CPE Catalog & Events

Many business owner clients wish to minimize their Social Security and self-employment tax liabilities. This course provides accounting and finance professionals with the background to understand what kinds of income constitute self-employment income and earned income. It covers strategies that can be used to reduce clients' exposure to the self-employment tax and Social Security tax.

In today's interconnected world, safeguarding information systems is crucial. This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of SOC engagements, exploring the types of reports (SOC 1®, SOC 2®, and SOC 3®) and the related management assertions. The use of the reports for internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and operations and compliance will be analyzed. This course equips accounting professionals with the knowledge to effectively lead in compliance reporting.

Level 1 focuses on the basic skill sets that new staff need to quickly master in order to "hit the ground running," while not overwhelming them with too much information all at once. This course explains the basics of what new auditors are generally expected to know and do. This course will focus on "why" certain procedures are performed, as well as "how" to perform typical procedures expected of new staff. This course is critical in establishing the groundwork for the expectation that all staff should critically analyze and understand the underlying purpose of procedures, as well as how to effectively and efficiently complete assigned tasks. Sample workpapers are provided to illustrate documentation, and case studies and exercises are used to reinforce the most important concepts. NOTE: Participants must sign up for both consecutive days. Please check the registration calendar to find both complementary dates, which will run in consecutive order.

Data security is a top-of-mind concern for almost all business professionals, yet most struggle to achieve this objective. Make plans to participate in this session to learn about many practical tools you can use to protect your data and enhance cybersecurity.

GAAP has become too complex for many small and private entities. As an alternative, many entities have adopted special purpose frameworks (formerly called OCBOA). This program guides entities through the acceptable methods of non-GAAP financial statements, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and presentation of the statements and disclosures.

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.

This course provides U.S.-based accounting and finance professionals with an in-depth understanding of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the first comprehensive AI regulation in the world. It explores the Act's key provisions, including its risk classification framework, compliance requirements for high-risk systems, and transparency obligations. Participants will gain insight into how the Act affects organizations operating internationally and how to prepare for compliance challenges. Interactive activities are integrated throughout the course to reinforce key concepts.

This course is a case study designed to provide a comprehensive overview of U.S. taxation of a foreign corporation. Using a specific example, the course will walk through step-by-step mechanics on how to calculate the income inclusions and foreign tax credits under tested income (formerly known as global intangible low-taxed income or GILTI), Subpart F, and passive foreign investment company (PFIC) regimes. These computations have been updated to reflect changes enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The case study will further evaluate the tax impact of subsequent distributions from the foreign corporation and sales of its stock. A compare-and-contrast approach will highlight the different outcomes of these regimes for individuals and for C corporations, empowering participants to advise their clients on the most tax-efficient way to structure their foreign investments.

The IRS believes, perhaps with some justification, that many workers classified as independent contractors are actually employees and should be treated as such for tax purposes. The result is that worker classification audits are frequent and often costly for business clients, both in terms of time as well as money expended. This program prepares accounting and finance professionals to assist their clients with worker classification audits, and to avoid them if possible, by discussing and explaining the circumstances under which workers will most likely be characterized as employees or as independent contractors. The program also deals with the first line of defense against the IRS in worker classification audits — Section 530, as well as the common law factors distinguishing an employee from an independent contractor. This program also explores the IRS Voluntary Classification Settlement Program and discusses whether a practitioner should advise a client to request admission into this program.

Most organizations manage their income statement, but many virtually ignore the balance sheet until balance sheet problems create seemingly insurmountable emergencies. This session discusses how to analyze and manage your financial statements more holistically, allowing you to identify and correct balance sheet issues early. How do you choose whether to raise debt or equity" What are the key considerations and the advantages of each" What is the cost of capital" What are the "hidden" balance sheet risks" We will also examine several crucial ideas you can incorporate into your analyses to enhance performance and reduce risk. If you want to enhance your corporate finance skills, this session is for you.

Internal control issues often arise in QuickBooks Online environments. However, that need not be the case! In this session, you will learn about internal control features that can help you maximize your QBO experience while simultaneously reducing risk.

