Professional Development and Event Catalog
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Upholding Independence While Holding Your Client's Hand
Friday, Feb. 5 5:00pm - 6:49pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Many entities look to their CPA as a trusted advisor when tackling complex accounting topics. This is more relevant now than ever. The FASB's big three accounting pronouncements involving revenue recognition, leasing and credit losses have placed a magnifying glass on this reality. Practitioners need to exercise caution to ensure they maintain independence as they assist their review and audit clients with such matters, as well as with compilation engagements. This course addresses these issues and explores best practices and guidance provided by the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct.
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Foundations of IT Audit for CPAs
Saturday, Feb. 6 9:00am - 12:00pm
Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
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This course introduces CPAs, financial auditors as well as technology auditors to the foundational concepts of IT auditing. Participants will learn how IT systems support financial reporting, how to assess risk in IT environments, and how IT General Controls (ITGCs) and application controls impact audit procedures. The course also introduces IT audit planning and scoping to help auditors determine what systems and controls to evaluate.
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White-Collar Crime: What Every CPA Should Know
Saturday, Feb. 6 10:00am - 11:45am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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According to the FBI, “white-collar crime is … synonymous with the full range of frauds committed by business and government professionals … characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust …. The motivation behind these crimes is financial—to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage.” CPAs can and should play a crucial role in preventing and detecting white-collar crime, as well as in prosecuting the perpetrators. This session will explore whether we are up to this challenge, heighten awareness regarding the CPA’s role as a front-line defender of the public interest, and assess whether we are deserving of the public trust we enjoy.
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The AB5s of Employees and Independent Contractors
Saturday, Feb. 6 10:00am - 11:46am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course explores the tests used to determine whether a worker is properly characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for tax purposes, with a focus on the cost of getting it wrong and possible Section 530 relief. The game changing impact of the Dynamex case and AB5 will also 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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IT Controls and SOC Reporting in Financial Audits
Saturday, Feb. 6 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
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This course provides a practical understanding of IT controls and SOC reporting within financial audits. Participants will learn how to interpret SOC reports, evaluate control effectiveness, and determine reliance strategies. Real-world examples will demonstrate how IT controls tie directly to relevant financial statement areas and alignment with Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs).
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Supervised AI Agents as Public CPA Audit Team Members
Saturday, Feb. 6 3:00pm - 3:58pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Should CPAs in public practice use Agentic AI? How? What should I not do? Join us to review how to use AI to assist in Assurance engagements, including testing internal controls. Agentic AI (‘Artificial Intelligence’) is rapidly being deployed by leading audit, compliance, and finance teams. While AI agents are not yet replacing all of today’s knowledge workers like auditors, accountants, and IT security professionals, the knowledge workers that effectively use Agentic AI may soon be replacing those knowledge workers who do not use these tools to drive high quality business growth and scale. AI is moving beyond automation to become a true teammate, especially in the governance, risk, and compliance processes. This session will show how supervised AI agents can work alongside accountants, auditors and IT security professionals to enhance efficiency, consistency, and assurance quality. Of critical importance is training and supervision so that the AI agents accomplish their testing to the intended quality standards. Attendees will leave with a practical view of how AI-powered testing can be applied to both internal and external assurance.
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How to Audit Prepaid Expenses
Saturday, Feb. 6 3:00pm - 4:47pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Understanding how to effectively audit prepaid expenses is a key skill for audit staff. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, including the applicable audit assertions and common risks and threats associated with the prepaid expense balance. Participants will learn how to perform substantive auditing procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability, with guidance on applying these techniques to real-world scenarios. Designed to enhance practical knowledge, this session equips auditors with the tools and confidence needed to navigate prepaid expense audits with proficiency.
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The Future of Audit: Technology, Talent and Transformation
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 10:00am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
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The audit profession stands at a critical inflection point, facing unprecedented challenges from technological disruption, evolving regulatory landscapes, and workforce transformation. This comprehensive course, based on the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs' groundbreaking research report "The Future of the Audit: Building Relevance and Sustaining Quality," provides auditors with essential insights and actionable strategies to navigate these seismic shifts. Through expert perspectives from industry leaders including PCAOB board members, Big Four executives, and audit committee chairs, participants will explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics are fundamentally reshaping audit practices while creating new opportunities for value creation and risk assessment. Beyond technology adoption, this course addresses the pressing talent crisis facing the profession and offers practical solutions for building a future-ready workforce. Participants will learn how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance audit quality, understand the implications of regulatory modernization including the concept of "regulatory sandboxes," and develop strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market. Whether you're a partner in a small firm, a manager in a large organization, or an audit professional seeking to future-proof your career, this course provides the roadmap for maintaining relevance, ensuring quality, and thriving in the evolving audit landscape. You'll leave with concrete action steps for immediate implementation and a clear vision for transforming your audit practice to meet the demands of tomorrow's financial ecosystem. 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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Sleepless Nights: In AI It's All About "The Prompt", in Careers It's All About "The Relationships"
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 10:48am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course focuses on the individual taking ownership for their career. It provides tools and methods to assist and guide the individual to develop the collateral necessary in navigating their career. It provides a Personal Marketing Plan that can be customized to fit the career objectives and goals of the individual. It also focuses on character self-awareness, crucial for long-tern career success.
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Analyzing Financial Statements
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 11:00am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course provides tools and insights into financial statement analysis - both quantitative and qualitative. We'll look not only at the three main financial statements but also dive into the MD&A and footnotes. We'll also discuss the affect of industry nuances on comparability of different analysis tools. 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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Advanced IT Audit and Real-World Testing
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 12:00pm
Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
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This advanced course focuses on executing IT audits in real-world environments. Participants will learn how to perform walkthroughs, design testing procedures, evaluate control effectiveness, and prepare audit-ready documentation.
