CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
Surgent's A Guide to the 401(k): Concepts and Strategies
-
Online
2.00 Credits
This course delivers a comprehensive, practitioner-focused analysis of 401(k) plans, emphasizing rules, planning opportunities, and common execution risks faced by employees, executives, and business owners. Participants will develop a detailed understanding of plan mechanics, contribution limits, testing requirements, and timing rules, with particular attention to avoiding overfunding, coordinating multiple plans, and maximizing employer benefits. The course examines employee and employer contribution structures, including elective deferrals, catch-up contributions, after-tax contributions, matching and profit-sharing formulas, and special coordination issues for executives, multiple employers, and solo 401(k) plans. Participants learn how to identify and implement advanced strategies such as Roth vs. traditional optimization, mega Roth planning, in-plan conversions, and effective use of employer stock through net unrealized appreciation (NUA). Distribution planning is a core focus, including tax treatment, early distribution penalties, rollover mechanics, and basis tracking across pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax sources. The course emphasizes practical decision-making when evaluating lump sum vs. annuity options, executing rollovers correctly, managing withholding and tax payments, and applying penalty exceptions. Special scenarios, including inherited 401(k) accounts, trust beneficiaries, and Roth-specific timing rules, are also addressed.
Surgent's Liquidation of Flow-Through Entities for LLCs and Partnerships
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Part of the technical competence of most experienced accounting and finance professionals is the ability to advise owners of S corporations and partnerships or multiple-member LLCs treated as partnerships regarding the tax rules that apply when these entities liquidate. Entity liquidations do not occur every day; but they do occur, and often at very critical times in the business life of the entity and its owners. All accounting and finance professionals should be able to advise their clients about the tax issues associated with client businesses that go out of existence and liquidate. This program explains the tax consequences associated with liquidating S corporations, partnerships, and multiple-member limited liability companies treated as partnerships.
Surgent's Making Sense of Essential OBBBA Provisions
-
Online
2.00 Credits
When clients ask questions about the impact of new tax legislation embodied in OBBBA, it is important that accounting and finance practitioners can reply with accurate and relevant planning strategies. This program prepares accounting and finance practitioners with the knowledge and insights to help their clients apply the new law to their advantage. This program is an introduction and review of some of these critical changes and their impact on individual and business taxpayers. By taking this program, accounting and finance practitioners will have a broader, deeper understanding of many of the OBBBA changes that impact their clients. This course is a two-hour review and analysis of what we consider some of the most important changes from the OBBBA impacting clients and perhaps their businesses.
Surgent's System and Organization Controls (SOC) Engagements
-
Online
2.00 Credits
In today's interconnected world, safeguarding information systems is crucial. This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of SOC engagements, exploring the types of reports (SOC 1®, SOC 2®, and SOC 3®) and the related management assertions. The use of the reports for internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and operations and compliance will be analyzed. This course equips accounting professionals with the knowledge to effectively lead in compliance reporting.
Surgent's Understanding S Corporation Taxation: Shareholder Basis, AAA, and Retained Earnings
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Even though they have been around for several years, the tax laws pertaining to S corporations remain some of the more difficult areas of the Internal Revenue Code. Given the rising popularity of S corporations, understanding how shareholder basis and the equity section of the balance sheet work together for tax purposes is imperative for nearly any tax practitioner. In this course, we will discuss this relationship. Using examples and illustrations, we will show how contributions, operating transactions, and distributions affect shareholder basis as well as equity.
ACPEN: The Controllership Series - Financial Statement Preparation
-
Online
2.60 Credits
One of the important roles of any member of the financial team. Including the controller, may be involvement in the preparation of the company’s financial statements. Even if that responsibility falls within the office of the CFO, the controller and other finance personnel must understand how their transitions recorded impact the financial statements. Financial statements (or financial reports) are formal records of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity. Relevant financial information is presented in a structured manner and in a form which is easy to understand. They typically include four basic financial statements accompanied by a management discussion and analysis: A balance sheet or statement of financial position reports on a company's assets, liabilities and owners’ equity at a given point in time. An income statement may have varying names including profit and loss report (P&L report), statement of comprehensive income, or statement of revenue & expenses. These report on a company's income, expenses, and profits over a stated period. A profit and loss statement provides information on the operation of the enterprise. These include sales and the various expenses incurred during the stated period. A statement of changes in equity or “statement of equity” also called “statement of retained earnings” reports on the changes in equity of the company over a stated period. A cash flow statement reports on a company's cash flow, particularly its operating, investing and financing activities over a stated period. A balance sheet represents a single point in time, where the income statement, the statement of changes in equity, and the cash flow statement each represent activities over a stated period. For large corporations, these statements may be complex and may include an extensive set of footnotes to the financial statements, management discussion and analysis and supplementary information. The notes typically describe each item on the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement in further detail. Notes to financial statements are considered an integral part of the financial statements. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Year-End Tax Planning: Thinking Outside the Box
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Tax planning is more than an estimated tax calculation, it's a process. Where are we now and what can we change? This timely program will highlight significant 2022-23 tax developments and discuss key tax planning ideas for your clients as you prepare for the upcoming tax season. Don’t wait until late December to start planning for your clients! **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. Presented by: Doug Van Der AaType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Proper Financial Accounting for Partnerships and LLCs
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Although they are the most common entities for small and mid-sized business, financial (book) accounting for partnerships and LLCs are rarely discussed. This course examines the proper financial accounting for these tax-driven entities. Presented by: Doug Van Der AaType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Ethics: Critical Thinking, Case Studies, and Fraud
-
Online
4.00 Credits
In today's fast-paced financial environment, the line between right and wrong can often seem blurred. This course serves as a beacon for financial professionals, guiding them through the complexities of ethical decision making with clarity and practicality. Designed for those with a foundational understanding of finance ethics, this program leverages real-world case studies to dissect and understand ethical dilemmas, ensuring participants can apply these insights directly to their professional lives. Engaging content and persuasive delivery make it not just an educational investment but a crucial step towards safeguarding one's professional integrity and the trust of those they serve. Why attend? The course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of ethical behavior's critical role within the financial industry. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the professional code of ethics and conduct, including the new AICPA Ethics Codification, and explore the significant impact ethical and unethical conduct has on the profession. By the end, participants will be equipped with the tools to identify and rectify critical thinking errors related to ethical dilemmas, ensuring they are not just following the rules but leading with integrity. Presented by: Francis RyanType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: K2’s Data Analytics For Accountants And Auditors
-
Online
4.00 Credits
In today's world of "Big Data" every business professional is a data analyst to some extent. This is especially true for auditors, who increasingly rely on data analytics to identify situations that require follow-up and investigation. Those who master the tools and techniques for thorough data analysis can achieve superior results in less time. Join our dynamic session to unlock the full potential of data analytics! You'll explore various tools and techniques, including Excel, multiple Excel add-ins, and Microsoft's Power BI application. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or dive deeper into the world of data analytics, this course is designed for you. Our expert instructors will guide you through practical, real-world examples, ensuring you grasp the key concepts and apply them effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your data analysis skills and stay ahead in your field. Enroll now and transform your approach to data analytics! Presented by: Thomas StephensType: Live Webcast Replay
Al Capone to Cybercrime: The Journey of IRS Special Agents
-
Online
4.00 Credits
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.
ACPEN: Federal Tax Update – Individuals (Form 1040)
-
Online
8.00 Credits
With the increasing complexity and ever-changing nature of tax laws and issues, today’s accountant needs a one-day update course focusing on individual income tax issues with an emphasis of newly enacted income tax legislation. This comprehensive class will not only review the current Federal individual income tax laws but will also update tax return preparers of new tax forms, changes to existing tax forms, as well as tax planning opportunities and pitfalls. This is a “must-attend” course for all tax practitioners who want to be up to speed quickly and have a successful Federal individual income tax filing season. *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 Presented by: J. Patrick GarverickType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: S Corporation Preparation, Basis Calculations & Distributions – Form 1120S Schedule K & K-1 Analysis
-
Online
8.00 Credits
This comprehensive training is designed to get the accountant up to speed quickly with S corporation formation and preparation issues as well as a complete understanding of calculating a shareholder’s stock and debt basis. The cornerstone of this course is the in-depth line-by-line analysis of the Form 1120S Schedule K and K-1 and how these items affect the shareholder’s Federal individual income tax return. *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 Presented by: J. Patrick GarverickType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN Signature 2026: Not-for-Profit Accounting, Auditing & Tax Update
-
Online
8.00 Credits
Stay current on the most important accounting, auditing, tax, and ethics developments impacting not-for-profit organizations in 2026. This comprehensive ACPEN Signature program delivers a practical, executive-level update designed for CPAs, auditors, CFOs, controllers, and advisors serving the nonprofit sector. On the tax front, the program covers the sweeping charitable giving changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), effective beginning in 2026. Topics include the new deduction floor for itemizers, revised corporate giving thresholds, the non-itemizer charitable deduction, the permanent 60% cash contribution limit, and the new scholarship tax credit. Our panel will also explore the expansion of the 21% excise tax on compensation exceeding $1 million to any employee and the doubling of the endowment tax rate depending on the student-adjusted endowment size. We will also discuss how donor-advised funds (DAFs) and IRA gifts fit well within this revised charitable giving landscape. Of course, we will also address the latest tax developments affecting charities and donations. The course will include a tax update and review of any new 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, although there are no major new updates to GAAP affecting NFPs since last year’s FASB Update, the FASB has issued a number of Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) that improve various areas of GAAP affecting some or many NFPs. Among the updates we’ll discuss are: ASU 2025-05, which provides simplifications in applying the recent credit losses standard (Codification Topic 326) to various accounts receivable, such as from students, patients, and other customers; ASU 2025-06, which modernizes the guidance on capitalization of development costs for internal-use software; and a pending ASU, expected to be issued in Spring 2026, on the accounting for environmental credit programs. As the FASB has been wrapping up its current generation of projects, it undertook a new public agenda consultation in 2025 to help determine its next generation of projects. Informed by the feedback received, the FASB has already added several new projects, some of which are relevant to some or many NFPs. These include projects on whether certain Crypto Assets such as stablecoins should be classified as cash equivalents and on making targeted improvements to the Equity Method of Accounting. We’ll discuss these and any other NFP-relevant projects the FASB adds prior to the FASB Update. The FASB Update will also include helpful implementation reminders on standards issued in recent years that are now effective, such as those on fungible Crypto Assets such as Bitcoin (ASU 2023-08) and on improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). The auditing update will include a review of Statements on Auditing Standards 146 (Quality Management), 147 (Inquiries of the Predecessor), 148 (Amendments to AU-C 935); 149 (Audits of Group Financial Statements),as well as exposure drafts on confirmation and fraud, that will impact audits conducted in 2026 and beyond, with emphasis on practical application to NFP organizations. The program also will provide a review of recently enacted Ethics Interpretations, including Public Interest Entities, Section 529 Plans, Executive or Employee Recruiting, Simultaneous Employment or Association, and Tax Services as well as consideration of exposure drafts currently outstanding. Qualifies as one hour of ethics CPE. *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 Presented by: C. Clinton Davis, J. Michael Inzina, Jeffrey MechanickType: Live Webcast Replay
Surgent’s Advanced Critical Tax Issues for Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships
-
Online
8.00 Credits
The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth discussion of selected advanced-level issues affecting LLCs and LLPs.
Unlocking Deep Secrets: Case Studies in Financial Analysis
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Unlock the secrets to understanding a company's financial health and management performance through comprehensive financial analysis. This seminar will guide you through essential tools such as vertical analysis, horizontal analysis, and ratio analysis to gain deep insights into business performance. - Vertical Analysis: Learn how to express each line item of financial statements as a percentage, making it easier to compare companies of different sizes and identify key trends. - Horizontal Analysis: Discover how to compare financial information over multiple periods to spot significant changes and trends, providing a clearer picture of a company's growth and performance. - Ratio Analysis: Dive into calculating and interpreting financial ratios to assess profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Understand how these ratios reveal the effectiveness of management and the potential of the business. This seminar goes beyond just teaching terms and formulas. We will apply these analytical tools to real-world financial data, demonstrating how to derive meaningful insights and make informed decisions. Join us to enhance your financial analysis skills and gain a competitive edge in evaluating business performance. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Microsoft 365 Application Lightning Round Review-Updated
-
Online
1.00 Credits
Do you use Microsoft (Office) 365? Are you satisfied that you are getting the most that you can from it? If you answered yes then no, this course will provide a really high return on your investment of time and money in this application suite. John Higgins, one of the profession's leading experts on the integration of Microsoft 365 into business, will explain and demonstrate the depth and breadth of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. The course is designed to raise your awareness of all that you can do with Microsoft 365 and substantially increase your monthly subscription ROI. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
ACPEN: The Risks of Artificial Intelligence - Part 2
-
Online
1.80 Credits
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into business operations and decision-making, organizations must recognize that effective oversight extends beyond technical safeguards.The governance, risk and control (GRC) responsibilities of AI also carry a cultural dimension requiring alignment with corporate ethical values ethical principles and accountability structures.Cultural governance emphasizes leadership commitment, employee engagement and cross-function ownership of AI practices to ensure trust and transparency. AI-related risks – ranging from bias and ethical concerns to regulatory compliance, reputational exposure and operational vulnerabilities necessitate robust control frameworks and proactive mitigation strategies. These include governance structures, policies, risk assessments, transparency measures, and continuous monitoring. By embedding cultural governance and mitigation responsibilities into enterprise AI initiatives, organizations can responsibly harness innovation while safeguarding stakeholders, protecting reputation and ensuring sustainable long-term value. Note: This is Part 2 in a two-part series on the risks of AI Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: K2’s Client Accounting Services For CPA Firms: Strategies For Growth And Success
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Client Accounting Services (CAS) have become a cornerstone of modern CPA firms, offering opportunities for enhanced client relationships, recurring revenue streams, and streamlined operations. This course provides accounting professionals with practical guidance on implementing and optimizing CAS within their firms. Participants will explore the foundational elements of CAS, including service offerings, pricing models, and client communication strategies. The course delves into the technology tools essential for CAS, including accounting software, workflow automation, and reporting platforms. It offers insights into best practices for managing client expectations and delivering consistent, high-value services. In addition, participants will examine case studies of successful CAS implementations, review current trends impacting CAS, and identify critical steps to build a scalable CAS practice that aligns with their firm's goals. The course also addresses the importance of data security, governance, and compliance in providing CAS to ensure ethical and professional service delivery. Presented by: Randolph (Randy) JohnstonType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Employees Today and Tomorrow: The ROI on Your People?
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Employees drive the written and unwritten culture at your organization. Understanding the key workplace issues and how to solve them in today's environment can maximize the returns that employees provide for an organization. We take a deep dive into the research behind the larger issues with our workforce and discuss multiple practical solutions that will enhance your leadership and growth. How can we realize the most from our staff? Presented by: Bob MimsType: Live Webcast Replay