CPE Catalog & Events
Auditing Financial Statements of ERISA Plans
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
Auditing the statement of net assets available for benefits Types and classification of common plan investments Plan investment audit procedures based upon type of audit and risk assessment Auditing the statement of changes in net assets available for benefits Audit procedures at the participant level required for investment gains (losses), contributions, and benefit payments or withdrawals Presentation and disclosure requirements in accordance with GAAP Audit considerations related to related parties, parties in interest and prohibited transactions, a plan's tax status and Form 5500, and Form 11-K filers, and related changes introduced by SAS No.136
Leadershift: Drive Results Through Ethical Performance Mgmnt
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:How Inspirational leadership is the foundation that ethically drives results.Simplify the complex: Walk through the Results Model and discover practical how-to examples of execution.Hacks for getting great results with specific examples you can leverage in your business:The How: Empower your people to feel like an owner, managing difficult conversations well, leading with empathy and what that looks like, how it should feel, motivational coaching techniques to get your employee relationships back on track, and unleashing the power of appreciation and gratitude.The What: Powerful score-carding, transformational goal-setting conversations, and positive accountable follow- up.
Surgent's Annual Accounting and Auditing Update
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
Recently issued FASB Accounting Standards Updates, PCC Update and items on the FASB’s Technical Agenda Leases – Topic 842 Recently issued ASUs covering common control leases, crypto assets (e.g., cryptocurrency), and income tax disclosures ASC 326: CECL Review of SAS 142 – Focus on Audit Evidence Recently issued SASs and other AICPA activity SSARS No. 25 and other recently issued SSARS Detailed review of SAS 145 Other important A&A practice matters
Surgent's Fiduciary Income Tax Returns - Form 1041 Workshop with Filled-in Forms
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
Classifying receipts between “income” and “corpus” under the Uniform Principal and Income Act Calculation of DNI utilizing three different methods, a “forms” method (Schedule B), a “code” method, and a “shortcut” method, utilizing a worksheet of common income and expenses Proper W-2 preparation and procedures in the year of death Taxpayer passes before taking a required minimum distribution; what must be done? Forgetful fiduciaries of simple trusts Fluctuating trusts – Simple one year, complex the next Dividing income in the year of death Overview of Subchapter J Form preparation issues – Filing requirements and line-by-line explanations of Form 1041 Taxable income of estates and trusts and expense allocation issues Specific deductions and miscellaneous itemized deductions Income in respect of a decedent The income distribution deduction calculation Relation of principal and income law to DNI Understanding how to handle capital gains and losses Allocating tax items to beneficiaries: another K-1 Other considerations: excess deductions on termination Comprehensive DNI case study, with principal (cost and FMV) and income reconciliation Comprehensive trust and estate case studies, with filled-in forms
Understanding and Creating an Internal Control System
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:Underlying concepts of internal controlDefining where and why controls, policies and procedures are neededLegacy control measures that are still important for businesses todayCreating control measures that address the use and protection of technology
Compilation, Preparation and Review Basics and Peer Reviews
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:Basic requirements included in AR-C Section 60, General Principles; AR-C Section 70, Preparation of Financial Statements; AR-C Section 80, Compilation Engagements; and AR-C Section 90, Review of Financial Statements.New requirements included in SSARS No. 25, Materiality in a Review of Financial Statements and Adverse Conclusions.Common peer review findings.Practice tips for high-quality engagements.
