Professional Development and Event Catalog

Description: This CPE course explains Yellow Book independence including the general requirements, requirements for auditors providing nonaudit services and documentation requirements. This course also explains the basic elements of a Uniform Guidance compliance audit, including an overview of requirements, major program determination with examples, an understanding of compliance requirements and related internal control over compliance, sampling and single audit reporting.

Description:Many Excel users have received little or no formal training to help them use the ubiquitous productivity application. This session can help users that wish to improve their Excel skills to increase their productivity. The material starts by covering basic topics such as time saving tips and keyboard shortcuts and then moves to more advanced areas like conditional formatting and complex formula building. Users that find themselves looking at the spreadsheets that others design and wishing they could do as much with Excel will benefit greatly by taking this course.

Description:Many Excel users have received little or no formal training to help them use the ubiquitous productivity application. This session can help users that wish to improve their Excel skills to increase their productivity. The material starts by covering basic topics such as time saving tips and keyboard shortcuts and then moves to more advanced areas like conditional formatting and complex formula building. Users that find themselves looking at the spreadsheets that others design and wishing they could do as much with Excel will benefit greatly by taking this course.

The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy requires the completion and passage (90% or better) of "Professional Ethics: The AICPA's Comprehensive Course" for certification. $ave more than 10% off the AICPA's retail price when you purchase through CTCPA! Ethical Accounting is a MUSTUnderstanding and applying ethical principles and independence requirements is every accounting and finance professional’s responsibility. You'll learn the fundamentals of ethical accounting to help you adhere to professional ethics standards. Essential ethics topics include: Viewing and analyzing ethical matters Adhering to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct Applying the code’s conceptual framework Evaluating conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality Maintaining Your IndependenceIndependence rules play a key role in professional ethics as well. Vital topics you'll explore are:  The AICPA independence rules Independence rules regarding personal financial interests, loans, employment, and business relationships that relate to you and your immediate family Independence rules from regulators, including the SEC and PCAOB Other Ethics ConsiderationsMore topics in professional ethics you'll cover include: Rules that apply to government auditors and audits of employee benefit plans, federally funded charitable organizations, financial institutions, and insurance Rule interpretations related to gifts and entertainment Ethics rules related to professional tax services  Real-World ScenariosCase studies and realistic examples will enhance your comprehension and enable you to practice what you've learned.  Please note:  This product is frequently updated and therefore expires one year from date of purchase.

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Both businesses and individual clients face major changes as a result of tax reform, and tax professionals face the considerable challenge of delivering effective planning advice and services to address this myriad of recent developments. This course addresses this challenge and also encompasses the latest tax legislation applicable to individual and business clients. Continually updated to reflect enacted legislation.

Specifically tailored for practitioners who not only perform audits but also provide other attest and non-attest services to small and medium-sized businesses, this course is a comprehensive update covering recently issued accounting, auditing, and SSARS standards, including SAS 145 and the quality management standards, as well as other professional guidance impacting small and medium-sized business accountants. The course uses practical examples and illustrations to help you understand and apply the new guidance. Following the release of the FASB's final PIR report for ASC 606, Revenue, in December of 2024, we do a deep dive into the complex revenue recognition standard and findings of the PIR report, review common special purpose frameworks, and discuss the new quality management standards for audits and SSARS engagements. This course will get you up to speed on the things that are most important to your small and medium-sized clients.

This course provides an overview of the accounting requirements with respect to accounting changes and error corrections and the reporting implications within an entity's financial statements. The scope of accounting changes includes a discussion of changes in accounting principles, changes in accounting estimates, as well as changes of a reporting entity. The course also provides an overview of the accounting requirements of correcting errors in previously issued financial statements as well as restatement considerations. A majority of the information included within this course is sourced from the requirements found within FASB ASC Topic No 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.

This course provides an overview of the accounting and financial reporting requirements with respect to litigation. This includes distinguishing between probable, reasonably possible, and remote litigation outcomes as well as how to evaluate, recognize, measure, and disclose litigation-related contingencies.

This course provides an overview of the accounting requirements with respect to accounting principle changes. The scope of accounting changes includes a discussion of changes in accounting principles, changes in accounting estimates, as well as changes of a reporting entity. A majority of the information included within this course is sourced from the requirements found within FASB ASC Topic No. 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.

Probably one of the greatest conflicts in an organization is determining which is more important: compliance or customer service. This program digs deeply into the issue and prepares the finance professional to achieve high levels of compliance and customer service in the department and in the entire organization. We will examine both disciplines from an analytical standpoint, proving why they are necessary for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to achieve success.

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Probably one of the greatest conflicts in an organization is determining which is more important: compliance or customer service. This program digs deeply into the issue and prepares the finance professional to achieve high levels of compliance and customer service in the department and in the entire organization. We will examine both disciplines from an analytical standpoint, proving why they are necessary for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to achieve success.

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This course is designed to assist practitioners in preparing Offers in Compromise (OIC). After this course, you should have an understanding of how proper planning can make a significant difference in the amount eventually paid to the IRS and the resulting financial well-being of your client. This program covers the basics, from choosing the proper forms to utilize through the filing of an appeal if necessary. We will also explain how to increase your chances of having your OIC approved by the IRS by going over the complexities involved.

A thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential for anyone working with governments and not-for-profits. This course provides comprehensive coverage of Yellow Book requirements while building confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. The course uses a highly illustrative and engaging format, featuring more than 25 focused exercises designed to strengthen practical application and enhance working knowledge.

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If you work with governments and not-for-profits, a thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential. This course will equip you with a comprehensive knowledge of the Yellow Book requirements and increase your confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. Updated for the 2024 Yellow Book revision, the course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 20 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced knowledge of the Yellow Book.

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When exit planning, it is important to weigh various issues, including tax implications, to achieve an effective management and/or ownership change. Many envision tax-free reorganizations being the most preferable structure to avoid capital gains tax, but the opportunities come at a cost to the seller. This course will provide a well-rounded discussion of the various strategies to consider when advising on exiting a business.

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Accounting and finance practitioners are continually asked for strategic planning advice. In this course, we will cover topics that will make clients, and their advisors, tax smart and tax prepared for the coming year and beyond. This program is a two-hour review and analysis of what we consider some of the most important changes from the OBBBA impacting both individual and business clients.

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The field of accounting is undergoing rapid evolution in response to a complex interplay of technological advancements, regulatory reforms, economic fluctuations, and shifting societal dynamics. In this course, we will explore the major challenges and opportunities currently facing accountants, and we will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic environment.

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Technological disruptions are no longer limited to Silicon Valley. This discussion, featuring Lehman College Associate Professor, Dr. Sean Stein Smith; Surgent's VP of L&D, Jack Castonguay; and James Madison University Associate Professor, Dr. Nicole Wright, explores the evolving landscape of accounting following the advancement of generative AI (i.e., ChatGPT) and other emerging technologies. CPAs in audit and assurance will gain insights into both the potential risks and opportunities these technologies present. The session will cover the impact of AI on traditional audit functions, including automation of routine tasks, fraud detection, and data analysis, while also addressing concerns such as data security, accuracy, and ethical implications. Participants will engage in discussions about how AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, but also the challenges of maintaining professional judgment and skepticism in an increasingly automated environment. The course will also touch on blockchain, robotics process automation (RPA), and other innovations that are reshaping the future of financial reporting and audit standards. Learners will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate these technologies while upholding the profession's core values. This is an essential course for CPAs looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.

Looking to improve the quality of your 401(k) benefit plan audits? This is the course for you. Based on recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor and peer reviews on employee benefit plan audits, we know auditors need to up their game to meet stakeholder demands and provide the best possible audit services. In this advanced course, we will discuss the audit and reporting requirements in accordance with auditing standards. We will also discuss laws and regulations (such as ERISA) that are unique to employee benefit plans and provide practical guidance on their application. Course topics will focus on the most common compliance issues identified in 401(k) audits by the Department of Labor and peer reviews, as well as recommended corrections. Auditors will identify best practices for auditing areas such as payroll and compensation, participant loans, hardship distributions, investments, and plan mergers and acquisitions.

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Looking to improve the quality of your 401(k) benefit plan audits? This is the course for you. Based on recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor and peer reviews on employee benefit plan audits, we know auditors need to up their game to meet stakeholder demands and provide the best possible audit services. In this advanced course, we will discuss the audit and reporting requirements in accordance with auditing standards. We will also discuss laws and regulations (such as ERISA) that are unique to employee benefit plans and provide practical guidance on their application. Course topics will focus on the most common compliance issues identified in 401(k) audits by the Department of Labor and peer reviews, as well as recommended corrections. Auditors will identify best practices for auditing areas such as payroll and compensation, participant loans, hardship distributions, investments, and plan mergers and acquisitions.

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