CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
Surgent's Auditing 401(k) Plans: Critical Issues and Annual Update
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
Due to increasing scrutiny in the employee benefit plan area, it is imperative for auditors of 401(k) plans to remain up to date on the rules and regulations that may impact the audit engagement. In this course, auditors will enhance their knowledge by understanding the changes affecting audit procedures and reporting in accordance with recently issued Statements on Auditing Standards (SASs), identifying best practices, and performing efficient audit engagements.
Surgent's Auditing Accounting Estimates
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
As you advance in your audit careers, your responsibilities include auditing more subjective areas, such as accounting estimate. These estimates are pervasive across a set of financial statements and are often very sensitive to relatively small changes in assumptions, which can have a significant impact on the amount of the estimate that is recorded, or not recorded, in the financial statements. In this session, we will review the relevant auditing guidance related to auditing estimates. We will focus on the three key ways in which auditors can audit accounting estimates: waiting for the contingency to resolve itself, auditing the client's estimation process, and developing the auditor's point or range of estimate. Then we'll review what will be changing, and what will be staying the same, when SAS 143 becomes effective for 2023 audits. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 4.)
Surgent's Auditing Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Debt
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
This module will discuss the audit of accounts payable, accrued liabilities and typical debt arrangements found in nonpublic entities. Contingencies, income taxes and more complex debt arrangements are covered in other modules. The audit of liabilities normally focuses on the timing of a purchase of an asset, recognition of expense or recording of a deposit to recognize accounts-accounts payable and accrued liabilities, GAAP requires that liabilities be recorded at the point of the passage of title to the goods or with the receipt of benefit from the performance of services. In the case of debt when the entity signs a loan or similar agreement and draws down funding a liability exists. In some cases, the entity may be obligated for fees and such even when funds have not been drawn. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 1.)
Surgent's Auditing Accounts Receivable: An Overview
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Accounts receivable tends to carry higher risk of material misstatement due to the complexity and subjectivity involved with recognition, measure, and valuation. In addition, revenue recognition is presumed to be a significant fraud risk. This module will discuss the risks associated with accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts as well as techniques for auditing those areas. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 2.)
Surgent's Auditing Property, Plant, & Equipment
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Property, plant, and equipment is present, at least to some extent, in virtually all audit clients. Auditing the area can be straight forward but when an entity is building machinery or equipment, complexities arise. Property and equipment can also include right of use assets under lease agreements. This module will address assessing the risk of property and equipment, internal controls that prevent and detect misstatements in property and equipment, auditing techniques responsive to the assessed risk and disclosure. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 1.)
Surgent's Audits of 401(k) Plans: New Developments and Critical Issues
Available Until
Online
8.00 Credits
One of the most favored employee benefit plans, the 401(k) plan, provides unique challenges for auditors. Through this course, auditors will obtain an understanding of the rules and regulations unique to employee benefit plans and obtain practical guidance on applying them. Auditors will enhance their knowledge of the performance and reporting requirements through real-world examples, best practices, and efficient audit techniques that can be utilized in various audit engagements. Make sure your audits don't trigger a DOL inspection by conforming to all applicable rules and regulations.
Surgent's Audits of 401(k) Plans: New Developments and Critical Issues
Available Until
Online
8.00 Credits
One of the most favored employee benefit plans, the 401(k) plan, provides unique challenges for auditors. Through this course, auditors will obtain an understanding of the rules and regulations unique to employee benefit plans and obtain practical guidance on applying them. Auditors will enhance their knowledge of the performance and reporting requirements through real-world examples, best practices, and efficient audit techniques that can be utilized in various audit engagements. Make sure your audits don't trigger a DOL inspection by conforming to all applicable rules and regulations.
Surgent's Autonomous Agents in Audit and Assurance
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
This course explores how autonomous agents are transforming internal and external audit functions. Agentic AI is redefining how auditors perform risk assessments, gather evidence, test controls, and issue reports. Participants will examine real-world examples, including audit bots from Big Four firms, and consider the impact on assurance quality, auditor judgment, and documentation standards. Key frameworks from the PCAOB, ISA, and AICPA will be discussed, along with governance strategies to ensure audit agents operate reliably, securely, and ethically. This redefines the CPA's role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of audit evidence when leveraging AI agents, impacting audit quality and professional skepticism.
Surgent's Avoiding Deficiencies in Peer Reviews: Focus on Engagement Quality
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
With the AICPA's heightened focus on enhancing audit quality, increased oversight of the peer review process and the auditor's overall responsibility to provide high quality services, the focus on compliance with professional standards has never been greater. Add to that the requirement to implement the revised risk assessment standards (SAS 145) and it's easy to see why it's more important than ever to ensure that auditors have a good understanding of the requirements and comply with documentation standards. Recent peer reviews have indicated that auditors are often failing to perform and/or document certain critical components of an audit such as the auditor's assessment of risk and linking the results of the assessment to substantive procedures performed. In addition, auditors are not adequately documenting their consideration of fraud, expectations in analytical procedures and the appropriate level of work needed to understand an entity's internal control. The effective date for the AICPA's Revised Quality Management Standards is fast approaching. Firms are required to implement the standards by December 15, 2025. And the firm's evaluation of the System of Quality Management is required within one year after that. This is not just a matter of tweaking the firm's existing QM document, the standard requires a risk assessment process to identify risk and there are new quality objectives that are specified in SQMS 1-3. The AICPA further issued a SAS, SSARS and SSAE that set forth requirements for quality at the engagement level. The objective of the course is to provide the insights necessary to help auditors and accountants improve not just the quality of their work but also the perception of the accounting profession as a whole. We will focus on the most significant items resulting in deficiencies identified in the peer review process. We will also discuss the applicable audit standards, documentation requirements, and best practices. We will address the new QM standards.
Surgent's Avoiding Deficiencies in Peer Reviews: Focus on Engagement Quality
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
With the AICPA's heightened focus on enhancing audit quality, increased oversight of the peer review process and the auditor's overall responsibility to provide high quality services, the focus on compliance with professional standards has never been greater. Add to that the requirement to implement the revised risk assessment standards (SAS 145) and it's easy to see why it's more important than ever to ensure that auditors have a good understanding of the requirements and comply with documentation standards. Recent peer reviews have indicated that auditors are often failing to perform and/or document certain critical components of an audit such as the auditor's assessment of risk and linking the results of the assessment to substantive procedures performed. In addition, auditors are not adequately documenting their consideration of fraud, expectations in analytical procedures and the appropriate level of work needed to understand an entity's internal control. The effective date for the AICPA's Revised Quality Management Standards is fast approaching. Firms are required to implement the standards by December 15, 2025. And the firm's evaluation of the System of Quality Management is required within one year after that. This is not just a matter of tweaking the firm's existing QM document, the standard requires a risk assessment process to identify risk and there are new quality objectives that are specified in SQMS 1-3. The AICPA further issued a SAS, SSARS and SSAE that set forth requirements for quality at the engagement level. The objective of the course is to provide the insights necessary to help auditors and accountants improve not just the quality of their work but also the perception of the accounting profession as a whole. We will focus on the most significant items resulting in deficiencies identified in the peer review process. We will also discuss the applicable audit standards, documentation requirements, and best practices. We will address the new QM standards.
Surgent's Avoiding the Top 10 Mistakes That Can Wipe Out Retirement Savings
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Years of growth in a retirement account can be wiped out by one mistake. As such, retirement account owners and their advisors should take care to ensure that IRAs are operated in compliance with the governing regulations. This includes ensuring that distributions are handled properly, and that movement of retirement assets, including between IRAs and employer plans, does not violate the limitations that apply.
Surgent's Bankruptcy Basics: Understanding the Reorganization and Liquidation Process in These Uncertain Economic Times
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Consumers and businesses file for bankruptcy to seek protection from creditors and to reorganize or liquidate debts. Bankruptcy filings rise and fall with the economy. Surveys show that loss of income is the leading cause of consumer bankruptcies, followed by medical expenses and foreclosure. Corporate bankruptcies, on the other hand, are often the result of several factors, including excessive debt, decreased demand, increased costs, lawsuits or poor accounting practices. It is no secret bankruptcy filings will see a tremendous uptick in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an accountant, CFP, attorney or other professional, you need to be able to discuss the process and different available courses of action with your clients. Both landlords and tenants will be influenced tremendously. Individuals will look to your advice for a discharge and new start. Businesses will do the same and will also need to advise loyal employees. Creditors will receive proofs of claim and look to you for your expertise. Take this webinar and make sure you can speak fluently to both creditors and debtors. As trusted advisors, then, professionals should have a basic understanding of the bankruptcy process. This course provides a thorough review of the consumer and corporate bankruptcy practice. Participants in this webinar will gain an understanding of how consumer and corporate bankruptcy proceedings begin and end, as well as learn about key issues that affect debtor and creditor rights during bankruptcy. This webinar provides information from the perspective of both debtor and creditor. Although bankruptcy concerns the debts of the debtor, the Bankruptcy Code provides substantial protections to creditors. Creditor rights, however, vary widely depending on the status afforded the creditor under the Bankruptcy Code. Do yourself, your clients and your profit margin a favor and sign up for this invaluable webinar.
Surgent's Become a Data Analysis Expert
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, accounting professionals are expected to be more than just number crunchers; they are expected to be insightful interpreters of data. In an era where data is king, this course is your gateway to becoming a savvy data analyst, giving you a competitive edge in your field. We will guide you through the intricacies of making complex data analysis approachable and engaging. You will learn the all-important data analysis process flow that will take you from collecting data all the way to making insightful decisions based upon your data. We will explore the basics of data modeling that will allow you to access data from multiple sources and use sophisticated calculations to create our data metrics. You will learn how to create interactive dashboards, perform sophisticated reporting, and uncover deep insights from your data. Whether you're looking to streamline your reporting process, enhance your data visualization skills, or make more data-driven decisions, this course is tailored to meet those needs. It's not just about learning a tool; it's about enhancing your professional identity as a forward-thinking accounting professional.
Surgent's Best Practices in Not-for-Profit Accounting and Reporting
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
Don't just wing it when you can soar! To catch the eye of resource providers and fulfill the needs of leadership, it is essential that not-for-profits prepare financial statements which excel. This course will empower you with the knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and reporting to surpass the expectations of financial statement users. Over 15 focused exercises are included to illustrate and refine today's best practices in not-for-profit accounting and reporting.
Surgent's Best Practices in Not-for-Profit Accounting and Reporting
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
Don't just wing it when you can soar! To catch the eye of resource providers and fulfill the needs of leadership, it is essential that not-for-profits prepare financial statements which excel. This course will empower you with the knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and reporting to surpass the expectations of financial statement users. Over 20 focused exercises are included to illustrate and refine today's best practices in not-for-profit accounting and reporting.
Surgent's Build Professional Relationships to Enhance Your Career-Authentic Networking
Available Until
Online
1.00 Credits
Networking can be a game changer but is too often viewed as a self- promotion tool that is not natural for most people. When one flips the context and instead views it as a way to help and support others while also improving professional relationships and ultimately enhancing career opportunities, the results are undeniable! This seminar provides participants with techniques to feel comfortable and confident in every networking setting from large conferences to one-on-one encounters. Both external and internal (within the company or firm) strategies are covered.
Surgent's Build a Data Model for Analysis in Power BI
Available Until
Online
4.00 Credits
This intensive 4-hour course offers a deep dive into data modeling in Power BI, with a focus on Microsoft Excel's Power Pivot that is applicable to Power BI Desktop. Designed for professionals looking to enhance their data analysis skills, the course covers the essential aspects of building robust, efficient data models. Participants will learn how to integrate different data sources, create meaningful relationships, and develop insightful metrics to drive business decisions. Participants will also explore various aspects of data modeling, such as establishing relationships, creating calculated columns, and understanding the intricacies of basic DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) measures. These skills are vital for anyone looking to extract meaningful insights from large and complex data sets. Attendees will be introduced to advanced concepts, such as the strategic use of calculated columns versus measures and the differentiation between explicit and implicit measures. This knowledge is crucial for developing sophisticated data models that not only provide accurate results but are also efficient in terms of performance. The course will also cover the creation and use of hierarchies and key performance indicators (KPIs), which are essential for any robust data analysis framework. To ensure that the learning is well-rounded and applicable, the course includes practical exercises in using pivot tables within Power BI. This helps in validating and enhancing the measures and models created, ensuring they are robust and reliable for real-world application. This is an essential course for professionals aiming to leverage the full potential of Power BI's data model. Whether you're looking to streamline your data analysis process, enhance your reporting capabilities, or drive insightful business decisions, this course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Surgent's Build an AI Agent With ChatGPT: A Hands-on Lab for Financial Professionals
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
This hands-on course introduces accountants, auditors, and finance professionals to agentic AI by simulating autonomous behavior using the basic version of ChatGPT. Participants will use role-play, prompt engineering, and guided interaction loops to create agents that simulate planning, decision-making, and communication workflows. No coding or advanced access is required. Participants will practice designing task-specific prompts, simulating agent autonomy using flipped interaction patterns, and evaluating agent output for risk and effectiveness. This course makes agentic AI accessible to all learners through practical, scenario-based exercises using tools they already have.
Surgent's Building Trustworthy AI Systems in Finance: The NIST AI RMF Approach
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
As organizations worldwide integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, ensuring ethical and responsible use is essential. This course provides finance and accounting and auditing professionals with the insights and practical tools needed to implement the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF). Participants will explore the framework's principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical AI, learning how to assess and manage risks unique to their field of practice. Using real-world case studies and interactive activities, attendees will develop strategies to mitigate bias, enhance data privacy, and ensure compliance while leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth.
Surgent's Business Combinations - U.S. GAAP vs. IFRS
Available Until
Online
1.00 Credits
This course provides an overview of the similarities and key differences between the business combination standards issued by the FASB (ASC Topic 805) and the IASB (IFRS 3). While these standards are very similar, as is the case with many areas of U.S. GAAP vs. IFRS, there are notable differences that are helpful to understand. Note that this course is not intended to provide an exhaustive discussion of these differences.