CPE Catalog & Events

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.

The audit landscape for 401(k) plans is shifting'fast. Recent reviews by the U.S. Department of Labor, combined with the introduction of Statement on Auditing Standards No. 136 (SAS 136), are changing how audits are conducted and what's expected of both auditors and plan sponsors. This course gives CPAs the insights and guidance they need to confidently navigate these changes. We'll explore the impact of SAS 136 and other recent updates, with a clear look at the responsibilities involved in an ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audit'the new standard that has replaced the old limited scope audit. You'll also learn about the most common compliance issues flagged in 401(k) audits, based on findings from the Department of Labor and peer reviewers, and walk away with practical strategies and corrections to strengthen your audit approach.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial statement presentations is vital to making proper client choices. For example, practitioners may seek to use the Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting (OCBOA) financial statement presentations, as GAAP will increase complexity and the cost of compliance. Here, we'll explore compliance with the preparation, presentation, disclosure and reporting nuances of cash- and tax-basis financial statements. We'll also discuss the AICPA's Financial Reporting Framework for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities (FRF for SMEs). This course meets the specific OCBOA requirements that CPAs must meet for the re-issuance of their license.

This final segment of our four-part Form 1041 series addresses the special income tax issues that arise on the grantor's death or the first spouse. The once docile revocable living trust ignored for income tax purposes now comes to life and requires attention. Trust administration is just as rigorous as probate administration, if not more rigorous. We will review the importance of an approach to Trust Administration and the important income tax tools available to the fiduciary. Be sure to register for all courses in this series: Form 1041 Advanced Series Part 1: Why Complex Trusts are Complicated Form 1041 Advanced Series Part 2: Cash & Property Distribution Issues Form 1041 Advanced Series Part 3: Sec. 199. Sec. 67(g) & Charitable Deductions Form 1041 Advanced Series Part 4: Post Mortem Considerations

Our clients' personal financial planning issues are quickly developing and keep us challenged in a new operating environment! Many new approaches are needed in working through, understanding, diagnosing and then adopting innovative and proven strategies. Additional ways of experiencing these client situations are entering the picture. With information overload, part of the CPA's challenge is to help clients stay focused on goals while managing expectations in a rapidly changing environment. This course will update you on the newest personal financial planning changes related to insurance, investments, education, retirement, estate, cash flow management, divorce, closely held businesses and other relevant topics. We'll discuss critical issues, including planning for education, divorce, charitable, exceptional circumstances, business owners and highly compensated executives. Be sure to register for all of our PFP updates: PFP Update: Income Tax, Retirement, and Estate Planning PFP Update: Issues, Exposures, and Developing Client Strategy PFP Update: Investment Planning in This New Era

This Florida Board of Accountancy-approved ethics course, developed by the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), provides CPAs with a comprehensive understanding of their ethical and professional responsibilities. Designed for CPAs in various professional roles and industries, this course explores ethical principles, regulatory requirements and emerging issues affecting the profession. Participants will gain insight into the Florida Statutes (Chapters 455 & 473) and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) (61H1), AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct and general ethical behavior.  The course includes discussions on professional integrity, independence, objectivity, conflicts of interest fraud detection and prevention, compliance requirements, and equipping CPAs with the knowledge needed to navigate ethical dilemmas while maintaining public trust. This course meets the biennial ethics CPE requirement for Florida licensed CPA’s.

With tax laws growing more complex and evolving by the minute, CPAs need more than just a surface-level understanding of partnership and LLC taxation. This course takes a lifecycle approach'from formation through growth and operations to eventual liquidation'focusing specifically on closely held entities. Through case-driven instruction, you'll tackle real-world tax issues at both the partnership and partner level. We'll break down key concepts with practical examples and scenarios you're likely to encounter in the field. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive reference manual packed with practice aids, actionable guidance, and fully developed case studies you can put to work immediately.

Successful organizations understand the importance of effective internal controls and develop a system to stay on the intended course. Those who design policies and procedures benefit by knowing why control measures are necessary. First, we'll examine critical concepts and the importance of strong internal control policies. Then, we'll look at why standards are needed and control creation methods. Finally, discuss strategies to implement policies and procedures.

