CPE Catalog & Events
The Three Million Dollar Ribbon
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Two conmen used lies and falsified documents to convince the State of Tennessee to give them a $3,000,000 economic development grant to create 1,000 jobs by purchasing and rehabilitating a vacant factory in rural Tennessee. Instead, they spent most of the money on an extravagant lifestyle and invested over $1M in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) out of over $30,000,000 pursuant to a contract to provide the tarps for areas such as Puerto Rico, affected by hurricanes. This session provides a detailed case study of how the investigators accumulated, organized, and analyzed hundreds of documents, identified the falsifications and misrepresentations, conducted multiple interviews, and ultimately convicted the conmen. This case study provides multiple takeaways for detecting and investigating grant fraud, which is especially relevant in light of the numerous federal stimulus programs in recent years. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Section 25F Scholarship Granting Tax Credit: Planning and Compliance Strategies
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides tax and accounting professionals with a focused overview of the Section 25F scholarship granting tax credit and its application in client planning. Participants will examine eligibility requirements, qualifying contributions, credit limitations, and interaction with other tax provisions. The course also addresses state-specific considerations, including variations in eligibility, conformity, and planning opportunities across jurisdictions. Participants will learn to evaluate client eligibility, maximize available credits, and ensure compliance while avoiding common pitfalls. *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
Surgent's The Accountant as the Expert Witness
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
As litigation becomes more complex, attorneys are relying more on accountants to serve as consulting experts or expert witnesses at trial. Serving as an expert witness is not as difficult as you might expect. Accounting experts educate lawyers and jurors on issues such as valuation, tax liability, and forensics. Learn how accountants become expert witnesses, the role they play during pre-litigation through to trial, and the techniques experts employ to avoid challenges from opposing counsel.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.
What's Going on at the GASB (2026/27)
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
This course provides a focused update on major recent pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Coverage includes GASB Statement No. 103 (financial reporting model improvements), GASB Statement No. 104 (enhanced disclosures for capital assets), and GASB Statement No. 105 (subsequent events). Participants will also receive a high-level overview of active GASB exposure drafts and ongoing projects. The course is designed to help auditors, preparers, and financial leaders understand how these developments affect audits, financial statement preparation, and board reporting. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Update
Where to Hide Fraud Inventory – Expenses – Payroll
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Imagine you have one hundred boxes that are all supposed to be full of manufactured inventory. How do you obtain reasonable assurance—now defined as a high level of assurance—that each box is full without opening every one? You begin by assessing risk. If the client has strong internal controls over manufacturing, packing, and transport to the warehouse, there is reasonable assurance the boxes are properly filled. Next, evaluate warehouse security and controls over access, as well as procedures for removing inventory. Once satisfied that controls are both adequate and operating effectively, you can observe and count the boxes and selectively test a sample—ensuring you do not only choose the most accessible ones, as fraud is often concealed within the middle of the inventory. Based on this risk assessment and targeted testing, you can conclude with reasonable assurance that the inventory is properly stated without inspecting every box. This same approach applies to expenses and payroll: evaluate internal controls, observe processes, and perform independent test procedures. Weak internal controls in inventory, expenses, and payroll create opportunities for fraud that may lead to material misstatements. In this session, we will explore how these vulnerabilities arise and how to recognize and address them through effective audit procedures. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
Ask Me No Questions and I Will Tell You No Lies
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Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
As a parent, could you tell when your young children were lying to you? Most of you will say of course I could! How? Was it their words they said or how they acted when they were lying to you? Most of you will say, by the way they acted. We call that body language. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth…… without saying a word. At what age does a child learn to lie? When they are about six months old. We teach them, and we are really good at it! (We’ll talk about it.) As a rule, when an individual tells a lie, they know it’s wrong and as result it causes stress. That stress manifests itself in many ways. The individual that is lying wants to get rid of the stress by saying or doing certain things. We call these stress indicators, and they can be verbal or nonverbal. It’s particularly important to observe what the subject is talking about when the stress indicator appears. If an interviewer is aware of the verbal and nonverbal stress indicators, they can read a person like a book. Remember, words lie but the body always tells the truth. In this session, we will discuss the types of individuals that lie, why they lie, and both the verbal and nonverbal indicators of stress. In addition, we will discuss how to get them to tell the truth and make them feel good about it. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 3Program Level: Various
