CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
Audit 108: Auditing PP&E and Leases - Common Risks
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Online
2.00 Credits
Auditing PP&E, Including Leases under Topic 842 - Digesting the Risks of Improper Treatment of Tangible Long-Lived Assets will address tips and techniques for auditing tangible long-lived assets for various assessed risk levels, with a special emphasis on lease accounting under Topic 842. Property, plant and equipment can range from a low-risk to a high-risk audit area, depending on the nature of transaction and events engaged in by the reporting entity. Construction, capitalized interest and complex leasing arrangements tend to result in higher risk of material misstatement. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Partnerships: How to Calculate Partner Basis
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Online
2.00 Credits
A detailed analysis of the calculations related to determining a partner's tax basis for a partnership interest. How to use the Form 1065 and Schedule K-1 information for basis determination will be reviewed. An illustrated example with filled in forms will demonstrate how the process works, including its 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.
Surgent's The Essential Multistate Tax Update
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Online
4.00 Credits
With the largest overhaul of the federal income tax code in 30 years and the repeal of the physical presence nexus standards for sales tax in the Wayfair case, the states are working fast and furious to overhaul their tax laws. As some states scramble to fund their budgets, they continue to look for additional forms of revenue. Plan to attend this fast-paced class that covers developing topics in state taxation, ranging from individuals to pass-through entities to corporate taxpayers. This class will focus on issues of small and middle-market companies and offer guidance for minimizing tax liability and negotiating the treacherous waters of compliance.
Tax Cluster: Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits - A Virtual Event
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Online
4.00 Credits
Save a minimum of $50 when you purchase any 4 or more of MOCPA's Cluster Events. USE CODE "CLUSTER24" AT CHECKOUT. The leading edge of the baby boomer generation has already reached retirement age. Financial and tax planners can expect increased demand for strategies that dovetail Social Security with other retirement and estate planning objectives. This course provides tax and financial planning professionals with both the background information on the Social Security system and the strategies clients will need in dealing with Social Security, and the myriad other related retirement planning issues.
Building Trust in Remote Teams: Catalyze Collaboration and Communication
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Online
1.00 Credits
How do you keep your team connected with the limitations of virtual meetings? Suddenly, it’s more important than ever for each member to understand and appreciate their differences; to see beyond the screen and see each other’s human-side to maintain trust. In this session, Tina Hallis, Ph.D., will explore the neuroscience of trust and why it’s critical for optimum teamwork. But more importantly, you will leave with specific strategies and tools that you can choose from to use with your people.
Surgent's Weekly Expert Hour
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Online
1.00 Credits
As financial and tax professionals well know, information overload is a constant struggle we face because things change quickly, and the sheer number of changes being made on a daily basis is enormous. Of great importance to small and medium tax and advisory firms is differentiating between changes that are relevant to our practice and our clients and changes that are new but totally irrelevant. Distinguishing between the two is difficult and time-consuming. Mike Tucker and a team of experts are pleased to present a weekly series designed to eliminate the clutter and get you what you need to stay up-to-date and perform for your clients. Mike and his co-presenters will dispense news on current events impacting taxes, finance, and industry. The subject matter will differ each week and intermittently include topics such as Social Security and Medicare. The panelists will discuss personal and corporate tax matters as well as other late-breaking news related to practitioners' personal finances and those of their clients. Every financial professional will benefit from this series. This is a cost-effective way for accountants to fulfill their compulsory continuing education because this weekly series will include almost 40 one-hour presentations. Sign up today - your clients and your bottom line will thank you.
Identifying and Implementing the Proper Balance of Internal Controls
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Online
2.00 Credits
Internal Controls (IC) are in place for a reason. They help maintain the control environment and establish efficient and effective processes. They also serve as a mitigation technique for identifying when processes have changed and when procedures need to be adjusted. In today’s business world, all personnel must understand the concept of internal control, how they should be utilized and their benefits. The purpose and value of internal controls are often misunderstood and misapplied by management. Internal controls should be viewed as a value-oriented activity that assists the organization in the effective execution of its objectives. Properly designed and executed controls are the key to ensuring this view. A previous course “The Manager’s Responsibility for Internal Control," addressed these concepts at a higher level. This course further explores the types of ICs, how they can be properly utilized and the cost benefit considerations for implementation. Internal control is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following areas: Effectiveness and efficiency of operations Reliability of financial reporting Compliance with applicable laws and regulations Safeguarding assets
Payroll Essentials: De-mystifying Form W-4
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Online
2.00 Credits
With the roll out of a new Form W-4 in late 2019, the IRS made significant changes to employers' withholding and payroll reporting requirements. In addition to the myriad of changes brought about by COVID-19 legislation, carried out through the payroll function, the IRS fundamentally revamped Form W-4 for employee reporting, doing away with the concept of allowances and requiring changes to payroll administration and employee communications. Now more than ever, employers need to know that the W-4 they are working with is working to withhold income taxes correctly for their employees. In addition, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure Form W-4 is filled out correctly and accurately. Employers need to understand the nuances and requirements that come with this obligation. This course will review the Form W-4 in all its glory, including all the changes that were made to the format and substance of the form, understanding what an employer can and cannot do, and how to actually fill out the Form W-4. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Tax Practice Quarterly: 2025 Busy Season Readiness
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Online
2.00 Credits
As the 2025 tax season swiftly approaches, we invite you to join our upcoming webcast. We'll delve into the latest issues in taxation, from new legislative measures to practical tips for efficient practice management. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to start the tax season on a strong note. We'll also explore significant tax implications for both individuals and businesses as we approach the end of the year. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming tax season.
