Professional Development and Event Catalog
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Common Deficiencies in SSARS Engagements
Friday, Feb. 5 9:00am - 1:00pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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Preparation, compilation, and review engagements continue to receive heightened attention in peer review, even years after the issuance of SSARS No. 21. This course examines the most common deficiencies identified in peer reviews of SSARS engagements, with an emphasis on practical compliance and engagement quality. Participants will explore frequent problem areas in preparation, compilation, and review engagements and discuss why these deficiencies occur. The course focuses on understanding the root causes of noncompliance, rather than simply listing technical errors, and highlights practical approaches firms can use to improve consistency, documentation, and overall engagement performance. Designed for practitioners performing SSARS engagements, this course helps participants strengthen compliance while maintaining an efficient and practical approach to engagement execution. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Implementing and Maintaining an Internal Control System
Friday, Feb. 5 9:00am - 5:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
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Many organizations are successful as they create a system of internal controls, however some fail to properly implement the measures that are established. Moreover, entities regularly neglect the important process of testing, monitoring, and updating control procedures, which weakens the entire internal control structure. This session provides an overview of control creation methods and discusses ways to successfully implement policies and procedures. Additionally, it includes an array of control maintenance checklists that participants can take and adapt to their organization as they work to improve policies and procedures. Finally, it provides an understanding of the need for dynamic, fluid controls that adapt to changes in business tools and methods. Participants that take this course will have a strengthened ability to implement and maintain an internal control system. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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The Best Federal Tax Update Course by Surgent
Friday, Feb. 5 9:00am - 5:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $299
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In this continually revised course, tax advisors will be fully updated on the most recent enacted legislation and IRS guidance, as well as major trends on the horizon with a view toward planning considerations. This update course is designed for all practitioners, both those working in public accounting as well as those in private industry, who need the latest information on tax changes. Please Note: Due to content overlap, it is recommended that this course NOT be taken together with BITU.
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Forensic Accounting: Crafting Expert Reports
Friday, Feb. 5 9:30am - 1:30pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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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.
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Audit Blind Spots in Modern Cloud: Risks Audits Keep Missing
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 11:00am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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As organizations rapidly adopt cloud platforms, traditional audit approaches often fail to identify the risks that matter most. This webinar explores common audit blind spots in modern cloud environments, including misconfigurations, identity sprawl, excessive permissions, and ineffective continuous monitoring. Attendees will learn why checklist-based audits fall short in dynamic cloud environments and how leveraging Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and risk-based audit techniques can significantly improve assurance. Practical examples will illustrate how auditors and risk professionals can enhance visibility, prioritize findings, and provide stronger assurance to leadership.
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Revenue Recognition - Recognize Revenue
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 11:04am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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This segment is designed to evaluate Step Five of the new model dealing with recognizing revenue which is the final step in applying the new revenue recognition standard. For performance obligations that are fulfilled at a point in time, revenue is recognized at the fulfillment of the performance obligation. For performance obligations to be satisfied over time, an entity must decide how to appropriately measure the progress and completion of the performance obligation. A performance obligation is satisfied when or as control of the good or service is transferred to the customer. There are several issues companies should consider in applying step 5 of the standard: • Determining if a Performance Obligation is satisfied over time • Identifying indicators of transfer of control of good/services • Utilizing input and output methods to measure progress of revenue recognition • Understanding stand-ready obligations and how to apply discounts
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Tax Practice Ethical Challenges and Circular 230
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 11:49am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This presentation will provide a detailed analysis of the Circular 230 rules for conduct of a tax practice, with a review of the political, legislative and regulatory rules impacting every accounting and tax professional. Best practices and guidance provided by the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct will be discussed. *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 terri.storer@acpen.com
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The Three Million Dollar Ribbon
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 11:53am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Two conmen used lies and falsified documents to convince the State of Tennessee to give them a $3,000,000 economic development grant to create 1,000 jobs by purchasing and rehabilitating a vacant factory in rural Tennessee. Instead, they spent most of the money on an extravagant lifestyle and invested over $1M in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) out of over $30,000,000 pursuant to a contract to provide the tarps for areas such as Puerto Rico, affected by hurricanes. This session provides a detailed case study of how the investigators accumulated, organized, and analyzed hundreds of documents, identified the falsifications and misrepresentations, conducted multiple interviews, and ultimately convicted the conmen. This case study provides multiple takeaways for detecting and investigating grant fraud, which is especially relevant in light of the numerous federal stimulus programs in recent years.
