CPE Catalog & Events

Since 2017, employees have not been eligible to take an itemized deduction for a home office. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended all miscellaneous itemized deductions for tax years 2018 through 2025. That deduction is scheduled to go into effect in 2026. Self-employed individuals can deduct office expenses on Schedule C, Form 1040. The home office deduction includes typical office-connected expenditures such as supplies, postage, computers, printers, and all the other ordinary and necessary expenses a person would have in connection with running a home office. The home office tax deduction for the self-employed would cover expenses for the business use of a home, which includes mortgage interest, rent, insurance, utilities, repairs, and depreciation. This program discusses many of the most important issues relating to the deductibility of home office-related expenses.

While once thought just to apply to banking and financial institutions, entities now need to apply fair value accounting under ASC 820 across a variety of transactions. Whether you are assessing financial instruments, leases, business combination accounting, or impairment measurement, GAAP either requires or allows the use of fair value measures in an expanding number of circumstances. Now is the time for you to get up-to-speed on the basics of the fair value approach. In this course, we will review when fair value accounting is required and when an entity can select to use it. Then we will review the basics of the ASC 820 model, including the concept of "exit price," the various approaches that an entity may follow when using a fair value approach, and the different levels of inputs that an entity may consider when determining fair value. Lastly, the course will provide examples of when and how to apply this complex accounting guidance.

Recent feedback from the AICPA has emphasized the importance of performing an effective risk assessment to identify and evaluate the risk of material misstatement in a financial statement audit. SAS 145, the 2023 amendment to AU-C 315, makes significant changes to the extant risk assessment standard and certain changes to other standards as well. The amendments clarify confusion that the AICPA believes auditors experienced under the existing standard and also conforms, for the most part, to the IAASB standard on the same topic. SAS 145 has been effective for two years now starting with December 31, 2023 audits. This course will focus on how to perform the risk assessment process under the new standard, providing participants with a summary of the changes to existing guidance. It will discuss linking the results of the risk assessment to further testing (internal control and substantive testing) and procedures performed in concluding on the evidence obtained. In addition, it will also discuss documentation and audit communications.

This course introduces professionals to the fundamentals of individual tax preparation. Participants will learn the essentials of Form 1040, including filing requirements, income reporting, and deductions. The session will also cover preparer responsibilities, due diligence, and taxpayer rights under Circular 230. By the end, attendees will have a solid understanding of the foundation of personal tax returns. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This comprehensive course covers the most common aspects and tax implications of S Corporations, providing a deep dive into their structure, tax treatment, and compliance requirements. Participants will learn the mechanics of electing Subchapter S status, with discussions on Form 2553 and relief options for late filings. The course also explores the application of Rev. Proc. 2022-19 and Rev. Proc. 2023-3, analyzing their differences and implications under I.R.C. §1361 and §1362. Key topics include corporate formalities, shareholder stock and debt basis, and highlights of Form 1120S and its schedules (K-1, K-2, and K-3). Additionally, participants will gain insights into officer reasonable compensation requirements, audit strategies, and corrective measures for eligibility errors. *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

How does a forensic accountant calculate financial losses? Federal courts have approved various ways to calculate losses ranging from net worth method of proof to the expenditures method. Each method of proof depends on the available facts to the forensic accountant. This presentation will focus on the various court approved methods of proof, when to use them, and how to calculate the total loss. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Are you running around with a fire extinguisher permanently strapped to your back? Do everyday crises run your life, both at work and at home? Do you find yourself consistently taking care of your customers, your family, and your friends, and you are left with no time to take care of yourself? In this session, we will explore controlling your chaos and managing your energy. Make no mistake, this isn't your parent's time management class. It's an energy management class developed on behalf of and with tired, frustrated, and burned-out Professionals like yourselves! If you find yourself drained and drinking far too much coffee and approaching burnout, this is the session for you!

