CPE Catalog & Events
Surgent's Choosing the Right Business Entity
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
The business structure a client chooses influences virtually every tax and financial issue associated with the business, including the business's day-to-day operations, its tax liability, how much of the owners' personal assets are at risk, and much more. For this and many other reasons, it is critical that a client choose a business structure that gives the right balance of legal protections and tax benefits. From a tax perspective, in terms of selecting an entity to do business in, the universe shifted with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted at the end of 2017. The tax rate for C corporations was lowered to 21% and the §199A deduction offered pass-through entities the chance to significantly lower the rate at which they are taxed. But how do all these options work and which option is best for which business? Those questions are at the heart of this webinar. In this program, we discuss whether there is a "best entity" for our clients. Accounting and finance professionals know that re-examining choice of entity determination is at the top of the agenda for client meetings because clients continue to want reassurance that they have the most tax-efficient entity structure. This program will equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to lead those discussions.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Taxes (2)Program 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.
Surgent's Clean, Transform, and Load Data in Power BI
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
This intensive 2-hour course is designed specifically for those aiming to master data management skills in the modern business environment. As data becomes increasingly central to accounting and financial analysis, the ability to effectively manage, clean, and transform this data is critical. This course delves into Microsoft Power Query, a potent tool within Excel, and Power BI Desktop, known for its robust data processing capabilities. This course is designed to take participants from the basics of Power Query to exploring its more sophisticated features. It is an ideal blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, centered around diverse data scenarios encountered in multiple industries. The aim is to ensure that the skills and techniques learned are universally applicable and beneficial in any professional context. Structured to be participant-focused, the course encourages active learning through a series of practical exercises, live demonstrations, and illustrative case studies. This approach not only deepens the understanding of Power Query's features but also demonstrates how to turn complex data sets into actionable insights. While the course is broad in its application, it remains detailed in its instruction, catering to both the novice and the seasoned professional. It is particularly beneficial for those who regularly interact with data, such as business analysts, project managers, and financial professionals, providing them with the tools to streamline data processes and enhance data analysis capabilities. Additionally, the course underscores best practices in data management. Participants will learn strategic approaches to data challenges, ensuring that their data processes are efficient, scalable, and sustainable. This course is not just about mastering a tool; it's about empowering professionals with the skills to transform data into a strategic business resource. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to leverage Power Query in Excel or Power BI Desktop to its full potential, turning data into a powerful driver for business success and innovation.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Computer Software & Applications (2)Program 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 Client Advisory Services (CAS): A Guide to the Variety of Offerings Professionals Can Provide
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
According to a 2020 AICPA survey, advisory and consulting services were considered the greatest unmet needs of clients. The recent growth in Client Advisory Services (CAS) has led many to ask what is included in this broad category as well as how to develop the services for clients. With so much focus on the recent success of CAS offerings, now is the time to learn how the services differ from what you currently offer, which of your clients would benefit most, and what you need in place to add a quality CAS program to your firm's menu of services.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Business Management and Organization (2)Program 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 Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $129
This one-day course will teach effective skills for coaching and training employees. You'll learn how to identify the characteristics of effective coaches and develop coaching strategies to support and assist your team, with the goal of helping them improve morale, productivity and quality. And, you'll learn a five-step approach for giving constructive criticism while managing defensive reactions. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 5.)Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Personnel/Human Resources (4)Program 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 Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $129
This one-day course will teach effective skills for coaching and training employees. You'll learn how to identify the characteristics of effective coaches and develop coaching strategies to support and assist your team, with the goal of helping them improve morale, productivity and quality. And, you'll learn a five-step approach for giving constructive criticism while managing defensive reactions.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Personnel/Human Resources (4)Program 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 Communicating Financial Results to Stakeholders: A Guide for Client Advisory Services
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
One of the most difficult things for any Client Advisory Services (CAS) professional to learn is how to communicate financial information to non-financial people. To be successful, it's crucial to master this skill, as we frequently explain accounting jargon to those unfamiliar with the field. In this course, we will explore how to properly communicate with stakeholders, including investors, clients, boards of directors, and even other departments. We will explore biases that people have when viewing financial information and even how to make sure we keep our message on point. If you are looking to move up in the financial services world, this course is a must for you.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Communications and Marketing (2)Program 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.
Surgent's Comparing and Contrasting Retirement Plans for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Clients often ask their tax advisors whether they have the "best" pension plan and whether they are using it to its maximum advantage. This program explains how various pension plans work and analyzes why a small or medium-sized business owner would choose one plan over another.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Taxes (2)Program 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.
Surgent's Compilation and Review Overview
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $49
Specifically designed for practitioners and their staff wanting an overview of compilation and review engagements, this course will introduce you to the objectives of compilation and review engagements, SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, which is currently applicable and is the most significant change to the compilation and review standards since their inception over thirty years ago, and the basic components and characteristics of financial statement preparation, compilation, and review engagements. The course will also address the changes in professional standards for compilations and reviews due to the issuance of SSARS No. 22-25, including SSARS No. 25's guidance on materiality and reporting. This course will also provide you with a review of the ins and outs of accepting and planning compilation and review engagements.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Auditing (2)Program 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.
Surgent's Compilations, Review, And Attestation Engagements
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Most CPA firms perform some level of compilation and review engagements. And some perform engagements under attestation standards. Building off what you learned in the training in Level 1, Module 4, this course offers builds provides a deeper dive into the most frequently missed issues in compilations and reviews engagements. We will also focus on attestation engagements and the various types of engagements an auditor can perform. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 2.)Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Auditing (2)Program 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 Compilations, Reviews, and Preparations: Engagement Performance and Annual Update
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
Specifically designed for preparation, compilation, and review practitioners, this course will provide you with a comprehensive review and hands-on application for performing financial statement preparation, compilation, and review engagements. You will learn the ins and outs of applying SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, as well as the additional guidance related to SSARS engagements through the issuance of SSARS Nos. 22-26 by the ARSC. In addition to SSARS 26, the entire suite of quality management standards is discussed. However, knowing the standards is not enough. You need to be able to effectively apply them. To support this, the course will review recent peer review feedback on SSARS engagements, providing insights on how to successfully apply this guidance. Not only will this course bring you up to date on SSARS requirements and guidance, but more importantly, it will provide you with practical examples and illustrations to help you effectively and efficiently perform these types of engagements. This course is intended to be your go-to reference for training your staff and managing your SSARS No. 21-26 services in compliance with professional, ethical, and technical requirements.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Auditing (8)Program Level: UpdateThis 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 Compilations, Reviews, and Preparations: Engagement Performance and Annual Update
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $199
Specifically designed for preparation, compilation, and review practitioners, this course will provide you with a comprehensive review and hands-on application for performing financial statement preparation, compilation, and review engagements. You will learn the ins and outs of applying SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, as well as the additional guidance related to SSARS engagements through the issuance of SSARS Nos. 22-26 by the ARSC. In addition to SSARS 26, the entire suite of quality management standards is discussed. However, knowing the standards is not enough. You need to be able to effectively apply them. To support this, the course will review recent peer review feedback on SSARS engagements, providing insights on how to successfully apply this guidance. Not only will this course bring you up to date on SSARS requirements and guidance, but more importantly, it will provide you with practical examples and illustrations to help you effectively and efficiently perform these types of engagements. This course is intended to be your go-to reference for training your staff and managing your SSARS No. 21-26 services in compliance with professional, ethical, and technical requirements.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Auditing (8)Program Level: UpdateThis 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 Comprehensive Guide to Tax Depreciation, Expensing, and Property Transactions
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
With a greater-than-ever §179 deduction boosted by additional first-year depreciation and pandemic-related business-friendly provisions, these are unprecedented times for businesses to make major asset investments. From the most-up-to-date depreciation regulations to inflation adjustments and technical corrections, this course will help you navigate the complex maze of rules dealing with depreciation, amortization, and sales of property. This reference manual contains a wide range of case types and examples, covering common and uncommon situations to illustrate the most important points CPAs need to be aware of.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Taxes (8)Program 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.
Surgent's Construction Contractors: Accounting and Financial Reporting Issues
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
Accounting and financial reporting for construction contractors may be the most difficult area to comply with the various standards. Construction engagements are, in many instances, more complicated than most lines of business due to the many users of the financial statements. In this course, we will discuss why construction accounting and financial reporting is so complex and examine the relationship between the contractor and the surety, both from an underwriting and a claims perspective. We will also explore what the surety looks for to maximize potential bond credit.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (3), Taxes (1)Program 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.
Surgent's Construction Contractors: Accounting and Financial Reporting Issues
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $129
Accounting and financial reporting for construction contractors may be the most difficult area to comply with the various standards. Construction engagements are, in many instances, more complicated than most lines of business due to the many users of the financial statements. In this course, we will discuss why construction accounting and financial reporting is so complex and examine the relationship between the contractor and the surety, both from an underwriting and a claims perspective. We will also explore what the surety looks for to maximize potential bond credit.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Accounting (4)Program 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.
