CPE Catalog & Events
How to Get a Better Return on Financial Statement Audits - Avoiding the Most Misapplied Risk-Based Audit Concept
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $225
By far, the biggest contributing factor that leads to a profitable, yet high quality, financial statement audit is the proper identification, evaluation, and response to assessed risk of material misstatement. When designing your detailed audit plan, how and where you decide to spend your time is largely a matter of professional judgment. The proven tips and techniques for critically rethinking how you plan and design your audit taught in this course will help auditors enhance audit quality and manage profitability in all engagements. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AuditingProgram Level: Intermediate
Professional Skepticism for the Public Accountant
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Accountants are expected to demonstrate a questioning mindset. While such professional skepticism is an obvious requirement for assurance engagements, it is applicable elsewhere in the practice of public accounting. In fact, a skeptical mindset offers benefits to both public accountants and those who work in industry. This course provides specific examples of professional skepticism while suggesting best practices. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AuditingProgram Level: Basic
The Controllership Series - The Financial Close Process
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $59
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 webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Basic
Applying the New Expected Credit Loss Model
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
All entities are subject to the new expected credit loss model established by recent GAAP. This course will provide highlights of the latest requirements for measurement, presentation, and disclosure. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Basic
Build Better Budgets: Fundamental Techniques
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
This session provides insights for enhancing the preparation and utilization of budgets. Seasoned accountants will benefit from a refreshed awareness of popular techniques. Budding financial professionals will obtain novel insight regarding fundamental budgeting concepts. All participants will develop an appreciation for the holistic nature of budgeting as an integral tool for planning and control. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: FinanceProgram Level: Intermediate
K2's Excel Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Accountants
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $225
Excel is the accountant’s tool of choice for analyzing and reporting financial data, yet many use time-consuming and error-prone processes to complete everyday tasks. Regardless of your level of experience, if you use Excel, you need this course to learn more efficient and effective ways to work with Excel. In this course, you will discover countless tips, tricks, and techniques to improve your general level of productivity, reduce the amount of time you spend on mundane tasks, such as formatting, and customize Excel for greater accuracy and efficiency. You will also learn valuable formula-building skills, best practices for linking Excel data from other worksheets and workbooks, and how to streamline report generation and printing processes. Your K2 instructor will reinforce key learning points throughout the program with practical, real-world examples that will improve your understanding and comprehension of the topics presented. This highly acclaimed course draws on over twenty-five years of experience in delivering spreadsheet training to accounting and financial professionals, which assures you of the relevance and usefulness of the information and guidance provided during the program. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Accounting, Computer software & applicationsProgram Level: Intermediate
K2's Excel Charting And Visualizations
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $129
Charts and graphs are nothing new. However, many professionals struggle with building compelling visualizations. If that statement describes you, participate in this session to improve your skills in creating Excel charts and other visualizations. As a result, you will create visualizations to enhance your communication skills. This session is much more than just a seminar on fundamental charts. Instead, in this session, you will learn how to create advanced charts that are interactive, dynamic, and aesthetically pleasing – three qualities that will help to ensure that your readers and audience will understand the data you are presenting. This seminar is a must if you want to improve your communication skills. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Computer software & applicationsProgram Level: Intermediate
Annual Update on the 2024 Revised Uniform Guidance And Time & Effort Reporting
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) pertains to the management of Federal Financial Assistance for grants and cooperative agreements. The Biden Administration has performed a comprehensive update where the revised Uniform Guidance was released in April 2024. We will review all of the significant compliance and threshold changes. In addition, we will provide a brief presentation of the revised guidance as it pertains to Time and Effort reporting. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Accounting (governmental), Auditing (governmental)Program Level: Update
Peeking Behind the Curtain: Exploring IRS Audit Technique Guides
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
Have you ever considered a tax audit from the perspective of an IRS examiner? This session explains how you can use IRS Audit Technique Guides (ATGs) to enhance tax compliance. You will obtain a glimpse of the audit process from the viewpoint of an IRS agent as we explore insights that the IRS provides to its own examiners. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: TaxesProgram Level: Intermediate
K2's Accounting Solutions And Add-Ons For Small Businesses
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
Working with a small business, you know that keeping the company's finances in order is critical to success. While numerous software programs and tools are available to help you do this, they vary substantially in many significant aspects. In addition to conventional options like QuickBooks and Sage 50, you can choose from Cloud-based tools such as Zoho Books, QuickBooks Online, Spire Systems, Xero, Accounting Suite, Accounting Power, and many more. In this session, we'll look at the best accounting tools for small businesses and discuss the benefits of each one. This session covers accounting solutions that should work for startups and companies with up to $10 million in annual revenue. We also cover various add-on solutions that can enhance the overall functionality of your accounting platform. Join us to learn your options for achieving your small business management financial goals. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Computer software & applicationsProgram Level: Update
