CPE Catalog & Events

We mostly focus on the income statement, but what about other financial statements and countless other accounting concerns?  This seminar is dedicated to breaking down common balance sheet issues, both on-the-books and off, that have an impact on our stakeholders and the value of the organization.  Using practical analysis, we highlight several key tools in understanding and communicating the importance of the forgotten cornerstone of accounting: the balance sheet. Most notably, we dedicate time to the pressing issue of “unrecorded assets”.  This session is designed to also be fun and entertaining. This seminar stands on its own but is also part of the Common Sense CFO series.

This course dives into the powerful, but potentially under-utilized, capabilities of Microsoft Excel.  Designed for sophisticated users willing to approach spreadsheets from a unique perspective, this program encourages users to challenge the status quo by considering opportunities to take acceptable spreadsheets to a new level.

The budget and the forecast are two common tools used by controllers and CFOs across almost every industry. However, are we really getting the most out of these tools? Or are we merely replicating whatever was done last year? In this course, we will use examples and illustrations to demonstrate various budgeting and forecasting techniques. We will discuss traditional approaches, as well as newer approaches such as flexible budgeting, in an effort to show how companies can gain more value. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Manage distractions, decrease stress and improve productivity. This training is designed to help business professionals improve their productivity and work performance by learning how to prioritize time, decrease distractions and lower stress. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

You spent your life building retirement savings.  Now you want to make sure your savings last the rest of your life and perhaps pass some on to the next generation.  Come hear a veteran financial educator talk about money management and planning issues for this phase of your life.  

Getting ready for busy season involves not only knowing what's new for the current year but also understanding how the changing limits, phaseouts, and other rules apply to current-year returns. With OBBBA enactment over the past few years, the present course will constitute a one-stop "shop" that brings you the essential individual tax information. In addition, this course provides an up-to-date review of important tax form changes, new tax forms, new limitations, key developments as they are reflected in the IRS forms, IRS filing issues, and deadlines that will be invaluable to attendees who prepare tax returns during busy season.

This course is a 'deep dive' into many aspects involving the taxation of real estate for the mid-level practitioner moving into this complex area. You will deepen your understanding of the complex considerations and strategies that individuals must navigate in acquiring, operating, and selling real estate. You will leave the course able to navigate critical issues associated with the relevant returns and plan strategically for your company or clients. We will discuss in detail the impact that recent tax changes have had on the real estate industry, as well as new credits that are available after the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

How do I treat a property transaction? By understanding the rules for capitalized costs and depreciation, you can answer this question and help your clients achieve meaningful tax savings. You'll also learn about the rules for: Tax basis Depreciation Amortization Like-kind exchanges Involuntary conversions Business property sales Property-related timing issues Planning opportunities Covering H.R. 1's vast effects on capitalized costs and depreciation Course materials apply the developments brought on by H.R. 1, commonly referred to as OBBBA, including: Changes in the treatment of Section 174 research and experimental expenditures Section 179 deduction enhancements Bonus depreciation updates Addition of a temporary 100% deduction for qualified production property Part of Tax Staff Essentials Level 1 This self-study online course is part of Tax Staff Essentials Level 1, a comprehensive learning program that provides tax staff with the technical training required to support their teams.

This course will elevate your individual income tax preparation skills and knowledge. It will help you go beyond the basics and will help you provide superior service to your clients. We will cover topics including taxation of investments, reporting of partnership and S-corporation income, net investment income tax, calculation of self-employment taxes, household employer taxes, social security taxation, basic retirement planning opportunities and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, we will also do a review of loss limitations and much more.

This webinar gives CPAs a practical look at designing, implementing, and maintaining effective internal controls. While many organizations are able to build a solid control framework, too often, the execution falls short'especially when it comes to testing, monitoring, and keeping controls up to date. That weakens the entire structure. We'll walk through proven strategies to ensure controls aren't just created, but successfully embedded into day-to-day operations. You'll receive a set of customizable checklists to help maintain and improve your organization's policies and procedures. Most importantly, you'll develop a deeper understanding of why internal controls must evolve alongside changes in business tools and processes'and how to keep yours responsive, relevant, and effective.

Participants will go over the changes on preparation, compilation and review engagements using SSARS rules, followed by a general overview of how to perform these services. This interactive workshop is designed for practitioners in small and medium-sized CPA firms and will include a lecture with generous time for questions and case studies.

In the ever-evolving world of spreadsheets, staying ahead means mastering the latest and best techniques. Join our comprehensive program and dive deep into the best practices for creating, editing, and auditing Excel workbooks. You'll learn how to secure your workbooks, collaborate seamlessly with others, and effectively report data. Today's Excel best practices are a far cry from those of the past. This "must-see" CPE program will equip you with the knowledge to work smarter, not harder. Our course materials are packed with relevant examples to enhance your learning experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to fully utilize Excel and elevate your skills to new heights.

FASB ASC 842, *Leases*, standards decoded By learning essential information about lease accounting requirements, you'll understand the core principles of the standards and how to apply them. You'll explore topics, such as: Identification Recognition Measurement Presentation and disclosure requirements Deliberate application of lessee accounting model You'll also learn about classifying leases, the amortization of the right-of-use asset, and the interest on a lease liability. Additional topics include: Short-term leases Purchase options Variable lease payments Sale and leaseback transactions Leveraged leases

Complying with relevant standards Understanding the concepts and standards of generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) is an important aspect of performing Yellow Book audits. By examining everything from GAGAS's foundation and principles to professional competence and continuing professional education, you'll increase your knowledge of requirements and standards. You'll cover various topics, including: Quality control and peer review Reporting standards for performance audits Ethics, independence, and professional judgment Professional competence and continuing professional education Standards for financial audits, attestation engagements, reviews of financial statements, and performance audits Staying current with the most recent requirements You'll explore Yellow Book requirements and guidance based on *Government Auditing Standards*, 2024 Revision, as well as other technical updates. The 2024 revision offers guidance related to: Shifting from a quality control to a quality management approach Risk-based process for quality management Engagement quality reviews of GAGAS engagements Key audit matters for financial audits Implementing your new knowledge Review questions and practice exercises help reinforce your learning and enhance your comprehension of the material.

This course provides a concise overview of how artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT and other AI tools, is transforming accounting research methodologies and practices. Students will explore the shift from traditional search engine-based research to AI-driven insights, learning how to leverage various AI platforms for enhanced financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making. The course emphasizes practical applications of AI in accounting contexts while addressing critical considerations such as data verification, ethical usage, and professional judgment. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

A detailed analysis of the calculations related to determining a shareholder's tax basis for S corporation shares and loans. How to use the Form 1120S, Schedule K-1 information for basis determination. An illustrative example demonstrates how the process works, as well as the many potential pitfalls. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

In today's workplace, employees are faced almost daily with customers or teammates that may have needs or concerns that we are forced to handle. Though many of these situations are easily dealt with through simple communication skills, others may become heated and, in some instances, violent. Today we will discuss healthy ways to de-escalate a wide variety of potential issues.

This program will address the complex rules for partnership distribution of property with a focus on liquidation of a partner’s interest, Section 751, and how to complete the Form 7217. OBBBA of 2025 update for property distributions is included.   *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  

Sometimes the vernacular of accounting seems more challenging than technical aspects. This session offers suggestions for translating the foreign language of taxation into tangible terms for non-accountants. We explore techniques for simplifying the complexity of taxation terminology. This course will equip you with tools for demystifying tax technicalities so you can help clients and other non-tax professionals grasp fundamental concepts.

This course will examine certain qualities a leader must exhibit to set an ethical tone from the top.