CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
ACPEN: The Controllership Series - Sales, Collections and Customer Credit
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Online
1.50 Credits
Why do for profit organizations exist" To make money!!!!! What a great concept. But if the organization does not have the proper collections and credit procedures in place, they may not be able to access that money. Hence the importance of the credit and collection process.Credit and collections are critical areas for the financial statement controllers. Customer credit is a form of payment that allows small business customers to purchase a product or service before paying for it in full. The process works similarly to the way a credit card does - you procure something and pay it back later. Collections is a term used by a business when referring to money owed to that business by a customer. When a customer does not pay within the terms specified, the amount of the bill becomes past due and is sometimes submitted to a collection agency. The sales and collection process includes business activities related to selling products and services, maintaining customer records, billing customers, and recording payments from customers. It also includes activities necessary to manage accounts receivable, such as aging accounts and authorizing credit. This course delves into the topics that impact the sales, credit and collections process for management. We discuss strategic steps management can take to ensure their processes are efficient and that they are able to actually collect their revenue. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Techniques and Skills
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Online
2.20 Credits
In forensic accounting, interviewing is used to obtain important information from witnesses and suspects. An important aspect is the ability of investigators to obtain accurate and reliable information from victims, witnesses and the suspects or any interviewee. The interview process is an essential part of information gathering for any investigation. The importance of improving the quality of the interviewing with the potential for visual recording of all interviews should be placed high on the agenda of all organizations across the globe. A properly conducted forensic interview can result in an extreme benefit regarding collection of information. The interviewer’s role is to develop a full understanding of the facts. There is a distinct difference between a forensic interview and a criminal interrogation. Typically, forensic auditors will not be involved in interrogations. The Canadian or U.S. forensic accounting profession does not have a standardized interview model to truly equip its professionals with the interview tools required to elicit confessions ethically. Majority of their skills are developed through experience, and not through a standardized model of training. This session focuses on various interview concepts and methods. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Accounting for Software
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Online
2.00 Credits
Software-related transactions continue to evolve, requiring careful analysis under U.S. GAAP. This two-credit course examines the accounting treatment of software costs, with a primary focus on internal-use software and emerging guidance. Participants will walk through the lifecycle of software development, including capitalization and expense recognition, amortization, and impairment considerations. The course includes a focused review of ASU 2025-06 and its impact on accounting for internal-use software. Additional topics include accounting for website development costs, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements, and other cloud computing arrangements (CCAs), including implementation and hosting considerations. The course also addresses accounting for external-use software, including technological feasibility, capitalization thresholds, and related revenue considerations. Through practical examples and case-based scenarios, participants will strengthen their ability to interpret authoritative guidance and analyze the financial reporting implications of software-related transactions. Presented by: Melisa GalassoType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: What's Going on at the FASB (2026/27)
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Online
2.00 Credits
This course provides an efficient update on recent and upcoming accounting standard-setting activity issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The course focuses on Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) effective for December 31, 2026 year-ends for public companies, private entities, and not-for-profit organizations. Participants will also review issued ASUs with future effective dates, along with high-level insights into recent exposure drafts. Emphasis is placed on understanding timing, scope, and areas of change that may affect financial reporting and implementation planning. Designed as a practical update for preparers, auditors, and financial professionals, this course helps participants stay current on FASB activity and better anticipate the impact of evolving accounting standards. Presented by: Melisa GalassoType: Live Webcast Replay
Get started with Power BI
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Online
2.00 Credits
Embark on a journey to master Power BI, a powerful tool for data analysis and business intelligence, in our comprehensive course, "Get Started with Power BI." This course is meticulously designed for professionals who seek to understand the full spectrum of Power BI capabilities, including its integration with Excel's Power BI features like Power Pivot and Power Query, and its comparison with standalone Power BI tools such as Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service, and Power BI Report Server. In the first part of the course, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Power BI. This includes an overview of Power BI's interface, key features, and its seamless integration with Excel. The course will cover Excel's Power BI tools - Power Pivot, for advanced data modeling, and Power Query, for efficient data transformation and preparation. This segment is essential for understanding how Power BI extends and enhances the data processing and analytical capabilities of Excel. The second section of the course delves into the standalone Power BI tools. Here, participants will explore Power BI Desktop for creating complex data models and sophisticated reports, Power BI Service for cloud-based collaboration and sharing, and Power BI Report Server for on-premises report deployment. This part of the course will focus on the unique features and strengths of these standalone tools, providing attendees with the skills to leverage Power BI in a variety of business contexts. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Surgent's Anatomy of a Ransomware Event and Incident Response
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Online
2.00 Credits
The past two years have ushered in an explosion of ransomware attacks affecting businesses and individuals. Many of us read or hear about these attacks, but there is little understanding of how they occur, how a response is undertaken, and how the chances of experiencing one can be reduced. Join us to learn about these topics so you can be prepared with the best response and the knowledge to avoid common mistakes in a ransomware event.
