CPE Catalog & Events

Even if managers have incomplete information or constraints, they still must make choices. This session provides advice for navigating rocky decision-making terrain encountered by managers who must make choices despite imperfect information and/or constrained resources. We explore ways to leverage available information to make effective decisions when seemingly critical details cannot be obtained. We also illustrate managerial accounting techniques for optimizing profitability when inputs or resources are constrained by supply chain disruptions or other limitations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This course delivers a comprehensive, practitioner-focused analysis of 401(k) plans, emphasizing rules, planning opportunities, and common execution risks faced by employees, executives, and business owners. Participants will develop a detailed understanding of plan mechanics, contribution limits, testing requirements, and timing rules, with particular attention to avoiding overfunding, coordinating multiple plans, and maximizing employer benefits. The course examines employee and employer contribution structures, including elective deferrals, catch-up contributions, after-tax contributions, matching and profit-sharing formulas, and special coordination issues for executives, multiple employers, and solo 401(k) plans. Participants learn how to identify and implement advanced strategies such as Roth vs. traditional optimization, mega Roth planning, in-plan conversions, and effective use of employer stock through net unrealized appreciation (NUA). Distribution planning is a core focus, including tax treatment, early distribution penalties, rollover mechanics, and basis tracking across pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax sources. The course emphasizes practical decision-making when evaluating lump sum vs. annuity options, executing rollovers correctly, managing withholding and tax payments, and applying penalty exceptions. Special scenarios, including inherited 401(k) accounts, trust beneficiaries, and Roth-specific timing rules, are also addressed.

Good writing is good business. Studies show that the average business worker receives 121 emails per day. That's a lot of emails. Are your emails effective? Are they being read? Are they professional and tone-smart? In this course, you will learn techniques and skills to get your emails to stand out and improve their effectiveness and professionalism.

Be ready for your peer review!The peer review process is an effective way to monitor practice quality, ensuring that your firm meets high standards while protecting the public interest. Gain a better understanding of the overall peer review process and learn how to fully prepare for your triennial review.This webcast will help you: Understand and compare the system and engagement review processes Address recently issued peer review guidance and quality control requirements Learn how both guidance and requirements affect your firmYou'll also discover the most common areas of noncompliance with professional standards and how to avoid them well before your review is due. Participants will leave this session with the resources and tools to enhance their firm's peer review quality.

This comprehensive course covers the most common aspects and tax implications of S Corporations, providing a deep dive into their structure, tax treatment, and compliance requirements. Participants will learn the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status, with discussions on Form 2553 and relief options for late filings. The course also explores the application of Rev. Proc. 2022-19 and Rev. Proc. 2023-3, analyzing their differences and implications under I.R.C. §1361 and §1362. Key topics include corporate formalities, shareholder stock and debt basis, and highlights of Form 1120S and its schedules (K-1, K-2, and K-3). Additionally, participants will gain insights into officer reasonable compensation requirements, audit strategies, and corrective measures for eligibility errors. *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

How does a forensic accountant calculate financial losses? Federal courts have approved various ways to calculate losses ranging from net worth method of proof to the expenditures method. Each method of proof depends on the available facts to the forensic accountant. This presentation will focus on the various court approved methods of proof, when to use them, and how to calculate the total loss. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

As financial and tax professionals well know, information overload is a constant struggle we face because things change quickly, and the sheer number of changes being made on a daily basis is enormous. Of great importance to small and medium tax and advisory firms is differentiating between changes that are relevant to our practice and our clients and changes that are new but totally irrelevant. Distinguishing between the two is difficult and time-consuming. Mike Tucker and a team of experts are pleased to present a weekly series designed to eliminate the clutter and get you what you need to stay up-to-date and perform for your clients. Mike and his co-presenters will dispense news on current events impacting taxes, finance, and industry. The subject matter will differ each week and intermittently include topics such as Social Security and Medicare. The panelists will discuss personal and corporate tax matters as well as other late-breaking news related to practitioners' personal finances and those of their clients. Every financial professional will benefit from this series. This is a cost-effective way for accountants to fulfill their compulsory continuing education because this weekly series will include almost 40 one-hour presentations. Sign up today — your clients and your bottom line will thank you.

Understanding your own and the people style of others whom you are dealing with which can establish rapport more easily, help you become more persuasive, and avoid miscommunication with the possibility of rubbing someone the wrong way.  In our session, you will gain insights into your people style, ways to improve communication connectivity and how to understand your team's functionality (or more likely dysfunctionality).  

