WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
How Changes in Business Methods Affects Internal Control
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
New Technology, the move toward telecommuting, the widespread adoption of electronic documentation and a wide range of other factors have significantly and forever changed the way business is conducted. It should go without saying that changes in tools and methods lead to upheaval in any organizations internal control system. In this session, we look at all the changes that are occurring and discuss what's coming in the not too distant future. The material then looks at how internal controls have been affected and what other updates are on the horizon. Anyone trying to use controls to keep their organization efficient and secure should consider this session because the rate of change to both operational methods and control processes has been and will continue to be incredible. 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 Fiduciary Income Tax Returns – Form 1041 Workshop with Filled-in Forms
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $279
This course is designed as a comprehensive guide to the core concepts of trust and estate income tax preparation. The course explains the common terminology and complicated income tax rules of estates and trusts, fiduciary accounting and an introduction to or refresher on preparing Form 1041. This practical, over 300-page manual is an excellent reference source for your practice, which begins with quite simple cases. Building upon that base throughout the manual, the course ends with two complicated preparation cases, one trust and one estate, each with filled-in forms.
AICPA's New SSTS #4: New Ethics Standard for Tax Resolution
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
This 1-hour course is designed for CPAs and EAs who want to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of tax resolution. Dive into the latest updates to the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS) #4 and explore their practical implications for your practice. Through real-world examples and case studies, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate ethical challenges while maintaining compliance with professional standards. 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.
Leadershift Ethics: Things Must Change!
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
With the rapid pace of change, change now happens daily in business and our personal lives. It can be difficult to navigate change when right and wrong get a bit fuzzy. New processes, new technology, new circumstances and new impacts to people must be measured and decisions made as the change evolves. Change always becomes something different than what was originally planned or imagined. In this session, learn how to measure your ethics through change. You will learn how to filter everything you do during change through a simple litmus test. Through the power of story, you will learn from the lessons of other organizations and their ethical mistakes. Lastly, you will take away what is required to manage yourself so that when ethical decisions arise, you have the mental capacity to manage through it well. 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.
Navigating IRS Collections: The Collection Process
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course is designed for tax professionals seeking to understand and navigate the IRS collection process effectively. Participants will gain indepth knowledge of the various collection methods employed by the IRS, including liens, levies and wage garnishments. Additionally, participants will learn strategies to avoid or halt collection actions and the implications of the statute of limitations on tax collection. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
The Controllership Series: Overhead, Direct & Indirect Costs & Allocation Methods
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Managing expenses is a key for business success & overhead costs play a pivotal role in realizing favorable profit margins. Almost all companies have some form of overhead consisting of specific categories of indirect expenses. The better organizations are able to manage overhead costs, the more competitive they are in the marketplace. It is incumbent in the Controller's role to effectively manage, monitor & perform ongoing assessment of overhead costs, allocations & rates. Overhead refers to the ongoing business expenses not directly attributed to creating a product or service. A company must pay overhead on an ongoing basis, regardless of how much or how little the company sells. It is important for budgeting purposes but also for determining how much a company must charge for its products or services to make a profit. Overhead can be fixed, variable, or a hybrid of both. There are different categories of overhead, such as administrative overhead, which includes costs related to managing a business. In short, overhead is any expense incurred to support the business while not being directly related to a specific product or service.
Sarbanes-Oxley Overview
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Online
1.60 Credits
Member Price: $79
Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Although there have not been any changes in the legislative concepts of the law since its release in 2002, some aspects of executing the work have evolved. Sarbanes-Oxley was passed in 2002 & year one of attestation for publicly traded companies was 2004. Years later the legislation continues to challenge companies, auditors & compliance professionals when evaluating a company's control structure. SOX 404, although the most prominent, is only one of the many requirements covered under the legislation. In addition, the impetus of COSO 2013 has re-focused companies' efforts on evaluating their key controls. Companies must continually evaluate whether they have designed & identified the proper controls & have adequate tests in place to determine control efficiency. With the evolution of technology solutions, the impact of information systems changes must be continually evaluated to ensure controls are adequately addressed.
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 Review & Analysis of Crucial OBBBA Changes
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
Accounting and finance practitioners are still grappling with the many changes OBBBA has made to the tax laws, many of which will impact tax filings. This program is an introduction to and review of some of these critical changes and their impact on taxpayers. Accounting and finance practitioners will gain a better understanding of this very complex set of new tax rules. Practitioners will grasp what is new and what is a continuance of prior rules to develop deeper insights into the many changes that the OBBBA made to the law. If you still feel you need to learn more about how OBBBA works, this program is for you. We have assembled a two-hour review and analysis of what we consider the most important changes from OBBBA that impact client transactions. To the extent that Treasury has provided guidance relating to these new OBBBA changes, we will discuss that guidance. Where guidance is lacking, we will point out areas that require future attention from Treasury.
Surgent's Stock vs. Asset Acquisitions of C Corporations
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
A business conducted as a C corporation can be purchased through an asset acquisition or a stock acquisition. In an asset acquisition, the buyer purchases the business by purchasing the assets that make up the C corporation's ongoing business. In a stock acquisition, the buyer purchases the stock of the C corporation that owns all or a majority of the business assets. The seller and the buyer are usually at odds over how to structure the acquisition. Accounting and finance professionals advising their clients should be fully conversant in the tax rules that apply to stock and asset acquisitions. Discussing and explaining those rules is the focus of this course.
Achieve Competency in Three Basic Tool Categories: Master the Fundamentals
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Financial skills needed in many situations are constantly changing. It is prudent to routinely look into your toolbox to restock or revise your tool set. In this course we will examine three tool categories that form the foundation for many analytical processes.
Mastering the Art of Conflict: CPA Transformative Strategies
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Unlock the secrets to transforming workplace and client conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. As accounting professionals play an increasingly influential role in organizational decision-making, the ability to transform conflict into opportunity is paramount. In this course, learn how to elevate your conflict resolution skills with methods grounded in "Crucial Conversations," "Fierce Conversations," and "Leading with Questions." Discover how to build stronger client and colleague relationships and model constructive communication behaviors. This class breaks down transformative strategies into actionable steps that every CPA can master. 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.
Federal Tax Update: Individual & Business Current Developments
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $300
With the increasing complexity & ever-changing nature of tax laws & issues, today's accountant needs a one-day fast-paced update course focusing on the hottest Federal income tax topics affecting individuals, businesses & their owners with an emphasis of newly enacted income tax legislation. 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
Estate & Financial Planning for the Older Client
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Enter the complex world of elder planning with this comprehensive course tailored for financial professionals. Gain invaluable insights into estate & financial strategies designed specifically for older clients, equipping you with the knowledge & skills to address their unique needs & challenges. Throughout the course, participants will explore a wide range of topics, From understanding the complexities of Medicare & various life insurance types to navigating Social Security considerations & exploring Medicaid planning details. With a focus on practical application, attendees will learn to customize estate planning strategies, explore housing & care alternatives & address gifting complexities relevant to older clients. By the end of the program, you'll develop expertise in executing specialized planning requirements for mature clients, ensuring you're well-prepared to provide informed counsel & support in this important aspect of financial practice. Join us & enhance your knowledge in estate & financial planning for the older client today. 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
Avoiding the Most Misapplied Audit Concepts
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
Recent new auditing standards are designed to improve overall audit quality. The course will address the most common misapplied audit concepts in planning and performing effective and efficient financial statement audits. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Advanced ChatGPT for Accountants
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course concisely explains the latest "see, hear, speak" multi-modal updates to ChatGPT and how they can be used in an accounting context. New features include vision processing, voice conversation, image generation, real-time Internet access, advanced data analysis, plugins and more. Discover how this technology can be used in mind-blowing ways to analyze financial data, optimize processes and solve problems in the accounting domain. Through the lens of ChatGPT, practitioners can explore innovative solutions, automate routine tasks and generate deeper insights and value to their clients and organizations in previously unimaginable workflows. You'll walk away with scores of advanced ChatGPT strategies and tips that can be immediately applied and deliver instant results to elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of your accounting projects and tasks. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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.
Can You Really Do That With AI?
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. In just three short years, AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini & Copilot have revolutionized how business professionals approach everyday tasks. In this session, you will learn how you can use AI to help you solve specific problems & work more efficiently, effectively & accurately. Throughout this session, we will focus on real-world scenarios & how AI can help you realize better results in less time. This is a must-see session for all who want to improve efficiency & effectiveness.
The Controllership Series: The Controller's Role in Pro Forma Financial Statements
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Pro forma statements are used by businesses to make decisions on planning & control, as well as for external reporting to owners, investors & creditors. For example, giving financial estimates for a given period in a standardized manner is known as "presenting pro forma," a Latin phrase that means "as a matter of form." Pro forma statements can be helpful tools for business owners, investors, creditors, or decision-makers to analyze various scenarios of future events based on certain financial assumptions. It might aid in making predictions performance of the company. A pro forma income statement displays a firm's anticipated sales & revenue. It also highlights anticipated fixed or variable operational expenses and, in the end, displays the potential profits & retained earnings for a future financial quarter. There are various types of pro-forma statements & methods to develop them. The responsibilities/competencies of the Financial Controller position (FC) has changed in recent years. However, the creation of pro forma financial statements is still a core part of their responsibility.
Upholding Independence While Holding Your Client's Hand
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Many entities look to their CPA as a trusted advisor when tackling complex accounting topics. This is more relevant now than ever. The FASB's big three accounting pronouncements involving revenue recognition, leasing & credit losses have placed a magnifying glass on this reality. Practitioners need to exercise caution to ensure they maintain independence as they assist their review & audit clients with such matters, as well as with compilation engagements. This course addresses these issues & explores best practices & guidance provided by the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct.Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.