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Surgent's Successful Communication
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 12:30pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
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Technology has created numerous ways for us to communicate with each other - but it's also increased the number of ways in which the message can get garbled. Effective communications skills are crucial to successful management. Learn how to control your message with clear communications strategies. You'll learn to recognize communication barriers, assess styles and behaviors, and learn how to listen more effectively as well.
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What's Changing in A&A for Governmental Entities (2026/27)
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 1:00pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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This comprehensive course provides a timely update on key accounting and auditing developments affecting governmental entities, bringing together recent standard-setting, auditing, and compliance changes into a single, cohesive learning experience. Participants will begin with an update on major pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including GASB Statements No. 103, 104, and 105, along with a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these changes affect governmental financial reporting, disclosures, and communication with stakeholders. The course then shifts to auditing developments, covering significant updates to the Yellow Book issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, including changes related to quality management, effective dates, and recent updates to the Green Book. Participants will also gain insight into the GAO's implementation delay and its implications for audit planning. Finally, the course addresses recent changes affecting Single Audits, including the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memoranda, and reporting changes related to SAM.gov. Designed for auditors, preparers, and financial leaders working with governmental entities, this course helps participants understand how recent accounting and auditing changes intersect-and what to watch for as expectations 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.
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LLCs and S Corporations: A Comparative Analysis
Monday, Feb. 8 9:00am - 5:00pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
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This course focuses on the most common aspects and tax implications of Limited Liability Companies and S Corporations. It will further compare forms of entities, along with corporate formalities compliance issues of each entity type. Electing Subchapter S status as well as reviewing the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status will be discussed. Highlights of entity specific tax forms will be discussed, as well as accountable plans, taxable fringe benefits, officer reasonable compensation, estate planning, business continuation planning 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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Financial Decisions that Led Two Businessmen to Prison
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Two college graduates built impressive careers: One worked in sales, the other in technology and investing. Both of those people made decisions in the course of their business that led to government investigations. They had to hire attorneys, go through judicial processes, face charges, and plead guilty. Each of those people are on their way to prison. Learn from the lessons they offer. We interview both financial professionals, and they tell us more about how their decisions influenced the consequences that followed. 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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Section 25F Scholarship Granting Tax Credit: Planning and Compliance Strategies
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course provides tax and accounting professionals with a focused overview of the Section 25F scholarship granting tax credit and its application in client planning. Participants will examine eligibility requirements, qualifying contributions, credit limitations, and interaction with other tax provisions. The course also addresses state-specific considerations, including variations in eligibility, conformity, and planning opportunities across jurisdictions. Participants will learn to evaluate client eligibility, maximize available credits, and ensure compliance while avoiding common pitfalls. *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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Surgent's Employee Stock Options: What Financial Professionals Should Know When Advising Their Clients
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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Companies often offer stock options as an additional form of compensation to attract and retain the best talent. Used appropriately, stock options can generate significant wealth, yet many employees are unfamiliar with how stock options work and why options serve as a valuable opportunity for employees to establish and grow their wealth. Unfortunately, employees who receive stock options are often unaware of their inherent risks. Research has shown that over 76% of employees have never exercised their stock options. Almost half of these individuals (48%), say they held off on selling their options due to fear of making a mistake. This course provides accounting and finance professionals with a broad overview of employee stock options. The webinar is designed to help participants better understand the fundamentals behind these investments and, in turn, better advise their clients.
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Surgent's Features and Benefits of SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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A challenge for many small business owners is choosing the 'right' type of retirement plan for their businesses. Many hesitate to adopt retirement plans for their businesses because they are intimidated by the governing rules. In those cases, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are reasonable solutions because they are easy to establish, maintain, and communicate with employees; have minimal administrative costs; and are practical and efficient ways to start a retirement plan. These IRA-based plans - SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs - have low maintenance costs and are easy to communicate to employees. With IRA-based employer plans, employer contributions are sometimes discretionary, giving business owners the choice of whether to fund every year. Despite the simplicity of these plans, employers must ensure that applicable compliance requirements are met to avoid penalties. To that end, this course will cover some key provisions of SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.
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Surgent's Forms 7217 and 7203
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
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IRS Form 7217 is an IRS tax form required for partners receiving distributions of property from partnerships. Starting for tax years beginning in 2024, a partner who receives property from a partnership must file Form 7217 with his or her annual income tax return. Form 7217 is filed by any partner receiving a distribution of property from a partnership to report the basis of the distributed property, including any basis adjustment to such property as required by Section 732(a)(2) or (b). This new IRS form is part of the IRS's general concern regarding basis shifting in favor of high marginal tax rate related partners. Form 7217 is now required and details the types of property distributed, the aggregate basis, and the allocation of basis to the distributed property. Form 7203 is designed to assist in tracking an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis. Form 7203 is a significant improvement from the worksheets the IRS provided formerly and over time will serve to help partners and partnerships keep track of their stock and debt basis. The course covers the structure and organization of Form 7203 as well as how an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis are calculated.
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Surgent's Going Out on Your Own: Entity Types and Accounting Methods
Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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Starting a business is tough! There are lots of decisions to be made and things to think about. You may feel like you have a great idea. You have done your marketing research, developed a prototype, and even looked at locations for your new office. Then it dawns on you.... What type of entity do I need to be? Is there really an advantage to choosing one entity type over the other? In this class, we will dig into the differences between entity types - from taxes to liability. We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of accounting. Whether you are a small business owner looking to start something new or a practitioner looking to expand your client advisory services, this course is the one for you!