CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
CFO Series: Design Incentive Compensation Plans That Work!
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Online
2.00 Credits
Incentive plans change behavior, but do they really incentivize the performance we want? This seminar will examine incentive plans to see which ones work and which do not. We will also examine difficult issues, such as what happens when we have upper and lower limits on incentives. How do we recognize performance in divisions facing different challenges? Sadly, too many incentive plans do not achieve the intended goals. Learn from the many mistakes made by others so your incentive plans will work as planned!
Partnership Essentials: Tax Basis Capital Accounts
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Online
2.00 Credits
This course examines the critical issues and special opportunities facing partnerships and their partners, with a focus on reporting tax basis capital accounts. **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.
The New AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services
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Online
2.00 Credits
The SSTS are tax standards that apply to all members who provide tax services and provide the framework for the AICPA ethical guidance for tax practitioners. This program explores the revised AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services, effective January 1, 2024.
The Preparation of Form 709 - Line-by-Line
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Online
2.00 Credits
Gift taxation is a critical component of estate planning, and Form 709 serves as the key reporting tool. This course provides a comprehensive line-by-line guide to preparing Form 709, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Participants will learn how to determine taxable gifts, apply exclusions, and utilize available deductions. Special attention will be given to valuation techniques, gift-splitting, and generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) considerations. Additionally, this course will examine any new legislative changes from the current administration and how they may impact gift tax planning and reporting. *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
Fraud Assessment for Small and Medium Sized Businesses
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Online
4.00 Credits
It is virtually impossible to pick up the daily newspaper and not find an article on some type of fraudulent event. In the wake of the “Era of Fraud, Waste and Excess,” one might suspect that potential fraudsters would think twice before committing illegal acts. However, just the opposite seems to be the case. Is there really more fraud or is there simply more fraud awareness? The harsh reality is that it is a little bit of each. Not only has fraud worldwide reached a level of over $7.0 billion in lost revenue but savvy C-level executives now realize that it could happen to their companies—very easily. When you put these facts together, it adds up to a completely new era of vigilance.
2025 Accounting & Auditing Update for Small Businesses
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Online
4.00 Credits
For many small businesses, the standards issued by the FASB may have little to no effect as they impact topics that do not reflect the type of transactions that these entities most frequently experience. This class will focus on the Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) that are most likely to impact small businesses with a focus on ASUs initiated by the Private Company Council (PCC). We'll then look at alternative reporting options to GAAP including FRF for SMEs and IFRS for SMEs for entities who don't necessarily need to prepare GAAP financial statements but want to use accrual accounting. Finally, we will transition to audit standards that small business auditors will need to implement. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Introduction to Yellow Book: 8-Credit Boot Camp
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Online
8.00 Credits
This 8-credit boot camp is perfect for accountants in public practice or industry who work with nonprofit and governmental entities. The course starts by exploring key financial reporting differences for these organizations, providing a solid foundation for understanding what makes their accounting and auditing unique. Participants will then dive into the essentials of Yellow Book and Uniform Guidance audits, gaining practical insights to confidently navigate these specialized areas. Whether you're new to the nonprofit and governmental arena or seeking a refresher, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
360 Budgeting: A Holistic Approach to Process and Solutions
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Online
8.00 Credits
The budgeting process can be a time consuming and frustrating process for accountants. The constraints and pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical and human components. This series will offer solutions to the budgeting woes from both the big picture and in the details. Budget Mastery: Process, Problems, and Solutions The budgeting process can be a mundane one for accountants. Let’s be realistic and agree that even the word “budget” does not bring excitement to you and your departmental colleagues. The constraints and pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical and human components. This session is the first part of a four part series and will cover the big picture of keeping the process fresh, pragmatic and useful. We discuss these keys in an engaging manner by discussing both our flaws and strengths, including how to build on these characteristics towards an enjoyable solutions-based method that should deliver effective results for your organization. Budget Mastery: Walkthroughs and Real World Calculations Towards Tying Budgets to Value This session takes a unique review of the fundamental budget issues faced by all and walks through a detailed modeling process intended to generate discussion and best practices to improve your organization’s financial modeling. From the beginning of the accounting process – ‘the chart of accounts’ to the end of the process – ‘the valuation of the company’, the budgeting cycle via a live case model to learn best practices common to successful companies. This course stands on its own but is part two of a four part budget mastery series. Budget Mastery: The Human Side of Budgeting-Navigating People's issues with 360 Insight You have a fantastic budget, but certain players are not pleased. Financial plans have a technical component and human component. We can resolve some of our budget issues by exploring the process’ human aspect. Understanding what makes you and others operate can enhance your understanding of the entire organization and build upon the respect and influence needed to navigate and lead the budgeting cycle. This session includes a case study that measures an individual’s personality type and then explores how to use our strengths and weaknesses to create a better budget process and quite frankly maybe a better you. This is a great and fun course on its own, but is also part three of a four part series on budget mastery. Budget Mastery: From Numbers to Narrative: Effectively Presenting Your Budget and Reporting Perhaps the most important element of the budget process is its communication. If management does not understand the budget – there is an issue. Knowing the right ways to communicate at all levels is essential to stakeholders laying an ownership claim to successful budgets. This session reveals several key guidelines in successful budget presentations and will identify key problems in how people often communicate financial plans. Presenting your budget and reporting is the final part of a four part series, but can easily stand on its own course that is intended to be fun, enjoyable and educational.
