WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Computer Forensics: Part III (Steganography)
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Online
1.60 Credits
Member Price: $79
This course is a complement to our series on Becoming a Forensic Accountant & the focus of the course is on steganography techniques. Steganography is the art & science of embedding secret messages in a cover message in such a way that no one, apart From the sender & intended recipient, suspects the existence of the message. The first use of steganography can be traced to 440 BC when ancient Greece, people wrote messages on wood & covered it with wax, that acted as a covering medium Romans used forms of Invisible Inks, to decipher those hidden messages light or heat were used. During World War II the Germans introduced microdots, which were complete documents, pictures & plans reduced in size to the size of a dot & were attached to normal paperwork. Null Ciphers were also used to hide unencrypted secret messages in an innocent looking message. Given the amount of data being generated & transmitted electronically, it's no surprise that numerous methods of protecting that data have evolved. There are various types of steganography: Text Steganography: Hiding information inside the text files. This involves changing format of existing text, changing words in a text, generating random character sequences or using context-free grammars to generate readable texts. Image Steganography: Process of hiding text in an image without distorting the picture. Video Steganography: Technique to hide any kind of files into a cover video file. Audio Steganography: The secret message is embedded into an audio signal which alters the binary sequence of the corresponding audio file. Network Steganography: The process of utilizing active network protocols as carriers to transmit a covert message, undetectable by an uninformed party, From a host to its destination. This session will review these methods & also discuss relevant software.
Excel Tips & Tricks for the Non-Accountant
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
You don't need an accounting degree to harness the power of Microsoft Excel. This course shows how Excel makes sense beyond dollars & cents. We will focus on fundamental concepts for creating, editing & utilizing Excel content. Participants will learn how to use Excel's menus & other functions to craft Excel workbooks. Because this course is designed for newer users, we intentionally offer a broad overview of Excel's numerous capabilities with in-depth coverage of selected resources tailored for non-accounting applications.
Profiles in Fraud
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Nobody is immune to fraud risk. This course opens with stories of real fraud perpetrators then examines the similarities between the fraud perpetrators, discovering that they all have many common traits. It finishes with techniques accountants can use to deter these behaviors. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Risk Assessment Under SAS No. 145
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Get familiar with SAS No. 145. In October 2021, the AICPA Auditing Standards Board issued Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 145, Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement. SAS No. 145 does not fundamentally change the key concepts underpinning audit risk. Rather, it clarifies and enhances certain aspects of the identification and assessment of the risks of material misstatement to drive better risk assessments and, therefore, enhance your audit quality. Hear from members of the Auditing Standards Board's risk assessment task force as they help you learn to navigate SAS No. 145 and examine new and updated concepts including: A new definition of significant risk New guidance on maintaining professional skepticism Revised requirements to evaluate the design of certain controls Separately assessing inherent risk and control risk Revised requirements regarding audit documentation New guidance on scalability
Surgent's Communicating Financial Results to Stakeholders: A Guide for Client Advisory Services
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
One of the most difficult things for any Client Advisory Services (CAS) professional to learn is how to communicate financial information to non-financial people. To be successful, it's crucial to master this skill, as we frequently explain accounting jargon to those unfamiliar with the field. In this course, we will explore how to properly communicate with stakeholders, including investors, clients, boards of directors and even other departments. We will explore biases that people have when viewing financial information and even how to make sure we keep our message on point. If you are looking to move up in the financial services world, this course is a must for you.
Surgent's Excel Budgeting Ideas
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Budget methods are the key to allowing department managers to efficiently prepare their budget in Excel. For example, a budget method may be to spread prior year actuals or match prior year actuals, or match prior year actuals less 10%. In this webinar, we will explore how to allow users to pick a budget method from a drop-down list for each account and then have Excel perform different calculations depending on the budget method selected. We use several features and functions at the same time to pull this off. Even if you are not involved in the budgeting process, the underlying features and functions discussed have a wide range of uses.
Surgent's Understanding Non-Compete Agreements
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
The enforceability of non-compete agreements in the U.S. is in flux. While the FTC's proposed ban is on hold pending legal proceedings, existing state laws continue to govern the validity of non-compete clauses. Some states, like California, Oklahoma and North Dakota, prohibit non-compete agreements, while others enforce them under certain conditions. Although state laws vary, non-competes are often used to protect the creation and development of corporate goodwill, customer relationships and specialized training, among others. Today, employees are more likely to be asked to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of employment. Non-compete agreements are also a common component of a business sale agreement. This program surveys non-compete agreements from all angles, including the current state of play regarding the usefulness and enforceability of agreements going forward. Whether you advise individual clients or work for an employer, this course provides an understanding of common issues that arise in the negotiation and enforcement of non-competes.
2026/27 Annual Update for Not-for-Profit Accountants & Audit
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This comprehensive annual update brings together key accounting, auditing and compliance developments affecting not-for-profit organizations. The course integrates recent standard-setting activity, audit and attestation updates and Single Audit developments to provide a practical view of changes impacting nonprofit financial reporting and oversight. Participants will begin with an overview of accounting developments affecting not-for-profit organizations, including recently issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and an introduction to the International Non-Profit Accounting Standard (INPAS). Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose and structure of INPAS and how it compares conceptually to U.S. GAAP requirements for NFPs. The course then shifts to auditing and attestation developments from the AICPA, including the next phase of quality management with a focus on monitoring and remediation responsibilities. Participants will also review recent and upcoming standards affecting audit, attestation and consulting engagements, including updates related to SSAEs, SSARSs, exposure drafts on confirmations and fraud and changes affecting group audits. Finally, the course addresses recent developments impacting Single Audits for not-for-profit organizations receiving federal funding. Topics include the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, recent guidance issued through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and reporting changes related to SAM.gov. Designed for nonprofit preparers, auditors and financial leaders, this course helps participants understand how recent accounting and auditing changes intersect-and what to monitor as requirements 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.
Multi Year Failure to File: Getting into Compliance
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
This comprehensive program equips CPAs with the knowledge and practical tools to handle clients who have failed to file tax returns for multiple years. The course covers every stage of the process-from client onboarding and transcript analysis to risk assessment, ethical considerations and resolution strategies. Participants will learn how to manage cases involving individuals, married couples, businesses, payroll taxes and S corporations, including situations with missing records and potential criminal exposure. Real-world examples, IRS references and best practices are integrated throughout to ensure confidence and compliance. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Get started with Power BI
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Embark on a journey to master Power BI, a powerful tool for data analysis and business intelligence, in our comprehensive course, "Get Started with Power BI." This course is meticulously designed for professionals who seek to understand the full spectrum of Power BI capabilities, including its integration with Excel's Power BI features like Power Pivot and Power Query and its comparison with standalone Power BI tools such as Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service and Power BI Report Server. In the first part of the course, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Power BI. This includes an overview of Power BI's interface, key features and its seamless integration with Excel. The course will cover Excel's Power BI tools - Power Pivot, for advanced data modeling and Power Query, for efficient data transformation and preparation. This segment is essential for understanding how Power BI extends and enhances the data processing and analytical capabilities of Excel. The second section of the course delves into the standalone Power BI tools. Here, participants will explore Power BI Desktop for creating complex data models and sophisticated reports, Power BI Service for cloud-based collaboration and sharing and Power BI Report Server for on-premises report deployment. This part of the course will focus on the unique features and strengths of these standalone tools, providing attendees with the skills to leverage Power BI in a variety of business contexts. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Awesome Business Lessons From the Past: Learn From the Best!
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Why not learn, or re-learn, some amazing business lessons From the past that are still effective today? What did Henry Ford do when annual employee turnover was 370% & workers demanded more pay? Sound familiar to today's world? Ford's solution worked! We see today's problems & believe that these problems have never occurred before. Not true. We will discuss timeless business lessons that are as practical today as when they were written decades ago. We will review; 'How to Win Friends & Influence People,' 'Today & Tomorrow,' & 'The Art of War.' Let's learn From the very best, as these lessons have been battle-tested & proven over time.
