CPE Catalog & Events

As the managers' role continue to evolve, it is crucial for us to understand the strategic aspects of managing a diverse workforce, beginning with understanding the big trends in employee demographics. We begin with a rhetorical question - asking if employees are assets? GAAP tells us they are not, so discussion will revolve around whether this treatment delivers an unhealthy bias on our view of the people in our organization. What do the most successful organizations believe and why? If you have an opinion as to whether employees are an asset or not, this is a fun session intended to be interactive with participation either live, virtual or both.

Organizations often fail not because strategy is flawed, but because performance is measured poorly. This session focuses on the critical link between strategy, measurement, and execution. Participants will explore why there is no "perfect" metric, how strategy fails due to weak measurement, and how financial and non-financial metrics work together to drive performance. The session emphasizes aligning metrics with mission, strategy, and organizational priorities using practical frameworks such as the Balanced Scorecard. Humorous videos will be incorporated to drive home some key points and keep things entertaining.

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. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This four-part series covers the fundamentals of Form 706. In this final course, we will cover GST allocations on Schedule R, Foreign Death Tax credit, Prior Transfer credit, Qualified Conservation Easements, making the 6166 election for estate tax payment and considering a Graegin or other loan to pay the estate tax. Illustrations of attachments and/or narrative examples for Schedule R will be provided. Form 706 Series: Part 1: Overview Including Portability Part 2: Reporting Assets Part 3: Reporting Deductions Part 4: GST Schedule R, Form 8971, Payments & Credits

Arguably the most discussed topics to come out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are the taxation of tips and overtime. Practitioners need to understand these provisions now, as they are effective for 2025 tax returns. This program provides practitioners with the background currently available to advise clients regarding these two important tax developments. Both employers and employees need to understand these timely changes to taxation.

The employer-employee relationship strains both sides in uncertain times, and businesses need CPAs, controllers, and other advisors to provide understanding of the complex legal, tax, and health care issues associated with all aspects of employment. This course provides in-depth coverage of this critical area.

Unlock the incredible potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation tools to revolutionize your business operations. Imagine boosting productivity and accuracy effortlessly with cutting-edge technologies. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are your new best friends for conducting research, drafting reports, and crafting correspondence. Meanwhile, Microsof's Power Automate platform and tools, such as Zapier, can elevate your efficiency to levels you never thought possible. Join our session to modernize your workflows and harness these powerful tools. You'll dive into practical applications of today's AI and automation technologies, moving beyond the basics to streamline workflows, enhance internal controls, maximize productivity, and even boost team morale. Additionally, we'll guide you through potential pitfalls and help you avoid common mistakes when using these tools. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced business world. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your operations and achieve unparalleled efficiency. Sign up today and take the first step towards a smarter, more productive future!

The tax strategies behind estate planning Estate planning is vast and complicated. A fundamental understanding of estate and trust taxation is essential to helping clients plan for their futures. Topics include: Tax obligations of trusts and estates, and how these obligations affect beneficiaries The federal income taxation of trusts and decedents' estates, along with the tax effects of specific scenarios for beneficiaries Planning options that can minimize your clients' taxes while accumulating income and the distribution or transfer of wealth to intended beneficiaries Detailed explanations of complex estate and trust concepts Learners build their understanding of the unique tax issues affecting trusts and estates, including: The taxation of simple and complex trusts, grantor trusts, and electing small business trusts Fiduciary accounting and the Uniform Principal and Income Act Deductions and credits available to trusts and estates Updated for H.R. 1, commonly referred to as OBBBA This comprehensive course has been updated to discuss the effects of H.R. 1 on estate and trust taxation. Relevant topics include: Overall limitation on itemized deductions Permanence of the expanded lifetime estate tax exemption Section 163(j) business interest 0.5% floor on itemized charitable contribution deductions And much more Part of Tax Staff Essentials Level 3 This self-study online course is part of Tax Staff Essentials Level 3, a comprehensive learning program that provides senior- and supervisor-level tax professionals with the technical training required to take a leadership role on their teams.

A discussion of the latest tax developments impacting business taxpayers, with a focus on important provisions, rules and concepts. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

With all the planning, procedures, and reporting involved in a single audit, sometimes things can slip through the cracks. But what if the thing that slips through is fraud? Compiled from news releases, court records, and the thrilling annals of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, this course tells the tale of seven real-world frauds that seemingly dodged detection in the single audit process. Leveraging the incredible gift of hindsight, this course is designed to raise your awareness and sharpen your focus on the potential for fraud in single audits!