ACPEN: Financial & Tax Accounting for S Corporations
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Online
4.00 Credits
This program addresses the many complex financial and tax accounting issues that are common in S corporation transactions, with discussion of common pitfalls and the AICPA "small" GAAP accounting standards. This course does not qualify for IRS credit. Presented by: Steven DilleyType: Live Webcast Replay
The Ethic of Teamwork
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Online
2.00 Credits
"No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." To be a part of a team, a team that truly cares for its people, is to be granted an opportunity for growth and inclusion and a sense of belonging. It doesn't get better than that! This ethics-based webinar examines the essence of what constitutes teams that are high functioning and highly collaborative. One essential component is the balance between content (getting the job done!) and process (how we get things done...how we treat each other). This webinar will offer concrete practical suggestions for teams both for content and process effectiveness. It will also offer opportunities for self-reflection and actions to take to enhance team performance. 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 Controllership Series – The Controller’s Skillset
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Online
1.00 Credits
This another course in our series on the controllership function. The controller's role encompasses many traditional responsibilities. The breadth and depth of the controller skill set has expanded and will continue to expand as the business world evolves. The controller position will typically lead teams of financial and accounting experts. Recognizing that leadership and team management skills are must-haves; they need to be able to command their team's respect, inspire them to act, and ensure that such actions are aligned with your organization's overall vision. These skills, along with tactical knowledge will ensure the controller's success. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) – Overview and Contrast to 2017 International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
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Online
1.60 Credits
In May 2023, the IIA released a draft of the new Global Internal Audit Standards. The intent was to provide more effective standards for Internal Audit globally. The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains. Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant - Focus on Computer Forensics - Part 3 (Steganography)
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Online
1.60 Credits
This course is a complement to our series on Becoming a Forensic Accountant and the focus of the course is on steganography techniques. Steganography is the art and science of embedding secret messages in a cover message in such a way that no one, apart from the sender and intended recipient, suspects the existence of the message. The first use of steganography can be traced to 440 BC when ancient Greece, people wrote messages on wood and covered it with wax, that acted as a covering medium Romans used forms of Invisible Inks, to decipher those hidden messages light or heat were used. During World War II the Germans introduced microdots, which were complete documents, pictures, and plans reduced in size to the size of a dot and were attached to normal paperwork. Null Ciphers were also used to hide unencrypted secret messages in an innocent looking message. Given the amount of data being generated and transmitted electronically, it’s no surprise that numerous methods of protecting that data have evolved. There are various types of steganography: Text Steganography - Hiding information inside the text files. This involves changing format of existing text, changing words in a text, generating random character sequences or using context-free grammars to generate readable texts. Image Steganography - Process of hiding text in an image without distorting the picture. Video Steganography - Technique to hide any kind of files into a cover video file. Audio Steganography - The secret message is embedded into an audio signal which alters the binary sequence of the corresponding audio file. Network Steganography - The process of utilizing active network protocols as carriers to transmit a covert message, undetectable by an uninformed party, from a host to its destination. This session will review these methods and also discuss relevant software. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Excel Tips & Tricks for the Non-Accountant
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Online
2.00 Credits
You don’t need an accounting degree to harness the power of Microsoft Excel. This course shows how Excel makes sense beyond dollars and cents. We will focus on fundamental concepts for creating, editing, and utilizing Excel content. Participants will learn how to use Excel’s menus and other functions to craft Excel workbooks. Because this course is designed for newer users, we intentionally offer a broad overview of Excel’s numerous capabilities with in-depth coverage of selected resources tailored for non-accounting applications. Presented by: Dr. Chris HarperType: Live Webcast Replay
Basic Individual Taxation Course
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Online
2.00 Credits
Please join us for an introductory course on the fundamentals of preparing and filing an individual federal income tax return. We will cover topics such as what the federal income tax is and how it is computed. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Ethics: Court Orders, Confidentiality, and Compliance
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Online
2.00 Credits
Tax professionals often find themselves navigating complex ethical terrain when responding to court-ordered summonses, especially in emotionally charged settings like divorce. This course explores the ethical obligations and legal boundaries that govern the disclosure of taxpayer information, with a focus on IRC 7216 and 6713, Circular 230, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). Through scenario-based learning and practical analysis, participants will examine how ethical principles intersect with legal mandates and how to maintain professional integrity when faced with conflicting client interests, ambiguous court orders, or pressure to over-disclose. This course emphasizes informed consent, scope limitations, and the preparer's duty to protect confidentiality even when disclosure is legally permitted. This course provides the tools and frameworks needed to make sound decisions, avoid regulatory pitfalls, and uphold the highest standards of practice in sensitive legal contexts. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