How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Client
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Tax rates, personal liability, operations: these are all factors to be weighed when advising clients about their choice of entity decision. This session provides a comparison of the multiple entity choices to start the discussion with clients & selecting the best tax efficient option for them. 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
The Controllership Series: The Treasury Function Part I: Cash & Investing
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course corresponds to our Controllership series. This course is dedicated to exploring the traditional controller role & stepping out of the box to identify areas where the controller can continue to add strategic value to their organizations. Within this segment of our controllership series, we discuss the area of cash & investments & explore how the controller can move these responsibilities into more of a strategic role. In today's world, the role of cash management is often a pivotal role in the organization. In economically difficult times, controllers may find that they spend a great deal of their time on understanding & managing the organizations' cash position. This is certainly important and, in some areas, can be seen as a staple of the lifeblood of the organization's ongoing viability. This course takes a look at some of the typical objectives involved in Cash management & then evaluates how those objectives can be further stretched into strategic pillars of the organization.
Microsoft Copilot Deep Dive Hands-on Bootcamp for CPAs
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Microsoft 365 is one of the most widely used business applications software suites used in business today. Microsoft Copilot is the generative AI application that is integrated directly into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. If your firm or business is a Microsoft 365 user, this course will teach you how to use Copilot AI to optimize the use of your Microsoft 365 apps. This course will provide a comprehensive review and demonstration of how to put Microsoft Copilot AI 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 Microsoft Copilot on your computer. Practice files will be provided so that 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.
Accounting & Tax Ethics: Standards, Issues, & Case Studies 26-27
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $175
In recent history, even the most prestigious CPA firms have had ethical lapses and oversights that have cost them both financially and, at that moment, clouded their brand. This course will review the AICPA code of ethics for both accounting and tax practitioners and encourage you to examine your firm's policies and choices relative to those standards and common sense through thought-provoking and sometimes humorous Q&A and case studies. Note: This course qualifies to count toward the WICPA membership Ethics CPE requirement.
Passive Activities & Rental Real Estate Income Tax Issues
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $300
This comprehensive training is designed to get the accountant up to speed quickly with the complex passive activity loss (PAL) rules that apply to certain investments in trades or businesses & rental activities. The cornerstone of the course is the in-depth coverage of the detailed tax law & regulations applicable to passive activities under IRC 469 & how & when the 3.8% net investment income tax under 1411 applies. 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
K2’s Next Generation Excel Reporting
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Unlock the full potential of Excel & transform your operational & financial reports like never before. With cutting-edge tools such as Data Models, Power Query, Data Analysis Expressions & Power Pivot, you can create powerful summaries & schedules in record time. Combine these with Excel's legacy features & you have a game-changing opportunity to elevate your reporting environment. Join our fast-paced seminar to discover the magic of Power Query & how it seamlessly links data into Excel data models, enabling more efficient & insightful reporting. Learn to incorporate Key Performance Indicators, Slicers & Timelines into your reports to enhance data analytics & understandability. Plus, master best practices for quickly & efficiently formatting your spreadsheets, giving them a polished & professional appearance. This course is a must for anyone using Excel for reporting processes. Elevate your skills & stay ahead of the curve with our expert guidance. You will truly learn how you can revolutionize your Excel-based reporting practices by participating in this session.
AI & Accounting in Manufacturing
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides a concise overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping financial oversight in the global manufacturing sector. With factories evolving into digital ecosystems powered by intelligent automation, predictive analytics and edge computing, the role of accounting and finance professionals is rapidly transforming. Participants will explore how AI technologies intersect with core financial functions-cost accounting, audit, tax compliance and financial planning-while enabling real-time reporting, fraud detection and predictive decision-making. Drawing on current global trends and real-world case studies, the course offers actionable insights into integrating AI into financial operations, elevating the strategic role of accounting in manufacturing enterprises. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Current Audit Environment & ASB Activity
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Online
2.50 Credits
Member Price: $99
Understanding the current audit environment. You'll explore the current audit environment, including the audit challenges triggered by the current environment. Additionally, you'll do a comprehensive review of recent audit pronouncement and exposure drafts. Topics you'll cover include those critical to success in today's rapidly changing regulatory environment, such as: Recently issued audit and attest interpretations Technical questions and answers The ASB workplan
Forensic Accounting: Crafting Expert Reports
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
When forensic accountants are hired to conduct an analysis and investigations, they are commonly expected to write a report. This report can be short or long, depending on the circumstances. This presentation is how to write an effective expert report that will withstand scrutiny of both parties of litigation and the court. The presentation will also include best practices, ethics and components of an effective report. 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.