This comprehensive annual update brings together key accounting, auditing, and compliance developments affecting not-for-profit organizations. The course integrates recent standard-setting activity, audit and attestation updates, and Single Audit developments to provide a practical view of changes impacting nonprofit financial reporting and oversight. Participants will begin with an overview of accounting developments affecting not-for-profit organizations, including recently issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and an introduction to the International Non-Profit Accounting Standard (INPAS). Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose and structure of INPAS and how it compares conceptually to U.S. GAAP requirements for NFPs. The course then shifts to auditing and attestation developments from the AICPA, including the next phase of quality management with a focus on monitoring and remediation responsibilities. Participants will also review recent and upcoming standards affecting audit, attestation, and consulting engagements, including updates related to SSAEs, SSARSs, exposure drafts on confirmations and fraud, and changes affecting group audits. Finally, the course addresses recent developments impacting Single Audits for not-for-profit organizations receiving federal funding. Topics include the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, recent guidance issued through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and reporting changes related to SAM.gov. Designed for nonprofit preparers, auditors, and financial leaders, this course helps participants understand how recent accounting and auditing changes intersect-and what to monitor as requirements continue to evolve. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The new revenue recognition standard outlines five steps for proper compliance. At the surface, these steps seem simplistic. However, there are many considerations that should be considered within each step based on your process and industry. Previous courses in this series have covered the standard at a high level and evaluated step one and two of the standard. They are: Understanding the Revenue Recognition Standard Revenue Recognition: Identify the Contract - Part One Revenue Recognition: Identify the Contract - Part Two Revenue Recognition: Identify Performance Obligations – Part One Revenue Recognition: Identify Performance Obligations – Part Two Revenue Recognition: Determine Transaction Price - Part 1 Revenue Recognition: Determine Transaction Price - Part 2 Revenue Recognition: Allocate the Transaction Price Revenue Recognition: Recognize Revenue      This segment is designed to evaluate Step Three of the new model dealing with Determining the Transaction Price.

Human Resources professionals are often tasked with investigating allegations of employee misconduct, discrimination, and others. Investigation training is traditionally presented from the position of an outsider looking in, such as a governmental agency, law firm, or private investigator. HR investigations require similar skills, but the environment and the approach are quite different. This session provides best practices for gathering and analyzing evidence and reporting the investigation results. Attendees will end the session with takeaways to immediately implement in future HR investigations. Three of three Episodes in the series.

It would be amiss to not recognize that the passage of time has changed our world. Think of various events such as economic change, technological evolution, the pandemic etc. These are just a few of the changes that may have impacted the manner in which we execute some of the processes outlined in the SOX legislation. In this segment we will focus on sourcing of emerging risks by utilizing to COSO principles.   

This course explores the tests used to determine whether a worker is properly characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for tax purposes, with a focus on the cost of getting it wrong and possible Section 530 relief.  The game changing impact of the Dynamex case and AB5 will also be discussed.    *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      

This comprehensive course provides a focused update on key auditing developments affecting governmental and Single Audit engagements. The course integrates recent changes to the Yellow Book issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office with major updates to Uniform Guidance and related Single Audit requirements. Participants will begin with an overview of significant revisions to the 2024 Yellow Book, including changes related to quality management, key audit roles, and effective dates. The course also addresses the GAO's implementation delay and its implications for audit planning, along with recent updates to the Green Book that may affect internal control considerations for governmental entities and Single Audits. The course then shifts to recent developments affecting Single Audits, including the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, and guidance issued through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Reporting-related changes, including the transition to SAM.gov-based reporting, are also discussed. Designed for auditors working with governmental entities and federal awards, this course helps participants understand how recent auditing and compliance changes intersect-and what to monitor as expectations continue to evolve.  

The accounting for credit losses has changed significantly as a result of ASU 2016 13. While some practitioners believe this update applies only to financial institutions, it also impacts many other entities with financial assets such as loans and trade receivables. In this course, Jeff explains the concept of CECL and how it is used to account for credit losses. The course focuses primarily on the accounting, while incorporating enough finance concepts to provide context and understanding of the standard. In addition, the course provides practical insight on coordinating the efforts of the accounting staff with those of the finance department. As in all his courses, Jeff incorporates a light and engaging approach to help maintain focus.

The finance function is changing rapidly, driven by technology, demographics, and evolving business expectations. This session focuses on the tactical leadership skills CFOs and CPAs need to build and lead high-performing finance teams in the years ahead. Participants will explore how roles, skills, and expectations are shifting, and how leaders can prepare their teams for increased automation, real-time reporting, and greater strategic involvement. The session blends practical leadership guidance with forward-looking insights.

“How will I EVER get this all done?"  It’s a question I often hear from clients and on a particularly stressful day, I can hear myself saying these words!  Instead of helping us focus, it's a question that leads to stress, anxiety and overwhelm! Regardless of where we are in business and in life, we will run into challenges and problems as we navigate business growth, leadership, work life balance and our quest for success and happiness. This workshop will explore the 7 HIGH QUALITY questions that lead to relief, enthusiasm and success.  It will be an interactive exploration that will leave you with a game plan to use right away, as well as an opportunity to practice the mindset that the most successful and happiest people use daily.    This program is for both the entrepreneur who wants to be more effective in their day as well as team leaders who want to stand out in their organization.  For the business owner or staff member you can expect a new way to work with your day so that it's profitable, productive and happier.  For leaders, you will learn new up- leveled skills to increase your efficiency, communication and productivity.  You and your team will shine.  Your staff will feel appreciated and connected to their value as well as the company's goals. Albert Einstein said 'we can't solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them'.  The quality of your question will impact the quality of your solution.  Learn the 7 questions that take you from confused and frustrated to creative and focused. 

Many public accountants desire to have a quick overview of only the most current changes to professional and ethical requirements. This course will provide an executive summary of the major changes in audit and other attest requirements. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.