Please join us for an introductory course on the fundamentals of preparing and filing an individual federal income tax return. We will cover topics such as what the federal income tax is and how it is computed. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the "vision" capabilities of ChatGPT specifically tailored for accountants. The session demonstrates how artificial intelligence can interpret and analyze visual content to revolutionize financial management. The curriculum covers a wide range of applications, from understanding GPT Vision and its unique benefits to leveraging aerial and street view imagery for comprehensive financial analysis. Through detailed case studies, participants will learn how to access and utilize GPT Vision effectively, incorporating it into tasks like data visualization, text and object recognition from images, and the use of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive (DDPP) analysis methods to enhance decision-making processes. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Targets can be a powerful catalyst for remarkable achievements - from landing humans on the moon to eradicating smallpox and repairing the ozone layer. However, poorly designed targets can have severe consequences, potentially leading to executive imprisonment, corporate collapse, or even loss of life. This course uses real-world examples and case studies to guide you through a practical, step-by-step process for crafting robust, effective, and credible targets for your organization. You'll learn how to harness the positive potential of targets whilst avoiding the pitfalls that can derail even the most well-intentioned performance initiatives.

Recent generally accepted auditing standards were written to improve the quality of risk-based financial statement audits, audit reporting, and required by-product communications. This course will discuss the important clarifications and enhancements intended to improve audit quality to ensure better compliance with requirements contained in the SASs. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Stay ahead of the curve with this essential training designed for not-for-profit accountants and auditors. This course provides a comprehensive update on the latest developments impacting nonprofit financial reporting and auditing. On the accounting side, we will review the latest FASB standard-setting activities affecting NFPs, including programmatic investments and their interplay with the CECL standard. Additionally, we will explore the IFR4NPO project, a global initiative aimed at establishing universal financial reporting standards for nonprofits. Transitioning to auditing, this course covers the 2024 Yellow Book updates, the shift from quality control to quality management, and key audit matters with early adoption options. We'll also address Single Audit updates, GAO reports on improper payments and fraud, the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), and recent Department of Education guidance on related parties.

The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains. Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service

The ACFE/COSO Fraud Risk Management Guide (FRMG) was published in 2016 (and updated in 2023).  It has quickly gained acceptance as the set of best practices for preventing, detecting, and thus deterring fraud. The fraud landscape is constantly changing and evolving. The FRMG sets out a rigorous set of principles and leading practices for managing fraud risk for forward-thinking organizations to follow.  It covers: How to establish fraud risk management governance. How to conduct rigorous fraud risk assessments. How to design and implement fraud control activities. How to establish reporting mechanisms and investigative procedures. How to monitor the overall fraud risk management program. Fraud risk can be managed.  All anti-fraud and accountability professionals will benefit from this session's focus on effective fraud risk management.

*** This is not a Florida-Approved Ethics Course***Explore the ethical implications of using generative AI. This course addresses potential risks and dilemmas, providing guidelines to ensure responsible and compliant integration. Learn how to balance innovation with ethical obligations to maintain trust and integrity. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

With the design and implementation of your firm's system of quality management complete, the firm now focuses on operating, maintaining, and continuously improving that system. This webcast explores the ongoing post-implementation requirements of SQMS No. 1, including: Understanding engagement performance responsibilities Performing and documenting monitoring activities Identifying and evaluating findings and deficiencies Implementing, evaluating, and tracking remediation Conducting the required annual evaluation of the system and periodic performance evaluations of those assigned ultimate and operational responsibility for the system Learn how to keep your firm's system responsive, current, and effective in maintaining and promoting quality.

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.

Does your firm have interest in expanding its’ services beyond traditional CPA services?  Do you have staff with the expertise to compete against non-CPA firms? Welcome to a course that will lead you through the maze of creating a successful Consulting Business Practice for your CPA firm. The course will help you understand: where consulting business opportunities exist, what are the firm’s professional responsibilities and most importantly how to recognize the needs of the client.

This course provides an in-depth comparative analysis of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and S Corporations, focusing on their tax implications, compliance requirements, and operational structures. Participants will explore key aspects of entity formation, tax treatment, and compliance with corporate formalities. Topics include electing Subchapter S status, mechanics of Form 2553, and relief options for late filings under Rev. Proc. 2022-19. The course also highlights entity-specific tax forms, accountable plans, taxable fringe benefits, officer reasonable compensation, estate planning, business continuation planning, and audit strategies. Additionally, participants will review Schedules K-1, K-2, K-3, and effectively connected income for both entity types. *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