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ChatGPT and Advanced Accounting Research
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course provides a concise overview of how artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT and other AI tools, is transforming accounting research methodologies and practices. Students will explore the shift from traditional search engine-based research to AI-driven insights, learning how to leverage various AI platforms for enhanced financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making. The course emphasizes practical applications of AI in accounting contexts while addressing critical considerations such as data verification, ethical usage, and professional judgment. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Surgent's Skills to Enhance Personal and Professional Networks
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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Managing a strong network is one of the most important things you can do to grow professionally. Yet despite its importance, maintaining an effective network is often not taught in undergraduate and graduate schools. The good news is that managing and growing a network is easier than it sounds. In fact, most professionals have some level of basic networking skills simply from helping someone find a job, attending an industry conference, or seeking professional connections through social media. Effective networking involves more than simply collecting contacts. Strong networks should be relevant to your career and consist of people you trust. Personal networks are just as important as professional networks and the two often overlap. In this course, we explore ways to strengthen and grow networks by examining proven strategies that have helped individuals meet their personal and professional goals.
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Surgent's What Tax Practitioners Need to Know About Medicare
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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Accounting and finance professionals often receive questions concerning all facets of Medicare. How does Medicare work? How do I apply? How much does it cost? Is Medicare optional or required? This program provides a basic introduction to the Medicare program and covers many of the areas of the Medicare program that clients are most interested in. If you, or some of your clients, have questions relating to Medicare, this program is a must for you.
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What's Going on at the GASB (2026/27)
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course provides a focused update on major recent pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Coverage includes GASB Statement No. 103 (financial reporting model improvements), GASB Statement No. 104 (enhanced disclosures for capital assets), and GASB Statement No. 105 (subsequent events). Participants will also receive a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. The course is designed to help auditors, preparers, and financial leaders understand how these developments affect audits, financial statement preparation, and board reporting.
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Where to Hide Fraud Inventory – Expenses – Payroll
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Imagine you have one hundred boxes that are all supposed to be full of manufactured inventory. How do you obtain reasonable assurance—now defined as a high level of assurance—that each box is full without opening every one? You begin by assessing risk. If the client has strong internal controls over manufacturing, packing, and transport to the warehouse, there is reasonable assurance the boxes are properly filled. Next, evaluate warehouse security and controls over access, as well as procedures for removing inventory. Once satisfied that controls are both adequate and operating effectively, you can observe and count the boxes and selectively test a sample—ensuring you do not only choose the most accessible ones, as fraud is often concealed within the middle of the inventory. Based on this risk assessment and targeted testing, you can conclude with reasonable assurance that the inventory is properly stated without inspecting every box. This same approach applies to expenses and payroll: evaluate internal controls, observe processes, and perform independent test procedures. Weak internal controls in inventory, expenses, and payroll create opportunities for fraud that may lead to material misstatements. In this session, we will explore how these vulnerabilities arise and how to recognize and address them through effective audit procedures.
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Proper Financial Accounting for S Corporations
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 1:41pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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Proper financial accounting for S corporations involves adhering to specific accounting principles and tax regulations designed for this unique business structure. This course examines the proper financial accounting for S Corporations.
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Building a Better Budget in a Time of Uncertainty
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 2:00pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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Most financial leaders would agree that budgeting is easy when business and the economy are stable. When revenues and expenses are expected to remain the same, the process becomes merely an exercise in carrying over what was done before to the current year. However, what happens when we are not sure about how the market will react to our product? What happens when the competitive landscape changes? In this course, we will discuss budgeting techniques and considerations when business lacks stability. Through a combination of theory and real-world examples, we will explore how to build flexibility into our budget - so that it can inform and drive decision-making when we don't quite know what is ahead. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Estate Planning for Today and Beyond
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 5:42pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
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Estate planning continues to evolve, and staying informed about the latest trends and strategies is crucial for professionals in the field. This forward-looking course delves into the intricacies of estate planning, with a specific focus on current issues. Participants will explore cutting-edge techniques, emerging legal considerations, and industry developments to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create effective estate plans that withstand the test of time and safeguard their clients' legacies. *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 and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com
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ACPEN Signature 2026: Managing the Risk of Fraud, and Artificial Intelligence
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 6:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
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Accountability professionals are the first line of defense against fraud. Consequently, accountants, internal auditors, external auditors, fraud examiners, and risk management professionals need to develop the skills needed to prevent, detect, and deter fraud and need to be proactive in promoting and effecting organizational change. The fight to deter, prevent, and detect fraud continues. Accountability professionals need all the help they can get. Artificial intelligence (AI) might be able to help in this fight. In fact, AI has the potential to be a fraud-prevention game-changer. When viewed against the backdrop of the COSO/ACFE Fraud Risk Management Guide, the AI applications and potential are near limitless. AI can assist in fraud risk governance by, for example, drafting policies and procedures and maintaining dashboards showing the status of the organization’s fraud risk management programs. The fraud risk assessment might be where the AI light shines brightest. AI can identify an organization’s risk exposures, assess the likelihood and significance of these exposures, identify and assess existing controls, and determine residual risk. Better still, it can do the assessment on a continuous basis, alerting the organization to new threats as they arise. AI can identify and implement additional overt and covert fraud control activities designed to mitigate residual fraud risk. In terms of information and communication, AI can monitor and triage the hotline reporting system and assist in investigations. Finally, AI can monitor the fraud risk management process on a continuous basis. In addition to a deep dive into AI and fraud risk management, the 2026 Business Fraud Update is another fast-moving seminar that will provide a comprehensive look at the latest developments about fraud from the technical, legal, and operational perspectives and update participants on the most recent legal and regulatory developments in this important area of professional responsibility.
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S Corporations: Comprehensive Walk Through of Form 1120S
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 6:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
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This course is designed for financial professionals looking to understand Form 1120S. It covers the essential aspects of S corporation taxation, including the preparation of Form 1120S, determining taxable income, and accurately reporting and allocating income, deductions, and credits. Electing Subchapter S status as well as reviewing the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status will be discussed. It will further compare the S Corporation to other forms of entities, along with compliance with corporate formalities. Highlights of Form 1120S will be discussed, including build-in capital gains, accountable plans, taxable fringe benefits, officer reasonable compensation and audit strategies. Schedules K-1, K-2, K-3, and effectively connected income will be reviewed in this course as well. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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The Single Audit from Beginning to End Update
Friday, Feb. 5 10:00am - 6:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
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This course is an updated overview of the single audit of state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations under the OMB Unified Circular, as well as the applicable AICPA standards for compliance audits.
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Reasonable Compensation for S Corps
Friday, Feb. 5 10:30am - 12:30pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Between 2010 and 2020 a parade of Court Cases, IRS Factsheets, Job Aids and Internal Memos, plus Heightened IRS scrutiny and Preparer Penalties has brought the issue of 'Reasonable Compensation for S Corp's out of the shadows and placed it forefront as a priority issue for CPA's, EA's, Tax and Financial advisors to cover with their clients. We will explore key court cases, IRS guidelines, preparer penalties and some of the obscure tools the IRS has put in place. We debunk common myths and fiction on how reasonable compensation should be calculated and replace it with facts and methodologies that the IRS relies on. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.