CPE Catalog & Events
ChatGPT and Advanced Financial Analysis for Accountants
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides a concise overview of how to utilize ChatGPT for advanced financial analysis in accounting. The session reveals how to combine sophisticated evaluation and interpretation of financial data with the cutting-edge AI capabilities of ChatGPT. Aimed at enhancing the understanding of an entity's performance, predicting future financial health, and aiding in informed business decision-making, this course goes beyond basic financial statement analysis to include a wide array of techniques and tools. 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.
How AI Is Automating Internal Control
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) has become mainstream and while most have a layperson's understanding of AI, few know the depth and breadth of this technology's capability. AI is affecting just about everything in business and in people's personal lives. The operation of an internal control system is also changing because of this incredible advancement. This session explains what AI is and how it works and then goes into detail about how it can be applied to a system of internal control. The material speaks about changes occurring in today's world as well as what's coming in the not-too-distant future. 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.
Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant - Focus on Computer Forensics - Part 2 (Cryptology)
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
This is a continuing part of our series on forensic accounting. Within this segment we discuss the concepts that are part of computer forensics known as cryptology. The term cryptography is from Ancient Greek and means “hidden secret”. It is the practice and study of techniques for secure communications in the presence of adversarial behavior. Cryptography is about constructing and analyzing protocols that prevent third parties or the public from reading private messages. Cryptography starts with secrets. Various aspects in information security such as data confidentiality, data integrity, authentication and non-repudiation (where a statement’s author cannot successfully dispute its authorship) are central to modern cryptography. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic
The Controllership Series: The Controllers Role in Internal Controls
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
This course in part of our series on the Controllership Role. Internal control is relevant to everyone in the workplace. It represents our moral responsibility to understand and comply with organization policies and procedures. It also provides the means to hold individuals accountable for their work. The controller is an impactful position that affects a company's processes including financial, compliance and operational. Controller functions vary across companies often following the size and complexity of the business and the industry. Smaller companies require more versatility for the controller Larger companies are more able to segregate job responsibilities across other employees. The controller should be knowledgeable of the various controls to create a control system that will appropriately safeguard company assets and processes. Internal controls are typically comprised of control activities such as authorization, documentation, reconciliation, security and segregation of duties. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.5Program Level: Update
Crypto, Blockchain and Taxes
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
For accounting and tax professionals, understanding the inner workings of blockchain and cryptocurrency is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This course provides an in-depth look into the mechanics of digital currencies and revolutionary blockchain technology, equipping attendees with the knowledge to navigate benefits and risks effectively. Special emphasis is placed on the tax implications for both individuals and estates, ensuring that attendees can confidently advise on these issues, which are becoming increasingly relevant in financial planning and asset management. This offering is more than just a learning experience; it’s an investment in one’s professional growth. By understanding the tax complexities and estate planning challenges posed by digital assets, participants will be able to offer valuable insights and strategic solutions. They will emerge from this course not just with theoretical knowledge but with actionable skills that can be applied immediately. In a landscape where digital assets are becoming commonplace, this is the education that will differentiate the exceptional from the average. Join today and step into a role as a leader in finance for the digital age. 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
Ethical Standards in Tax Practice: Circular 230 and Compliance
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This instructor-led course offers an in-depth analysis of ethical challenges that tax professionals face, focusing on the provisions of Circular 230 and how they apply to real- world scenarios. Through the discussion of key issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, diligence, contingent fees, and the handling of amended returns, participants will learn how to apply ethical principles in their practice while maintaining professional standards. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to handle ethical dilemmas, manage client pressures, and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations, all while safeguarding their professional integrity. *Please Note: If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Handouts Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
How AI Fits into the Accounting World
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This session is designed as a primer to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and to discuss how it will impact accountants as they work. The material will briefly explain what AI is and then focus on ways that it is already serving those in the accounting realm. It will close with a look at future AI-centric developments that will have great potential to positively impact the accounting profession. Those wishing to gain an understanding of what artificial intelligence is and how it will be used by accountants should consider attending this session. 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.
Introduction to Governmental Accounting 102
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Intro to Governmental Accounting 102 is the natural follow up course to the original Intro to Governmental Accounting 101. In this session, we will tackle unique things like what makes a fund a major fund, what are the differing basis of accountings used, why geography matters in the world of state and local governmental reporting, and many other intermediate type topics. A great course to take after you have taken Intro to Governmental Accounting 101. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Keys of SOC Reports - Following SSAE 18 Requirements
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $85
Today's businesses have seen a dramatic increase in the use of outsourced providers to assist with executing processes from payroll, accounts payable, information technology, benefit plan administration and many other core processes. These processes ultimately have an impact on an organization's internal control over financial reporting but also could impact compliance and operational issues In 2011, the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) 16 replaced the former Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70. In May 2017, a new standard, SSAE 18, superseded SSAE 16 The concepts covered in this course are referred to as a Service Organization Control Report (SOC). Organizations who utilize outsourced providers should understand the various types of SOC reports, their intended use and their implication on a company's financial reporting process, regardless of your status as a publicly traded or privately held organization. The process can be complicated to understand as a user organization. Currently, several types of SOC Reports exist including: SOC 1 - Type 1 SOC 1 - Type 2 SOC 2 - Type 1 SOC 2 - Type 2 SOC 3 Cybersecurity SOC This course speaks briefly to the transition from SAS 70 to SSAE 16 and now SSAE 18. However, the focus is on the various Service Organization Control Reports, their purposes and uses Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Mergers & Acquisitions: Tips and Speed Bumps to Avoid
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Mergers, acquisitions and alliances have been and continue to be major avenues to organizational growth and increased competitive advantage. Despite the great initial promise of many mergers and alliances, few seem to yield the anticipated results. Numerous studies indicate that between 55% and 77% of mergers fail to accomplish their intended purpose. This course helps financial professionals, and their advisors identify, execute, and consummate mergers and acquisitions that create shareholder value while avoiding the many traps that can cause post-acquisition failure. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Planning in an Uncertain World
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
We all make predictions in our personal and professional lives. We base our decisions to marry, buy a house, launch a new product or hire staff on expectations about the future. In the past few years, research into improving predictions has advanced. We will look at this research and current best practices in forecasting to help us prepare better budgets and projections. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Surgent's Features and Benefits of SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
A challenge for many small business owners is choosing the 'right' type of retirement plan for their businesses. Many hesitate to adopt retirement plans for their businesses because they are intimidated by the governing rules. In those cases, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are reasonable solutions because they are easy to establish, maintain, and communicate with employees; have minimal administrative costs; and are practical and efficient ways to start a retirement plan. These IRA-based plans - SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs - have low maintenance costs and are easy to communicate to employees. With IRA-based employer plans, employer contributions are sometimes discretionary, giving business owners the choice of whether to fund every year. Despite the simplicity of these plans, employers must ensure that applicable compliance requirements are met to avoid penalties. To that end, this course will cover some key provisions of SEP and SIMPLE IRAs. 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 More Money at the End of the Month: Strategic Ways to Improve Cash Flow
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Cash flow management is often the most important task of any CFO or financial leader. Regardless of whether one works in start-ups or established companies, non-profit or for-profit entities, cash flow makes our organizations run. Have you ever wondered whether you are optimizing your company's cash flow? In this course, we will explore how to improve your company's cash flow using analysis and financial theories in the context of real-world situations.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.
Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) Domain III - Part 1
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Online
2.50 Credits
Member Price: $99
The new Standards emphasize that quality performance requires conformance to the Standards. Each standard within Domain III specifically identifies the responsibilities of the CAE and the board, as well as joint responsibilities. The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains. Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2.5Program Level: Update
Surgent's International Tax Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Filers
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Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Globalization continues to make it easier for taxpayers to live abroad, do business in other countries, or invest in foreign enterprises. This creates significant complications and tax planning opportunities when it comes to filing U.S. tax returns. This course provides an overview of the unique tax challenges and solutions presented to U.S. expats or investors living or investing abroad. It examines how foreign-source income is taxed in the U.S. and how the tax consequences could be mitigated by applying the tax treaties, claiming credit for foreign taxes paid, or excluding foreign-earned income. Additionally, the course discusses the numerous foreign informational form reporting requirements and the significant penalties that could be imposed by the IRS. Examples from real-life client scenarios are included.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 3Program 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.
Fundamentals of the 1040 Business Income and Reporting
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course is designed for practitioners in their first through fifth years of practice. Through a theoretical and practical study of Form 1040 and selected accompanying schedules, the course reviews the fundamental rules governing the preparation of individual income tax returns. Participants will examine taxpayer filing requirements and filing status, dependency determinations, reporting different types of income and adjustments to income, and the distinction between business income and hobby income. The course also reviews itemized deductions and the standard deduction, common refundable and nonrefundable income tax credits, and documentation requirements for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) due diligence. In addition, the program addresses preparer responsibilities, ethical considerations in tax return preparation, and confidentiality, privacy, and disclosure requirements. *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: Basic
How Fraud Can Affect Smaller Organizations
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Many small to medium sized companies do not properly address the risk that arises related to fraud because these organizations do not have the resources needed to mitigate this risk or because owners or those in top level management underestimate the scope of the issue. All organizations, regardless of size, must be aware of the risks associated with intentional fraudulent acts and know that a significant and effective fraud scheme could even create going concern issues for some entities. In this session, we delve into the reasons that fraud takes place. The material discusses the types of defalcations that are often executed against smaller entities and then explores measures that organizations can implement to help stop fraud activities and add security. 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.
Cutting-Edge Estate and Financial Planning Trends
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
With the new administration proposing significant tax changes, estate and financial planning strategies must adapt to stay ahead. This course equips financial professionals with the latest techniques and insights into evolving tax laws, domicile considerations, and wealth transfer strategies. Participants will explore how potential reductions in estate and gift tax exemptions, new compliance requirements, and advanced IRA distribution planning may impact client strategies. With a focus on practical application, this course provides actionable strategies for charitable giving, domicile considerations, and estate tax efficiency to help practitioners optimize outcomes while ensuring compliance with new and anticipated tax regulations. *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: 8Program Level: Intermediate
ACPEN Signature 2026: Managing the Risk of Fraud, and Artificial Intelligence
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Accountability professionals are the first line of defense against fraud. Consequently, accountants, internal auditors, external auditors, fraud examiners, and risk management professionals need to develop the skills needed to prevent, detect, and deter fraud and need to be proactive in promoting and effecting organizational change. The fight to deter, prevent, and detect fraud continues. Accountability professionals need all the help they can get. Artificial intelligence (AI) might be able to help in this fight. In fact, AI has the potential to be a fraud-prevention game-changer. When viewed against the backdrop of the COSO/ACFE Fraud Risk Management Guide, the AI applications and potential are near limitless. AI can assist in fraud risk governance by, for example, drafting policies and procedures and maintaining dashboards showing the status of the organization’s fraud risk management programs. The fraud risk assessment might be where the AI light shines brightest. AI can identify an organization’s risk exposures, assess the likelihood and significance of these exposures, identify and assess existing controls, and determine residual risk. Better still, it can do the assessment on a continuous basis, alerting the organization to new threats as they arise. AI can identify and implement additional overt and covert fraud control activities designed to mitigate residual fraud risk. In terms of information and communication, AI can monitor and triage the hotline reporting system and assist in investigations. Finally, AI can monitor the fraud risk management process on a continuous basis. In addition to a deep dive into AI and fraud risk management, the 2026 Business Fraud Update is another fast-moving seminar that will provide a comprehensive look at the latest developments about fraud from the technical, legal, and operational perspectives and update participants on the most recent legal and regulatory developments in this important area of professional responsibility. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 8Program Level: Update