CPE Catalog & Events

In trying to achieve life balance, various internal and external obstacles arise.  In this course we will look at these obstacles and provide specific ways to overcome them.  In addition, we will look at how to excel in every area of your life including your relationships, finances, sense of purpose, level of  happiness, and your physical health and leisure time pursuits.  You will leave this course with powerful methods and a specific plan to move forward in your life in a balanced, healthy, and productive manner.  Don't forget to take Part 1 of this amazing course.

Following on Part 1 of this course, in Part 2 you will learn advanced ways to solve problems without bruising egos, how to create profound trust quickly, and how to motivate clients and co-workers to do your bidding with a minimal amount of wasted time or hassles.    The bottom line will be better client and co-worker relationships, leading to increased enjoyment and productivity at work.

This is not your average CPE course! In this fun and practical course, you'll learn how to remember names, where you put things, what you read, or anything else 300% (or more) effectively than before. You will also learn how to prevent dementia, and halve your stress by using exercises that take under two minutes a day to do. Additionally, you'll receive information on ways to improve your memory by improving your overall health and wellness. This course will give you an overview of natural supplements to enhance your memory as well as share tips to improve your sleep. This course will change your life both now and in the future by making sure you know the best ways to remember information, handle stress and keep your mind sharp until the day you die. The information in this course to help increase your professional efficiency and improve your overall quality of life.

There is always too much to do and too little time to do it all.  Fortunately, if you know the right ways to manage people, projects and your time, you can get on top of everything by working smarter.  In this seminar you'll learn the best ways to get more done in less time, how to stay sane with all you have to do, and how to get other people to do some of "your" work by building great relationships.

As reported in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Occupational Fraud 2022:  A Report to the Nations, on average, small businesses lose 5% of their revenue due to fraud.  Can the average small business owner afford to lose 5% of their revenue due to fraud?  I think not.  This presentation is designed to illustrate the numerous ways employees commit fraud in small businesses, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to prevent it.  Both auditors and small business owners would both benefit from this presentation.

The budgeting process can be a time consuming and frustrating process for accountants.  The constraints and pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical and human components.  This series will offer solutions to the budgeting woes from both the big picture and in the details.    Understanding and Preventing Budget Calamities 2 Hours - Accounting •    Most of us lead or participate in the budget process at least annually.  Inherent flaws exist in the standard budget building process that you can solved by recognizing them and committing to solutions.   Building Flexible Budgeting Models: Walking Through and Crunching The Numbers 2 Hours - Accounting •    We can all learn from others and improve our budgeting process by listening to our colleagues’ wisdom and experience.  This session takes a unique review of the fundamental budget issues faced by all and walks through a detailed modeling process intended to generate discussion and best practices to improve your organization’s financial planning.  Avoiding Budget People Issues:  Managing Budgeting’s Soft Side 2 Hours - Accounting •    Financial plans have a technical component and human component.  We can resolve some of our budget issues by exploring the process’ human aspect.  This session includes a case study that measures an individual’s personality type and then explores how to use our strengths and weaknesses to create to a better plan.   Budgeting:  Presenting and Communicating your Numbers 2 Hours - Accounting •    Now that the budget is complete, how we communicate our plan is critical.  this session reveals some key guidelines in budget presentation and will identify key problems in how people often communicate financial plans.   

By the nature of our work and training, financial professionals have more personal finance knowledge than the general population. However, sometimes we spend so much time planning our company's future that we neglect or defer taking steps to build our own personal net worth. If you are dissatisfied about the speed that you are accumulating savings, this session will help put you on the right track. Even if you are meeting your goals, this session will provide insights and ideas which will add to and reinforce what you may already be doing.

For accounting and tax professionals, understanding the inner workings of blockchain and cryptocurrency is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This course provides an in-depth look into the mechanics of digital currencies and revolutionary blockchain technology, equipping attendees with the knowledge to navigate benefits and risks effectively. Special emphasis is placed on the tax implications for both individuals and estates, ensuring that attendees can confidently advise on these issues, which are becoming increasingly relevant in financial planning and asset management. This offering is more than just a learning experience; it’s an investment in one’s professional growth. By understanding the tax complexities and estate planning challenges posed by digital assets, participants will be able to offer valuable insights and strategic solutions. They will emerge from this course not just with theoretical knowledge but with actionable skills that can be applied immediately. In a landscape where digital assets are becoming commonplace, this is the education that will differentiate the exceptional from the average. Join today and step into a role as a leader in finance for the digital age. **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.

