CPE Catalog & Events

Tax preparer regulation is a controversial topic among policymakers, the Internal Revenue Service, and certification providers. Proponents claim that regulation protects taxpayers from incompetent preparers, while opponents assert that regulation increases costs and discourages preparers from attaining higher qualifications. Following longstanding regulations in Oregon and California, the IRS implemented the Registered Tax Return Preparer program in 2012, which was unexpectedly invalidated in just its second year. Using this quasi-experimental setting and a unique dataset of all U.S. tax preparers obtained from the IRS, we test the effect of regulation on tax preparer qualifications. We find that tax preparer regulation is positively associated with the proportion of highly qualified tax preparers. We also find that regulation increases (decreases) the likelihood that a market entrant (exiter) is highly qualified. In additional analysis, we find some evidence that tax preparer regulations are associated with increased fees and better tax return quality.

1099s are getting messier; are you'ready? With multiple 1099 forms now merged into one mega-report for clients and the IRS, it'sno wonder fixed income reporting feels more confusing than ever. This course breaks it all down - how the information provided to IRS differs from the backup material in the form, and how to report it all correctly - to help you make sense of the chaos and keep your filings clean.

Big changes are here for retirement plan distributions. On July 19, 2024, t he IRS dropped new Final and Proposed Regulations - and they're a major shift from what we saw in 2022. Join Michael Gray, CPA, as he breaks down what'snew, what'schanged under SECURE 2.0, and how it all impacts estate planning and post-death retirement account management?especially for surviving spouses and other beneficiaries.

We are all (including tax practitioners) getting older, and the need for effective retirement planning has never been greater. This course is essential for participants who wish to attain a comfortable retirement for themselves and their clients by maximizing tax-saving strategies. Designed to improve the quality of services to clients and the profitability of engagements, this presentation integrates federal taxation with retirement planning. The emphasis is on practical simplicity in dealing with the self-employed and highly compensated individual. Distribution options from IRAs and other retirement plans are explored.

Revenue recognition continues to be a top compliance and advisory issue for CPAs in the construction industry. This session will dive into the complexities of ASC 606, including common pitfalls in contract modifications, variable consideration, and performance obligations. Real-world case studies will illustrate best practices for implementation and ongoing management. This session was recorded on March 25, 2025 for CalCPA'sConstruction Management Conference.

Revenue involves significant risks that warrant special consideration during audits. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued a new standard: "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" that replaces most industry-specific revenue recognition requirements in US GAAP. A new principles-based, five-step revenue recognition model now applies. Recent disclosures of qualitative and quantitative information, significant judgments, and changes in judgments are also required. New systems, processes, and controls may be needed. Poor design or implementation may pose heightened risks of material misstatement, including those due to fraud.

In this course, we will explore how auditors identify and assess the risks of material misstatements by gaining a comprehensive understanding of privately owned companies and their unique challenges. Key questions we will address include: Are identifiable controls in place? Do owners and managers actively promote compliance with company policies? Have they documented these controls and effectively communicated them to staff? Are these controls observable and testable for operating effectiveness? Additionally, do owners and managers monitor employee performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the controls implemented?

Robotic process automation (RPA) possesses several features that may give rise to similar but also new adoption effects (both benefits and challenges) relative to other information technology (IT) implementations. This study adds to the accounting and emerging technologies literature by examining the beginning-to-end process through which RPA is implemented in the accounting function. We adopt an exploratory and case-centered research methodology based on a mature RPA implementation in an accounting setting. We further corroborate it with interviews with subject matter experts and compare it with another case study of an early-stage RPA implementation. We identify five themes related to RPA adoption in accounting functions: workforce, IT governance, privacy and security, system sustainability, and the measurement of RPA success.We'll also present key takeaways that may support effective RPA adoption in accounting.

Robotic process automation (RPA) provides organizations numerous benefits in achieving efficiency and effectiveness, but not without risks. Without proper management, the risks posed by RPA may outweigh its intended advantages. RPA risk management has received little attention in prior accounting research and practice.We'll discuss risks and control considerations important to achieving the return on RPA investment and maintaining the integrity of the automated processes, substantiated by interviews with RPA and risk professionals. Our interviewees suggest that RPA risk management provides incremental value in addition to risk management of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, that the skillset needed for RPA risk management may be missing among risk professionals, and that existing risk and control frameworks must evolve for RPA risk management.

Health-related decisions are encountered in every life stage. Making good choices can have a major impact on personal happiness and financial success. Managing the risk of a financially catastrophic illness requires thoughtful analysis of personal, tax and financial factors. Acquire a better understanding of medical insurance options for individuals transitioning to retirement, including long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medigap plans.

Unlock the secrets to building and expanding a successful Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice in this dynamic and informative session. As the accounting profession continues to evolve, CAS offers an incredible opportunity to provide high-value and recurring services to clients, setting your firm apart and driving sustained growth. In this session, you will delve deeper into the essential components that contribute to a thriving CAS practice, including best practices for client engagement, innovative service offerings, and effective marketing strategies. By understanding the nuances of CAS, you will be equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern accounting landscape and capitalize on emerging trends that can enhance your service delivery and client satisfaction. This session was originally presented and recorded at the CalCPA Members Club Summit, August 2024.

Big changes are coming - are you ready? By December 15, 2025, firms must comply with the new Statement on Quality Management Standards (SQMS). Understanding these requirements is the critical first step toward implementation. This on-demand course breaks down the most significant SQMS requirements, helping you navigate the changes with confidence. With the deadline fast approaching, don't wait to prepare; get the insights you need to ensure compliance and strengthen your firm's quality management system today.

Are you'ready to excel in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and advance your career in accounting? This course will provide you with the essential tools and knowledge needed to succeed in this demanding examination. You will explore the key components of the CPA exam, including its structure, sections, and time allocations. Additionally, you will learn effective exam preparation strategies and techniques to overcome exam anxiety. The course will also cover strategies for mastering complex topics, test-taking approaches, and actionable takeaways that will enhance your confidence and readiness. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the CPA exam and take significant steps toward achieving your professional goals in accounting.

This intensive 2-hour course is designed to unlock the potential of array formulas in Microsoft Excel. Array formulas are a vital tool in Excel for their unique ability to perform multiple calculations on one or more items within an array, making them indispensable for complex data analysis and calculations. They enable users to write fewer, more powerful formulas, leading to cleaner and more efficient spreadsheets. This course is tailored to enhance your data analysis and spreadsheet management skills by delving into the advanced aspects of array functions.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of two critical aspects of tax practice: the professional standards that govern the provision of tax advice and the legal privileges that protect certain taxpayer communications. Participants will explore the statutory, regulatory, and professional requirements imposed on CPAs when advising clients, including how to effectively communicate tax positions and comply with applicable standards. In addition, the course examines the scope and limitations of confidentiality privileges available to CPAs, including protections under Internal Revenue Code Section 7525, the work product doctrine, and the Kovel doctrine. Through this combined focus, tax professionals will gain a deeper understanding of both their ethical responsibilities and the legal considerations that impact their client relationships.

Tax professionals must navigate a complex landscape of tax elections and procedural requirements to ensure compliance and minimize risks for their clients. Overlooking an election or procedural rule can lead to adverse tax consequences, missed opportunities, and even malpractice claims. This course provides a comprehensive overview of critical tax elections and procedural issues that CPAs must understand. Participants will explore key tax elections, their implications, and potential pitfalls. Additionally, the course delves into essential tax procedures, including IRS return due dates, statutes of limitations, taxpayer claims for refunds, and various relief provisions. By mastering these areas, CPAs can proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and effectively represent clients in tax matters.

This course is designed for CPAs seeking to deepen their understanding of federal tax-exempt status and the complexities of Form 990. Participants will explore the core form and schedules, gaining insights into public support requirements, compensation disclosures, and governance policies. The course covers critical topics such as direct and grassroots lobbying, private benefit and inurement, and special rules for activities like advertising and bingo. Attendees will also examine the implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and recent regulatory updates, including mandatory e-filing requirements. By the end, learners will be equipped to ensure accurate, compliant filings and effectively navigate the nuances of tax-exempt organization reporting.

This course equips CPAs and financial experts with practical strategies to deliver clear, confident, and defensible testimony during direct examination. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, structure your testimony, and communicate complex financial analysis in a way that judges and juries can understand. Topics include advance case preparation, file documentation and privilege awareness, scripting direct testimony, using courtroom graphics, and managing credibility under legal scrutiny. Real-world examples and best practices are shared to help you strengthen your effectiveness, maintain independence, and avoid common pitfalls in litigation testimony.

This course dives deep into key supplemental schedules of IRS Form 990, giving you clear insights into public support tests, lobbying activities, and essential financial and compensation disclosures. Learn the rules, spot common mistakes, and discover practical planning strategies to strengthen your nonprofit'sreporting and stay compliant. This session was recorded on May 29, 2025, for CalCPA'sNot-for-Profit Organizations Conference.

Surveys and field studies find that diverse teams are high-performing teams. Diverse teams value different perspectives and encourage the participation of team members through psychological safety, leading to higher team performance. Team diversity is an office-level characteristic, that is distinguishable from other characteristics studied in prior auditing literature, that has an incremental effect on audit quality. The positive association between team diversity and audit quality is robust to controlling other audit office and client characteristics. This positive association is even stronger for more complex and non-routine audit engagements.