WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
Shortcuts that Excel Users Love
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Many people that use Microsoft Excel know a great deal about the functionality of the application. There are, however, a tremendous number of hidden tools that a high percentage of users overlook. Additionally, there are newer features that some have not had the opportunity to explore. This session shows some of the numerous time-saving tools and features that often go unused by spreadsheet creators. People that wish to become more efficient when using Excel should take this session! This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Viewing A&A Through the Eyes of a Tax Practitioner
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This session offers insight for tax practitioners beyond merely checking a box to satisfy accounting and auditing requirements for license renewal. We devote significant attention to extracting utility from financial statements to support decision needs of both external financial statement users and internal stakeholders. We explore best practices for cross-functional support within firms that perform tax, accounting solutions, financial statement and consulting services. We also highlight similarities and differences between U.S. GAAP and tax-basis accounting. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
How Fraud Can Affect Smaller Organizations
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Many small to medium sized companies do not properly address the risk that arises related to fraud because these organizations do not have the resources needed to mitigate this risk or because owners or those in top level management underestimate the scope of the issue. All organizations, regardless of size, must be aware of the risks associated with intentional fraudulent acts and know that a significant and effective fraud scheme could even create going concern issues for some entities. In this session, we delve into the reasons that fraud takes place. The material discusses the types of defalcations that are often executed against smaller entities and then explores measures that organizations can implement to help stop fraud activities and add security. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
The Best Federal Tax Update Course by Surgent
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $299
In this continually revised course, tax advisors will be fully updated on the most recent enacted legislation and IRS guidance, as well as major trends on the horizon with a view toward planning considerations. This update course is designed for all practitioners, both those working in public accounting as well as those in private industry, who need the latest information on tax changes. Please Note: Due to content overlap, it is recommended that this course NOT be taken together with BITU.
Everyday Ethics at Work: Don't be the Next News Story!
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
When asked, most people would say they are an ethical person. So why is it that every month there are reports of ethical breaches at major companies? The concept of ethics is easy to understand, easy to talk about, but incredibly hard to implement on a consistent basis. In this course, we will discuss current ethical issues and walk-through a nine-step ethical decision-making model. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
Taxation of the Cannabis Industry
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the cannabis industry, delving into essential topics such as cannabis regulations, business models, financial management and ethical considerations. A key focus is on distinguishing between Marijuana and Industrial Hemp, including their respective tax treatments. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis sector, covering federal and state tax implications, licensing requirements and market trends. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Building a Better Budget in a Time of Uncertainty
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Most financial leaders would agree that budgeting is easy when business and the economy are stable. When revenues and expenses are expected to remain the same, the process becomes merely an exercise in carrying over what was done before to the current year. However, what happens when we are not sure about how the market will react to our product? What happens when the competitive landscape changes? In this course, we will discuss budgeting techniques and considerations when business lacks stability. Through a combination of theory and real-world examples, we will explore how to build flexibility into our budget - so that it can inform and drive decision-making when we don't quite know what is ahead. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Ethics for CPAs: The Practical & the Possible
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Award winning discussion leader, former AICPA Council Member & former state accountancy board member Mark Hugh will review the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct & its interpretations; discuss new developments in regulation at the national & state level; & discuss examples of best practices, case studies & disciplinary actions.Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
ChatGPT & Advanced Financial Analysis for Accountants
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides a concise overview of how to utilize ChatGPT for advanced financial analysis in accounting. The session reveals how to combine sophisticated evaluation and interpretation of financial data with the cutting-edge AI capabilities of ChatGPT. Aimed at enhancing the understanding of an entity's performance, predicting future financial health and aiding in informed business decision-making, this course goes beyond basic financial statement analysis to include a wide array of techniques and tools. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Internal Control Changes for Remote Workers
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
For the past two decades the trend has been to move away from brick and mortar offices and have a greater number of people work or telecommute from home. Because of the upheaval caused by recent events, the rate of this move has been accelerated. This has and will continue to create control challenges and organizations must work to address these. Such things as moving from time based employee value to task completion based measurement and the ability to drive needed inter-company communication are just a sample of the issues with which entities must contend. This session looks at the benefits and pitfalls of workers that telecommute. It then discusses important risks and controls to consider as this trend continues and evolves in the business world. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Introduction to Governmental Accounting
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Governmental accounting differs significantly From other forms of accounting & requires a distinct approach to financial reporting. This course introduces the foundational principles of governmental accounting, including fund accounting concepts & the modified accrual basis of accounting. Participants will explore the structure & purpose of governmental fund financial statements & government-wide financial statements, gaining clarity on their objectives, layouts & key elements. The course also addresses essential topics such as component units, the role & structure of Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) & the preparation & significance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Designed for those new to governmental accounting-- or those seeking a refresher-this course provides a solid foundation for understanding & applying governmental financial reporting principles. The course has been updated to reflect recent guidance issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including GASB Statements 101-105.
