WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
CFO Series: Essential Cost Containment
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $369
This event is a rebroadcast of a live event.The CFO Series provides a convenient, one-stop way for CFOs and those who aspire to be CFOs, to earn an entire year of CPE with a single decision. Each day consists of a subject matter expert leading discussions about four different topics. The CFO Series features high-quality presentations and an interactive, executive level colleague-to-colleague approach with case studies, group discussions, and team exercises. We all want to make the organization more profitable, but do we do it the best way? Many simply hack away at costs and then repeat the same unwieldy process every eighteen months. Do our internal and external customers truly understand our numbers? There is a better way to communicate financial information, so they DO understand and take the proper actions. Building an effective team always results in improved performance, talent retention and reduces costs. We also discuss the ethics of creativity -- is creativity good or bad or a mixed bag? We will discuss how, and specifically what, you can do to rein in costs and get the most from what the organization already has and remains ethical. These four sessions will help you become better at controlling the right costs and becoming more successful. Module 1: Improving Profitability the Right Way: How to Cut the Right CostsCost cutting is easy, cutting the right costs is NOT easy. Most cost-cutting exercises fail either; by cutting the wrong costs, cutting too much, ignoring interrelated impacts, taking shortcuts, cutting too little or waiting too late. The internal politics are problematic. One key solution is to take sufficient time to plan properly and assess the true goals and objectives? Planning is essential, we will show you how to cut the right costs correctly and avoid career-killing blunders. Module 2: Building High Performing Teams: Cohesive Teams Get ResultsTeamwork is the ultimate competitive advantage both because it is so powerful and so rare. Why do some teams produce and win, while others fail? What do great team leaders do that makes the team a success? Whether you run the executive staff of a multinational company, a small department within a large organization or even if you are a team member in a small team that needs improvement, we will share proven techniques to enhance teamwork. It is not complicated to build a team, but it takes effort, and we will show you how. Module 3: Do Creative Accountants Belong in Prison? True or False?Creativity is one of the top ten most desirable traits, but should everyone, including accountants, be creative? Are there exceptions? What are the positives and the downsides of creativity? Creativity can be used for good, but creativity can also lead to serious, unethical behaviors. There is a strong relationship between creativity and dishonesty. We will review the negative consequences of creativity and discuss how to properly utilize resourcefulness and imagination. The title is not rhetorical -- creativity can easily be great or disreputable, learn how to make it work for you -- and be ethical. Module 4: Storytelling Your Financials for Impact: Narrative Beats NumbersData alone does not drive decisions -- stories do. Financial professionals must go beyond spreadsheets and craft compelling financial narratives that engage boards, CEOs, and team members. Using real-world examples, we will demonstrate how to frame financial results within a broader business story, drawing insights and communicating tangible meaning - instead of just displaying boring numbers. Learn how to shift from "presenting financials" to telling a story that aligns with strategic goals, inspires confidence, and drives action. This session equips attendees with the tools to turn financial statements into strategic storytelling assets. Our clients do not recall numbers, but they do remember stories. Stories are memorable, we will show you how. Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethic CPE requirement.
The Future of Audit: Technology, Talent & Transformation
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
The audit profession stands at a critical inflection point, facing unprecedented challenges from technological disruption, evolving regulatory landscapes and workforce transformation. This comprehensive course, based on the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs' groundbreaking research report "The Future of the Audit: Building Relevance and Sustaining Quality," provides auditors with essential insights and actionable strategies to navigate these seismic shifts. Through expert perspectives from industry leaders including PCAOB board members, Big Four executives and audit committee chairs, participants will explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain and data analytics are fundamentally reshaping audit practices while creating new opportunities for value creation and risk assessment. Beyond technology adoption, this course addresses the pressing talent crisis facing the profession and offers practical solutions for building a future-ready workforce. Participants will learn how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance audit quality, understand the implications of regulatory modernization including the concept of "regulatory sandboxes," and develop strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market. Whether you're a partner in a small firm, a manager in a large organization, or an audit professional seeking to future-proof your career, this course provides the roadmap for maintaining relevance, ensuring quality and thriving in the evolving audit landscape. You'll leave with concrete action steps for immediate implementation and a clear vision for transforming your audit practice to meet the demands of tomorrow's financial ecosystem. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Group Audits: Who is Responsible for What?
