CPE Catalog & Events

Accounting is a man-made science, built on principles that require a consistent framework to ensure comparability and reliability in practice. This course introduces participants to the FASB Conceptual Framework, which serves not only as the foundation for developing accounting standards but also as a guide for applying sound judgment in practice. Jeff Sailor will cover the key elements of the framework, focusing on recognition, measurement, qualitative characteristics, and disclosure requirements. The course will draw on all eight chapters of Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (Concept 8), bringing clarity to how the framework supports financial reporting. Jeff’s signature video parodies will also be featured, offering memorable reinforcement of the material. 

Stay current on key developments affecting audit and attestation engagements with this comprehensive update on what's happening at the AICPA. This course begins with the next phase of quality management, with a particular focus on firms' monitoring and remediation responsibilities and what those requirements mean in practice. Participants will also review recent and upcoming standards impacting audit, attestation, and consulting engagements, including SSAE No. 24 and SSARS No. 26, along with high-impact exposure drafts related to confirmations and fraud. The course concludes with an overview of SAS No. 149 and its implications for group audits. Designed as a timely update for practitioners, this course helps participants understand how recent and proposed changes may affect engagement planning, execution, and compliance in the years ahead.  

One of the most difficult things for any Client Advisory Services (CAS) professional to learn is how to communicate financial information to non-financial people. To be successful, it's crucial to master this skill, as we frequently explain accounting jargon to those unfamiliar with the field. In this course, we will explore how to properly communicate with stakeholders, including investors, clients, boards of directors, and even other departments. We will explore biases that people have when viewing financial information and even how to make sure we keep our message on point. If you are looking to move up in the financial services world, this course is a must for you.

This course explores the data analytics aspects of AI in accounting. Participants will develop skills in leveraging AI tools for enhanced data analytics.

One of the important roles of any member of the financial team. Including the controller, may be involvement in the preparation of the company’s financial statements. Even if that responsibility falls within the office of the CFO, the controller and other finance personnel must understand how their transitions recorded impact the financial statements. Financial statements (or financial reports) are formal records of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity. Relevant financial information is presented in a structured manner and in a form which is easy to understand. They typically include four basic financial statements accompanied by a management discussion and analysis: A balance sheet or statement of financial position reports on a company's assets, liabilities and owners’ equity at a given point in time. An income statement may have varying names including profit and loss report (P&L report), statement of comprehensive income, or statement of revenue & expenses. These report on a company's income, expenses, and profits over a stated period. A profit and loss statement provides information on the operation of the enterprise. These include sales and the various expenses incurred during the stated period. A statement of changes in equity or “statement of equity” also called “statement of retained earnings” reports on the changes in equity of the company over a stated period. A cash flow statement reports on a company's cash flow, particularly its operating, investing and financing activities over a stated period. A balance sheet represents a single point in time, where the income statement, the statement of changes in equity, and the cash flow statement each represent activities over a stated period. For large corporations, these statements may be complex and may include an extensive set of footnotes to the financial statements, management discussion and analysis and supplementary information. The notes typically describe each item on the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement in further detail. Notes to financial statements are considered an integral part of the financial statements.  

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.

In today's world of "Big Data" every business professional is a data analyst to some extent. This is especially true for auditors, who increasingly rely on data analytics to identify situations that require follow-up and investigation. Those who master the tools and techniques for thorough data analysis can achieve superior results in less time. Join our dynamic session to unlock the full potential of data analytics! You'll explore various tools and techniques, including Excel, multiple Excel add-ins, and Microsoft's Power BI application. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or dive deeper into the world of data analytics, this course is designed for you. Our expert instructors will guide you through practical, real-world examples, ensuring you grasp the key concepts and apply them effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your data analysis skills and stay ahead in your field. Enroll now and transform your approach to data analytics!

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.

With the increasing complexity and ever-changing nature of tax laws and issues, today’s accountant needs a one-day update course focusing on individual income tax issues with an emphasis of newly enacted income tax legislation. This comprehensive class will not only review the current Federal individual income tax laws but will also update tax return preparers of new tax forms, changes to existing tax forms, as well as tax planning opportunities and pitfalls. This is a “must-attend” course for all tax practitioners who want to be up to speed quickly and have a successful Federal individual income tax filing season.   *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 globalization of business, ongoing changes in technology, increased attention of shareholders and stakeholders and the continuing demands of the Audit Committee and senior management require a dynamic framework for managing today's internal audit department. This session, designed by a past Chief Audit Executive with significant exposure to a multitude of industries and internal audit frameworks, explores the key competencies and responsibilities of today's internal audit management and methods for meeting the requirements of the internal audit profession. We will also discuss some of the greatest challenges of the role and how to address those challenges.

