CPE Catalog & Events
The Controllership Series - The Financial Close Process
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
A common challenge for the controller role is in closing the month-end and period-end books in preparation to issue financial statements. This duty requires precision, timing and efficiency. In today’s digital world, many organizations have access to financial accounting software that will assist with the steps in the financial close. However, even with this aid it is critical the accountant understand the various steps for the close process and how they inter-relate to other accounting processes. This course gives you an insight into the inter-relationships between many processes that impact the financial close. The closing process has traditionally been a slow one with many companies taking two weeks to close its subsidiary’s books and another two to three weeks to roll up and consolidated the results. With the introduction of technology much has been done to help accelerate that process with integrated enterprise resource planning systems and general ledger and consolidate software. Within this segment we will discuss the elements of the financial close and also important concepts to assist the controller in accelerating their close timeline. This includes addressing all functional areas of the close including payroll, invoicing, payables, inventory, cash, and the general ledger. We will also discuss important concepts of ensuring your financial close is accurate by discussing bank reconciliations, overhead allocations, bad debt reserves, unpaid wages and accruals for vacation time, account reconciliations, deprecation and overall financial statement review. Note: This course does not address utilizing technology in the financial close. Its focus is to understand the varied procedures involved in the financial close whether or not technology is utilized. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.5Program Level: Basic
K2’s Microsoft Copilot, Including Agentic AI
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the accounting profession in this dynamic, intermediate-level CPE session. Microsoft Copilot for Accounting and Financial Professionals explores how AI-powered tools in Microsoft 365-like Excel, Outlook, and Teams-can streamline workflows, enhance data analysis, and improve client service. Learn how to harness Copilot to automate tasks, generate financial insights, and collaborate more effectively, while maintaining compliance and data integrity. Whether you're in public accounting, corporate finance, or advisory services, this course will equip you with practical strategies to integrate Copilot into your daily work and prepare for the future of intelligent accounting. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Surgent's Artificial Intelligence for Accounting and Finance Professionals
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the accounting and finance profession at an unprecedented pace. What began as automation of repetitive tasks has evolved into systems capable of complex data analysis, natural language processing, and predictive modeling. Modern AI tools — such as generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation — are reshaping how professionals audit, forecast, analyze risk, and deliver client insights. This course provides accounting and finance professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how AI is reshaping workflows, client services, and decision-making. Participants will explore current applications of AI within firms and corporate finance, assess risks and governance considerations, and learn strategies for adapting professional roles in an increasingly automated landscape. The program also examines the emerging ethical, regulatory, and data privacy challenges associated with AI adoption.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: OverviewThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.
The Role of Internal Control in the Risk-Based Audit
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This program explores the role of client internal controls for balancing efficiency and effectiveness in a risk-based audit. We offer practical insights regarding an auditor's assessment of the risk of material misstatement when auditing financial statements of non-issuers, with particular emphasis on internal controls of small-to-medium clients. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate
Guide to Preparing Form 1041 for Estates and Trusts
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This program examines the critical issues, rules, and special opportunities when preparing your clients' Form 1041 US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. Learn what is considered taxable income; filing requirements and deadlines; impact of the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on net investment income; and the 10 principles of tax accounting for trust income. *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 Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate
Getting On Top of It All: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder - Part 2
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
There is always too much to do and too little time to do it all. Fortunately, if you know the right ways to manage people, projects and your time, you can get on top of everything by working smarter. In Part 2 of this seminar we will go into more depth about how to get more done in less time, as well as how to not burnout from all the work you do. We will discuss additional methods for working smarter through technology, communication, stress reduction, and creating smart and helpful goals. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Update
The Controllership Series: The Controller's Role in Artificial Intelligence
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Online
1.40 Credits
Member Price: $39
Here's a more detailed look at the controller's role in AI: 1. Data Integrity and Quality: • Controllers are responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of data used to train and inform AI models. • They work to establish data governance frameworks, implement data quality initiatives, and ensure data lineage (tracking data from source to downstream systems). 2. Risk Management: • Controllers assess potential risks associated with AI implementation, including inaccuracies, vulnerabilities, and ethical considerations. • They help define and implement risk management frameworks for AI, ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly and ethically. 3. Compliance: • Controllers stay informed about relevant regulations and ensure AI systems are compliant with those regulations. • They monitor AI systems to ensure they are not violating any laws or policies. 4. Transparency and Auditability: • Controllers work to ensure that AI decisions are transparent and auditable. • They establish processes to review AI decisions and identify potential biases or errors. 5. Collaboration and Training: • Controllers work with IT and business teams to understand AI's capabilities and limitations. • They provide training to teams on how to use and manage AI tools effectively. 6. Value Creation: • Controllers can leverage AI to identify areas for automation, improve efficiency, and gain real-time insights into financial operations. • They can use AI to make more informed decisions and create more strategic recommendations for action. 7. Emerging Role: • The role of the controller is evolving with the rise of AI, with controllers becoming more hands-on throughout the implementation process. • They are increasingly seen as catalysts for AI-enabled transformation, helping to identify potential use cases and build confidence in the technology This course will explore many of these topics. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.4Program Level: Basic
The Controllership Series - The Role of the Controller in ESG
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
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. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.5Program Level: Basic
Sarbanes-Oxley 20 years later - Sourcing Emerging Risks Part 2
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Online
1.80 Credits
Member Price: $79
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. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.8Program Level: Update
The AB5s of Employees and Independent Contractors
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course explores the tests used to determine whether a worker is properly characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for tax purposes, with a focus on the cost of getting it wrong and possible Section 530 relief. The game changing impact of the Dynamex case and AB5 will also be discussed. *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 Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Deep Dive into Quality Management
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Quality management represents a significant shift in how CPA firms design, implement, and evaluate audit and attestation quality. This course provides a focused, practical deep dive into the quality management standards and related engagement-level requirements that firms are now operating under. The course covers SQMS 1 and SQMS 2, along with related engagement-level standards, including SAS 146, SAS 145, SSARS 26, and SSAE 23. Emphasis is placed on post-implementation responsibilities, including evaluating the effectiveness of quality management systems and addressing monitoring and remediation requirements. Participants will also examine engagement-level quality management responsibilities, including the auditor’s responsibilities under SAS 146 and the engagement partner's responsibilities in SSARS engagements. The course is designed to help firms navigate the second phase of implementation, moving beyond design and rollout to ongoing evaluation, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Erase the Mark: Best Practices in Penalty Abatement
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
If there is a potential error, the IRS will assess a tax and add a hefty penalty, without even knowing the facts. As a tax professional, you will be exposed to the IRS and their methods of penalizing taxpayers for the smallest of violations. This presentation will focus on the rules and regulations that create the penalty, and the reasons that exist that the IRS will consider to remove those penalties. 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 is being offered by a learning partner and will not be accessible on your My CPE page. Access information will be emailed directly to you by CPA Crossings.