Use of technology in an audit of financial statements - Risk Assessment
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Online
2.00 Credits
How technology can help auditors improve efficiency, effectiveness and quality [bold] Auditors are perpetually in pursuit of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their audits while upholding consistently high standards of quality. The integration of technology into the audit process can seamlessly accomplish these objectives. Join us as we delve into the insights of two distinguished members of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board's Technology Working Group, including its chairperson. You'll learn how technology can empower auditors to navigate the escalating demands of modern audits, particularly in the face of overwhelming data volumes, by harnessing available tools. Our presenters discuss common reasons auditors may resist using technology and why those reasons, even more commonly, are not always valid. Once you have an understanding that overcoming barriers to entry is possible, the Technology Working Group experts will guide you through the audit process. You'll explore key junctures where automated tools, techniques and commercial software solutions can revolutionize your audit methodology for the better. Our presenters then return to examine, in detail, how technology can help auditors during one of the most important steps in the process, the risk assessment. Highlighting benefits to efficiency and effectiveness, the new AICPA practice aid "Use of technology in an audit of financial statements" is the focus. Part I of this evolving practice aid takes a deep dive into risk assessment procedures. Walking through examples allows you to see how the guidance in the practice aid can assist in your daily work.
Why People Are Irrational, Biased and Emotional With Money
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Online
2.00 Credits
In this course, we will explore the psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to irrational and biased money decision-making. We will examine the role of cognitive biases and emotions in financial decision-making, and discuss strategies for overcoming these biases to make more rational financial choices. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Measuring Audit Risks
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Online
3.00 Credits
In order not to perform an excessive number of audit procedures (over audit) auditors must perform procedures in order to determine in what areas are there weak internal controls that could result in a risk that the financial statements would be materially misstated and not be detected. SAS No. 122, AU 300 – 499, Measuring Audit Risk provides guidance as well as required procedures that must be performed in every audit in order to determine the risk of material misstatement. No longer can the auditor state that they assess the risk of material misstatement at maximum without having a basis for making such assessment. As a result, the standards now require that the auditor make such an assessment of a material misstatement of the financial statement on every audit in order to have a basis for such assessment. This program is an overview of the statement documentation requirements in assessing such a risk.
2024 Excel Essentials for Today's Accountant: Become an Expert in One Day
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Online
4.00 Credits
This course explores the increasingly complex features of Excel that facilitate efficient data analysis. We will introduce numerous analytical methods and techniques by using practical examples to illustrate how to unleash the power of Excel when manipulating, analyzing and reporting information and dive into the powerful, but potentially under-utilized, capabilities of Microsoft Excel. Designed for sophisticated users willing to approach spreadsheets from a unique perspective, this program encourages users to challenge the status quo by considering opportunities to take acceptable spreadsheets to a new level.
Getting On Top of It All: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder - Part 2
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Online
4.00 Credits
There is always too much to do and too little time to do it all. Fortunately, if you know the right ways to manage people, projects and your time, you can get on top of everything by working smarter. In Part 2 of this seminar we will go into more depth about how to get more done in less time, as well as how to not burnout from all the work you do. We will discuss additional methods for working smarter through technology, communication, stress reduction, and creating smart and helpful goals.
2024 Tax Depreciation: Review & Update
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Online
4.00 Credits
This course will address recent tax legislation, rules, and developments related to capitalization and depreciation; Section 179 and 168(k) 100 % bonus deduction; Depreciation of automobiles, including new luxury auto limits; ADS depreciation for electing farm and real estate business. **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 and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com.
Prevention & Detection of Fraud In Small Businesses
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Online
4.00 Credits
As reported in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations, on average, small businesses lose 5% of their revenue due to fraud. Can the average small business owner afford to lose 5% of their revenue due to fraud? I think not. This presentation is designed to illustrate the numerous ways employees commit fraud in small businesses, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to prevent it. Both auditors and small business owners would both benefit from this presentation.
