WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
What to Do When Clients Attempt to Fudge the Numbers on Their Tax Returns
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
To believe or disbelieve ... that is the question often faced by CPAs. For tax practitioners, this question is especially nettlesome as it pertains to the proper reporting of income & the correct reporting of deductions for business gifts, business meals, auto expenses, etc., on clients' income tax returns.Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
Contract & Procurement Fraud
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This session will focus on the most common types of fraud in the procurement & contracting arena, with a focus on fraud in construction. The session will examine fraud vulnerabilities in the four key phases of the procurement process: Presolicitation. Negotiation. Performance. Closeout & Claims. Within each phase, "red flags" will be discussed. These are the indicia of possible fraud that managers should be alert for. Also, within each phase, the most common fraud schemes will be highlighted & discussed. Finally, the session will describe the generally accepted safeguards or controls that should be established to prevent the various fraud schemes that can occur. This part of the program will make extensive use of actual fraud case studies designed to demonstrate fraud risks & fraud detection strategies.
Strategic CFO Series: Big Picture Skills
-
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Strategic CFO is a four-part series that answers the "why" & "direction" our companies take & our role in thinking about this big picture to infuse into our everyday lives. Strategic CFO: Strategic Financial Communications Financial professionals are expected to do more than report numbers-they must explain them in ways others understand & trust. This session focuses on improving financial communication by addressing financial literacy gaps, simplifying complex accounting concepts & building compelling narratives around data. Participants will learn how to use stories, visuals & language effectively to communicate strategy, performance & risk. Through examples & interactive discussion, this session helps CPAs & CFOs become clearer, more confident communicators in both live & virtual environments. Also, some video clips will be used to add to the learning materials & research. Don't worry, they are pretty entertaining. Strategic CFO: Strategic Cash Management Cash is the lifeblood of every organization, yet many leaders struggle to explain, manage & plan for it effectively. This session focuses on strategic cash management, capital structure decisions & financing options available to organizations at different stages of growth. Participants will explore how CFOs balance today's cash needs with long-term strategy, evaluate debt & equity decisions & communicate cash flow concepts to non-financial stakeholders. The session emphasizes practical frameworks, real-world examples & modeling approaches that support better cash decisions. A few negotiation videos will be displayed to bring humor & effectiveness to the key points. Strategic CFO: Strategic Risk Management Risk management is no longer a compliance exercise-it is a core strategic responsibility of today's CFO & CPA. This session demystifies Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) by walking through the COSO framework in clear, practical terms. Participants will learn how risk integrates with strategy & performance, how organizations identify & assess risk & how leaders respond to uncertainty in a disciplined way. Using examples, polling & case discussions, this session equips financial professionals to communicate risk effectively & help organizations protect & create value. Some funny video clips will be used to focus on the learning material. Strategic CFO: Developing Strategy & the Why Effective CFOs & CPAs play a critical role in shaping & executing organizational strategy. This session focuses on how strategy is developed, why many strategic plans fail & how finance leaders can help organizations create focus in an increasingly complex & fast-changing environment. Participants will explore competitive advantage, the use of financial & non-financial metrics & the importance of aligning strategy with mission, culture & resources. Through discussion & real-world case examples, attendees will gain practical tools to evaluate, measure & support successful strategies across for-profit & nonprofit organizations. Use of some video reels will add levity to some of the key points.
Reasonable Compensation for S Corps
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Between 2010 and 2020 a parade of Court Cases, IRS Factsheets, Job Aids and Internal Memos, plus Heightened IRS scrutiny and Preparer Penalties has brought the issue of 'Reasonable Compensation for S Corp's out of the shadows and placed it forefront as a priority issue for CPA's, EA's, Tax and Financial advisors to cover with their clients. We will explore key court cases, IRS guidelines, preparer penalties and some of the obscure tools the IRS has put in place. We debunk common myths and fiction on how reasonable compensation should be calculated and replace it with facts and methodologies that the IRS relies on. 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 Frameworks for Single Audit
-
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
The Uniform Guidance identifies COSO & the Green Book as best practices for internal controls in governmental audits. This course provides a comprehensive review of the COSO framework, including its 2013 update & explores its application to the Green Book. Attendees will learn to recall the five components & 17 principles of internal control, understand the benefits of adopting internal control frameworks & recognize the rationale behind the COSO 2013 update & its impact on auditing practices. Additionally, the course will cover how to leverage Part 6 of the Compliance Supplement to effectively document internal controls.
CPA to CFO: Essential Competencies for Finance Leaders
-
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
The path from CPA to CFO has evolved dramatically in recent years, with only 43% of S&P 1000 CFOs holding CPA licenses in 2022, down from 55% a decade earlier. This comprehensive course, based on groundbreaking research from the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs surveying over 320 CEOs and hiring executives, reveals what today's leaders truly seek in CFO candidates and provides a roadmap for CPAs to secure their seat at the executive table. Participants will discover the five critical competencies that distinguish successful CFO candidates: forward-looking financial acumen that goes beyond traditional reporting, strategic leadership skills including critical thinking and strategy creation, the evolving role of emotional intelligence, industry-specific expertise requirements and the balance between technical proficiency and visionary leadership. Through practical frameworks, real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to transform their CPA foundation into a comprehensive skill set that meets the dynamic demands of modern CFO roles, whether in high-growth companies, nonprofits, or traditional corporations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Emerging Risks & Resilience: How Accounting & Finance are Leading the Way: Part IIII: Managing Supply Chain Risks, Data Analytics & Business Con
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This is Part 4 in our 5 part series on Emerging Risk & Resilience: How Accounting & Finance is Leading the Way The rapid evolution of technology, globalization & regulatory frameworks has introduced a range of emerging risks that are transforming the fields of accounting, finance & auditing. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain & big data analytics are redefining traditional business models while creating new challenges related to data integrity, cybersecurity & ethical decision-making. In accounting & finance, the growing reliance on automated systems raises concerns about vulnerabilities, algorithmic bias & the potential for misinformation. Auditors face heightened expectations for real-time assurance, transparency & adaptability to new reporting standards, including sustainability & ESG disclosures. Geopolitical instability, economic volatility & evolving regulatory pressures add layers of uncertainty to financial reporting & audit quality. This four-part seminar series explores these emerging risks, analyzes their implications for professionals & organizations & highlights proactive strategies for risk management, continuous learning & technological competency.
S Corporations: Overview
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides an overview of the key aspects & tax implications of S Corporations. Participants will learn the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status, compare S Corporations to other entity structures & explore compliance requirements such as corporate formalities. Highlights include a detailed discussion of Form 1120S, accountable plans, taxable fringe benefits, officer reasonable compensation & IRS audit strategies. The course also covers Schedules K-1, K-2 & K-3, as well as the concept of effectively connected income. Practitioners will gain practical insights into advisory services & strategies for representing clients before the IRS. Please Note: If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab & submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com
Surgent's Excel Shortcuts for Accountants
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
This webinar presents a variety of time-saving ideas, shortcuts and tips that are sure to boost personal productivity. We discuss better summing, address one of the biggest pitfalls that Excel users have faced over the past 25 years, present the most important keyboard shortcuts, demonstrate a better alternative to hiding rows or columns, illustrate how to quickly navigate to other workbooks and files and demonstrate using Excel with styles.
Surgent's Home Office Rules
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
Since 2017, employees have not been eligible to take an itemized deduction for a home office. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended all miscellaneous itemized deductions for tax years 2018 through 2025. That deduction is scheduled to go into effect in 2026. Self-employed individuals can deduct office expenses on Schedule C, Form 1040. The home office deduction includes typical office-connected expenditures such as supplies, postage, computers, printers and all the other ordinary and necessary expenses a person would have in connection with running a home office. The home office tax deduction for the self-employed would cover expenses for the business use of a home, which includes mortgage interest, rent, insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation. This program discusses many of the most important issues relating to the deductibility of home office-related expenses.
The Bookkeeper Goes to Prison
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course profiles Brenda, a financial executive from the state of Washington. Despite earning her college degree, Brenda did not find employment in her area of study. Instead, she landed a series of dead-end jobs. Business reversals frequently led to the loss of employment. When a company that she knew to be unethical offered her an executive position that included bookkeeping tasks, including overseeing all finances, she accepted. While on the job, Brenda saw owners of the company misappropriating funds. Rather than reporting the fraud, she created an elaborate scheme to benefit herself - without the owner's knowledge. Her bad decisions led to a guilty plea for wire fraud, after authorities accused her of absconding with more than $600,000 in corporate funds. A prison term of 20 months followed. Listen and learn from Brenda's experience. 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.