Accounting for the Gig Economy
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Characteristics unique to the gig economyIndependent contractor and employee classification considerationsRecordkeeping considerations for independent contractorsAccounting and reporting issues for gig economy participantsAudit and attestation for clients who participate in the gig economyTax and regulatory considerationsThe CPA as a trusted advisor for independent contractors
Surgent's Controllership Skills Update: Risk Management
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Rethinking Risk Management: Historic view Challenges Rules Recent lessons Required skills Sources of Risk: Economy Competitors Operations Investments Strategy Compensation Routine practices Unethical behavior. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM): Defining ERM Areas of focus Implementation Planning for disasters Business continuity Contingencies Analytical Tools: Post-completion evaluations Simulation Z-score Hedging Brainstorming Mind mapping Delphi technique
Surgent's Mastering Client Management for Accounting and Finance Professionals
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The evolving landscape of client expectations in the accounting profession Building strong and lasting client relationships through effective communication, empathy, and proactive service Implementing efficient client onboarding and engagement processes Leveraging technology to streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and deliver personalized service Effectively resolving client concerns and complaints Utilizing client feedback to continually improve your practice
Surgent's Six Common Barriers to Investment Success
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Availability bias Herding Loss aversion Present bias Anchoring Home country bias
Surgent's Top Individual Tax Planning Strategies
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
New Clean Vehicles (CV) and the Clean Vehicle Credit What the CV seller must provide to the buyer Credit for previously owned CVs Energy efficient home improvement credit Increase in age for required beginning date for RMDs Reduction in excise tax on RMD failures Indexing IRA catch-up limit Higher catch-up limit to apply at age 60, 61, 62 and 63 Withdrawals for certain emergency expenses Qualifying longevity annuity contracts (QLACs) One-time election for qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to split-interest entity; increase in QCD limitation
The Bookkeeper Goes to Prison
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:Career choicesEthical dilemmasJudicial proceedingsMitigation strategiesCreating tools to help make better decisionsAtonement and reconciliation
ChatGPT and Advanced Accounting Research
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The accounting research transformation: Comparing Google vs. AI methodologiesAI ecosystems and specialized models for accounting applicationsAdvanced prompt engineering techniques for financial and tax researchAI-powered search engines and deep research platforms for accounting professionals AI as an ideation and thinking partner for complex accounting problems Specialized accounting research tools and AI superstoresPersona priming and P&P stacking methodologies for optimal AI interactionsEthical considerations and limitations of AI in accounting researchThe compliance chess effect: AI's impact on tax planning and regulatory responseAI-driven automation for regulatory updates and compliance monitoring
Fraud Case Studies: 21st Century Professional Misbehavior
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Salient provisions the AICPA Code of Professional ConductExamination of actual fraudsDiscussion of internal controls that could have prevented or mitigated actual fraudsContemplation of epiphanies for your own professional scenarios.Implications for professional conduct and compliance with professional standards
Ethical Considerations of the New AICPA SSTS Rules
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Review of the new AICPA Statement on Standards for Tax ServicesReorganization of SSTS by type of work performedDiscuss new standards on data protection, reliance on tools and representation of tax clients before taxing authorities
Erase the Mark: Best Practices in Penalty Abatement
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:The authority of the IRS in assessing tax penalties.The types of penalties that can be removed.The process the IRS uses to evaluate penalty abatements.How to request penalty abatements.Best practices in asking for penalty abatement, including using appeals.
Understanding Internal Control Constructs
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:Underlying concepts of internal controlThe importance of control measure interdependency
Adobe Acrobat Tips for Working with PDF Files
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Review of all that Adobe Acrobat has to offerOrganizing your PDFs with bookmarks, links, file attachments and moreFormatting the presentation of PDFs with headers, footers and watermarksCreating and processing fillable formsProcessing documents for e-signatureTips for converting email messages, documents and spreadsheets into PDF formatCombining multiple PDF files into a single binder Utilizing the security features of Adobe Acrobat to protect document confidentiality
Leveraging Marketing Automation for Accounting Firm Growth
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Virtual
1.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Content - From generating content ideas to SEO research and creating content through its distribution we will look at tools to accomplish these goals efficiently and effectively.Lead Generation - Tools to determine the best offers and get them in front of the appropriate audiences.Lead Nurturing - Once you have a prospective client "raise their hand" virtually or physically, it is critical to design and implement campaigns and other tactics to keep them engaged and move them closer to being a client. We will cover this i-depth during the course.Sales - After you have a prospect ready to get to the next phase of the purchase journey, it is imperative to answer objections, explain the process of working with your firm and then close the sale. These tools will allow you to do this without an entire sales team!Onboarding - Once the prospect becomes a client leverage automation to make onboarding seamless, systematic and simple for your team.Referrals and Reviews - Instead of chasing clients for reviews or case studies, consider baking the ask right into your current or automated processes. This course will show you how!
SECURE Act 2.0 and Updates (2025)
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Implications for individualsChanges to the Saver’s CreditChanging the required minimum distribution rules for Roth 401(k)sChanges to required beginning dates for required minimum distributions of retirement plans. Penalty-Free Withdrawals for Certain Emergency ExpensesSpecial provisions for firefighters and military personnel spouses Increases in catch-up contributions Impact on 529 plansOpportunities for student loan payment matchingImplications for EmployersStarter § 401(k) plans for small employersRequiring automatic 401(k) enrollmentImproving worker access to emergency savingsIncreasing part-time workers’ access to retirement accountsStatute of Limitations on excise taxes imposed on overcontributions to retirement plansMultiple employer §403(b) plansAutomatic portability provisionsOther changes in the administration of company retirement plans