Good people believe everyone else is just like them. They cannot imagine someone could con them or their company and have no guilt or remorse about what they have done. Lack of guilt and empathy are key traits of a psychopath. Most of us envision psychopaths to be cold-blooded serial killers who are locked away in prison. However, experts estimate that 4% of corporate executives are psychopaths who may initially appear to be more normal than the rest of us. Psychopaths may present a convincing picture of virtue while helping themselves to money, status and sex while leaving a path of shattered expectations, empty wallets, and broken hearts in their wake. Learn how to recognize and deal with others who have no conscience. 

Join us for a discussion on what has changed in 2024 for the CTA. This course covers the latest on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). We will discuss the new filing timelines, including the recent extension, and will make sense of the broadened definition of "beneficial owner". We will also discuss the ruling in Alabama that has changed things. By the end of this, you’ll have the know-how to craft solid compliance plans that don't just check boxes but work seamlessly in the real world. Expect to leave armed with concrete tips for keeping your clients while staying away from any fines. Make sure you are up to date with the newest financial regulations. **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.

CPAs face many complex and challenging ethical issues. This course addresses the ethical and professional obligations CPAs have to their clients, employers, colleagues, regulators, and to the public.  Explore trends in business and professional ethics, along with the specific rules and requirements applicable to CPAs outlined in Florida Statutes, the Rules of the Florida Board of Accountancy, and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. The course fulfills the biennial ethics requirement for Florida CPAs. If you are attending MEGA 2025, please register for Ethics as part of your MEGA registration. MEGA Registration Page

CPA financial planners have never been more in-demand with personal financial planning projected to grow two times faster than tax compliance services alone. An AICPA survey of high-income and high-net-worth consumers revealed that two out of three seek advice on tax and financial planning topics from a CPA. That presents CPA financial planners with an opportunity to understand their clients' entire financial picture and to help them plan comprehensively. The FICPA, in partnership with CPAlliance (a division of CPS Investment Advisors) is offering this unique boot camp to help CPAs who offer tax, retirement, estate, risk management and investment planning services to become CPA financial planners. To help CPAs launch a successful financial planning practice, the full-day program covers: Becoming a Financial Planner  The CPA Financial Planner Playbook  Financial Planning and Investments 101  Building and Integrating Your CPA Financial Planning Practice It concludes with veteran and new practitioners sharing how they successfully incorporated financial planning into their thriving practice.  CPE Credit  This conference qualifies for up to 8 hours of Technical Business CPE credit, and is subject to change. CPE credit is subject to approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The type of credit earned depends on concurrent breakouts chosen. Please indicate choice of breakouts on the registration form. $tack the $avings!  In addition to FICPA member and early registration discounts, you can save up to 15% when registering groups of five or more from the same organization. Contact FICPA Member Services at MSC@ficpa.org or 850-224-2727, ext. 1 for details. FICPA Members save even more. Not a member? Join today at ficpa.org/JoinToday. Social Media Follow the FICPA on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and X and share news about this conference using the hashtag #FICPAMEGA.  

The FICPA’s premier annual event, MEGA, is the largest education and networking event for accounting and finance professionals in Florida. MEGA is where the brightest minds from the business community “Explore the Possibilities” during subject-matter led sessions and in-person collaboration.  Why make your way to MEGA? Tackle the latest trends and emerging topics, including cybersecurity, ESG, risk management, talent pipeline and more. Knowledgeable partners and exhibitors will help you navigate the complexities of accounting today. Connect with FICPA leadership (staff, Board and Council members) and share your unique member insights and build valuable relationships. MEGA features four days of start-to-finish activity beginning on June 9 with free career-inspiring 15-minute Learning Labs offering up to 4 hours of CPE. Sign up during registration to secure your seat. “Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs” is offered in conjunction with MEGA to allow you to fulfill your four required biennial ethics CPE credits.  Separate registration is required.  MEGA special events include a CPA Personal Financial Planning Boot Camp , a Women’s Leadership Summit, a Newly Certified Ceremony, an exclusive MEGA Evening Social, and our FICPA Reception. Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is conveniently located a hop, skip and a jump from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and CityWalk with early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  CPE Credit  This conference qualifies for up to 24 hours of CPE credit including a variety of AA, TB and BH, and is subject to change. CPE credit is subject to approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The type of credit earned depends on concurrent breakouts chosen. Please indicate choice of breakouts on the registration form. IRS CE Credit IRS Continued Education Credit can be awarded for attending the State Tax track of this conference. CE credit is reported to the IRS on the registrants behalf. You must select you wish to earn IRS CE from the sessions menu during the registration process and provide the FICPA with your PTIN within 10 days of the conclusion of the conference for the FICPA to report your CE credits. Registrants can provide their PTIN by emailing cpe@ficpa.org. CLE Credit CLE credit is awarded by The Florida Bar and eligible for attending the State Tax learning track of this conference. You must select you wish to earn CLE from the sessions menu during the registration process and provide the FICPA with your FL BAR number to receive your CLE course codes for self reporting. $tack the $avings!  In addition to FICPA member and early registration discounts, you can save up to 15% when registering groups of five or more from the same organization. Contact FICPA Member Services at MSC@ficpa.org or 850-224-2727, ext. 1 for details. FICPA Members save even more. Not a member? Join today at ficpa.org/JoinToday. Social Media Follow the FICPA on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and X and share news about this conference using the hashtag #FICPAMEGA. Cancellation Policy We love to see you commit to the annual MEGA conference early, but know sometimes life forces schedules to change. If that happens, you have options. Please let our member services team know which option you select below: Receive a full refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account by canceling before May 9th, 2025. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727. Receive a partial refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account, minus the event cancellation fee of $125 by canceling on or after May 9th, 2025. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727. Call For Presenters We are looking for dynamic presenters for the 2025 MEGA Conference. Do you have a story to tell or best practices or innovations to share? Fill out the Speaker Submission Form for consideration! Forms are due by February 15th to be considered for the 2025 year.