Sub-Recipient Monitoring 2026: Understanding the Pass-Through Requirements for Managing and Monitoring Your Sub-Awards
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
The Uniform Guidance requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management were updated effective October 1, 2024, introducing new expectations for pass through entities overseeing federal awards. This session will provide practical guidance on implementing compliant subaward agreements, performing risk based monitoring, and managing subrecipient financial performance in accordance with 2 CFR SS200.331-200.333. Attendees will also gain insight into indirect cost rate requirements, fixed amount, and subaward agreements to strengthen oversight and prepare for federal agency or Single Audit reviews. Using fixed amount awards to solve an out-of-the-box solution. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
The Role of Internal Audit in Enterprise-Wide Risk Management
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Those charged with governance, with the assistance of internal audit, are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, and ensuring value is delivered to the entity's stakeholders. This course will provide guidance on fulfilling the responsibility for challenging how much risk and uncertainty to accept through the application of COSO's Enterprise Risk Management Framework. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Basic
Retirement Planning Issues: Where We Stand Now
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course is designed to equip CPAs, EAs, attorneys, and tax professionals with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the latest developments. Explore innovative approaches to maximize retirement savings, discuss tax- efficient retirement plan options, and align estate planning techniques with current trends. Gain a thorough understanding of altered rules for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and discover how to optimize estate plans in response to changing regulations. This update is tailored for professionals seeking practical insights in the realm of contemporary retirement planning. **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. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Basic
Prevention & Detection of Fraud in Small Businesses
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Online
5.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
As a small business owner, would you be interested if I could tell you how to increase your profit each year by an average of 5%? If you were a practicing CPA, do you think your small business clients would be interested if you could tell them how to increase their profits by an average of 5% each year? That is the amount of revenue lost to fraud as reported by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) in their 2024 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud. It is no secret as to how to prevent fraud from occurring. But we must first convince the small business owner that fraud is occurring in their organization. During this presentation we will discuss the many ways fraud can occur; how fraud occurs; who commits fraud; how to recognize the indicators of fraud; what to do if you suspect fraud; and lastly, how to prevent fraud from occurring in the first place. Most small businesses owners are very reluctant to admit that fraud might occur in their business because they know and trust their employees. Know this: Under the right circumstances (which we will discuss) most individuals will steal, and I will prove it. If you view this program, chances are as a small business owner, you will never look at your operation the same way. As an auditor, chances are you will never conduct an audit of a small business the same way. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate
Beyond the Basics: Financial Ratios You Might Be Overlooking
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
Overview: Understanding your company's financial health requires more than just traditional metrics. This webinar is designed to reveal deeper insights through advanced, underutilized financial ratios. In this session, accounting and finance professionals will explore metrics such as operating leverage, free cash flow yield, and margin of safety-tools that go beyond standard ratios to deliver nuanced perspectives on profitability, risk exposure, and operational efficiency. 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 is being offered by a learning partner and will not be accessible on your My CPE page. Access information will be emailed directly to you by CPA Crossings.
The Controllership Series - Managerial Accounting Basics and Costs
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Online
1.20 Credits
Member Price: $39
Managerial accounting provides economic and financial information for managers and other internal users. Managerial and Financial Accounting have similarities and differences. Each field of accounting deals with the economic events of a business. Both managerial and financial accounting require that a company’s economic events be quantified and communicated to interested parties. This another course in our series on the controller’s role. The controller’s role encompasses many traditional functions. Within this segment of our controllership series, we discuss the area of managerial accounting and the basic concepts that surround this discipline as it primarily relates to cost accounting issues. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.2Program Level: Basic
Topic 842: FASB's Lease Accounting Standard Update
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
It's a whole new world for lessees under ASC topic 842. Soon nearly all leases will need to be disclosed as a liability on the balance sheet - from buildings right down to autos and copiers. Although the greatest impact will be on large entities, this will affect the financial statements of small and mid-size entities as well. This program will dive into the new standard on leases, effective dates, and address what you need to know now. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Building Your Personal Net Worth: Invest in Your Future
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
By the nature of our work and training, financial professionals have more personal finance knowledge than the general population. However, sometimes we spend so much time planning our company's future that we neglect or defer taking steps to build our own personal net worth. If you are dissatisfied about the speed that you are accumulating savings, this session will help put you on the right track. Even if you are meeting your goals, this session will provide insights and ideas which will add to and reinforce what you may already be doing. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate