CRM6. Overview of Opportunity, Client and Contact Management in DPS CRM

SESSION DESCRIPTIONThis session will provide insight to the Deltek solution options for tracking, managing and integrating business development efforts within your firm. It will also help you put what you learn back into action when you return to the office. Business Development items covered include: 1) Tracking opportunities through the various business devel-opment stages, 2) Forecast future project workloads, 3) Analyze marketing investment and performance, 4) Manage the Business Development process throughout the firm with Tasks, and 5) Displaying key Business Development information using Ajera’s Dashboard reporting. Deltek for Professional Services CRM items covered include: 1) Sync Integration between Ajera and CRM for projects, clients, contacts and employ-ees, Workflows in CRM for your firm, iAccess/Touch CRM for those who need informa-tion out of the office, custom proposals, government reporting for SF 254, 255, 330.

D2 REVENUE RECOGNITION



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. What is Revenue Recognition2. Why is it important3. Options for Revenue Recognition within Ajera

SESSION DESCRIPTIONRevenue Recognition is often talked about and seldom understood. With today’s needs for financial information, accurate reporting and company needs, recognizing revenue for your firm has never been more important to understand the what, why and how of recognizing revenue.

You will have the opportunity to understand what “Revenue Recognition” means, the whys of knowing what is right for your firm, and how to set it up within Ajera to track the needs of your firm. Wayne Owens will give you the view of what Recognizing Revenue means for financial reporting and your firm. Pat Chase will discuss the various options within Ajera and provide you with an overview of the set-up steps needed within Ajera.


D8 BEST PRACTICES FOR PRINCIPALS D9 D10 D11 D12

INTENDED AUDIENCEPrincipals, C-level Management

LENGTH OF CLASSAll Day

PREREQUISITESAll Day/ This course will start at 3:30 pm Thursday discussing Widgets and Ajera Concepts with a social activity on Thursday night and presentations and discussion all day Friday.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Overview of Widgets, Concepts and Ajera terminology – Not how to create but

The Possibilities.2. Better understand Ajera Concepts & Terminology3. Review of Utilization concepts and application4. Net-Multipliers – What is an appropriate Multiplier for your firm and why.5. Profitability - How you can track the “Bottom Line” effectively and understand

Ajera’s presentation6. Cash Forecasting- Effective guidelines for Ajera Cash Management7. Project Business Reviews – Effective metrics and how Ajera can simplify the

process.8. Incentive compensation – Effective guides for motivating all people in your

organization to strive to increase corporate promotion and earnings.9. Case study of a problem taken from the Principals attending.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONPrincipals and C-level officers rely on Ajera to manage their business profitably. How-ever, many corporate officers do not understand the possibilities of Ajera – Reporting, Management Information, Ajera information accessibility, and the customizable pre-sentation of data reporting and management dashboard. The is to provide a basis for the daylong session of “Best Practices for Principals.” Best Practices for Principals will provide an innovative and highly informative overview of the issues, metrics and challenges you face in running a successful and profitable company. Each session will proceed in this format:

1) Industry expert, Herb Cannon, will provide an insightful overview of each topic;

2) A moderated discussion with all attendees to answer questions and to understand the issues each Company faces;

3) Demonstration of innovative methods that Ajera provides to resolve and streamline the business process just discussed for a more profitable company.

These sessions will be led by Herb Cannon, Industry expert, Michael McCaffery, Deltek\Ajera Solutions, Phillip Rothstein Principal and innovative Ajera user, Greg Mayer AUA President and Ajera User experts.

BEST PRACTICES (D COURSES)

Your Ajera use is more focused on project costs, managing budgets, and balancing resources.

D5 MONTH-END CLOSE & BANK RECONCILIATION



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Learn to complete Bank Reconciliations in Ajera.2. Provide a framework for the month end closing process.3. Provide a reconciliation methodology for the accounts and subledgers.4. Provide a starting point for dealing with account and subledger discrepancies.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONIn most every business, you will hear the motto Cash is KING. In this session, you will learn to complete bank reconciliations in Ajera. This is a part of a company’s standard monthly business process and is necessary to confirm that the bank balance in a company’s cash general ledger account matches the company’s bank statement. This ensures that errors in either general ledger or the bank are detected. Along with reconciliation, this class will cover how to create a month-end close in Ajera. The use of Ajera reports and inquires will be discussed as they relate to month-end processing.

D6 CASH FLOW & INCENTIVE COMPENSATION



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Attendees will be able to complete Cash Collections utilizing Ajera Information.2. Attendees will be able to provide Incentive Compensation to motivate your

employees.3. Attendees will better understand appropriate metrics for evaluating Performance.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONAttendees will explore 2 impactful areas of your business Cash flow & Collections and Incentive Compensation with Herb Cannon, Industry Expert. Learn how to improve your cash flow using proper collections and also spend time with an industry expert learning how to motivate your people in a manner that maximizes each person’s production and is in line with you companies over goals and profit metrics.

D7 ARE YOUR PERFORMANCE METRICS GIVING YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED?



PREREQUISITESNone

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Common performance indicators, how they are calculated and their use.2. How firm policies effect these indicators.3. The proper system set ups necessary to accurately compute these indicators.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONMost firms use performance metrics, also known as key performance indicators, to help them with monitoring the health of the firm and make operational adjustments. Usually, industry surveys like PSMJ are used as the benchmark for this analysis. The reliability of the information depends on the set up of the accounting system and how it treats critical policy issues of the firm. An inaccurate set-up will give inaccurate metrics thus hiding potential problems. This program will help identify key common policies and how they can affect a firm’s performance metrics.

ajerausersassociation national conference · may 8-11, 2018 new orleans, la hilton riverside new...

Documents