Surgent's Ethical Considerations for CPAs
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
As accounting firms' non-attest offerings to their attest clients become more diversified, such engagements increase firms' exposure to independence violations. In order to thread the needle of providing value-added services and upholding their independence obligations, firms need to have a strong foundational understanding of the applicable ethical and independence rules which govern these engagements. In this course, we'll review the relevant sections of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct regarding independence, objectivity and conflicts of interest. The course will focus on the Code's Independence Rule and common threats to auditor's independence. In particular, the course will focus on those unique considerations related to non-attest services, both from the perspective of AICPA interpretations and other applicable rules and regulations. PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE COVERS GENERAL ETHICS AND IS APPLICABLE IN STATES IN WHICH STATE-SPECIFIC ETHICS IS NOT REQUIRED. Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
Data Analytics & Journal Entry Testing for Auditors
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Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
This course provides a practical understanding of IT controls & SOC reporting within financial audits. Participants will learn how to interpret SOC reports, evaluate control effectiveness & determine reliance strategies. Real-world examples will demonstrate how IT controls tie directly to relevant financial statement areas & alignment with Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs).
Al Capone to Cybercrime: The Journey of IRS Special Agents
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Since 1919, the Internal Revenue Service had a civil and criminal function in the United States tax system. Little do people know, the IRS has an elite criminal function that started with five United States Postal Inspectors. From its early days in taking down Al Capone to now solving cybercrimes, the IRS special agents are tasked with investigating tax fraud, money laundering and other white collar crimes. This presentation will show you the importance of this law enforcement function, the training, techniques, expertise and actions that cause them to be known as the "world's finest financial investigators." This presentation has been prepared by a 20 year veteran with the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The presenter investigated crimes and trained and mentored other special agents. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
360 Budgeting: A Holistic Approach to Process & Solutions
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
The budgeting process can be a time consuming & frustrating process for accountants. The constraints & pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical & human components. This series will offer solutions to the budgeting woes From both the big picture & in the details. Budget Mastery: Process, Problems & Solutions The budgeting process can be a mundane one for accountants. Let's be realistic & agree that even the word "budget" does not bring excitement to you & your departmental colleagues. The constraints & pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical & human components. This session is the first part of a four part series & will cover the big picture of keeping the process fresh, pragmatic & useful. We discuss these keys in an engaging manner by discussing both our flaws & strengths, including how to build on these characteristics towards an enjoyable solutions-based method that should deliver effective results for your organization. Budget Mastery: Walkthroughs & Real World Calculations Towards Tying Budgets to Value This session takes a unique review of the fundamental budget issues faced by all & walks through a detailed modeling process intended to generate discussion & best practices to improve your organization's financial modeling. From the beginning of the accounting process: 'the chart of accounts' to the end of the process: 'the valuation of the company', the budgeting cycle via a live case model to learn best practices common to successful companies. This course stands on its own but is part two of a four part budget mastery series. Budget Mastery: The Human Side of Budgeting-Navigating People's issues with 360 Insight You have a fantastic budget, but certain players are not pleased. Financial plans have a technical component & human component. We can resolve some of our budget issues by exploring the process' human aspect. Understanding what makes you & others operate can enhance your understanding of the entire organization & build upon the respect & influence needed to navigate & lead the budgeting cycle. This session includes a case study that measures an individual's personality type & then explores how to use our strengths & weaknesses to create a better budget process & quite frankly maybe a better you. This is a great & fun course on its own, but is also part three of a four part series on budget mastery. Budget Mastery: From Numbers to Narrative: Effectively Presenting Your Budget & Reporting Perhaps the most important element of the budget process is its communication. If management does not understand the budget: there is an issue. Knowing the right ways to communicate at all levels is essential to stakeholders laying an ownership claim to successful budgets. This session reveals several key guidelines in successful budget presentations & will identify key problems in how people often communicate financial plans. Presenting your budget & reporting is the final part of a four part series, but can easily stand on its own course that is intended to be fun, enjoyable & educational.