SSARS 21 significantly changed the way CPA services are being offered. There is still confusion about CPA responsibilities and procedures. The course will discuss differences between bookkeeping, preparation and compilation engagements and how they differ. It will also discuss financial statement frameworks and how they influence the engagement as well as analytical procedures in review engagements.

Discover recent developments in tax return preparation and representation. Learn the rules of professional conduct set forth by the IRS, AICPA and state tax agencies. Review rules and regulations that govern tax practice for both federal and state purposes. Examine the rules of practice before the IRS (Treasury Dept. Circular 230). Explore current developments related to tax practice. Consider how ethical principles, such as conflicts of interest, apply to partnerships and other flow-through entities. Determine how various states regulate tax practice, including a discussion on malpractice. Tackle real-world scenarios affecting your practice. Understand how the accountant-client privilege applies in your practice.

This two-day training course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Federal income tax laws applicable to partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and their owners. The cornerstone of this course is the integration of the most recent tax laws and theories into real-world case scenarios that teach the preparation and review of IRS tax forms and schedules. Attendees will receive a comprehensive partnership/LLC income tax reference manual that includes practice aids, real-world examples, new Federal income tax forms and schedules, and Pat Garverick's Quick Reference Chart.

This course is designed to introduce the Quality of Earnings report and analysis concept. You'll understand the parties interested in this kind of report, what it is used for, how and when it is prepared, and some of the basic concepts that underlie a Quality of Earnings report. We'll discuss the format and contents of the report, including "as reported" EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, seller add-backs, out of period adjustments and non-recurring income and expense items. The class will include a comprehensive example illustrating these concepts. 

Younger professionals comprise a significant part of the accounting and finance workforce. Whether you are an owner of a small accounting practice or a manager in a multinational accounting firm, it is important to understand the characteristics and expectations of this large segment of the workforce. Research reveals that many of the common stereotypes surrounding young professionals are unfounded and counterproductive. This course provides an understanding of who young professionals are in comparison to their predecessors, the Gen-Xers and baby boomers. Equally important, the presentation will look at common myths regarding young professionals and why understanding this class of employees provides opportunities for your organization to grow and succeed.

As Americans live longer and increasingly move away from traditional pensions, Social Security has become the main source of retirement income for many clients. Meanwhile, concerns about solvency and a lack of understanding of key rules have led to confusion and sometimes misguided decisions. This program offers tax practitioners the knowledge they need to help clients make informed choices about Social Security and retirement income.

One of the most intimidating aspects of going into business for yourself is compliance. Tax, employment, and regulatory laws are difficult to navigate, so it often falls on the CPA to know the basics in these areas to help their clients avoid costly litigation. In this course, we will cover basic compliance areas for small business owners. We will look at the main elements of a contract, taxation of entity types, worker classification, property law, and many of the other areas that are often overwhelming for small business owners. By being able to speak to these issues, practitioners will be able to add value and help their small business owner clients grow and thrive.

Recent research shows that emotional intelligence is twice as important as IQ in the development of business leaders. But what's the difference between emotional intelligence (EI) and manipulation? This course is designed to help you understand how EI is linked to leadership success. You'll learn how to assess your own emotional intelligence and how to identify the negative consequences of unmanaged emotions. You'll learn techniques that will improve your self-awareness, self-control, and self-motivation and you'll create a plan that increases your EI so that you can achieve optimal results in your relationships with others.

A challenge for many small business owners is choosing the 'right' type of retirement plan for their businesses. Many hesitate to adopt retirement plans for their businesses because they are intimidated by the governing rules. In those cases, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are reasonable solutions because they are easy to establish, maintain, and communicate with employees; have minimal administrative costs; and are practical and efficient ways to start a retirement plan. These IRA-based plans - SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs - have low maintenance costs and are easy to communicate to employees. With IRA-based employer plans, employer contributions are sometimes discretionary, giving business owners the choice of whether to fund every year. Despite the simplicity of these plans, employers must ensure that applicable compliance requirements are met to avoid penalties. To that end, this course will cover some key provisions of SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.