Why do for profit organizations exist" To make money!!!!! What a great concept. But if the organization does not have the proper collections and credit procedures in place, they may not be able to access that money. Hence the importance of the credit and collection process. Credit and collections are critical areas for the financial statement controllers. Customer credit is a form of payment that allows small business customers to purchase a product or service before paying for it in full. The process works similarly to the way a credit card does - you procure something and pay it back later. Collections is a term used by a business when referring to money owed to that business by a customer. When a customer does not pay within the terms specified, the amount of the bill becomes past due and is sometimes submitted to a collection agency. The sales and collection process includes business activities related to selling products and services, maintaining customer records, billing customers, and recording payments from customers. It also includes activities necessary to manage accounts receivable, such as aging accounts and authorizing credit.  This course delves into the topics that impact the sales, credit and collections process for management. We discuss strategic steps management can take to ensure their processes are efficient and that they are able to actually collect their revenue.  

It would be amiss to not recognize that the passage of time has changed our world. Think of various events such as economic change, technological evolution, the pandemic etc. These are just a few of the changes that may have impacted the manner in which we execute some of the processes outlined in the SOX legislation. In this segment we will focus on sourcing of emerging risks by utilizing to COSO principles.   

The finance function is changing rapidly, driven by technology, demographics, and evolving business expectations. This session focuses on the tactical leadership skills CFOs and CPAs need to build and lead high-performing finance teams in the years ahead. Participants will explore how roles, skills, and expectations are shifting, and how leaders can prepare their teams for increased automation, real-time reporting, and greater strategic involvement. The session blends practical leadership guidance with forward-looking insights.

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.

This course will focus on preparing financial statement audit documentation critical for high quality audits that can pass peer review.

This program addresses the most recent developments impacting partnerships operating as LLCs, with a focus on legislative, administrative, and tax form changes. Emphasis will be placed on partners "tax basis" capital accounts & now required for tax form reporting, as well an overview of K-2 and K-3 reporting requirements and effective dates. *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

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.

This comprehensive fall tax update provides an in-depth review of the latest federal tax changes and IRS guidance following the enactment of OBBBA 2025, highlighting new legislation and provisions, regulatory shifts, and planning opportunities that will affect individual and tax compliance in the current filing season and beyond.

This comprehensive course provides a timely update on key accounting and auditing developments affecting governmental entities, bringing together recent standard-setting, auditing, and compliance changes into a single, cohesive learning experience. Participants will begin with an update on major pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including GASB Statements No. 103, 104, and 105, along with a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these changes affect governmental financial reporting, disclosures, and communication with stakeholders. The course then shifts to auditing developments, covering significant updates to the Yellow Book issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, including changes related to quality management, effective dates, and recent updates to the Green Book. Participants will also gain insight into the GAO's implementation delay and its implications for audit planning. Finally, the course addresses recent changes affecting Single Audits, including the 2024 Uniform Guidance overhaul, updates to Appendix B of the AICPA GAS/Single Audit Guide, recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memoranda, and reporting changes related to SAM.gov. Designed for auditors, preparers, and financial leaders working with governmental entities, this course helps participants understand how recent accounting and auditing changes intersect-and what to watch for as expectations continue to evolve. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Workpapers are the primary support for findings, conclusions and opinions on any audit or other attest engagement.  This course will provide the essential tips and techniques for ensuring workpaper documentation is of a high quality, yet efficient, nature.

Even if managers have incomplete information or constraints, they still must make choices. This session provides advice for navigating rocky decision-making terrain encountered by managers who must make choices despite imperfect information and/or constrained resources. We explore ways to leverage available information to make effective decisions when seemingly critical details cannot be obtained. We also illustrate managerial accounting techniques for optimizing profitability when inputs or resources are constrained by supply chain disruptions or other limitations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Dynamic arrays can be a tremendous time-saver in Excel, but most business professionals remain unaware of what should be a commonly used tool. With dynamic arrays you can reduce the time you spend creating and updating formulas and improve your accuracy at the same time. You can also take advantage of some innovative features associated with dynamic arrays to automate many calculations and data entry tasks. If you've yet to discover dynamic arrays, make plans to participate in this session to learn how you can take advantage of this terrific feature. If you're ready to transform your data into actionable insights and finally get the reports you need, this session is your game-changer. Join us and take control of your QuickBooks Online reporting like never before!

Learn why creating an employer brand is so important and instrumental in competing in today's competitive marketplace. Elevate your recruiting experience for candidates and onboarding process for new hires to enhance your employer's brand.