CPE Catalog & Events

This segment is designed to evaluate Step Five of the new model dealing with recognizing revenue which is the final step in applying the new revenue recognition standard. For performance obligations that are fulfilled at a point in time, revenue is recognized at the fulfillment of the performance obligation. For performance obligations to be satisfied over time, an entity must decide how to appropriately measure the progress and completion of the performance obligation. A performance obligation is satisfied when or as control of the good or service is transferred to the customer. There are several issues companies should consider in applying step 5 of the standard: •   Determining if a Performance Obligation is satisfied over time •   Identifying indicators of transfer of control of good/services •   Utilizing input and output methods to measure progress of revenue recognition •   Understanding stand-ready obligations and how to apply discounts

A controller's role in digital transformation is to act as a key facilitator in integrating new technologies within the finance function. This process moves beyond traditional accounting tasks to actively analyze data, provide insights based on financial information. This will ensure the smooth implementation of new systems that streamline financial operations, all while maintaining compliance and financial control within the organization.  This course will introduce some of those topics and methods Controllers are beginning to turn to.

Being neuro-inclusive is not only kind, but can also help your team get the right things done in less time. This course will be about what neurodiversity is, give an overview of brain science, and show you tactical tips and techniques you can use to help your company get more of the right things done in less time with a strategy designed with more brains in mind. 

Both IFRS and IFRS for SMEs are self-contained standards designed to meet the needs of specific financial statement users. This course is designed to explain the differences between the two standards, including disclosure requirements and recognition and measurement principles.

This session introduces a structured approach to government budgeting using the four W’s: Who, What, When, and Which. Participants will explore WHO should be involved in the budgeting process, including internal teams and external stakeholders, while learning effective communication strategies to foster collaboration. The session examines WHAT the budgeting process entails, covering essential phases, components, legal requirements, and common challenges. Attendees will also learn WHEN to engage the public through strategic planning, workshops, and outreach initiatives. Finally, the session highlights WHICH departments play key roles, from financial planning to managing capital projects. By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of government budgeting and how to align financial planning with community priorities.

The FASB formed the Private Company Council to provide certain alternatives in U.S. GAAP that are only available to nonpublic business entities, with limited exceptions for certain nonprofits. This course will provide insight into when adopting the accounting and financial reporting alternatives would be to the advantage of private companies.

A detailed analysis of the calculations related to determining a shareholder's tax basis for S corporation shares and loans, with a focus on how to use Form 1120S, Schedule K-1 information for basis determination. An illustrative example demonstrates how the process works, as well as the many potential pitfalls. *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

This course provides tax and accounting professionals with a focused overview of the Section 25F scholarship granting tax credit and its application in client planning. Participants will examine eligibility requirements, qualifying contributions, credit limitations, and interaction with other tax provisions. The course also addresses state-specific considerations, including variations in eligibility, conformity, and planning opportunities across jurisdictions. Participants will learn to evaluate client eligibility, maximize available credits, and ensure compliance while avoiding common pitfalls.  *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 course provides a focused update on major recent pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Coverage includes GASB Statement No. 103 (financial reporting model improvements), GASB Statement No. 104 (enhanced disclosures for capital assets), and GASB Statement No. 105 (subsequent events). Participants will also receive a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. The course is designed to help auditors, preparers, and financial leaders understand how these developments affect audits, financial statement preparation, and board reporting.

Imagine you have one hundred boxes that are all supposed to be full of manufactured inventory. How do you obtain reasonable assurance—now defined as a high level of assurance—that each box is full without opening every one? You begin by assessing risk. If the client has strong internal controls over manufacturing, packing, and transport to the warehouse, there is reasonable assurance the boxes are properly filled. Next, evaluate warehouse security and controls over access, as well as procedures for removing inventory. Once satisfied that controls are both adequate and operating effectively, you can observe and count the boxes and selectively test a sample—ensuring you do not only choose the most accessible ones, as fraud is often concealed within the middle of the inventory. Based on this risk assessment and targeted testing, you can conclude with reasonable assurance that the inventory is properly stated without inspecting every box. This same approach applies to expenses and payroll: evaluate internal controls, observe processes, and perform independent test procedures. Weak internal controls in inventory, expenses, and payroll create opportunities for fraud that may lead to material misstatements. In this session, we will explore how these vulnerabilities arise and how to recognize and address them through effective audit procedures.

As a parent, could you tell when your young children were lying to you? Most of you will say of course I could! How? Was it their words they said or how they acted when they were lying to you? Most of you will say, by the way they acted. We call that body language. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth…… without saying a word. At what age does a child learn to lie? When they are about six months old. We teach them, and we are really good at it! (We’ll talk about it.) As a rule, when an individual tells a lie, they know it’s wrong and as result it causes stress. That stress manifests itself in many ways. The individual that is lying wants to get rid of the stress by saying or doing certain things. We call these stress indicators, and they can be verbal or nonverbal. It’s particularly important to observe what the subject is talking about when the stress indicator appears. If an interviewer is aware of the verbal and nonverbal stress indicators, they can read a person like a book. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth. In this session, we will discuss the types of individuals that lie, why they lie, and both the verbal and nonverbal indicators of stress. In addition, we will discuss how to get them to tell the truth and make them feel good about it.

Proper financial accounting for S corporations involves adhering to specific accounting principles and tax regulations designed for this unique business structure.  This course examines the proper financial accounting for S Corporations.

Due to advances in technology, use of outside resources, and more, PCAOB released a new integrated, risk-based standard focused on accountability and continuous improvement for all PCAOB-registered firms. This course will provide an overview of the significant elements and foundational principles of this new standard.

This program provides in-depth coverage of SAS 145, a major standard that helps auditors enhance risk assessment procedures through improved techniques for identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement. This session is essential for CPAs that perform audits. The discussion will also be insightful for auditees and other professionals who want to maintain awareness of current auditing guidance.

This course examines actual fraud circumstances through the lens of potential prevention. We will examine how selected frauds were accomplished and consider what internal controls may have prevented fraudsters' ability to accomplish their nefarious acts.

Arthur Werner will provide financial professionals with the information their teams will need to successfully plan and execute mergers and acquisitions. For major topics covered, see below. This course may be customized or tailored based on the needs of your organization. *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

Many finance departments spend considerable time managing cash, particularly if the organization is highly leveraged or cash rich.  Many opportunities exist to reduce your financing costs or increase short-term cash returns if you manage cash effectively.  This session will cover a wide variety of day-to-day cash management tools.  

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.

Although many people use ChatGPT or other Large Language Model (LLM) informally at work, very few have received training on how to engage effectively with this powerful technology. This course provides practical advice on how to exploit the full potential of LLMs, while also highlighting the risks that need to be managed.

This session provides a refresher regarding the fundamentals of activity-based costing (ABC). We will examine theoretical concepts before exploring practical possibilities for implementing ABC. A major focus of the course will be factors to consider when determining whether this managerial accounting tool is an appropriate resource for an organization.