Apportionment has never been more challenging. States use different methods and sourcing rules for the same transaction. Become the expert in your office on current issues affecting apportionment, such as the apportionment formulas used by other states. Understand sourcing rules, and most importantly, learn to structure transactions so clients aren't taxed on the same income in multiple states. Review how apportionment applies to flow-through entities and their owners. Companion Course: Multistate Nexus Requirements

Preparing GAAP financial statements can be treacherous. GAAP has become so voluminous and complex that it is easy to overlook accounting, reporting and disclosure requirements, potentially affecting the accountants' liability. Nonpublic entities, however, are not necessarily required to apply GAAP, and there are less complex financial reporting frameworks that may be much easier to apply without sacrificing the quality of financial reporting. Even when using GAAP, the less complicated business entity may find that numerous requirements, including disclosures, need to be more relevant to users of their financial statements, may not be material to users, and often overshadow the most pertinent information. This course will present alternative accounting frameworks that may be more suitable for the more straightforward business entity, including income tax basis and the modified cash basis of accounting. We will also discuss approaches to GAAP, including developing disclosure checklists unique to each set of financial statements, identifying when disclosures may be omitted or complex accounting approaches may be avoided, and how to document those decisions to minimize adverse effects. When the cost of financial reporting to the small business enterprise exceeds the benefits, entities will lose the motivation to issue financial statements that conform with GAAP, and both the business entities and the related capital markets suffer. This course provides alternatives that help alleviate that dilemma.

The fraud epidemic persists, resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses. Participate in this session to learn how most fraud occurs and what controls you should implement to reduce fraud risks.

With tax laws growing more complex and evolving by the minute, CPAs need more than just a surface-level understanding of partnership and LLC taxation. This course takes a lifecycle approach'from formation through growth and operations to eventual liquidation'focusing specifically on closely held entities. Through case-driven instruction, you'll tackle real-world tax issues at both the partnership and partner level. We'll break down key concepts with practical examples and scenarios you're likely to encounter in the field. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive reference manual packed with practice aids, actionable guidance, and fully developed case studies you can put to work immediately.

Successful organizations understand the importance of effective internal controls and develop a system to stay on the intended course. Those who design policies and procedures benefit by knowing why control measures are necessary. First, we'll examine critical concepts and the importance of strong internal control policies. Then, we'll look at why standards are needed and control creation methods. Finally, discuss strategies to implement policies and procedures.

When contemplating a divorce, financial, retirement and tax issues are critical. Many clients need to think through the problems that are about to unfold. As a result, they need more time to be ready. Therefore, understanding, assessing, and deciding how to proceed is essential before completing the marital separation agreement. Discover how to re-design your client's financial plan with these unforeseen issues now part of the mainstream. During this course, you'll learn business valuation; discuss property, retirement and other assets; gain insights on the tax and financial ramifications of divorce; and navigate the assessment and division of financial assets before, during and after the divorce.

Disclosures are on of the most challenging areas of financial statement preparation and one of the most cited deficiencies in peer reviews. This program tackles the many disclosure requirements with detailed discussions on topic requirements and examples. This is a fast paced course that covers all the major balance sheet accounts, as well as revenue and expenses.  Attention is also paid to the Statement of Cash Flows.

This comprehensive case-driven training is designed to quickly get the accountant up to speed in basis calculations and distribution planning for the owners of pass-thru entities (i.e., S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs)). The cornerstone of this course is the line-by-line analysis of the Schedule K-1s and how it affects the basis calculations. This session is taught using a Hands-On methodology. Real-world examples and cases demonstrate the complex income tax code and regulations to enhance the participant's learning experience. Each attendee will receive the most comprehensive reference manual with numerous practice aids, real-world examples, and case studies.

When contemplating a divorce, financial, retirement and tax issues are critical. Many clients need to think through the problems that are about to unfold. As a result, they need more time to be ready. Therefore, understanding, assessing, and deciding how to proceed is essential before completing the marital separation agreement. Discover how to re-design your client's financial plan with these unforeseen issues now part of the mainstream. During this course, you'll learn business valuation; discuss property, retirement and other assets; gain insights on the tax and financial ramifications of divorce; and navigate the assessment and division of financial assets before, during and after the divorce.

Disclosures are on of the most challenging areas of financial statement preparation and one of the most cited deficiencies in peer reviews. This program tackles the many disclosure requirements with detailed discussions on topic requirements and examples. This is a fast paced course that covers all the major balance sheet accounts, as well as revenue and expenses.  Attention is also paid to the Statement of Cash Flows.

This comprehensive case-driven training is designed to quickly get the accountant up to speed in basis calculations and distribution planning for the owners of pass-thru entities (i.e., S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs)). The cornerstone of this course is the line-by-line analysis of the Schedule K-1s and how it affects the basis calculations. This session is taught using a Hands-On methodology. Real-world examples and cases demonstrate the complex income tax code and regulations to enhance the participant's learning experience. Each attendee will receive the most comprehensive reference manual with numerous practice aids, real-world examples, and case studies.

Microsoft 365 is likely the most underutilized software investment in your firm or business. This course will show how to tap it to many of the lesser known features of the Microsoft 365 ecosystems of apps to maximize your productivity and produce better outputs. Through a series of practical case study demonstrations you will learn how to leverage the full potential of Microsoft 365 in your organization.