*** Save 15% on this event when you use the code SPRING25 at checkout ***Clients think that estate planning only applies to the very rich. In truth, there are many issues of critical concern for which the middle-income client needs to plan. This course is a must-attend for all Accounting and Financial Professionals who work with middle-income clients and are looking for ways to provide additional quality services. Updated for developments relative to estate tax changes.

There's a perfect storm going on. We've got the new economy, a new generation coming online, and we have LinkedIn pulling people away from us and bringing them to us. Also, there are ethical issues. All of these issues surround and apply to the issue of diversity. Simply put, diversity is the mix of people you have in an organization, Inclusion is how you integrate and manage them. In the "New Normal" world of the modern economy, having a culture that encourages the full participation of all people on the team is a real competitive advantage. This fast-paced course updates one's strategic view of the world of Diversity and Inclusion and applies it to the specialized world we work in.

Prior to the original SAS No. 82 on Consideration of Fraud In A Financial Statement Audit (now codified as SAS No. 122, AU 240), the word fraud never appeared in a single SAS, nor was it described anywhere.  SAS No. 82 stated that auditors failed to detect fraud for two reasons:  1) They did not know what it looked like and 2) They had not been trained to look for it.  Although the SASs did not provide any guidance, auditors have always been responsible for the detection of anything that would cause a material misstatement of the financial statements whether caused by error or irregularities.  (They would not even say the word fraud until it appeared in SAS No. 82) The standards were replete with guidance on the detection of an error but silent on how to detect irregularities.  Now auditors are required to document in every financial statement audit their process of determining the risk of financial misstatement due to fraud. This presentation is designed to focus on frauds that were missed by the auditors and, in some cases, why it was missed.  There will also be discussion as to what the auditor must do in order to improve their track record on detecting fraud.  As reported on the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations, only 4% of frauds were initially discovered by the external auditor.  It was reported that more frauds were discovered by accident, (5%) then was discovered by the external auditor.

To make more money in less time, all accountants need to learn to market themselves effectively to their clients or their firm. For better or worse, promotions and more money go to those who are the best marketers, rather than the most competent accountants.  In this fascinating and fun workshop, participants will learn seven key ways to get more clients and/or promotions through the art of marketing.

In this course, participants will learn about the five principals of COSO's Fraud Risk Management Guide and the linkages each principal has to the use of forensic data analytics to measurably demonstrate effectiveness and ROI.  We will also explore key elements to a successful program that is sustainable as well as pitfalls to avoid. Finally, we will cover several case studies that demonstrate the key concepts discussed. 

Target setting can drive breathtaking positive results, the moonlandings, the eradication of smallpox or the repair of the ozone layer, for example.  They can also have a dark side that can put executives in jail, bring global businesses to their knees and even cause wholesale loss of life.  Using practical examples and case studies, this course walks you through the steps you need to follow to design robust, effective and credible targets for your organization.

In the last year, our country has seen the passage of multiple federal laws impacting the enforceability to common employment documents. Several federal agencies have also issued opinions that could impact common employment documents. This presentation will review those new laws and opinions and discuss the potential impact they may have on arbitration agreements, severance agreements, confidentiality agreement, and non-disparagement agreements.