The SECURE Act 2.0 - Planning Opportunities for Employers
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Online
1.00 Credits
The Secure Act 2.0 was passed in a flurry of year-end legislation. This one hour program will cover the important changes that employers need to know about company retirement plans. Employers will also need to consider how Secure Act 2.0 will the administration of existing plans or the creation of new ones. This course will provide a concise look at these hot topics. **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.
1040 Tax Prep Automation with AI Tools
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Online
2.00 Credits
There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate various aspects of 1040 tax preparation. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your core 1040 tax prep software. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client source documents, enhance the engagement management process and add value to your 1040 service through AI enhanced 1040 advisory services. This course will separate the hype from reality about AI and how it can be used in 1040 tax preparation. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Five Ways to Improve Your Leadership Skills
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Online
1.00 Credits
This course provides practical suggestions for improving leadership skills, including self-awareness, communication, delegation, empowerment, coaching, and counseling.
Hiring Remotely: Using Personality Assessments for Better Hiring Decisions
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Online
1.00 Credits
This course explores the best practices for hiring remotely while leveraging personality assessments to make more informed decisions. Learn how to effectively integrate personality testing into your recruitment process to identify candidates who are the right fit for your team, even from a distance.
The Ethics Hour: The Single Best and Most Overlooked Source of Fraud
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Online
1.00 Credits
We encounter pressure from many varied sources every day. We will focus on one of the more overlooked areas where fraud can be found. Employees respond to pressure, and sometime the pressure leads to unethical actions. Where should you look and what should you look for? Risk assessment is not something ‘nice to do’, but it is required for internal audits, external audits, and every leader. If you are in a leadership position, learn where to look?
How to Audit Prepaid Expenses
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Online
2.00 Credits
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.
The Three Million Dollar Ribbon
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Online
2.00 Credits
Two conmen used lies and falsified documents to convince the State of Tennessee to give them a $3,000,000 economic development grant to create 1,000 jobs by purchasing and rehabilitating a vacant factory in rural Tennessee. Instead, they spent most of the money on an extravagant lifestyle and invested over $1M in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) out of over $30,000,000 pursuant to a contract to provide the tarps for areas such as Puerto Rico, affected by hurricanes. This session provides a detailed case study of how the investigators accumulated, organized, and analyzed hundreds of documents, identified the falsifications and misrepresentations, conducted multiple interviews, and ultimately convicted the conmen. This case study provides multiple takeaways for detecting and investigating grant fraud, which is especially relevant in light of the numerous federal stimulus programs in recent years.
Corporate Transparency Act Developments
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Online
2.00 Credits
U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) imposed a new reporting requirement that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Millions of businesses may have to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. In a surprise turn of events, the Federal District Court from the Northern District of Alabama ruled on March 1, 2024 in National Small Business United v. Yellen ("NSB") that the CTA is unconstitutional. This course will discuss the CTA's provisions and the court's decision in NSB. Also covered will be future implications for business entities and steps to consider given the recent ruling. We will also discuss recent proposed rulemaking by FinCen with respect to nonfinanced purchases of residential real estate and gratuitous transfers so that businesses can prepare for any additional reporting burdens that might arise. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Form 7203 - How to Calculate Shareholder Basis
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Online
2.00 Credits
Starting with tax year 2021, Form 7203, S Corporation Shareholder Stock and Debt Basis Limitation, may be required to accompany shareholders’ Individual Income Tax Returns (Form 1040). This form is essential for reporting a shareholder's outside basis and debt basis to properly apply loss limitations under I.R.C. §461 and at-risk limitations. This course will provide a detailed overview of Form 7203, including its mechanics and strategies for completing it accurately. Additionally, strategies for reconstructing shareholder basis when it has not been maintained in the past will be discussed, helping practitioners handle these scenarios effectively. *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
CPAs and Addictions: Finding Hope and Healing
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Online
2.50 Credits
Substance abuse and mental health issues among CPAs has become of great concern among many state boards and the AICPA in recent years. This program will cover the factors that push CPAs to unhealthy behaviors, the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse, and possible options in addressing the situation. We will also discuss steps that friends and family can take to support their struggling CPA find hope and healing.
Microsoft 365: Save More Time, Make More Money
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Online
4.00 Credits
Join us for an insightful presentation featuring John Higgins, a renowned technology advisor to the CPA profession, who has assisted many firms with Microsoft 365 deployment. Discover how to leverage the Microsoft 365 suite of applications to unlock new efficiencies and opportunities within your business organization or CPA firm. Don't miss this chance to supercharge your operations with cutting-edge tools! Whether you are working in public practice or business and industry, this event will provide you with a return on investment many times greater than your investment to attend. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Grading Your Auditors - Are You Getting the Most Value?
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Online
2.00 Credits
An audit is an investment in reliable financial reporting and compliance, and an increased return on those dollars can be achieved by hiring the right auditors. This course will provide key factors for you to consider when evaluating whether you are getting the most quality and insight from your auditors, to enable them to perform the most value-added audit possible in the given circumstances - while retaining the trust of a CPA. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.