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Financial statement audits often involve audits of components of a larger entity. This course will focus on the responsibilities for both the group auditor & component auditor, including implementation of SAS No. 149 relate to group audits.
Analyzing Financial Statements
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides tools and insights into financial statement analysis - both quantitative and qualitative. We'll look not only at the three main financial statements but also dive into the MD&A and footnotes. We'll also discuss the affect of industry nuances on comparability of different analysis tools. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Cost & Pricing Models: Boost Your Bottom Line
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
If sales increase, so should profits. Yet, the opposite result often leaves executive's scratching their heads. When organizations work with inferior cost information, they make mistakes in four specific situations. Bad information causes sellers to overprice easy, high-volume work & under-price difficult, low-volume work. This session discusses how to use activity-based costing to build accurate costing models that consider far more than just the labor & materials necessary to provide goods & services.
Surgent's Successful Communication
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
Technology has created numerous ways for us to communicate with each other - but it's also increased the number of ways in which the message can get garbled. Effective communications skills are crucial to successful management. Learn how to control your message with clear communications strategies. You'll learn to recognize communication barriers, assess styles and behaviors and learn how to listen more effectively as well.
What's Changing in A&A for Governmental Entities (2026/27)
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This comprehensive course provides a timely update on key accounting and auditing developments affecting governmental entities, bringing together recent standard-setting, auditing and compliance changes into a single, cohesive learning experience. Participants will begin with an update on major pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including GASB Statements No. 103, 104 and 105, along with a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these changes affect governmental financial reporting, disclosures and communication with stakeholders. The course then shifts to auditing developments, covering significant updates to the Yellow Book issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, including changes related to quality management, effective dates and recent updates to the Green Book. Participants will also gain insight into the GAO's implementation delay and its implications for audit planning. Finally, the course addresses recent changes affecting Single Audits, including the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memoranda and reporting changes related to SAM.gov. Designed for auditors, preparers and financial leaders working with governmental entities, this course helps participants understand how recent accounting and auditing changes intersect-and what to watch for as expectations continue to evolve. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
LLC's & S Corporations: a Comparative Analysis
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
This course focuses on the most common aspects and tax implications of Limited Liability Companies and S Corporations. It will further compare forms of entities, along with corporate formalities compliance issues of each entity type. Electing Subchapter S status as well as reviewing the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status will be discussed. Highlights of entity specific tax forms will be discussed, as well as accountable plans, taxable fringe benefits, officer reasonable compensation, estate planning, business continuation planning and audit strategies. Schedules K-1, K-2, K-3 and effectively connected income will be reviewed in this course as well. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Self-Rental Real Estate: Passive Activity & Section 199A
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This program presents a detailed analysis of the self-rental passive activity rules, including forms reporting examples and integrates them with the flow-through entity rules related to self-rental. 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
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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.
Financial Decisions that Led Two Businessmen to Prison
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Two college graduates built impressive careers: One worked in sales, the other in technology and investing. Both of those people made decisions in the course of their business that led to government investigations. They had to hire attorneys, go through judicial processes, face charges and plead guilty. Each of those people are on their way to prison. Learn from the lessons they offer. We interview both financial professionals and they tell us more about how their decisions influenced the consequences that followed. 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.
Section 25F Scholarship Granting Tax Credit: Planning & Compliance Strategies
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides tax & accounting professionals with a focused overview of the Section 25F scholarship granting tax credit & its application in client planning. Participants will examine eligibility requirements, qualifying contributions, credit limitations & interaction with other tax provisions. The course also addresses state-specific considerations, including variations in eligibility, conformity & planning opportunities across jurisdictions. Participants will learn to evaluate client eligibility, maximize available credits & ensure compliance while avoiding common pitfalls. 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
Surgent's Employee Stock Options: What Financial Professionals Should Know When Advising Their Clients
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Companies often offer stock options as an additional form of compensation to attract and retain the best talent. Used appropriately, stock options can generate significant wealth, yet many employees are unfamiliar with how stock options work and why options serve as a valuable opportunity for employees to establish and grow their wealth. Unfortunately, employees who receive stock options are often unaware of their inherent risks. Research has shown that over 76% of employees have never exercised their stock options. Almost half of these individuals (48%), say they held off on selling their options due to fear of making a mistake. This course provides accounting and finance professionals with a broad overview of employee stock options. The webinar is designed to help participants better understand the fundamentals behind these investments and, in turn, better advise their clients.
Surgent's Features & Benefits of SEP IRAs & SIMPLE IRAs
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
A challenge for many small business owners is choosing the 'right' type of retirement plan for their businesses. Many hesitate to adopt retirement plans for their businesses because they are intimidated by the governing rules. In those cases, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are reasonable solutions because they are easy to establish, maintain and communicate with employees; have minimal administrative costs; and are practical and efficient ways to start a retirement plan. These IRA-based plans - SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs - have low maintenance costs and are easy to communicate to employees. With IRA-based employer plans, employer contributions are sometimes discretionary, giving business owners the choice of whether to fund every year. Despite the simplicity of these plans, employers must ensure that applicable compliance requirements are met to avoid penalties. To that end, this course will cover some key provisions of SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.
Surgent's Forms 7217 & 7203
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
IRS Form 7217 is an IRS tax form required for partners receiving distributions of property from partnerships. Starting for tax years beginning in 2024, a partner who receives property from a partnership must file Form 7217 with his or her annual income tax return. Form 7217 is filed by any partner receiving a distribution of property from a partnership to report the basis of the distributed property, including any basis adjustment to such property as required by Section 732(a)(2) or (b). This new IRS form is part of the IRS's general concern regarding basis shifting in favor of high marginal tax rate related partners. Form 7217 is now required and details the types of property distributed, the aggregate basis and the allocation of basis to the distributed property. Form 7203 is designed to assist in tracking an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis. Form 7203 is a significant improvement from the worksheets the IRS provided formerly and over time will serve to help partners and partnerships keep track of their stock and debt basis. The course covers the structure and organization of Form 7203 as well as how an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis are calculated.
Surgent's Going Out on Your Own: Entity Types & Accounting Methods
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Starting a business is tough! There are lots of decisions to be made and things to think about. You may feel like you have a great idea. You have done your marketing research, developed a prototype and even looked at locations for your new office. Then it dawns on you.... What type of entity do I need to be? Is there really an advantage to choosing one entity type over the other? In this class, we will dig into the differences between entity types - from taxes to liability. We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of accounting. Whether you are a small business owner looking to start something new or a practitioner looking to expand your client advisory services, this course is the one for you!
Ask Me No Questions & I Will Tell You No Lies
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Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
As a parent, could you tell when your young children were lying to you? Most of you will say of course I could! How? Was it their words they said or how they acted when they were lying to you? Most of you will say, by the way they acted. We call that body language. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth...... without saying a word. At what age does a child learn to lie? When they are about six months old. We teach them & we are really good at it! (We'll talk about it.) As a rule, when an individual tells a lie, they know it's wrong & as result it causes stress. That stress manifests itself in many ways. The individual that is lying wants to get rid of the stress by saying or doing certain things. We call these stress indicators & they can be verbal or nonverbal. It's particularly important to observe what the subject is talking about when the stress indicator appears. If an interviewer is aware of the verbal & nonverbal stress indicators, they can read a person like a book. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth. In this session, we will discuss the types of individuals that lie, why they lie & both the verbal & nonverbal indicators of stress. In addition, we will discuss how to get them to tell the truth & make them feel good about it.
The Essential Guide to Understanding Private Company Financial Statement Disclosures With Renee Rampulla
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course addresses frequently encountered disclosures associated with the preparation of private company financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), or a "Special Purpose Framework"; (SPF), such as cash or tax basis. Learn to research presentation & disclosure requirements & examples using the FASB Codification & other resources. Understand frequent disclosure requirements such as contingencies, risks & uncertainties, accounting policies, revenue recognition, leases, credit losses, impairment, fair value & much more. Know the additional disclosure requirements needed when preparing private company financial statements using a special purpose framework, such as cash or tax basis.
Fundamentals of Form 1040: Individual
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course introduces professionals to the fundamentals of individual tax preparation. Participants will learn the essentials of Form 1040, including filing requirements, income reporting and deductions. The session will also cover preparer responsibilities, due diligence and taxpayer rights under Circular 230. By the end, attendees will have a solid understanding of the foundation of personal tax returns. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
The Yellow Book: From Beginning to End
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
A comprehensive review of the newest version of the U.S. Government Accountability Office's Government Auditing Standards, otherwise known as "the Yellow Book." The standard will affect all auditors who perform audits of government & nonprofit organizations who receive federal funds, or where application of GAO standards is required by law, regulation or contract. It does not address the standards applicable to performance audits.
