John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP
Strategic Technology Advisor
Higgins Advisory, LLC
Rochester, Michigan
John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.
John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm.
John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor, and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies.
Some of John’s notable accomplishments include:
- Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services
- Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses
- Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms
- AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee
- Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the CPA Practice Advisor magazine (2011 – 2023)
- Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology
- National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP
- Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs
- Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award
- Co-author of 10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud, published by the AICPA
- Contributing author to The Insiders’ Guide to Accounting Advisory Success on Amazon
John delivers over 100 presentations annually on a wide range of accounting technology topics. Some of the current popular topics include:
- ChatGPT and generative AI
- Blockchain technology
- Bitcoin and other virtual money
- Big Data and data analytics
- Communicate, collaborate, and share knowledge with Office 365 and Teams
- KPI Dashboards: The New Financial Reporting Model
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA)
- How to Build a Virtual Accounting Practice
- And many more
Marcia Sheehy
Director of Partner Relations
Higgins Advisory, LLC
Rochester, Michigan
Marcia Sheehy is a seasoned business leader and accomplished entrepreneur, most recently serving as the Director of Partner Success with CPA Crossings. In this role, she became synonymous with enthusiasm, leadership, and problem-solving, working closely with state society partners and the CPAx team to maintain and expand partnerships providing quality Continuing Professional Education (CPE). Holding a degree in Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University and a PMBA in Strategic and Ethical Leadership from George Washington University, Marcia blends academic rigor with practical business acumen.
Throughout her dynamic career, Marcia reached new heights as the founder of three successful companies, including United States Homeland Investigations, Inc. (USHII), a DC Metro based background screening firm that she skillfully managed for 15 years. Recognizing the potential for growth, she orchestrated the successful sale of her companies to larger competitors.
Marcia’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring success for all stakeholders has solidified her reputation as an expert in partner success.