Not Just Your Everyday FASB Update
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
This course highlights significant updates that affect financial reporting and related attestation services. We will explore novel FASB pronouncements while examining the enduring impact of lease accounting and revenue recognition standards. This course will provide reminders regarding both GAAP and non-GAAP financial reporting alternatives for closely held entities. We will also explore selected guidance regarding audit, review, and compilation engagements. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Basic
A Practitioner’s Guide to IRAs and Qualified Retirement Plans
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Are you ready to expand your practice and offer comprehensive retirement planning services? Look no further! Delve deeper into the realm of IRAs and qualified retirement plans with this comprehensive eight-hour course tailored for financial practitioners. Understanding the intricate tax implications, design options, and strategic considerations of these plans is essential for meeting your clients' diverse retirement needs effectively. By the end of the program, practitioners will emerge equipped to confidently advise clients on a myriad of retirement planning strategies, enhancing their expertise and credibility in the field. Explore the intricacies of different IRAs, ranging from traditional to Roth, and gain valuable insights into SEPs, qualified plans, and contribution plans. Navigate through the complexities of 401(k) plans, including Roth 401(k)s, and master the art of seamlessly navigating minimum distribution rules. Through practical highlights, case studies, and real-world scenarios, this course empowers practitioners to not only select the optimal retirement plans for their clients' unique financial goals but also to provide personalized retirement solutions tailored to individual needs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your practice and establish yourself as a trusted advisor in retirement planning. Enroll today and embark on a journey towards maximizing your clients' financial future! *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: 8Program Level: Intermediate
Estate Planning for Today and Beyond
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Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
Estate planning continues to evolve, and staying informed about the latest trends and strategies is crucial for professionals in the field. This forward-looking course delves into the intricacies of estate planning, with a specific focus on current issues. Participants will explore cutting-edge techniques, emerging legal considerations, and industry developments to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create effective estate plans that withstand the test of time and safeguard their clients' legacies. *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: 8Program Level: Intermediate
Hot Topics Accounting Update - 2026
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Many accountants desire to have a quick overview of only the most current issues in accounting and financial reporting. This course will provide an executive summary of the most important changes in U.S. GAAP. 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.
Workforce Transformation and Talent Management in 2025
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
The accounting profession faces unprecedented workforce challenges that demand a fundamental rethinking of traditional firm structures. This course examines why the century-old pyramid practice model is becoming obsolete and presents the inverted pentagon framework as a sustainable alternative. Based on comprehensive research showing that 52% of firms expect to shrink by 20% or more in the next five years, participants will learn how to restructure their firms to thrive with fewer entry-level staff while expanding specialized expertise. The course explores the "6 Ps of Business Model Transformation" - Precision Hiring, Proactive Retention, Practical Technology Implementation, Pricing Expertise, Practice Area Expansion/Focus, and People Acceleration. Drawing from success stories in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology industries, attendees will discover proven strategies for accelerating staff development, implementing effective knowledge transfer programs, and building sustainable talent pipelines in an era of technological disruption and demographic shifts. 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.
K2's Stop Wasting Time In Excel
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Are you ready to unlock Excel's full potential? In today's fast-paced world, mastering Excel isn't just a nice-to-have-it';s a must for anyone who wants to work smarter, faster, and with greater accuracy. Make plans to participate in this dynamic, Excel-centric session designed for professionals like you. Discover how you can leverage features like templates, Precision as Displayed, and PivotTables along with new tools such as Dynamic Arrays, advanced data cleaning, PIVOTBY and GROUPBY functions, and seamless Copilot integration. These features will transform the how you and your team analyze data, automate reporting, and deliver actionable insights from Excel. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate
How AI Fits into the Accounting World 26-27
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
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 on 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.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: Basic
Power Skills: Professionalism and Client Interactions
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Client interactions and professionalism are at the core of what we do as accountants. However, communication with clients is not always as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes there will be difficult conversations and disagreements that can be tough to navigate. During this course, we will discuss best practices when communicating with the client and also walk through complicated scenarios to practice what we learn. 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.