ACPEN Signature 2024: Not-for-Profit Accounting, Auditing & Tax Update
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Online
8.00 Credits
The tax laws keep changing and nonprofit entities must continue to adjust to new rules. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, passed in August 2022, hundreds of billions of dollars in government funding and costs were allocated to energy and climate initiatives. As part of the legislation, for the first-time, tax-exempt organizations (including not-for-profits and government agencies) can claim certain energy credits on their federal income tax returns and receive a refund from the federal government even if they have zero federal income tax liability. Donor advised funds continue to be an area of focus within the IRS and Treasury, with proposed regulations recently issued (with more expected on the way). This year’s tax update will include s summary of these regulations already issued, as well as what’s on the table prospectively. This year’s Annual Not-for-Profit Update will include a tax update and review of key issues in completing IRS Form 990, and related Schedules. It is more important than ever for non-profits to understand and complete this annual tax form to ensure that the organization and its donors are also protected so they can accomplish their corporate intentions and goals. On the accounting standards front, some nonprofits will still be implementing the FASB’s new Credit Losses standard (Accounting Standards Codification [ASC] Topic 326), the last of the FASB’s recent wave of major standards. This standard primarily affects two groups of nonprofits: (1) those making loans or financial guarantees (e.g., foundations, community development financial institutions, universities) and (2) those with accounts receivable arising from service (or goods) delivery rather than grants and contributions (e.g., hospitals, universities). Meanwhile, the FASB has been progressing through its next generation of projects, informed by a public agenda consultation in 2021, as well as preparing for a follow-on public agenda consultation to be conducted beginning later this year. Although many of these projects are focused on business enterprises and the needs of their investors, there are several recent standards (Accounting Standards Updates [ASUs]) and current projects that have or could have significant applicability to some or many nonprofits. These include recent ASUs on Crypto Assets (2023-08) and on Income Tax Disclosures (2023-09) and current projects on Software Development Costs and on two specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues with potential financial statement impact, Financial Instruments with ESG-linked Features (part of a project on Derivatives Scope Refinements) and Environmental Credit Programs. This year’s FASB Update will include helpful implementation reminders for Credit Losses, and for Leases between Entities under Common Control (ASU 2023-01), which was important follow-on guidance for another of the FASB’s major recent standards, Leases (ASC Topic 842). The Update will also provide background information and discuss key provisions of the ASUs on Crypto Assets and Income Tax Disclosures, and a summary of efforts to-date on the Software Development Costs and ESG-related projects, as well as provide a brief preview of upcoming 2024 agenda consultation. Auditing Update - a review of Statements on Auditing Standards 142 (Audit Evidence), 143 (Accounting Estimates), 144 (Amendments to AU-C 501, 540 and 620); 145 (Understanding the Entity and Assessing Risk), 146 (Quality Management),148 (Amendments to AU-C 935), that will impact audits conducted in 2023 and beyond, with emphasis on practical application to NFP organizations. This session will also discuss the Statements on Quality Management Standards and their impact on smaller firms. Ethics Update – Our course will provide a review of recently enacted Ethics Interpretations, including NOLAR, Unpaid Fees, Accounting Standards Implementation, Loans, Information system services, Officer and directors, and Compliance Audits, as well as consideration of exposure drafts currently outstanding. Qualifies as one hour of ethics CPE. This program will also provide an overview of other recent standards issued and projects in progress that impact Not-for-Profit entities. **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 and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com.
The Ethic of Self-Esteem For Women
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Online
2.00 Credits
Ethics is ultimately about our relationship to ourself, others, and the world in which we live. Therefore, to enhance our relationships with those around us, we must first start with the regard we hold for ourselves. From an ethical vantage, it can be said that we have a moral obligation to work toward self-love, honor, and respect. Matters of self-esteem are important in every aspect of life including goal setting, relationships, establishing boundaries, handling conflict, levels of productivity, and expressing our needs in respectful and dignified ways. This course explores traps of low self-esteem and ways to minimize those traps. We also explore components of high self-esteem and actions to foster higher regard for self. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Guide Strategy, Attract Investments with Financial Forecasts
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Online
2.00 Credits
Financial statement forecasting is essential for predicting a company's future financial health, guiding strategic decisions, and attracting investments. By analyzing historical data, market trends, and assumptions, businesses can anticipate risks and opportunities, enabling effective planning, resource allocation, and long-term stability and growth. - Forecasting Process: This involves projecting future income, expenses, and resources. By leveraging historical data and market insights, businesses can predict financial health, shaping strategic planning, investment decisions, and risk management. - Forecasting Profitability: Predicting future earnings informs strategic decisions, investment planning, and resource allocation. It facilitates effective budgeting, cash flow management, risk assessment, and enhances attractiveness to investors for sustainable growth. - Forecasting the Balance Sheet: Analysts forecast to predict a company's future financial position, assessing growth potential, solvency, and capital structure. This informs investment decisions, strategic planning, and risk management, ensuring financial stability and growth. Join our webinar to explore these concepts with a practical example, guiding you through the forecasting process and demonstrating its practical applications 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.
Surgent's Reducing a Business Owner Client's Exposure to Social Security and Self-Employment Taxes
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Online
2.00 Credits
Many business owner clients wish to minimize their Social Security and self-employment tax liabilities. This course provides tax practitioners with the background to understand what kinds of income constitute self-employment income and earned income. It covers strategies that can be used to reduce clients' exposure to the self-employment tax and Social Security tax.This course qualifies for IRS credit.