I want the TRUTH: Preparing to be an Expert Witness
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
Many practitioners dealing with government and not-for-profit issues are asked to serve as expert witnesses in courts of law or other adjudicatory venues. This session will discuss key issues you need to know when you are asked to serve in this capacity, including: Applicable standards and other engagement acceptance considerations. Preparation requirements and techniques. Dos and don'ts of testifying. Avoiding commons traps and tricks designed to undermine your effectiveness. The session will conclude with a “mock cross-examination” with participants serving as the jury to identify what our witness does right and what he does wrong. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Accounting, AuditingProgram Level: Basic
K2's Six Essential Teams Features
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
The mad scramble to remote work and utilize apps like Teams has been trying for most organizations over the past couple of years. With a rush to install and no time to plan, most team members did their best, prioritizing remote meetings as the primary concern. Therefore, as a result, Teams is vastly misunderstood and underutilized in most organizations. Join us in this session to go beyond the remote meetings aspect of Teams and to learn how to optimize efficiency, communication, and workflow with Teams. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Computer software & applicationsProgram Level: Overview
Getting SASsy - A Look at Recent Auditing Standards
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
This session will explore newly-issued auditing standards. Particular emphasis will be devoted to the reformatted audit report and key audit matters. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AuditingProgram Level: Intermediate
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 webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Basic
Creative Strategies for Buying, Selling, or Gifting a Business
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $225
Navigating the complexities of business transactions requires a deep understanding of tax and estate planning strategies. In this comprehensive course tailored for financial professionals, participants will explore the intricacies of creative approaches to buying, selling, or gifting a business. Through real-world scenarios and practical insights, attendees will gain invaluable expertise in identifying tax risks, minimizing liabilities, and safeguarding assets. From evaluating valuation methods to exploring the details of stock versus asset purchases, this course equips you with the essential tools to provide informed counsel to clients. Discover the potential for strategic success as you master topics including estate transfer and tax implications, gifting strategies, and the utilization of various trusts and partnerships. Whether you're a CPA, EA, attorney, or financial planner, this course offers indispensable knowledge to elevate your practice. With a recommended 8 credit hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), this intermediate-level course is designed for professionals with a foundational understanding of business tax and estate planning. Join us and immerse yourself in a journey towards mastery in the vibrant landscape of business transactions. **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 webcastCPE Credit: TaxesProgram Level: Intermediate
K2's Accounting Automation
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
Why can it be hard to automate accounting? Because many accountants don’t know their options and, therefore, fail to reap the rewards of accounting automation. This session will teach you how easy and profitable accounting automation can be. In it, you will learn how to automate many traditional accounting processes, often with technology you already own. In addition to bank feeds, you will learn about automation options for processing accounts payable and receivable, approving transactions, and linking data from one platform to another. If you are serious about improving efficiency and accuracy, you should make plans to attend this session. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Information technologyProgram Level: Overview
Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA)
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
Volatility and complexity are the new normal. Most organizations are drowning in data, but starving for information. The finance and accounting function has the opportunity to leverage Big Data and the continuum of analytics – descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive. All are useful for better decision making. Collecting, validating, and reporting data is not the same thing as analyzing information where we can glean valuable, actionable insights. In some ways the finance function is many years behind other disciplines such as marketing, sales, and supply chain managers, in applying analytics. How can the CFO’s function catch up? Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: Computer software & applicationsProgram Level: Intermediate
The Controllership Series - Sales, Collections and Customer Credit
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Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $59
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 webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Update
Revenue Recognition Topic 606 - Identify Performance Obligations Part 2
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Online
1.40 Credits
Member Price: $39
Properly identifying performance obligations is a critical step in the five-step revenue recognition model. It is a step that must be completed at the inception of the contract and prior to moving on to step three of the model. As discussed in segment one on performance obligations, there are many types and variations of obligations and as such, management will be required to utilize significant judgment when applying this step. However, it is important that the judgment be supported by considerations of the proper factors. The course further evaluates areas that impact performance obligations. We utilize multiple examples from various industries to illustrate the considerations that must be evaluated in line with both identifying performance obligations and allocating the transaction price appropriately. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Intermediate
K2's Client Accounting Services For CPA Firms: Strategies For Growth And Success
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
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. Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: AccountingProgram Level: Intermediate