Surgent's Tax Research
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $99
Answering clients' tax questions accurately and on time is a key challenge for tax practitioners. Through simple, plain language explanations and examples, this course will help practitioners perform tax research more efficiently by describing the structure of the primary sources, highlighting the differences between primary and secondary sources, and detailing the steps in the tax research process.Delivery Method: Individual webcastCPE Credit: 2Program Level: IntermediateThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.
Critical "Soft" Skills for CFOs and Controllers
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Accounting and finance managers and executives must demonstrate sound soft skills necessary for personal growth and organizational success. This course will provide insights into the most crtical personal skills critical for CFOs and Controllers - or those that want to be! Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate
Analyzing IFRS Financial Statements
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Evaluating performance for professionals used to GAAP. A strong foundation in financial statement analysis is essential for understanding a company's performance and financial health across reporting standards. This seminar is designed for professionals, particularly those trained in U.S. GAAP, who want to enhance their understanding of IFRS-based financial reporting using a real-world Canadian public company as a case study. We will walk through the company's IFRS-based balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, highlighting both presentation and interpretation differences compared to U.S. GAAP. Participants will learn key analytical tools such as common-size analysis, trend analysis, and financial ratios covering liquidity, profitability, and leverage for an IFRS reporting company. Throughout the session, comparisons to GAAP will help clarify terminology, classification differences, and measurement principles-including treatment of leases, revenue, financial instruments, and impairment. The seminar also moves beyond basic ratios to explore advanced analytical techniques, such as ROE decomposition, operating vs. non-operating performance measures, and managerial ratios that reveal cost behavior, efficiency, and cash flow dynamics. Participants will see how IFRS disclosure requirements can offer additional insight into performance, risk, and sustainability. This practical and comparative seminar is ideal for accounting, finance, and business professionals who want to sharpen analytical skills, interpret IFRS-based financial statements, and better understand how to bridge IFRS and GAAP for global comparison and decision-making. 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.
Become a Data Analysis Expert
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Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, accounting professionals are expected to be more than just number crunchers, they are expected to be insightful interpreters of data. In an era where data is king, this course is your gateway to becoming a savvy data analyst, giving you a competitive edge in your field. We will guide you through the intricacies of making complex data analysis approachable and engaging. You will learn the all important Data Analysis Process Flow that will take you from collecting data all the way to making insightful decisions based upon your data. We will explore the basics of data modeling that will allow you to access data from multiple sources and use sophisticated calculations to create our data metrics. You will learn how to create interactive dashboards, perform sophisticated reporting, and uncover deep insights from your data. Whether you're looking to streamline your reporting process, enhance your data visualization skills, or make more data-driven decisions, this course is tailored to meet those needs. It's not just about learning a tool; it's about enhancing your professional identity as a forward-thinking accounting professional. 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.
Al Capone to Cybercrime: The Journey of IRS Special Agents
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Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
Since 1919, the Internal Revenue Service had a civil and criminal function in the United States tax system. Little do people know, the IRS has an elite criminal function that started with five United States Postal Inspectors. From its early days in taking down Al Capone to now solving cybercrimes, the IRS special agents are tasked with investigating tax fraud, money laundering, and other white collar crimes. This presentation will show you the importance of this law enforcement function, the training, techniques, expertise, and actions that cause them to be known as the "world's finest financial investigators." This presentation has been prepared by a 20 year veteran with the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The presenter investigated crimes, and trained and mentored other special agents. 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.
Strategic Government Budgeting: Tools for Long-Term Sustainability
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Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
This course equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to create sustainable, long-term budgets that align with policy goals and ensure fiscal responsibility. Participants will explore key budgeting frameworks, learn techniques for forecasting revenue and expenditures, and analyze scenarios to mitigate financial risks. The course incorporates practical exercises and case studies to provide hands-on experience with scenario planning, enhancing budget transparency and resilience. By the end of the session, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to design and implement budgets that support long-term governmental priorities and strengthen financial stability. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic