WICPA CPE & Special Event Catalog
360 Budgeting: A Holistic Approach to Process & Solutions
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
The budgeting process can be a time consuming & frustrating process for accountants. The constraints & pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical & human components. This series will offer solutions to the budgeting woes From both the big picture & in the details. Budget Mastery: Process, Problems & Solutions The budgeting process can be a mundane one for accountants. Let's be realistic & agree that even the word "budget" does not bring excitement to you & your departmental colleagues. The constraints & pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical & human components. This session is the first part of a four part series & will cover the big picture of keeping the process fresh, pragmatic & useful. We discuss these keys in an engaging manner by discussing both our flaws & strengths, including how to build on these characteristics towards an enjoyable solutions-based method that should deliver effective results for your organization. Budget Mastery: Walkthroughs & Real World Calculations Towards Tying Budgets to Value This session takes a unique review of the fundamental budget issues faced by all & walks through a detailed modeling process intended to generate discussion & best practices to improve your organization's financial modeling. From the beginning of the accounting process: 'the chart of accounts' to the end of the process: 'the valuation of the company', the budgeting cycle via a live case model to learn best practices common to successful companies. This course stands on its own but is part two of a four part budget mastery series. Budget Mastery: The Human Side of Budgeting-Navigating People's issues with 360 Insight You have a fantastic budget, but certain players are not pleased. Financial plans have a technical component & human component. We can resolve some of our budget issues by exploring the process' human aspect. Understanding what makes you & others operate can enhance your understanding of the entire organization & build upon the respect & influence needed to navigate & lead the budgeting cycle. This session includes a case study that measures an individual's personality type & then explores how to use our strengths & weaknesses to create a better budget process & quite frankly maybe a better you. This is a great & fun course on its own, but is also part three of a four part series on budget mastery. Budget Mastery: From Numbers to Narrative: Effectively Presenting Your Budget & Reporting Perhaps the most important element of the budget process is its communication. If management does not understand the budget: there is an issue. Knowing the right ways to communicate at all levels is essential to stakeholders laying an ownership claim to successful budgets. This session reveals several key guidelines in successful budget presentations & will identify key problems in how people often communicate financial plans. Presenting your budget & reporting is the final part of a four part series, but can easily stand on its own course that is intended to be fun, enjoyable & educational.
A Working Parent's Guide to Prioritizing Mental Wellness
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Balancing the demands of a career and family life is a challenge faced by many working parents. The pressure to excel at work while being fully present at home can leave little room for self-care, often leading to burnout and mental fatigue. This course is designed to address these challenges head-on by providing actionable strategies to prioritize your mental health and overall well-being. The course emphasizes practical, easy-to-implement techniques tailored for busy working parents. From setting boundaries to prioritizing sleep and physical activity, you'll learn how to create sustainable habits that enhance your well-being. You'll also explore how to recognize the signs that additional support -whether from friends, family, therapy, or other resources- is necessary and how to seek help without guilt or hesitation. Ultimately, this course will help you regain a sense of balance and control in your life by equipping you with tools to manage stress, build resilience and rediscover joy in both your professional and personal roles. 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 Project Management: Tips, Tricks & Traps
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
Recent economic, societal and political changes have shown us the need for numerous projects and the need to manage those projects in a unique way. Project management is a way of thinking highly recognized and practiced by large organizations, but often neglected by the smallest companies and entrepreneurs. This course quickly discusses the basics of project management thought and practice and then spends the majority of the time exploring some of the greatest mistakes that can be made, the ways to avoid them and some of the tricks that have been introduced into the discipline. In the program we will explore some of the specific types of project management as well as some of the available software programs to make the task of project management easier.
Al Capone to Cybercrime: The Journey of IRS Special Agents
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Since 1919, the Internal Revenue Service had a civil and criminal function in the United States tax system. Little do people know, the IRS has an elite criminal function that started with five United States Postal Inspectors. From its early days in taking down Al Capone to now solving cybercrimes, the IRS special agents are tasked with investigating tax fraud, money laundering and other white collar crimes. This presentation will show you the importance of this law enforcement function, the training, techniques, expertise and actions that cause them to be known as the "world's finest financial investigators." This presentation has been prepared by a 20 year veteran with the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The presenter investigated crimes and trained and mentored other special agents. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
A Fox in the Henhouse/Courthouse
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
The ancient Romans had a saying about using caution when appointing someone to a position of trust, "don't set a wolf to watch the sheep". That saying is in use today & has changed to include "don't put a fox to guard the henhouses";. The thought is similar, but the wolf & fox are vastly different animals. Wolves rely upon their strength to survive while foxes rely on their cunning. Like foxes, fraudsters rely upon their cunning to defeat or circumvent internal controls. This session reviews the investigation of a deputy court clerk who exploited a weakness in internal controls & committed fraud in the courthouse.
Surgent's Data Security: Best Practices to Protect Your Business & Yourself
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $59
Data security is a front-of-mind topic for most businesses because the risk and cost statistics are sobering. Each of us is in the crosshairs because a typical internet-connected computer faces a cyberattack every 39 seconds. Businesses of all sizes should be cognizant of the ethical issues that must be considered when planning their approach to privacy and data security. In this webinar, we will explore both the risks we have traditionally faced in the workplace personally, as well as the novel set of data privacy threats and compliance challenge issues employers face with a remote and mobile workforce.
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.
The Controllers Role in Data Analytics & Big Data
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
Today's economy & all of the digital enhancements have impacted the way companies engage with their customers as well as how the company manages their internal practices. The business control function needs to keep pace. The rising importance of analytical capability is critical when defining the role of the modern controller. Execution of analytics can vary but there are still key questions that must be asked. What are the options & what we need to understand to decide the best way forward? This course focuses on the value that can be brought by the Controller when becoming involved with data analytics powered by technology & also Big Data. The digitized world we live in has made it important for the Controller function to evolve & take on this advanced task.
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.
ChatGPT Vision for Financial Analysis
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the "vision" capabilities of ChatGPT specifically tailored for accountants. The session demonstrates how artificial intelligence can interpret and analyze visual content to revolutionize financial management. The curriculum covers a wide range of applications, from understanding GPT Vision and its unique benefits to leveraging aerial and street view imagery for comprehensive financial analysis. Through detailed case studies, participants will learn how to access and utilize GPT Vision effectively, incorporating it into tasks like data visualization, text and object recognition from images and the use of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive (DDPP) analysis methods to enhance decision-making processes. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Rethinking Your Customers to Maximize Profitability: Identifying the Right Clients
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Some customers are unprofitable From an economic or time perspective: but many organizations do not differentiate or know the difference. When an organization has a unique, well-differentiated service or product, understanding value From the customer's perspective becomes a crucial factor in profitable pricing. We must take the time to fully understand what our customers value: From the customer's point of view. What is value? Why do brand, value & customer focus matter? Developing a deep understanding of our customers is vital. Our most important customer might be someone we have not yet recognized. Understanding both external clients & internal stakeholders: including the evolving role of the finance department, is critical to long-term success. Using humorous video clips, memes & vetted research, your understanding of customer bases will improve.
Surgent's Introduction to Charitable Gifting for Individual Taxpayers
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of charitable gifting strategies and their implications for individual taxpayers. Participants will explore the fundamentals of charitable giving, including the tax benefits, legal considerations and planning opportunities available under current tax law. The course will cover the types of organizations that qualify for charitable contributions, the income and estate tax treatment of gifts and the various methods of structuring charitable donations to maximize tax efficiency. Attendees will learn about specific charitable gifting techniques such as donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts and qualified charitable distributions from retirement accounts. The course will also examine tax deduction limits, substantiation requirements and the impact of state tax credits on charitable giving. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide clients in implementing effective charitable giving strategies that align with their financial and philanthropic goals.
Fiduciary Accounting for Estates & Trusts
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Financial accounting for trusts & estates is one of the least understood branches of accounting. It is not particularly concerned with recording income & expenses but is obsessed with determining whether receipts & expenditures are assigned to income or principal/corpus. This course will dive into this tricky area & provide a reporting guide for fiduciary accounting.
Common Yellow Book & Single Audit Deficiencies
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Yellow Book & Single Audit engagements are routinely selected for peer review & continue to be areas of heightened scrutiny by peer reviewers & federal oversight agencies. This course examines common deficiencies identified in governmental & Single Audit engagements, with a focus on understanding why these issues arise & how they can be avoided. Participants will review frequent deficiencies related to Yellow Book requirements issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, including independence, CPE & reporting considerations. The course also addresses common Single Audit deficiencies, including internal controls over compliance, compliance testing & major program determination. Designed for auditors performing governmental & Single Audit engagements, this course helps participants recognize recurring problem areas & better understand the requirements that continue to drive peer review findings.
K2’s Securing Your Data: Practical Tools For Protecting Information
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
In today's digital landscape, security is non-negotiable. Yesterday's techniques cannot keep up with today's threats. It's time to elevate your knowledge & protect your sensitive data with our comprehensive security program. Join us to discover the latest tools & techniques for securing your data, including encryption, virus protection, safe communications, electronic signatures, secure authentication & more. You'll also learn how to implement a practical, five-step approach to securing your PC & the critical questions to ask your staff to ensure server-based information remains protected. Security failures, such as client or customer data breaches, can be devastating & even drive your company out of business. So, what security tools do you need & how should you use them to safeguard your sensitive data & systems? Can you afford to manage today's threats with outdated techniques? Participate in this valuable session to learn how to identify viable & practical solutions to mitigate today's security threats. Don't miss this opportunity to fortify your defenses & ensure your business's success. Sign up now & take the first step towards a more secure future!
Master the Art of CPA Communication: Boost Your Influence!
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Discover the communication edge that will take your CPA career to the next level. This comprehensive course empowers CPAs with the tools to enhance clarity, build trust and drive decisions. Learn to transform complex jargon into actionable insights and develop powerful persuasion techniques that resonate with clients and stakeholders. Join me to sharpen your communication skills and elevate your professional impact. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Accounting & Attestation for ESG
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has become an increasingly important area of focus for standard setters, regulators and stakeholders. This course provides an overview of how ESG considerations intersect with accounting and attestation services, with attention to developments affecting both preparers and assurance providers. Participants will review current ESG-related initiatives and projects underway at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the AICPA. The course also explores the types of services CPAs may provide in connection with ESG reporting, including advisory and attestation engagements and discusses how these engagements differ in scope and responsibility. Designed for CPAs seeking to understand the evolving ESG landscape, this course helps participants recognize where ESG fits within existing professional standards and how CPAs can support organizations seeking credibility and assurance over ESG information. 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 Risks of Artificial Intelligence: Part I
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Online
1.60 Credits
Member Price: $79
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries & redefining how organizations operate. While the benefits of AI-efficiency, automation, data-driven insights & innovation-are significant, the risks are equally profound & demand careful consideration. AI introduces a range of technical risks, such as bias, lack of transparency, data dependency & vulnerability to manipulation. Ethical risks arise in the form of workforce disruption, diminished accountability, potential misuse & the erosion of human autonomy. On a broader societal scale, AI threatens to widen inequalities, accelerate disinformation & erode trust in institutions, while raising concerns of cultural homogenization & disproportionate power concentration among a few entities. Governance challenges further complicate the landscape, as regulation struggles to keep pace with technological advances & questions emerge about the long-term safety & alignment of advanced AI systems. Leaders & organizations must recognize that AI is not only a technological innovation but also a strategic risk management issue. Responsible adoption requires robust governance, transparent & ethical frameworks, ongoing monitoring & human oversight. By proactively addressing these risks, organizations can balance innovation with accountability, safeguard trust & position themselves for sustainable success in an AI-driven future. Note: This is Part 1 in a two-part series on the risks of AI
Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Microsoft 365 is likely the most underutilized software investment in your firm or business. This course will show how to tap in to many of the lesser known features of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem of apps to maximize your productivity and produce better outputs. Through a series of practical case study demonstrations you will learn how to leverage the full potential of Microsoft 365 in your organization. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