Smarter Tax Services with Artificial Intelligence Tools
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate your tax services. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your tax planning, research and compliance services. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client data, the engagement management process, tax research and enhance client advisory services with AI too This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Common Deficiencies in Employee Benefit Plans
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Discover critical insights From the latest Department of Labor studies on employee benefit plan audits & tackle the pressing issue of audit deficiencies head-on. This course dives deep into the most common errors undermining audit quality & explores the underlying causes of these issues. Through practical strategies, engaging case studies & regulatory guidance, participants will learn how to close gaps in compliance, enhance audit execution & protect plan participants & beneficiaries. Whether you're an experienced auditor or new to benefit plan audits, this course will equip you with the tools needed to elevate audit quality & ensure regulatory compliance.
Becoming a Fractional CFO: What to Do & How?
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Are you considering becoming a fractional CFO, or possibly a public CPA firm or consulting practice that wants to offer fractional CFO services or advisory services? Either way, do you truly know what to do and how? Are you aware of the many pitfalls? Becoming a successful fractional CFO is complicated and it is not a trivial career change! Review the lessons learned from experienced fractional CFOs on how to enter, engage and run a thriving fractional CFO practice. Whether you are in public practice, a consultant, or in industry - be prepared for this as a possibility. Many fractional CFOs do not execute their practice as they could and that is why they are not very successful. This discussion includes over fifty (50) recommendations to strengthen your fractional CFO practice. What do clients typically need? Are you better as a solo practitioner or should you join a firm? How to manage the relationship(s)? Every effective organizations make plans and if you want a winning fractional CFO business, come join us and learn how. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Accounting for Leases
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Online
2.60 Credits
Member Price: $99
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides new guidelines that change the accounting for leasing arrangements. To be able to properly account for leases, financial professionals must understand ASU 2016-02 (also referred to as Topic 842). This guidance covers information on how leases should be accounted for. The previous leasing standard (ASC 840) had been in existence for almost 40 years. Under ASC Topic 842, lessors continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type. While lessees now classify leases as operating or financing leases. Previous guidance only required capital leases to be reflected on the BS. The new guidance requires all leases to be reflected on the BS. This is a major change for organizations & will cause their balance sheets to swell as leases must now be disclosed on the balance sheet. The standards original effective dates were prior to 2019. In April 2020, due to COVID-19, FASB voted to defer the effective date for ASC 842 for private companies & certain not-for-profit's for one year. For private companies & private not-for-profits, the leasing standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 & interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. For public companies the leasing standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The course covers elements of lease classification for both lessees & lessors. Also, numerous examples are incorporated as reference.
Compilation, Preparation & Review Basics & Peer Reviews
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Cover the basic requirements for performing preparation, compilation and review engagements under Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS), including the new SSARS No. 25, Materiality in a Review of Financial Statements and Adverse Conclusions. Review common issues found on SSARS engagements in connection with peer reviews and the impact of various findings on the results of a peer review. Identify key issues to consider during SSARS engagements and determine how to incorporate quality control recommendations and tips for performing high-quality SSARS engagements. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event
