CPE Catalog & Events
Surgent's The CMA's Guide to Project Management
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Establishing a system: identifying forces that support the status quo; setting milestones and goals; the role of the CMA Necessary first steps: set a framework for the project’s activities; identify needed resources; obtain support; decide on a structure; establish a team for a specific project; identify necessary team skill sets Project evaluation: analytical tools, strategic evaluation; sources of risk Maintaining focus: monitoring and measuring results; keeping to the project’s scope Avoiding frequent traps: sunk costs; financing pitfalls; project creep; tunnel vision; failure to integrate the team’s work internally and/or the final project with the remaining organization Introduction and examples of analytical tools throughout the session: mapping; CPM; Gantt charts; benchmarking; Pareto analysis; PESTLE analysis; valuation techniques; post-completion evaluations
How to Get a Better Return on Financial Statement Audits - Avoiding the Most Misapplied Risk-Based Audit Concepts
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Online
8.00 Credits
Properly assessing inherent, control, and fraud risk on an engagement, and linking the results to an appropriately tailored detailed audit plan based on risk assessment and client service goals, regardless of entity type (for-profit, nonprofit, governmental) Leveraging strong substantive analytic procedures as audit evidence to cut back on tests of details The most common efficiency opportunities for tailoring your audit approach based on risk How to use the workpaper review process as a tool for producing a more effective and efficient engagement Using audit documentation to enhance audit quality, while ensuring every workpaper has a purpose How to use the client to your advantage in planning and performing the audit Learn how to get the engagement out the door – on time and on budget!
S Corporation (Form 1120S) - Formation to Liquidation
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Online
8.00 Credits
Extensive review of the S corporation tax laws with an emphasis on any new legislative changes Requirements to make an S election (i.e., types and numbers of shareholders and second class of stock issues) Fixing late S corporation elections (i.e., Form 2553) S corporation formation (§351) and liquidation issues Revocation and termination of S corporations Schedule K and K-1 – separately stated versus non-separately stated income and expense items Detailed Schedule K-1 reporting including the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction and 3.8% net investment income tax Compensation issues including the tax treatment of fringe benefits Built in gains tax and other planning opportunities when converting a C to S corporation Preparation of the Schedule M-2 and the ordering rules for distributions out of the AAA, PTI, E&P and OAA accounts Tax treatment of stock redemptions (sale or distribution?)
Surgent's Form 1040 Return Review Boot Camp for New and Experienced Reviewers
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
Review an error-prone "staff-prepared" Form 1040 from client-provided information. Where do you start? Get to know your client and ask the questions Several new reporting issues for the reviewer to consider, including the main credit provisions as enacted under the American Rescue Plan What are common errors preparers make and what are the areas generating malpractice claims? The importance of engagement letters, questionnaires, and §7216 permission statement Initial administrative groundwork Identifying organizing issues in the tax return to be reviewed Avoiding “willful blindness.” Handling ethical and moral dilemmas Efficient review of certain advanced issues for income, adjustments, deductions, and credits Effective procedures for delinquent clients, filing past-due tax returns First-time client issues requiring extra scrutiny Multiple checklists of efficient procedures to identify potential issues on a 1040 return Listing of schedules for staff to prepare to make a review easier, including basis issues for 1040 clients Reconciling time pressure with thoroughness and quality control Professionals acting professionally
Tax Depreciation: Review and Update
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Recent tax legislation and developments related to capitalizationEligible property for Section 179 and Section 168(k)Discussion of the Section 179 deduction and its use to depreciate real propertyThe Section 168(k) deduction and its use to depreciate real propertyDisposition of segments of real propertyExchanges of tangible personal property after repeal of the like-kind exchange rulesOther related topics
Roadmap to Ethical Decision Making
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Online
2.00 Credits
Provide best practice tips and practical strategies for preserving independence when assisting clients with technical matters Discuss the principles of professional conduct Address compliance with professional standards Use case studies to address circumstances that may create threats to independence
Internal Control Best Practices
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Online
2.00 Credits
Auditing Yellowbook
Ethics and Civility in the Workplace
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:What is civility and how it is tied to the bottom line?Principles of CivilityGiving the Benefit of the DoubtInclusivityCommunication Review of ethical values and principles with an emphasis on:RespectCourageCompassionHonor Accountability
2025 A&A Update With Technology Implementation
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Deep dive into the Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) effective in 2025.Insights from the FAF's 2024 PCC Review.Overview of FASB's Invitation to Comment - Agenda Consultation.The essential changes in quality management standards that firms must implement by the end of 2025. Common deficiencies identified by the DOL in EBP (Employee Benefit Plan) engagements and provide a peek at upcoming projects from the Auditing Standards Board (ASB).
Surgent's Key Current Financial and Economic Issues Facing the Financial Executive
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
Taking a strategic perspective relative to risk management and crisis management Reviewing the impact uncertainty and risk at the operational level relative to short- and intermediate-term decision making Determining the safety and soundness of the financial plans for your organization in an uncertain economic climate specifically as it relates to capital adequacy and strategic direction Managing the debt and equity mix for your organization in a rapidly changing economic landscape Determining the impact that competing in a global marketplace has on an organization and how to take steps to become more competitive globally Evaluating the impact of federal, state, and municipal deficits and unfunded mandates as it relates to tax planning Evaluating retirement programs with Social Security funding for your employees Determining the safety and soundness of your credit and collections processes and selection of customers in an uncertain environment Influencing growth through acquisition of distressed organizations The economic way ahead for the CFO/Controller
Retirement Planning: Next Stage for You or Your Client
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:Welcome to Your Next Stage -- Developing a new perspective on what this next stage is really all aboutIt's About Time -- Discovering a new sense of purposeMoney Matters -- Assessing your financial conditionsRelationships Matter Too -- Addressing needed or potential changes in your relationshipsHealthy Habits -- Examining new or renewed ways to stay healthyWho I Am -- Creating a new identity, and answering "So what do you do?"My Master Plan -- Figuring out what to do next
The Best Individual Income Tax Update Course by Surgent
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
Comprehensive coverage of the Inflation Reduction Act, including: The Clean Vehicle Credit, Credit for Previously Owned Clean Vehicles, Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles, Residential Clean Energy Credit, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, Premium Tax Credit, Elective Payment, Transferability, and Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements Comprehensive coverage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, including: Expanding Enrollment in Retirement Plans, Increase in Age for Required Beginning Date for Mandatory Distributions, New Exceptions to Penalty-Free Withdrawal from Retirement Plans, and recent IRS guidance Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation Detailed analysis and examples of Sale of Passthrough Entity Interest and Net Investment Income Tax The Gig Economy -- Tax implications, Independent Contractor vs. Employee Classification, and the 2024 DOL Final Rule Real Estate professional requirements Review of pertinent cases and rulings affecting taxpayers Practice aids, including all the numbers applicable for the current year -- inflation-adjusted amounts, mileage rates, retirement contributions, and more Advanced practice, reporting, and other issues intertwined with advanced planning and discussion ideas
Ethics and Technology for CPAs
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:The foundational ethical principles CPAs are required to follow and how these principles apply to audit quality, data privacy and security, and the use of emerging technologies.The profession's need to change to meet its ethics standard in a technology-centric environment.Changes being considered by the AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy that could impact the profession.
Comprehensive Audit & SSARS Update
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee standards update and new practice aidAICPA Auditing Standards Board standards update including recent changes to the audit and attestation standardsAICPA’s new Quality Management Standards - Overview, implementation considerations, timeline, and AICPA implementation resourcesPCAOB, IAASB standard-setting agenda and potential future AICPA ASB standards changesUpdate on AICPA’s Enhancing Audit Quality InitiativeTrends in audit quality including the DOL’s audit quality studyFrequent peer review findings and practice tips for achieving high practice qualityLatest on the DOL’s audit quality study
Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Reporting Explained
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Online
8.00 Credits
Discussion of financial reporting risks increased by the current economic environment, including increased uncertainty related to critical financial statement amounts and significant disclosures Executive summary of recent Accounting Standards Updates Overview of fair value disclosure requirements and implementation issues Discussion of issues related to donor-restricted endowment funds Classification of net assets and reclassifications Endowments, including accounting, disclosures and UPMIFA Noncascontributions Contributions received and receivable Expense recognition issues Reporting expenses by function and nature Other relevant matters unique to the nonprofit environment
Steps to Stop External Fraud
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:Types of external fraudConsiderations as organizations work to reduce fraud riskExternal fraud and known parties/External fraud unknown perpetrators
The Crucial Connection - Why You Should Care About Your Client's System of Internal Control
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Virtual
1.50 Credits
The audit risk model Key steps in understanding and evaluating your client's system of internal control Learn how to identify IT applications and IT controls relevant to the audit Apply risk assessment requirements to less complex entities Examples of risks arising from the use of IT and general IT controls
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs: Ensuring Responsible Use
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Understanding ethical implications of AIData privacy and security considerationsCompliance with regulations and professional standardsDeveloping ethical AI policies and procedures
Surgent's Engagement and Client Retention Best Practices
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Managing client expectations How automation improves client engagement Understanding the role of feedback systems Seeking referrals Building client loyalty Customer retention marketing Expanding services offered to clients Knowing when it is appropriate to enter new markets
Surgent's The Essential Multistate Tax Update
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
Employees working in multiple states: Withholding issues (when to start and where to withhold) special issues depending on type of tax assessed in the state or locality Emerging sales tax topics: Elimination of the physical presence standard in determining nexus (Wayfair case); economic nexus for remote sellers; assisting remote sellers in determining a plan of action in states that enforce economic nexus Emerging compliance issues in the new sales tax economy Income Tax (and other forms of tax): Economic nexus (taxation without physical presence) Will states shift away from income tax and increase reliance on sales tax after Wayfair? Treatment of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by the states: presence of intangible property; is P.L. 86-272 still valid? Pass-through problems: Nexus issues for interest owners Treatment of the 199A deduction for pass through entities by states: Withholding issues Practical considerations in dealing with multistate taxation: Dealing with state nexus questionnaires When to consider voluntary compliance: Responsibility of officers, members, partners, and shareholders; planning ideas and opportunities; updates on pending federal legislation relative to state tax