ACPEN: Mary Jane Hourani’s Federal Tax Update: Business
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Online
4.00 Credits
This course provides a practical review of recent federal tax law changes affecting businesses. It covers enacted and proposed tax legislation, IRS regulations and rulings, recent tax-related court cases, and updates to IRS procedures. The course focuses on how these developments impact business entities and common tax positions. Participants will work through real-world scenarios and examples to apply current law to business tax situations, including the use of deductions, credits, and other available tax benefits. Emphasis is placed on applying new guidance in practice while maintaining compliance with current IRS rules and procedures. 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: Mary Jane HouraniType: Live Webcast Replay
2026/27 Not-for-Profit GAAP Update
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Online
1.00 Credits
Stay current on the latest accounting developments affecting not-for-profit organizations with this timely GAAP update. This course reviews recently issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) impacting NFP financial reporting, along with standard-setting projects currently in the FASB pipeline. The course also introduces the International Non-Profit Accounting Standard (INPAS)-the first comprehensive global accounting framework designed specifically for non-profit organizations, launched in October 2025. Participants will gain perspective on the purpose and structure of INPAS and how it compares conceptually to U.S. GAAP requirements for NFPs. This course is designed to help practitioners, financial leaders, and auditors of not-for-profit organizations understand both current GAAP requirements and emerging global developments shaping the future of nonprofit financial reporting. 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 Ethics of Artificial Intelligence ("AI"): The Interaction of AI and Ethics, featuring Tracy Cooper, CPA and Don Minges, MBA
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Online
1.00 Credits
Artificial Intelligence ("AI") can do and does amazing things, but there are myriad ethical issues involved with AI. We will discuss the many ethical questions that AI raises and how to prevent them from having an adverse impact. We must be more diligent and aware of the ethical issues. AI has severe ethical pitfalls that we should understand clearly. AI is here to stay and we must understand how to mitigate the ethical issues. Presented by: Don Minges, Tracy CooperType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Introduction to Forensic Accounting
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Online
1.80 Credits
This course provides a high-level overview and introduction into the world of the forensic accountant. Most accountants have an understanding of the concept of fraud and how it impacts companies, but many individuals do not have a full comprehension of the variance in the work performed by a forensic accountant versus a typical management accountant. This course is meant for those individuals interested in understanding the variances in the job tasks and responsibilities of forensic accountants versus typical financial or management accountants. Forensic accountants or auditors take a unique focus on performing their work. Typically, when a person with forensic experience is called in to examine financial records, it is due to suspicion of fraud, evaluation of assets, or even to track down fundamentally incorrect accounting – intentional or not. As fraud continues to raise its head in business processes, forensic accountants are discovering new and unique ways to identify, examine, and support their hypotheses and investigative techniques. The work performed by a forensic specialist can be interesting and full of potential potholes if evidence isn’t examined according to proper protocols and standards. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: The Controllership Series - The Treasury Function Part 1 - Cash and Investing
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Online
2.00 Credits
This course corresponds to our Controllership series. This course is dedicated to exploring the traditional controller role and stepping out of the box to identify areas where the controller can continue to add strategic value to their organizations. Within this segment of our controllership series, we discuss the area of cash and investments and explore how the controller can move these responsibilities into more of a strategic role. In today’s world, the role of cash management is often a pivotal role in the organization. In economically difficult times, controllers may find that they spend a great deal of their time on understanding and managing the organizations' cash position. This is certainly important and, in some areas, can be seen as a staple of the lifeblood of the organization’s ongoing viability. This course takes a look at some of the typical objectives involved in Cash management and then evaluates how those objectives can be further stretched into strategic pillars of the organization. Presented by: Lynn FountainType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Staff Retention Keep the Best People
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Online
3.00 Credits
The COVID pandemic changed the way many people worked, yet others have had remote teams for decades and little changed. Many organizations trying to bring people back to the office have experienced significant turnover. Some practices have changed forever while some principles will always remain the same. Keeping your people happy equals keeping your best people. Learn the changes you should make now and the things you should do forever! Presented by: John DalyType: Live Webcast Replay