CPE Catalog & Events
Hold Your Horses! Could Tighter Reins Have Prevented a Landmark Fraud?
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
What can we learn from one of the largest municipal frauds in U.S. history? Rita Crundwell stole nearly $54 million from the citizens of Dixon, Illinois over the course of two decades. This course examines circumstances that allowed this landmark fraud to occur. We will explore internal control deficiencies and other circumstances that hindered prevention or timely detection of Rita's scheme. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
K2’s AI – Better Prompts, Better Results
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Generative AI is revolutionizing the business world, and savvy professionals are embracing this cutting-edge technology. Why? Generative AI offers unparalleled opportunities to boost efficiency and productivity. But to truly harness its power, you need to master the art of crafting effective AI prompts. Join our session to discover the best practices for issuing AI prompts. Discover how to ask the right questions to obtain the information you need quickly and efficiently. Say goodbye to inefficient and ineffective prompts, and hello to streamlined, productive interactions with your AI platforms. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your AI game and achieve greater gains in your business. Sign up now and learn the secrets to getting the most out of your AI tools! Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic
CPA to CFO: Essential Competencies for Finance Leaders
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
The path from CPA to CFO has evolved dramatically in recent years, with only 43% of S&P 1000 CFOs holding CPA licenses in 2022, down from 55% a decade earlier. This comprehensive course, based on groundbreaking research from the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs surveying over 320 CEOs and hiring executives, reveals what today's leaders truly seek in CFO candidates and provides a roadmap for CPAs to secure their seat at the executive table. Participants will discover the five critical competencies that distinguish successful CFO candidates: forward-looking financial acumen that goes beyond traditional reporting, strategic leadership skills including critical thinking and strategy creation, the evolving role of emotional intelligence, industry-specific expertise requirements, and the balance between technical proficiency and visionary leadership. Through practical frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to transform their CPA foundation into a comprehensive skill set that meets the dynamic demands of modern CFO roles, whether in high-growth companies, nonprofits, or traditional corporations. 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.
Addressing Common Documentation Deficiencies
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
The Enhancing Audit Quality Initiative has identified inadequate or nonexistent audit documentation as one of the most significant issues facing the profession today. Over half of the engagements reviewed by the AICPA failed to meet the requirements of AU-C 230, highlighting a critical need for improvement. This course addresses common misconceptions about audit documentation and provides actionable strategies to overcome these deficiencies. Attendees will learn best practices to ensure compliance with professional standards, enhance audit quality, and mitigate risks associated with poor documentation. Whether you are an experienced professional or new to auditing, this course will help you strengthen your documentation practices and uphold the highest standards of the profession. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Surgent's New and Expanded Tax Benefits Associated with Section 1202 – Qualified Small Business Stock
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
This program reviews and analyzes the important changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to qualified small business stock (QSBS) covered under Section 1202. Effective for stock issued after July 4, 2025, there are important changes that make Section 1202 much more appealing to clients willing to run the risks associated with doing business as a C corporation. These enhanced provisions could potentially lead to exclusion of capital gains if very strict compliance rules are followed. Section 1202 application is particularly attractive for start-ups and entrepreneurial endeavors. For taxpayers willing to confront the technical challenges of this provision, Section 1202 may produce impressive tax advantages.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.
Managing Your Money in Retirement
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Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
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. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 3Program Level: Basic
AI-Enhanced Business Consulting for CPAs: Strategies and Tools
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Does your firm have an interest in expanding its services beyond traditional CPA services? Do you have staff with the expertise to compete against non-CPA firms? Welcome to a course that will lead you through the maze of creating a successful Consulting Business Practice for your CPA firm. The course will help you understand where consulting business opportunities exist, what are the firm’s professional responsibilities, how to recognize the needs of the client and how the practice can be leveraged using AI. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate
Fundamentals of Form 1040 -- Individual
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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 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.
Finance and Innovation: Reinvent Your Organization and Dept.
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $239
Innovate or die is more than a catchphrase, it is a fact. The tsunami of innovation relentlessly coming to our businesses, teams, markets and to accounting will not stop. Innovation is one of the most desirable traits, but how do we innovate? We will discuss how your company can foster, nurture, encourage and sustain innovation - and give you an action plan. Technology has significantly changed what we do and how, and this will not stop. What are the negative consequences of failing to innovate? To remain relevant, we must re-think accounting's role and how our organization innovates - or not. The status quo will go - we must embrace innovation so you and your company can thrive. 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.
Steps to Stop External Fraud
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Until recently, a percentage of organizations discounted the risk related to external fraud attempts. Most were only concerned with protecting physical assets such as inventory or fixed assets. However, because of the many highly publicized corporate hacking events, such as the ones that affected the Colonial Pipeline and JBS Meats, more attention is being paid to external fraud risk of all types. In this session, we look at what is included in a definition of external fraud and then delve into specific control issues that can give rise to increased risk. We then discuss measures that organizations can employ to help reduce exposure to external attacks. 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.
Controls to Secure the Growing Digital Footprint
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
The amount of electronic content that business organizations contend with is growing at incredible rates. Terms like "Big Data" and "Information Overload", are being used by overwhelmed information workers on a daily basis. Additionally, because of the move to a much larger telecommuter footprint, electronic data is now even more prevalently utilized. This session discusses the places that businesses keep digital information and addresses the importance of securing corporate electronic data. The material effectively shows ways to achieve high security standards for content stored in fixed locations, on mobile devices and in the cloud. Participants in this session will gain an understanding of the concepts needed to improve the way they, and their companies secure digital information. 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.
When You Hear Hoofbeats, It May Be a Zebra
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Intermediate
Ultimate Small Business HR Guide: Essential Tips for Success
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
As a small business owner or manager, navigating the complexities of HR can be challenging, but it's crucial for your company's success. This comprehensive webinar will provide you with practical, informative, and encouraging tips to help you build a strong HR foundation for your small business. From recruitment strategies to employee retention, legal compliance to company culture, we'll cover all the essential aspects of HR that will contribute to your business's growth. Let's create a thriving workplace where both your business and your employees can flourish. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Intermediate
Introduction to Governmental Accounting 101
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Introduction to Governmental Accounting 101, is a 2-hour webcast that takes the participant on a whirlwind tour of governmental accounting basics, focusing on wetting the participant’s appetite for more. This session will be the first of a series of webcasts, with each subsequent webcast delving deeper and deeper into governmental accounting basics. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Surgent's Real Estate for Accounting and Finance Professionals
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
Explore the intricacies of federal income taxation as it intertwines with rental real estate activities. This course delves into the calculation of rental income, understanding the nuances of deductions, and unraveling the complexities of passive activity loss rules. Whether it's mastering Schedule E or understanding Congress' intent behind tax laws, professionals will leave with an enriched understanding.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.
Surgent's The AI-augmented Professional: Practical Tools, Real Risks, and Immediate Use Cases
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is a current necessity. This session provides a practical roadmap for practitioners to leverage AI safely and effectively. We move from a survey of available tools (from free apps to specialized software) to a deep dive into the ethical guardrails required to protect client data and maintain professional standards. Participants will leave with a playbook of real-world use cases that can be implemented immediately.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.
Surgent's The Road Ahead: Critical OBBBA Changes Impacting Accounting and Finance Professionals
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $119
It is important for accounting and finance practitioners to help their clients understand and apply the many new provisions of OBBBA. Many of these changes are effective for the 2025 tax year and beyond. This program is an introduction to and review of some of these critical changes and their impact on taxpayers. This program is a two-hour review and analysis of what we consider some of the most current and important changes from the OBBBA. If you want the latest OBBBA information to relay to your clients, this course is for you. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: BasicThis 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 Seven High Quality Questions that Lead to Success & Solutions
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
“How will I EVER get this all done?" It’s a question I often hear from clients and on a particularly stressful day, I can hear myself saying these words! Instead of helping us focus, it's a question that leads to stress, anxiety and overwhelm! Regardless of where we are in business and in life, we will run into challenges and problems as we navigate business growth, leadership, work life balance and our quest for success and happiness. This workshop will explore the 7 HIGH QUALITY questions that lead to relief, enthusiasm and success. It will be an interactive exploration that will leave you with a game plan to use right away, as well as an opportunity to practice the mindset that the most successful and happiest people use daily. This program is for both the entrepreneur who wants to be more effective in their day as well as team leaders who want to stand out in their organization. For the business owner or staff member you can expect a new way to work with your day so that it's profitable, productive and happier. For leaders, you will learn new up- leveled skills to increase your efficiency, communication and productivity. You and your team will shine. Your staff will feel appreciated and connected to their value as well as the company's goals. Albert Einstein said 'we can't solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them'. The quality of your question will impact the quality of your solution. Learn the 7 questions that take you from confused and frustrated to creative and focused. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Contract and Procurement Fraud
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This session will focus on the most common types of fraud in the procurement and contracting arena, with a focus on fraud in construction. The session will examine fraud vulnerabilities in the four key phases of the procurement process: Presolicitation. Negotiation. Performance. Closeout and Claims. Within each phase, “red flags” will be discussed. These are the indicia of possible fraud that managers should be alert for. Also, within each phase, the most common fraud schemes will be highlighted and discussed. Finally, the session will describe the generally accepted safeguards or controls that should be established to prevent the various fraud schemes that can occur. This part of the program will make extensive use of actual fraud case studies designed to demonstrate fraud risks and fraud detection strategies. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Federal Tax Update for Individuals with Doug Van Der Aa
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This program will address recent legislation, rulings and developments affecting individual taxpayers and provide practitioners with a comprehensive update for the upcoming tax 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 Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate