CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
The CFO Who Went to Prison
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Joshua, a CFO from Chicago, did not go to prison for stealing the $2 million in liquid cash he had access to on a daily basis. Instead, Joshua ended up in prison by rationalizing that he was entitled to a few small perks of the profession. This course explores Joshua's story and covers how and why executives with high annual incomes make short-sighted decisions that can cost them their job and freedom. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
ACPEN: Eliminating Busy Season: Transforming Your Practice to Year- Round Advisory Services
-
Online
2.00 Credits
This course provides tax and accounting professionals with a comprehensive framework for transitioning from a compliance-driven busy season model to a sustainable, year-round advisory practice. Participants will explore strategies for expanding services into tax, financial, and estate planning. The course addresses both transitioning existing clients and attracting new, higher-value clients while improving efficiency, client value, and revenue stability. Presented by: Arthur WernerType: Live Webcast Replay
Workforce Transformation and Talent Management in 2025
-
Online
1.00 Credits
The accounting profession faces unprecedented workforce challenges that demand a fundamental rethinking of traditional firm structures. This course examines why the century-old pyramid practice model is becoming obsolete and presents the inverted pentagon framework as a sustainable alternative. Based on comprehensive research showing that 52% of firms expect to shrink by 20% or more in the next five years, participants will learn how to restructure their firms to thrive with fewer entry-level staff while expanding specialized expertise. The course explores the "6 Ps of Business Model Transformation" - Precision Hiring, Proactive Retention, Practical Technology Implementation, Pricing Expertise, Practice Area Expansion/Focus, and People Acceleration. Drawing from success stories in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology industries, attendees will discover proven strategies for accelerating staff development, implementing effective knowledge transfer programs, and building sustainable talent pipelines in an era of technological disruption and demographic shifts. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel
-
Online
2.00 Credits
In the ever-evolving world of data analytics and business intelligence, Microsoft Excel continues to be an indispensable tool for professionals across industries. With the introduction of Copilot, Microsoft has integrated the power of artificial intelligence directly into Excel, revolutionizing how users work with data. This 2-hour interactive course, Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel, provides a comprehensive overview of how Copilot transforms traditional Excel workflows into dynamic, AI-driven processes, enabling users to accomplish tasks faster, more accurately, and with less manual effort. During this course, you'll discover how Copilot leverages AI to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Whether you're a seasoned Excel user or just beginning your journey, this course will guide you through practical applications and best practices to make the most of Copilot's capabilities. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, you'll see how Copilot can save time, improve decision-making, and elevate your analytical skills to new heights. This course not only focuses on the technical aspects of Copilot but also highlights its potential to transform your day-to-day work, from automating repetitive tasks to uncovering trends and insights you might otherwise overlook. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to integrate Copilot into your workflows and unlock its full potential in Microsoft Excel. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
ACPEN: Group Audits: Who is Responsible for What?
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Financial statement audits often involve audits of components of a larger entity. This course will focus on the responsibilities for both the group auditor and component auditor, including implementation of SAS No. 149 relate to group audits. Presented by: Jennifer LouisType: Live Webcast Replay
Reviewing Individual Tax Returns
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Catch errors on individual returns The sheer volume of individual tax returns requiring preparation can create a work environment that invariably leads to errors or omissions. A trained eye can spot mistakes. A case-based approach to learning return review Two case studies focus on issues that individual return preparers and reviewers will frequently encounter in their practice: Section 199A (qualified business income deduction) Home office deduction Rental properties Hobby losses Organization and start-up costs In-course application Learners get access to two 2025 individual returns to review for: Errors Areas for improvement Opportunities to educate or advise the client Developed with H.R. 1, commonly referred to as OBBBA, in mind, these returns are designed to provoke planning ideas for the modern client.
Surgent's Home Office Rules
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Since 2017, employees have not been eligible to take an itemized deduction for a home office. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended all miscellaneous itemized deductions for tax years 2018 through 2025. That deduction is scheduled to go into effect in 2026. Self-employed individuals can deduct office expenses on Schedule C, Form 1040. The home office deduction includes typical office-connected expenditures such as supplies, postage, computers, printers, and all the other ordinary and necessary expenses a person would have in connection with running a home office. The home office tax deduction for the self-employed would cover expenses for the business use of a home, which includes mortgage interest, rent, insurance, utilities, repairs, and depreciation. This program discusses many of the most important issues relating to the deductibility of home office-related expenses.
Surgent's The Accountant as the Expert Witness
-
Online
2.00 Credits
As litigation becomes more complex, attorneys are relying more on accountants to serve as consulting experts or expert witnesses at trial. Serving as an expert witness is not as difficult as you might expect. Accounting experts educate lawyers and jurors on issues such as valuation, tax liability, and forensics. Learn how accountants become expert witnesses, the role they play during pre-litigation through to trial, and the techniques experts employ to avoid challenges from opposing counsel.
Surgent's Taking Advantage of Installment Sales and Like-Kind Exchanges
-
Online
4.00 Credits
When real property is sold for a gain, we always try to find ways to defer recognizing income so it won't be necessary to send a check to Uncle Sam. There are two provisions within the Internal Revenue Code that allow the taxpayer to defer recognition of immediate taxable gain in the year of sale: installment sales and like-kind exchanges. Knowing how and when to utilize these provisions makes the Accounting and Finance Professionals very valuable to either their client or the entity they work for. We will also discuss recent proposals which could impact the future of these two provisions. Please Note: due to overlap with the INS2 and LKE2 courses, customers should not take ISL4 if one or both of these other courses has already been taken.
ACPEN: Guide to Preparing Form 1041 for Estates and Trusts
-
Online
4.00 Credits
This program examines the critical issues, rules, and special opportunities when preparing your clients' Form 1041 US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. Learn what is considered taxable income; filing requirements and deadlines; impact of the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on net investment income; and the 10 principles of tax accounting for trust income. *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: Doug Van Der AaType: Live Webcast Replay
Forensic Accounting: Court Approved Methods of Proof
-
Online
4.00 Credits
How does a forensic accountant calculate financial losses? Federal courts have approved various ways to calculate losses ranging from net worth method of proof to the expenditures method. Each method of proof depends on the available facts to the forensic accountant. This presentation will focus on the various court approved methods of proof, when to use them, and how to calculate the total loss. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
How SAS Nos. 134-145 Improve Risk-Based Audits
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Recent generally accepted auditing standards were written to improve the quality of risk-based financial statement audits, audit reporting, and required by-product communications. This course will discuss the important clarifications and enhancements intended to improve audit quality to ensure better compliance with requirements contained in SAS Nos. 134-145. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
ACPEN: Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction (§199A) – The Ins & Outs
-
Online
8.00 Credits
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was a major overhaul of our tax system that lowered the income tax rates for individual and corporate taxpayers and introduced the new 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction for sole proprietors and pass-through entities. The cornerstone of this course is the comprehensive discussion of the 20% QBI deduction final regulations under IRC §199A. *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
Retaining Top Talent: Strategies for CPA Firms
-
Online
1.00 Credits
In today's challenging talent market, accounting firms face unprecedented pressure to retain their best performers. This course provides actionable, research-backed strategies to help firms keep their top talent from leaving. Based on comprehensive surveys of both current accounting professionals and those who have recently left the profession, participants will learn the real reasons employees stay or go-and what firms can do about it. The course goes beyond simple solutions like "pay more, expect less" to explore comprehensive retention strategies including whole-person compensation, work-life balance improvements, career development pathways, and necessary business model transformations. Participants will discover why 73% of surveyed professionals want to stay with their current firm, yet many still leave-and how to bridge that gap. Key topics include understanding the true cost of turnover versus retention, implementing flexible work arrangements that actually work, creating meaningful career paths for non-partner track professionals, and transforming firm operations to support both profitability and employee satisfaction. Special attention is given to retaining diverse talent and adapting to the expectations of younger professionals who will comprise 27% of the workforce by 2025. Whether you're a firm leader, HR professional, or manager responsible for team retention, this course provides the insights and tools needed to build a sustainable talent strategy in an evolving profession. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Accounting for the Gig Economy
-
Online
2.00 Credits
Freelance work and other non-permanent employment arrangements are becoming increasingly popular ways for people to earn a living. Although these non-traditional activities offer novel, flexible ways to earn income from diverse sources, they also introduce nuanced recordkeeping, reporting, and attestation issues. We investigate characteristics of the gig economy, employee-versus-contractor considerations, bookkeeping, regulatory compliance, and external reporting considerations. We also explore best practices for CPAs who fulfill the role of trusted advisor for gig economy clients. 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 Accountability and Action
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Good managers know how to delegate, but it can be a challenge to manage employees who are more interested in passing the buck than being responsible. Lack of ownership and responsibility can bog down processes and shut down projects. This workshop will help you create a game plan for building a culture of accountability with your team.
Surgent's Understanding and Testing Control and Compliance in a Single Audit
-
Online
4.00 Credits
Single audits bring unique control and compliance requirements that differ from GAAS, often leaving auditors uncertain about where their responsibilities truly begin and end. This course removes that uncertainty by clearly outlining auditor responsibilities and providing practical guidance for applying single audit requirements with confidence. Through 20 focused, hands-on exercises, you'll strengthen your skills in control and compliance testing and gain the insight needed to perform single audits more efficiently and effectively.
Money Laundering 101 for CPAs
-
Online
4.00 Credits
CPAs spend most of their working lives reviewing bank statements and books and records of businesses. They are experts in understanding how to prepare financial statements according to GAAP. But would a CPA know a possible money laundering transaction if they saw it? Would they know about a money laundering business? Money laundering is a subject of many action and thriller movies, but rarely understood. This presentation will educate the CPA in understanding the basics of money laundering and how to identify money laundering. This presentation will help the CPA know the truth about money laundering, how to identify it, the statutes that define it, and the court cases that interpret it. 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 Hour: Dealing With Conflicts of Interest: Members in Business and Industry, featuring Don Minges
-
Online
1.00 Credits
Often a simple situation may seem innocent, but it can lead to large complications quickly. Conflicts of interest are unavoidable and occur frequently for CPAs in business and industry. What will you do when they happen? Will you take the necessary steps to remain ethical and to protect your license? We will show you how in detail. You and I have a responsibility to our organizations and to the public to be ethical. If you do not follow the prescribed steps, as detailed in the Code of Professional Conduct, there will be problems. Do not forget your duty to the public. Presented by: Don MingesType: Live Webcast Replay
ACPEN: Ethics - Keeping the Good from Breaking Bad
-
Online
1.00 Credits
Ethics are how groups define right from wrong. Codes of Ethics define good behavior from bad behavior for professionals. When we break those codes, we "break bad." For five seasons, the popular television show "Breaking Bad" explored the transformation of one good man breaking bad. This session provides an overview of ethics and why people break bad, while using examples from the TV show as well as case studies of good people who broke bad. Presented by: Daniel PorterType: Live Webcast Replay