WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
The Three Million Dollar Ribbon
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Two conmen used lies & falsified documents to convince the State of Tennessee to give them a $3,000,000 economic development grant to create 1,000 jobs by purchasing & rehabilitating a vacant factory in rural Tennessee. Instead, they spent most of the money on an extravagant lifestyle & invested over $1M in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) out of over $30,000,000 pursuant to a contract to provide the tarps for areas such as Puerto Rico, affected by hurricanes. This session provides a detailed case study of how the investigators accumulated, organized & analyzed hundreds of documents, identified the falsifications & misrepresentations, conducted multiple interviews & ultimately convicted the conmen. This case study provides multiple takeaways for detecting & investigating grant fraud, which is especially relevant in light of the numerous federal stimulus programs in recent years.
CFO & Controller Critical Skills: Budgeting & Forecasting
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
The budget and the forecast are two common tools used by controllers and CFOs across almost every industry. However, are we really getting the most out of these tools? Or are we merely replicating whatever was done last year? In this course, we will use examples and illustrations to demonstrate various budgeting and forecasting techniques. We will discuss traditional approaches, as well as newer approaches such as flexible budgeting, in an effort to show how companies can gain more value. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Where to Hide Fraud Inventory: Expenses: Payroll
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Imagine you have one hundred boxes that are all supposed to be full of manufactured inventory. How do you obtain reasonable assurance-- now defined as a high level of assurance-- that each box is full without opening every one? You begin by assessing risk. If the client has strong internal controls over manufacturing, packing & transport to the warehouse, there is reasonable assurance the boxes are properly filled. Next, evaluate warehouse security & controls over access, as well as procedures for removing inventory. Once satisfied that controls are both adequate & operating effectively, you can observe & count the boxes & selectively test a sample-- ensuring you do not only choose the most accessible ones, as fraud is often concealed within the middle of the inventory. Based on this risk assessment & targeted testing, you can conclude with reasonable assurance that the inventory is properly stated without inspecting every box. This same approach applies to expenses & payroll: evaluate internal controls, observe processes & perform independent test procedures. Weak internal controls in inventory, expenses & payroll create opportunities for fraud that may lead to material misstatements. In this session, we will explore how these vulnerabilities arise & how to recognize & address them through effective audit procedures.
Estate Planning for Today & Beyond
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Estate planning continues to evolve & staying informed about the latest trends & strategies is crucial for professionals in the field. This forward-looking course delves into the intricacies of estate planning, with a specific focus on current issues. Participants will explore cutting-edge techniques, emerging legal considerations & industry developments to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge & skills to create effective estate plans that withstand the test of time & safeguard their clients' legacies. Please Note: If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Handouts Tab & submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com
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.
Numbers to Narrative: Storytelling in Business Communication
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
Information becomes influential when it is structured. In this 1-CPE session (Professional Development), participants explore narrative frameworks presented in the course materials, including situation-complication-resolution and hero-based narrative arcs. Using business-oriented examples, the session demonstrates how structured storytelling enhances clarity and impact without sacrificing rigor. Participants will examine how to define context, introduce tension, present evidence and guide audiences toward resolution. The emphasis is on logical flow and disciplined narrative construction rather than dramatization. The course concludes with application of a structured storytelling model to a professional scenario. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Ethical Situations: What to do When? featuring Allison McLeod & Don Minges
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
What would you do when ___? Is would the same as should? Examples; Rashmi Airan-Pace & Yale Law School. What should you do when a vendor offers to give you tickets to the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament & your organization will permit it? Prepare for 'situations' before they happen to you.Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
SAS 145: Modern Risk-Based Auditing
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This program provides in-depth coverage of SAS 145, a major standard that helps auditors enhance risk assessment procedures through improved techniques for identifying & assessing risks of material misstatement. This session is essential for CPAs that perform audits. The discussion will also be insightful for auditees & other professionals who want to maintain awareness of current auditing guidance.
Transforming Strategic & Financial Management With ChatGPT: Insights for CPAs, CFOs & Controllers
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Online
2.20 Credits
Member Price: $89
"Transforming Strategic & Financial Management with ChatGPT: Insights for CPAs, CFOs & Controllers" is a comprehensive 2-hour CPE course designed by Jim Lindell of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc. This course delves into the revolutionary impact of ChatGPT on financial & strategic management, offering a blend of theoretical insights & practical applications tailored for financial professionals. Through an exploration of ChatGPT's capabilities in research, communication enhancement, benchmarking, risk analysis & more, participants will learn how to leverage this advanced AI technology to streamline operations, enhance decision-making & foster innovation in their practices. The course not only highlights the current applications but also provides a glimpse into the future of AI in financial management, encouraging professionals to embrace technology for competitive advantage.
Criminal Tax: How CPAs Bring Value to Defense Attorneys
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
CPAs can be requested to assist attorneys in litigation support in criminal proceedings. For criminal tax cases, the IRS has recommended prosecution. However, the rules and stakes are different than a simple civil audit. This presentation will focus on how to assist defense attorneys in calculating tax loss, asking the right questions and probe possible weaknesses in criminal tax investigations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
K2's Ripped From the Headlines: Lessons From Notable Tech Crimes 26-27
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Technological advancements facilitate new forms of cybercrime and fraud. In this session, you will learn how the crooks used technology to reap their ill-gotten rewards.
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.
ChatGPT Deep-Dive Hands-on Bootcamp for CPAs
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
ChatGPT has grown its user base to over 800 million active users per week. As a leader in the generative market, it a tool that every CPA should have a basic understanding of how to use and apply in business. This course will provide a comprehensive review and demonstration of how to put ChatGPT to work for you and your clients. It is designed as a "hands-on" course that facilitates following along with the presenter to apply the features of ChatGPT on your computer. Practice files will be provided so you don't have to expose your confidential data. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Surgent's Ethical Considerations for the CPA
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
CPAs today face greater challenges than ever to maintain the high ethical standards of their profession. It is vitally important that all CPAs understand their professional responsibilities related to all aspects of their job. This course, which focuses on key components of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, reviews a history of the CPA profession and focuses on ethical requirements that CPAs must adhere to in their everyday practice, including practical examples of potential ethical dilemmas that practitioners may encounter, particularly those related to objectivity and independence. PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE COVERS GENERAL ETHICS AND IS APPLICABLE IN STATES IN WHICH STATE-SPECIFIC ETHICS IS NOT REQUIRED. This course does not qualify for IRS credit. Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
Surgent's Succession Planning for the Small Business Owner: Finding the Exit Ramp
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
The life cycle of the small business can be summed up in three segments: 1) starting the business; 2) operating the business; and 3) getting out of the business. This course focuses on getting out of the business. The most elusive element of owning a small business can be finding the proper exit strategy. This course is designed to provide the business consulting practitioner with tools and concepts to advise the small business owner and assist them in developing the right exit strategy. The course covers exit strategies related to third-party sales and succession planning within a family.
Tax Implications of Retirement Plan Distributions
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
This session will address the complex rules of retirement distributions, review key provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0 and provide practical strategies of maximizing tax benefits for your client. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Audit Risk Assessment in Plain English
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Audit Risk Assessment in Plain English, is a 2 hour webcast highlighting the AICPA's clarified risk assessment standards, along with a new Statement on Auditing Standard (SAS 145) related to understanding the entity, the entity's environment, the entity's internal controls & assessing the risks of material misstatement. This session will attempt to simplify the requirements using common sense examples & language.
S Corporations: Calculating Shareholder Basis
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
A detailed analysis of the calculations related to determining a shareholder's tax basis for S corporation shares and loans. How to use the Form 1120S, Schedule K-1 information for basis determination. An illustrative example demonstrates how the process works, as well as the many potential pitfalls. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Surgent's Bankruptcy Basics: Understanding the Reorganization & Liquidation Process in These Uncertain Economic Times
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Consumers and businesses file for bankruptcy to seek protection from creditors and to reorganize or liquidate debts. Bankruptcy filings rise and fall with the economy. Surveys show that loss of income is the leading cause of consumer bankruptcies, followed by medical expenses and foreclosure. Corporate bankruptcies, on the other hand, are often the result of several factors, including excessive debt, decreased demand, increased costs, lawsuits or poor accounting practices. It is no secret bankruptcy filings will see a tremendous uptick in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an accountant, CFP, attorney or other professional, you need to be able to discuss the process and different available courses of action with your clients. Both landlords and tenants will be influenced tremendously. Individuals will look to your advice for a discharge and new start. Businesses will do the same and will also need to advise loyal employees. Creditors will receive proofs of claim and look to you for your expertise. Take this course and make sure you can speak fluently to both creditors and debtors. As trusted advisors, then, professionals should have a basic understanding of the bankruptcy process. This course provides a thorough review of the consumer and corporate bankruptcy practice. Participants in this course will gain an understanding of how consumer and corporate bankruptcy proceedings begin and end, as well as learn about key issues that affect debtor and creditor rights during bankruptcy. This course provides information from the perspective of both debtor and creditor. Although bankruptcy concerns the debts of the debtor, the Bankruptcy Code provides substantial protections to creditors. Creditor rights, however, vary widely depending on the status afforded the creditor under the Bankruptcy Code. Do yourself, your clients and your profit margin a favor and sign up for this invaluable program.
Surgent's Real Estate for Accounting & Finance Professionals
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
Explore the intricacies of federal income taxation as it intertwines with rental real estate activities. This course delves into the calculation of rental income, understanding the nuances of deductions and unraveling the complexities of passive activity loss rules. Whether it's mastering Schedule E or understanding Congress' intent behind tax laws, professionals will leave with an enriched understanding.