Surgent's Construction Contractors: Critical Accounting, Auditing, and Tax Issues
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $159
Accounting and financial reporting for construction contractors may be the most difficult area to comply with the various standards. Construction engagements are, in many instances, more complicated than most lines of business due to the many users of the financial statements. In this course, we will discuss why construction accounting and financial reporting is so complex and examine the relationship between the contractor and the surety, both from an underwriting and a claims perspective. We will also explore what the surety looks for to maximize potential bond credit and discuss key areas of tax compliance concentrating on the areas that make construction unique.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (6), Taxes (2)Program 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.
Surgent's Contract Law for Accounting and Finance Professionals
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Accounting and finance professionals routinely encounter a broad range of legal issues while advising clients or performing routine job functions. Contract law tops the list as the most frequent issue that intersects with the accounting and finance professions. As trusted advisors, it is wise to understand the fundamentals of contract law for both personal and professional benefit. This course provides a broad overview of contract law basics geared specifically toward the accounting and finance professions. From contract formation to enforceability, this course offers an interesting look at how contract law intersects with accounting and finance. Participants should walk away with a better understanding of common issues that arise when reviewing contracts.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Business Law (2)Program 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 Controller/CFO Update: Hot Topics Facing Today's Financial Professional
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $129
In today's rapidly changing world, finance professionals are required to wear many hats and are often the keys to the success of the organization. On one hand, they need to be abreast of the latest proven financial skills for making the best decisions, and on the other hand they need the best skills to motivate, manage, and lead people. Being pigeon-holed into one area or another is neither good for career building nor good for the organization. We'll cover the latest issues that all CFOs and controllers need to know about and provide how-to guidance to allow for immediate use in their organizations.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Finance (4)Program Level: UpdateThis 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 Controller/CFO Update: Hot Topics Facing Today's Financial Professional
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $79
In today's rapidly changing world, finance professionals are required to wear many hats and are often the keys to the success of the organization. On one hand, they need to be abreast of the latest proven financial skills for making the best decisions, and on the other hand, they need the best skills to motivate, manage, and lead people. Being pigeonholed into one area or another is neither good for career building nor good for the organization. We'll cover the latest issues that all CFOs and controllers need to know about and provide how-to guidance to allow for immediate use in their organizations.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Finance (4)Program 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.
Surgent's Controllership Skills Update – Budgeting, Forecasting, and Big Data
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
Budgets are the vehicle for allocating resources, measuring activities, and identifying needed changes and improvements. An organization's strategy is the primary driver of costs. To be effective, the budget must be linked to strategy and long-term plans. Numerous organizations have achieved a series of short-term targets (budgets) but failed longer term, demonstrating the lack of this necessary linkage. Forecasting, a critical part of any successful budgeting process, can be flawed by technical errors, organizational structure, or emotional forces. The establishment of a system to collect, process, and analyze big data can provide significant insights into the budgeting and forecasting process. An efficient system of incorporating big data and analytics into normal activities will improve management's decision-making. This brief program offers specific actions to improve your forecasting and budgeting activities. In addition, more advanced techniques are identified for the participant's further review, which can be applied throughout an organization. Good budgets effectively allocate resources, provide information for decision-making and serve as an early warning system for unforeseen events. A poor budgeting process fosters a false sense of security, provides inappropriate or inaccurate data, and reinforces the status quo. Budgets are about the organization's story, not just the raw numbers!Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Accounting (1), Business Management and Organization (1)Program Level: UpdateThis 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 Controllership Skills Update: Current Survival Skills
Available Until Apr. 30, 2027
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
The role of financial professionals has and continues to change in organizations. The stereotype of collecting and reporting data has been replaced by a broader vision, which focuses on improving an organization's results today and preparing it for the future. This brief program offers specific actions that can be implemented by financial personnel to expand their role through improving their organization. The actions and techniques provided build upon and improve activities that exist in many organizations (measuring, budgeting, hiring, risk management, etc.), as well as providing insights into capital allocation, cash management, valuation techniques, variables that influence capacity levels, M&A activity and actions to increase efficiency and innovation. Updated to include the impact of regulations, additional examples of M&A, alliances and strategic spin-offs/splits, methods to improve efficiency from existing activities, the impact of COVID-19, as well as current organizational changes employed to manage and accelerate growth.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Accounting (1), Business Management and Organization (1)Program Level: UpdateThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.