CPE Catalog & Events

This session provides insights for enhancing the preparation and utilization of budgets. Seasoned accountants will benefit from a refreshed awareness of popular techniques. Budding financial professionals will obtain novel insight regarding fundamental budgeting concepts. All participants will develop an appreciation for the holistic nature of budgeting as an integral tool for planning and control. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Part 1 of a 2-part series is an overview of GAAP requirements for nonprofit organizations and will help you become proficient in nonprofit financial reporting. This webcast focuses on presentation and disclosure unique to nonprofit organizations. Be sure to register for the next in the series: Nonprofit A&A Series Part 2: Revenue Recognition.

Compliance with standards Do you perform preparation, compilation, or review engagements? Staying in compliance with all professional standards surrounding engagements performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs) is essential to your engagements. You'll gain insight into how to perform these engagements in accordance with the relevant guidance. Building a foundation for successful engagements You'll cover several key topics to help you complete preparation, compilation, or review engagements successfully and compliantly. Topics covered include: Frameworks, objectives, and general principles Standards and guidance Documentation

This course is designed to provide a deep understanding of NQDC plans, focusing on the regulations, tax nuances, and strategies to understand to effectively advise clients. Participants will learn about the key features of NQDC plans, their differences from qualified retirement plans, and the compliance requirements under IRC Section 409A and other relevant regulations. The course will cover the taxation of NQDC plans, including income recognition, FICA, and federal/state taxes, for both employers and employees. Attendees will explore various types of NQDC plans and discuss their unique features and benefits. The course will also delve into financing and funding options for NQDC plans and provide guidance on developing and implementing effective planning strategies based on participant demographics, company objectives, and tax efficiency. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and tools to properly advise clients on NQDC plans to maximize benefits while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Mergers, acquisitions and alliances have been — and will continue to be — major avenues to organizational growth and increased competitive advantage. Yet, despite the great initial promise of many business mergers and alliances, few seem to yield the anticipated results. Numerous studies indicate that between 55% and 77% of mergers fail to accomplish their intended purpose. This course helps CFOs, controllers and their advisors identify, negotiate and consummate mergers and acquisitions that create shareholder value while avoiding the many traps that can cause post-acquisition failure.

Discover recent developments in tax return preparation and representation. Learn the rules of professional conduct set forth by the IRS, AICPA and state tax agencies. Review rules and regulations that govern tax practice for both federal and state purposes. Examine the rules of practice before the IRS (Treasury Dept. Circular 230). Explore current developments related to tax practice. Consider how ethical principles, such as conflicts of interest, apply to partnerships and other flow-through entities. Determine how various states regulate tax practice, including a discussion on malpractice. Tackle real-world scenarios affecting your practice. Understand how the accountant-client privilege applies in your practice.

Are you using Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint to their full potential? Many professionals rely on these essential tools but often overlook their best features. If you find yourself using "brute force" methods and spending too much time on tasks, it's time to upgrade your skills. Join our four-hour session designed to transform how you work with Microsoft Office. You'll learn how to harness the power of Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint to achieve better results in less time. Our expert instructors will guide you through the most efficient techniques, ensuring you gain practical skills that you can apply immediately. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. Sign up now and take the first step towards mastering Microsoft Office!

With the increasing complexity and ever-changing nature of tax laws and issues, today’s accountant needs a one-day fast-paced update course focusing on the hottest Federal income tax topics affecting individuals, businesses and their owners with an emphasis of newly enacted income tax legislation.   *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    

The accounting profession stands at a critical inflection point where artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping how firms operate, serve clients, and compete in the marketplace. This course, based on the 2025 CPA Firm Tech Report, provides expert guidance on overcoming the five key challenges that prevent firms from successfully adopting transformative technologies: decision paralysis from overwhelming choices, leadership resistance to change, difficulty proving ROI, growing cybersecurity risks, and critical skills gaps. Through real-world case studies and insights from industry leaders, participants will learn practical strategies for evaluating AI solutions, implementing change management frameworks, and building a technology-forward culture that enhances both efficiency and client value. Participants will explore the CPA Firm Digital Maturity Model to assess their firm's readiness for transformation, examine the evolving AI ecosystem specifically designed for accounting applications, and discover how leading firms are leveraging AI to move beyond traditional compliance work toward high-value advisory services. The course addresses critical considerations for firms of all sizes, from solo practitioners to large regional firms, providing actionable frameworks for prioritizing technology investments, measuring success beyond traditional ROI metrics, and developing the hybrid talent needed to thrive in an AI-enhanced future. Whether you're a firm leader hesitant about technology adoption or a forward-thinking professional ready to champion change, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the technology revolution transforming the accounting profession. 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.

The introduction to governmental budgeting course is an overview of the typical timeline and process a government uses when creating their annual budget. Topics covered include the basics of governmental budgeting, establishing priorities for the budget, the common steps and timeline of the budget process, what, when and how we should be monitoring the budget throughout the year, and how long-term budgets fit in with the annual budget process. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The controller's role encompasses many traditional responsibilities. The breadth and depth of the controller skill set has expanded and will continue to expand as the business world evolve. In years-gone-by, the concept of information technology and cybersecurity were left to our IT professionals. However, with the prevalent threat that exists in these areas, it is now one of the components of the controller’s skill set that should be in their toolbox.

The objective of corrective action is to change conduct through teaching. Corrective action may be sequential, out of order, repetitive, or not appropriate to take at all. The action selected should reflect the type, frequency, and severity of the misconduct. Changing conduct through teaching requires effective employee relations skills. This course provides practical knowledge and scripts for handling a wide array of sensitive misconduct situations with good judgment, such that personal and employer liability is avoided.

Forensic accounting, forensic accountancy or financial forensics is the specialty practice area of accounting that investigates whether firms engage in financial reporting misconduct. Forensic accountants apply a range of skills and methods to determine whether there has been financial reporting misconduct. Financial forensic engagements may fall into several categories. For example: Economic damages calculations, whether suffered through tort or breach of contract. Post-acquisition disputes such as earnouts or breaches of warranties Bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization Securities and tax fraud Money laundering Business valuation Computer forensics/e-discovery This session is designed to delve into further investigative procedures used including digital forensics. Future sessions will focus on computer forensics, network forensics and mobile forensics.  

This course covers authoritative GAAP for construction contractors as addressed in FASB ASC 910 and the AICPA Guide for Construction Contractors. Jeff explains the unique aspects of accounting within the construction industry and how the applicable standards and guidance address those issues. The course includes practical examples to support understanding of key concepts, including revenue recognition and contract-related issues. Jeff presents the material in an engaging manner to help reinforce learning and maintain focus.

Single Audits are a critical area of focus within the profession and require a thorough understanding of the Uniform Guidance and its unique requirements for auditing federal awards. This course provides a clear, practical introduction to the performance and reporting standards that distinguish Single Audits from other types of engagements. Participants will explore foundational concepts, including internal controls over compliance, the structure and use of the Compliance Supplement, and the compliance requirements applicable to federal programs. The course also covers reporting considerations and the elements of a finding in a Single Audit. Designed for professionals new to Single Audits-or those seeking a structured refresher-this course equips participants with the essential knowledge needed to understand and navigate Single Audit engagements. The course has been updated to reflect the 2024 Uniform Guidance.  

*** 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.

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.

This course provides tax and accounting professionals with a framework for serving as the lead advisor in a multidisciplinary planning environment. Participants will explore how to coordinate with attorneys, financial planners, insurance professionals, and bankers to deliver integrated planning strategies. The course emphasizes identifying opportunities across estate, financial, retirement, and tax planning while managing collaboration and delivering cohesive client solutions.

As the new administration proposes changes to tax policies, estate planning strategies must adapt to evolving laws and regulations. This course equips financial professionals with advanced tools and techniques to address complex estate planning issues, including the latest legislative and regulatory updates. Participants will gain insights into tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, charitable giving techniques, and the impact of recent tax law changes on estate and gift taxation. With a focus on real-world application, this course provides practical strategies for leveraging closely held stock, split-interest trusts, and life insurance in estate planning. Attendees will explore how to maximize tax benefits while ensuring compliance with changing regulations, ultimately helping clients achieve their financial and legacy goals. *Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Handouts Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com