CPE Catalog & Events

Part of one's duty as a CPA working in industry is to safeguard the assets of the organization. Cost cutting is one way to preserve assets and maintain a company's competitive position in the industry. However, what keeps us from ridding our organizations of unnecessary costs? In this course, we will look at the factors that prevent our companies from being as streamlined as they could be. By using statistics and survey data, we will attempt to show how to better negotiate and navigate budgeting and contracting decisions. We will also discuss financial statement analysis techniques, benchmarking, and cash flow management in an effort to better cut costs and maintain the long-run viability of an organization.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of cost segregation studies from both technical and compliance perspectives, emphasizing what truly distinguishes a high-quality, IRS-defensible report. Drawing from the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (ATG) and the instructor's experience as a former IRS engineer and Cost Segregation subject matter expert. Participants will gain practical understanding of how to evaluate, perform, and document cost segregation studies. Topics include the fundamentals of cost segregation and depreciation methods, the differences between Section 1245 and 1250 property, and the importance of accurate cost allocations, engineering documentation, and supportable estimates. The course also covers the principal elements of a well-prepared report, common pitfalls that trigger IRS scrutiny, and practical remedies to strengthen study credibility and audit resilience. By the end of this session, tax professionals, engineers, and financial advisors will be equipped to recognize the hallmarks of a quality cost segregation study and avoid costly mistakes in the process. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

AI is now built into software that CPA firms already use, and the pressure to have a position on it keeps rising. For most small and midsize firms the question is not whether these tools matter, but how to engage with them on terms that fit a practice built on trust, confidentiality, and professional judgment. This course makes an evidence-based case that professional skepticism is an asset in technology decisions, provided it is aimed at the right target. Drawing on research in trust calibration, human and AI decision making, cognitive offloading, and professional identity, it examines why experienced professionals discount sound algorithmic advice, what that discounting costs in accuracy, and where reasonable caution turns into accidental delay. Participants locate their firm on the AI Trust and Usage Quadrant, apply five trust questions to vendor claims, and review bounded first steps designed to protect independent judgment during a pilot. The course is vendor neutral and recommends no product. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

"AI won't take your job. But, AI will take parts of your job. And if you don't learn to do the particularly human things that AI will never do, then, you may in fact be without a job." -Kassi Rushing "Human Leadership in an AI World" workshop is designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with understanding of the essential skills and insights needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven workplace. This interactive and forward-thinking session challenges participants to harness the power of Generative AI and other new technologies while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human leadership.

This session provides a comprehensive analysis of meals and entertainment regulations under IRC 274 as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Participants will learn how to identify deductible vs. nondeductible expenditures, interpret the regulatory definitions surrounding "entertainment," "business associate," and reimbursement arrangements, and apply the numerous exceptions under IRC 274(e), including compensation, recreational activities, public availability, and goods or services sold to customers. Using examples from the final regulations, we will dissect key distinctions such as separately stated food and beverage costs, employer-provided meals, and the treatment of per diem reimbursements. This course equips practitioners with the technical precision required for compliance, documentation, and audit defense. 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 provides a concise overview of critical thinking and professional skepticism in AI-augmented CPA work. As artificial intelligence increasingly performs drafting, analysis, calculation, research, and other preparation tasks, CPAs are shifting toward higher-value roles involving review, verification, challenge, and professional judgment. Participants will examine professional standards, human cognitive biases, AI failure modes, evidence requirements, questioning techniques, vendor claims, documentation practices, and firm-level controls. The course emphasizes a central principle: AI output should be treated as an unverified claim requiring appropriate human challenge before professional reliance. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

When exit planning, it is important to weigh various issues, including tax implications, to achieve an effective management and/or ownership change. Many envision tax-free reorganizations being the most preferable structure to avoid capital gains tax, but the opportunities come at a cost to the seller. This course will provide a well-rounded discussion of the various strategies to consider when advising on exiting a business.

One of the most challenging skills for a manager or supervisor to master is delegation. This course will cover a variety of delegation-related topics and provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to delegate work and authority effectively.

Leaders in CPA firms often spend time on work that sits below their highest and best use: meetings they do not need to attend, work delegated upward by their teams, client scope creep, administrative tasks, and avoided accountability conversations. Survey data cited in the course indicates that most leaders say yes to commitments they know they should decline, at a cost of hundreds of hours per year. This course introduces the distinction between hard work (time-bound), smart work (skills-based and intellectual), and uncomfortable work (emotional), and shows why avoided "Uncomfortable Work" is the common root of these low-value commitments. Participants complete a structured 32-item self-inventory across five categories: meetings and events, unrealistic expectations, strategies and opportunities, tasks and projects, and suboptimal performance. They then quantify the estimated annual hours lost to the commitments they identified, select one commitment to decline over the next month, and name the higher-value leadership activity (such as delegation, business development, project oversight, or performance management) that the reclaimed time will support. With the self-awareness and clarity gained through this program, you will know exactly which gaps need closing before work ramps back up. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Deceptive practices in financial statements continue to be a problem. This program discusses historical cases where fraudulent financial statements were not identified by an auditor and how to avoid these problems in the future.

Data analytics is among the most widely discussed topics in business circles today. In this session, you will learn about the four types of data analytics, tools for generating data analytics measures, and how to interpret and use data analytics results.

There is no shortage of data, but relatively few organizations have an environment and process to isolate, capture, analyze, and convert data into actionable information. Too often, we collect as much data as possible, continue to use historic measurements, and communicate data using traditional vehicles. Good decisions are not the result of the amount of data gathered, but of the quality and understanding of the information. The goal of this program is to explore a number of analytical tools and techniques and identify applications for them within an organization. Analytical techniques will be introduced throughout the discussion, and a significant amount of time will be spent addressing the steps needed to establish a data-driven environment and identifying and discussing potential/specific applications. In this way, participants get experience they can begin to use in their organizations. An expanded list of reference books and next level software is also provided.

This course provides a focused update on major recent pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Coverage includes GASB Statement No. 103 (financial reporting model), GASB Statement No. 104 (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. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Overcoming the challenges of auditing contracts Construction makes up a large portion of the economy. As such, a growing number of accounting and finance professionals may need to be aware of the accounting and auditing guidance for the construction industry. You'll delve into the audit considerations related to construction contracts, covering various topics, including: Audit planning and substantive auditing procedures The core knowledge necessary to succeed Key issues affecting construction auditing, including auditing under the new revenue recognition and leases guidance Audit risks and risk assessment

This comprehensive tax update is designed to prepare the practitioner for the upcoming filing season by providing an in-depth analysis and update of the business tax provisions enacted under OBBBA and other recent business tax developments. Participants will examine statutory changes affecting corporate, pass-through, and individual business taxation, including modifications to depreciation, credits, deductions, compliance requirements, and planning strategies. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Effective teamwork pays its own way by creating greater productivity and profitability in any accounting organization. A team of people working cooperatively can produce more than the sum of individual members working alone. One good idea stimulates another — but only if the team members are engaged and motivated to do so. Teamwork is inhibited in today's high-stress and changing accounting regulatory environment. Integrated into this informative yet pragmatic seminar are tried-and-true motivational principles for the realities of today's changing accounting workplace. It's not easy, but it can be done. You will learn how to form, motivate, steer, and get greater results from all team members by understanding what makes them tick and strategizing approaches to engage all team members.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken from certain tax-deferred retirement accounts, starting when the account owner reaches their applicable age. The RMD rules are complex and must be simplified to help ensure clients understand them. Accounting and finance professionals must understand the basics of RMDs for IRAs and employer plan accounts so as to help IRA owners, plan participants, and beneficiaries meet their RMD obligations and avoid penalties that apply to RMDs not taken by their applicable deadline. Accounting and finance professionals should also be able to demonstrate tax-efficient solutions for RMDs. This course will walk accounting and finance professionals through the fundamental concepts and rules that apply to RMDs, demonstrate how to calculate RMDs, and explain how to correct RMD errors. It can be taken by anyone, including those without any experience working with RMDs. The course will include cases to promote understanding of the rules.

Do you want to build stronger relationships with your clients, improve client retention, and drive growth in your practice? This course delves into the essential strategies for effective client management in today's competitive landscape. Client relationships, like any relationship, can be challenging to manage. Miscommunication, differing work styles, and unrealistic expectations are some of the challenges accounting and finance professionals routinely encounter. However, when accounting clients and members of your team are on the same page, client loyalty and profitability improve while conflict is minimized. This webinar explores proven strategies to improve relationships between accounting and finance professionals and their clients.

This course explores provisions of Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Engagements (SSARS) that govern review, compilation, and preparation engagements. Participants will recall foundational concepts, examine recent updates, understand practitioner responsibilities, and apply best practices for engagement performance. Attendees will learn how to efficiently perform SSARS engagements while complying with professional requirements. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Reconciliation is how you confirm that your QuickBooks Online checking accounts, savings account, credit cards, loan balances, and liabilities are correct. If you don't reconcile correctly every month, your reports will be wrong! Even if you use the QuickBooks Online banking feed, it's not a guarantee that your bank balances are correct. And when you have extra or missing transactions, your Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet are wrong! Reconciliation is the monthly step to confirm your checkbook balance, credit cards, liabilities, and loans have been entered correctly. The problem is that most businesses reconcile the transactions that ARE on the statement, but ignore the ones that are not. That's not Reconciling, that's "reconciling," and the result is that you may be paying your taxes wrong! In this class, not only will Alicia show you how to reconcile properly, but she'll show you how to trick out the interface to finish in seconds instead of hours. Even better, learn how to identify errors in your accounting data by how they appear in your Reconciliation window. Use reconciling as a troubleshooting tool for duplicated entries, misclassified categories, transactions coded to the wrong funding source, and receipt captures that didn't match the banking feed. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.