CPE Catalog
Note
AICPA On-Demand & Self-Study courses take up to 24 hours to process.
Surgent's Audit Documentation Requirements
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Audit documentation provides evidence that the audit was planned and performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements. It also serves a number of other purposes such as assisting the engagement team to plan and perform the audit, assisting members of the engagement team responsible for supervision to direct and supervise the audit work and to discharge their review responsibilities. Audit documentation enables the engagement team to demonstrate that it is accountable for its work by documenting the procedures performed, the audit evidence examined, and the conclusions reached. As noted in the auditor's opinion "The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Audit documentation also supports the judgments of the auditor should a lawsuit arise where the auditor is called on to support that professional standards were followed. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 1.)
Surgent's Audit Quality Update
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Engagement quality is the ultimate benchmark that auditors should be judged against. As a senior associate, you have primary responsibility for ensuring that all engagement work is performed on time, within budget, and in accordance with professional standards. Unfortunately, recent peer review results have shown us that our engagement quality is not always what it should be. In this session, we will review the current status of the AICPA's Enhancing Audit Quality initiative by reviewing recent results from peer reviews and points of focus for upcoming peer reviews. The session will review common sources of identified peer review deficiencies, relevant guidance related to these deficiencies and suggestions for how to improve engagement quality. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 4.)
Surgent's Audit Quality and Peer Review Update
Available Until
Online
2.00 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. 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. Now is time to revisit the way that auditors are performing and documenting the work performed to meet professional standards since nonconforming engagements can result in an auditor's referral to the AICPA Ethics Committee. This course 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. The objective of the course is to provide the insights necessary to help an auditor improve not just the quality of their work but also the perception of the accounting profession as a whole.
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 Not-for-Profit Entities: Superior Skills for an Effective and Efficient Audit
Available Until
Online
8.00 Credits
It's been said that you cannot fit a square peg into a round hole. The same principle holds true for audits of not-for-profit entities. You cannot simply apply a standard commercial audit approach to the audit of a not-for-profit entity and expect a good fit. Skilled auditors will instead adjust the audit approach to fit the not-for-profit entity. This course is designed to help you do just. It will equip you with the superior skills needed to excel in auditing not-for-profit entities. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 25 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of auditing not-for-profit entities.This course qualifies for yellow book credit.
Surgent's Auditing Not-for-Profit Entities: Superior Skills for an Effective and Efficient Audit
Available Until
Online
8.00 Credits
It's been said that you cannot fit a square peg into a round hole. The same principle holds true for audits of not-for-profit entities. You cannot simply apply a standard commercial audit approach to the audit of a not-for-profit entity and expect a good fit. Skilled auditors will instead adjust the audit approach to fit the not-for-profit entity. This course is designed to help you do just. It will equip you with the superior skills needed to excel in auditing not-for-profit entities. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 25 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of auditing not-for-profit entities.This course qualifies for yellow book credit.
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 Auto and Energy-Related Tax Credits
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) contains many changes to auto and energy-related credits. Many if not most of these credits reduce the cost of individual- and business-related expenses. As a result of the changes brought about by the IRA, tax advisors have new and reformed credits to understand and explain to their clients. The IRS has issued extensive guidance regarding these credits in the form of Frequently Asked Questions that elaborate on and explain these new credits. This program covers the new and revised energy-related credits clients will be asking about, such as credits related to personal autos, energy-efficient commercial vehicles, and household-related utilities and improvements. This program will cover the IRA changes related to electric car credits in detail so that those attending can properly advise their individual and business clients regarding them.This course qualifies for IRS credit.
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. 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. Now is time to revisit the way that auditors are performing and documenting the work performed to meet professional standards since nonconforming engagements can result in an auditor's referral to the AICPA Ethics Committee. There have not been significant changes to quality control standards since 2006. In June 2022, two new statements on quality management were issued. Another statement was issued recently to incorporate the changes to the Group Audit Standard (SAS 149). A related audit standard on engagement quality, SAS 146, and an accounting and review service standard, SSARS 26, were also issued. These changes are substantive. They are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2025. This course will discuss the new standards. This course will also 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. The objective of the course is to provide the insights necessary to help an auditor improve not just the quality of their work but also the perception of the accounting profession as a whole.
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 AICPA issued its Quality Management Standards in 2022. 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. 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. This course qualifies for CFP credit.
Surgent's Bankruptcy Basics: Understanding the Consumer Bankruptcy Process
Available Until
Online
1.00 Credits
Consumers 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. As trusted advisors, accounting and financial professionals should have a basic understanding of the bankruptcy process. This webinar provides a thorough review of consumer bankruptcy proceedings. Participants in this webinar will gain an understanding of how consumer 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 Basic Estate Administration for CPAs and FAs
Available Until
Online
2.00 Credits
Some CPAs & FAs might focus on estate administration; however, many more will come across this through routine work with a client. This course provides an overview of how you can help to administer an estate. It includes a checklist of tasks and an overview of what each entails. This webinar covers minor points such as what information you'll need to collect and when to get an EIN. It also covers substantial discussions of essential topics, such as developing an inventory, estate accounting, allocating income between Form 1040 and form 1041, and filing your client's final Form 1040.
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.This course qualifies for yellow book credit.