Guide to Preparing Form 1041 for Estates & Trusts
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This program examines the critical issues, rules & special opportunities when preparing your clients' Form 1041 US Income Tax Return for Estates & Trusts. Learn what is considered taxable income; filing requirements & deadlines; impact of the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on net investment income; & the 10 principles of tax accounting for trust income. Please Note: If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab & submit to terri.storer@acpen.com
Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions With AI: The Future of Deals
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Mergers & acquisitions can be complex, risky & filled with unexpected challenges-- but they don't have to be overwhelming. This course provides a clear & practical overview of the M&A process, helping professionals understand the critical stages of evaluating opportunities, structuring deals, conducting due diligence & navigating post-transaction integration. Participants will learn practical techniques that help organizations avoid the common traps that derail many transactions while improving the likelihood of successful outcomes. The session also explores how emerging AI tools are beginning to enhance deal analysis, uncover deeper insights & support better decision-making throughout the M&A process.
Forensic Accounting: Finding Hidden Treasure in Tax Returns
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Almost every business and individual has to file tax returns, which can be a great treasure trove of information for forensic accountants. Whether in a divorce, partnership dispute, recreating books and records, or bankruptcy proceeding, analyzing tax return information should be an initial step in uncovering income and assets. The IRS retains a large amount of information, both from taxpayers and 3rd parties who report financial transactions. This course will be your guide in gathering, analyzing and evaluating tax return information, so that you have a full picture of the financial investigation. Your presenter is a 20 year veteran with IRS-Criminal Investigation, who used this information as a basis for his federal criminal investigations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Leveraging ChatGPT for Innovative Business Advisory Services
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
In this cutting-edge course, participants will gain a deep understanding of how to leverage ChatGPT, OpenAI's powerful language model, to innovate and enhance business advisory services in the accounting sector. The course integrates theory and practice, demonstrating how various enterprise evaluation methodologies can be applied in conjunction with ChatGPT for increased business analysis efficiency, profitability and growth. It also provides hands-on training for implementing these techniques in real-world scenarios. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Comprehensive Accounting & Financial Reporting Update
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course covers recently issued accounting and financial statement reporting standards from the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Key implementation challenges and experiences from public company filings will be identified. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
A Strategic Approach to Understanding Compensation Structures
-
Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
Understanding the principles & practices of compensation is essential for creating a motivated & satisfied workforce. In this webinar, we'll explore how these crucial elements drive fairness & engagement in HR practices. This program is designed for HR professionals & business leaders seeking to enhance their compensation strategies.
Emerging Risks & Resilience: How Accountants & Finance are Leading the Way: Part V: Governance, Culture & Regulatory Risk Pressures
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
This is Part 5 in our series of Emerging Risks & Resilience: How Accountants & Finance are Leading the Way The rapid evolution of technology, globalization & regulatory frameworks has introduced a range of emerging risks that are transforming the fields of accounting, finance & auditing. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain & big data analytics are redefining traditional business models while creating new challenges related to data integrity, cybersecurity & ethical decision-making. In accounting & finance, the growing reliance on automated systems raises concerns about vulnerabilities, algorithmic bias & the potential for misinformation. Auditors face heightened expectations for real-time assurance, transparency & adaptability to new reporting standards, including sustainability & ESG disclosures. Geopolitical instability, economic volatility & evolving regulatory pressures add layers of uncertainty to financial reporting & audit quality. This five-part seminar series explores these emerging risks, analyzes their implications for professionals & organizations & highlights proactive strategies for risk management, continuous learning & technological competency.
HR’s Role in Business Evolution: Strategy, Finance & Growth
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course is tailored for business leaders & HR professionals who want to enhance their strategic management skills & create actionable plans for success. You'll learn the overall strategic management process, how to develop both simplified & detailed business & strategic plans & the crucial role of corporate culture, leadership & staff development in driving or hindering strategic outcomes. Additionally, you'll explore how to leverage ChatGPT (Generative AI) as a powerful tool to improve your performance as a key business partner to the management team, helping you make data-driven decisions & enhance organizational effectiveness.
S Corporations: Calculating Shareholder Basis
-
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.