How to properly account for and audit digital records is increasingly gathering importance as more entities have cryptocurrency and other digital assets on their financial statements. This course will address common questions, risks, and challenges evolving in this area. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into business operations and decision-making, organizations must recognize that effective oversight extends beyond technical safeguards.The governance, risk and control (GRC) responsibilities of AI also carry a cultural dimension requiring alignment with corporate ethical values ethical principles and accountability structures.Cultural governance emphasizes leadership commitment, employee engagement and cross-function ownership of AI practices to ensure trust and transparency.  AI-related risks – ranging from bias and ethical concerns to regulatory compliance, reputational exposure and operational vulnerabilities necessitate robust control frameworks and proactive mitigation strategies.   These include governance structures, policies, risk assessments, transparency measures, and continuous monitoring.  By embedding cultural governance and mitigation responsibilities into enterprise AI initiatives, organizations can responsibly harness innovation while safeguarding stakeholders, protecting reputation and ensuring sustainable long-term value. Note:  This is Part 2 in a two-part series on the risks of AI

Client Accounting Services (CAS) have become a cornerstone of modern CPA firms, offering opportunities for enhanced client relationships, recurring revenue streams, and streamlined operations. This course provides accounting professionals with practical guidance on implementing and optimizing CAS within their firms. Participants will explore the foundational elements of CAS, including service offerings, pricing models, and client communication strategies. The course delves into the technology tools essential for CAS, including accounting software, workflow automation, and reporting platforms. It offers insights into best practices for managing client expectations and delivering consistent, high-value services. In addition, participants will examine case studies of successful CAS implementations, review current trends impacting CAS, and identify critical steps to build a scalable CAS practice that aligns with their firm's goals. The course also addresses the importance of data security, governance, and compliance in providing CAS to ensure ethical and professional service delivery.

Employees drive the written and unwritten culture at your organization. Understanding the key workplace issues and how to solve them in today's environment can maximize the returns that employees provide for an organization. We take a deep dive into the research behind the larger issues with our workforce and discuss multiple practical solutions that will enhance your leadership and growth. How can we realize the most from our staff?

Metrics only add value when they are communicated clearly and used consistently. This session focuses on dashboards, performance management tools, and open-book management as ways to turn metrics into action. Participants will learn how dashboards support decision-making, why many reporting projects fail, and how transparency and trust improve performance. The session emphasizes visualization, communication, and using metrics to answer the most important management questions. Humorous videos will be incorporated to drive home some key points and keep things entertaining.

Excel gives you multiple ways to solve the same problem - but which formula is the right one? This course teaches a decision-based approach to function selection, helping you confidently choose between similar and competing functions. Through real-world examples and side-by-side comparisons, you'll learn when IFS or SWITCH is cleaner than nested IFs, how SUMPRODUCT can help with complex summarizing data, how to use LET in place of defined names, and much more. Ideal for professionals who want to make smarter, faster formula choices that are easier to maintain and audit. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

IRS Form 7217 is an IRS tax form required for partners receiving distributions of property from partnerships. Starting for tax years beginning in 2024, a partner who receives property from a partnership must file Form 7217 with his or her annual income tax return. Form 7217 is filed by any partner receiving a distribution of property from a partnership to report the basis of the distributed property, including any basis adjustment to such property as required by Section 732(a)(2) or (b). This new IRS form is part of the IRS's general concern regarding basis shifting in favor of high marginal tax rate related partners. Form 7217 is now required and details the types of property distributed, the aggregate basis, and the allocation of basis to the distributed property. Form 7203 is designed to assist in tracking an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis. Form 7203 is a significant improvement from the worksheets the IRS provided formerly and over time will serve to help partners and partnerships keep track of their stock and debt basis. The course covers the structure and organization of Form 7203 as well as how an S corporation shareholder's stock and debt basis are calculated.

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!

Young doctors sometimes arrive at an exotic medical diagnosis (You've got Kuru!), when a more common place explanation is likely (You've got a cold). These diagnoses are known as Zebras and doctors are taught, "When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras". Sometimes, the patient really has a rare disease and suffers from misdiagnosis and subsequent improper treatment. Similarly, managers, auditors, and investigators often see indicators of fraud, but dismiss them because they've been taught or assume based upon experience that it is just a mistake that looks like fraud. This session uses case studies to explore some of the more common symptoms of fraud that are often misdiagnosed.

If you're using or plan to transition to QuickBooks Online, will you be able to get the reports you need from the platform" In this session, you'll learn how to maximize your reporting options when working with QuickBooks Online.