CPE Catalog & Events
CPAxPACK: AI-Powered Accounting
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Virtual
12.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in ExcelField of Study: Computer Software & ApplicationsCPE: 2Discussion Leader: Bryan Smith (DSP)Description: In the ever-evolving world of data analytics and business intelligence, Microsoft Excel continues to be an indispensable tool for professionals across industries. With the introduction of Copilot, Microsoft has integrated the power of artificial intelligence directly into Excel, revolutionizing how users work with data. This 2-hour interactive course, Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel, provides a comprehensive overview of how Copilot transforms traditional Excel workflows into dynamic, AI-driven processes, enabling users to accomplish tasks faster, more accurately, and with less manual effort. During this course, you'll discover how Copilot leverages AI to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Whether you're a seasoned Excel user or just beginning your journey, this course will guide you through practical applications and best practices to make the most of Copilot's capabilities. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, you'll see how Copilot can save time, improve decision-making, and elevate your analytical skills to new heights. This course not only focuses on the technical aspects of Copilot but also highlights its potential to transform your day-to-day work, from automating repetitive tasks to uncovering trends and insights you might otherwise overlook. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to integrate Copilot into your workflows and unlock its full potential in Microsoft Excel. Course 2: AI Prompt Engineering Masterclass for AccountantsField of Study: Information TechnologyCPE: 2Discussion Leader: Garrett WasnyDescription: An advanced guide to prompting techniques that maximize AI efficiency and precision in everyday business research, operational due diligence and accounting tasks. Designed for accountants with no prior AI knowledge, the session explores how simple language and strategic prompting can unlock powerful, layered responses from large language models (LLMs). Participants will learn to overcome the "lazy" defaults of AI, using specific techniques to enhance detail, accuracy, and contextual understanding in their queries. By understanding prompt engineering's role, attendees will discover how to guide AI to provide practical, relevant, and analytical insights suited to complex financial scenarios, without needing extensive technical expertise. Course 3: AI for CPAs - How it Works and How to Apply itField of Study: Information TechnologyCPE: 4Discussion Leader: John Higgins (HAL)Description: Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and many others are transforming the digital landscape of virtually every business, including CPA firms. We will demystify the complex world of generative AI in this informative session designed specifically for CPAs. We will break down the nuts and bolts of how generative AI works, making the technical aspects accessible and relevant. Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge to leverage AI in your practice or business. You will learn multiple examples of how you can apply generative AI tools in accounting, finance and tax to boost your team's productivity and improve the quality of your work product. Course 4: 1040 Tax Prep Automation with AI ToolsField of Study: TaxesCPE: 2Discussion Leader: John Higgins (HAL)Description: There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate various aspects of 1040 tax preparation. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your core 1040 tax prep software. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client source documents, enhance the engagement management process and add value to your 1040 service through AI enhanced 1040 advisory services. This course will separate the hype from reality about AI and how it can be used in 1040 tax preparation. Course 5: How AI Fits into the Accounting WorldField of Study: AccountingCPE: 2Discussion Leader: Karl EgnatoffDescription: 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 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.
CPAxPACK: Forensic Accounting: Investigate, Analyze, Report
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Virtual
12.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:All courses in this Pack are presented by Robert Nordlander, CPA.Course 1: Forensic Accounting: Court Approved Methods of ProofCPE: 4Description: How does a forensic accountant calculate financial losses? Federal courts have approved various ways to calculate losses ranging from net worth method of proof to the expenditures method. Each method of proof depends on the available facts to the forensic accountant. This presentation will focus on the various court approved methods of proof, when to use them, and how to calculate the total loss.Course 2: Forensic Accounting: When The Office Is A Crime SceneCPE: 4Description: Embezzlement happens often to many small businesses. Unfortunately, the lack of internal controls allow the embezzlement to remain undetected for years. But when it is discovered, the small business owner will most likely contact their CPA for advice. What should you do when your client contacts you about their employee embezzling money from their business? What options should you present to your client? How can your client protect themselves, while investigating the embezzlement? What steps need to be taken about preserving any documents, emails, texts, or phone calls? This course teaches how to engage the client, properly identify the evidence needed to prove the crime, how to write the report for civil and criminal trial, and best practices in preserving electronic and paper evidence.Course 3: Forensic Accounting: Crafting Expert ReportsCPE: 4Description: When forensic accountants are hired to conduct an analysis and investigations, they are commonly expected to write a report. This report can be short or long, depending on the circumstances. This presentation is how to write an effective expert report that will withstand scrutiny of both parties of litigation and the court. The presentation will also include best practices, ethics, and components of an effective report.
CPAxPACK: Tax Pro's Guide: Essential Courses for Tax Mastery
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Virtual
12.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: Basic Individual Taxation Course CPE: 2 Description: Please join us for an introductory course on the fundamentals of preparing and filing an individual federal income tax return. We will cover topics such as what the federal income tax is and how it is computed.Discussion Leader: Allison M. McLeod, LL.M., CPACourse 2: Income Tax Analysis: Exploring In-Depth ConceptsCPE: 2Description: Financial statements prepared for stockholders and external users follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), while tax returns adhere to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). These frameworks differ in recognizing profitability, influencing reported income significantly. Companies often aim to minimize taxable income within legal bounds, while maintaining compliance with both financial reporting and tax regulations. - Timing Differences: Variations in income recognition and deductible expenses between GAAP and IRC create timing differences, impacting reported profitability and tax liabilities. - Deferred Tax Assets: Companies accrue deferred tax assets from overpaid taxes or carried-forward credits, which can offset future taxable income, reducing tax liabilities. - Deferred Tax Liabilities: When taxable income is less than reported income, deferred tax liabilities arise, necessitating future tax payments when temporary differences reverse. Join us to delve into these concepts, exploring how financial reporting choices and tax strategies shape a company's financial performance and compliance obligations.Discussion Leader: Eric KnightCourse 3: Behind the Curtain: Exploring IRS Audit Technique GuidesCPE: 2Description: 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.Discussion Leader: Dr. Christopher J. Harper, CPA, MBACourse 4: Learning to Teach "Tax" as a Second LanguageCPE: 2Description: Sometimes the vernacular of accounting seems more challenging than technical aspects. This session offers suggestions for translating the foreign language of taxation into tangible terms for non-accountants. We explore techniques for simplifying the complexity of taxation terminology. This course will equip you with tools for demystifying tax technicalities so you can help clients and other non-tax professionals grasp fundamental concepts.Discussion Leader: Dr. Christopher J. Harper, CPA, MBACourse 5: 1040 Tax Prep Automation with AI ToolsCPE: 2Description: There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate various aspects of 1040 tax preparation. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your core 1040 tax prep software. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client source documents, enhance the engagement management process and add value to your 1040 service through AI enhanced 1040 advisory services. This course will separate the hype from reality about AI and how it can be used in 1040 tax preparation.Discussion Leader: John HigginsCourse 6: Tax Implications of Retirement Plan Distributions: What You Need to KnowCPE: 2Description: This session will address the complex rules of retirement distributions, review key provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0, and provide practical strategies of maximizing tax benefits for your client.Discussion Leader: Steve DilleyCourse 7: Schedule C of Form 1040CPE: 2Description: Many self-employed or sole proprietors find themselves having to navigate Schedule C in reporting business income. While this attachment to Form 1040 seems straightforward on the surface, there are many traps for the unwary.Discussion Leader: Allison M. McLeod, LL.M., CPA
CPAxPACK: Unlimited Webinars
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Virtual
0.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this Pack include:A&ATechnologyTaxBusiness Management & OrganizationEthics& More!Find whatever you're looking for at one low cost! Courses in the CFO Series are not included in this unlimited pack.
How to Start a CFO Service
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Virtual
1.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:What business owners really want from a CFO/business advisory service (it's not what you think).How to determine if you're qualified to provide CFO/business advisory services.Why now is the right time to be providing CFO/business advisory services.How to get new clients to your practice and how to approach existing clients.Why clients need you and why you need them.How much you should be charging for this type of service.How to provide a CFO/business advisory service in the most efficient way possible.
Advanced Excel: Hidden Secrets and Gems
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:Awareness of advanced functionsCreative methods for data manipulationUsing intellectual curiosity and professional skepticism to develop a problem-solving mentalityReal-life examples of innovative ways to analyze and report data with ExcelUsing Excel to perform e-mail mergesMany other functions and techniques that inspire you to continue exploring the depths of Excel and its seemingly bottomless toolboxEnhance creativity in your approach to developing Excel models
Auditing digital assets: Client acceptance and continuance, risk assessment, and laws regulations and related parties
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Client acceptance and continuance Risk assessment and processes and controls Laws and regulations and related parties
Surgent's The Most Critical Challenges in Not-for-Profit Accounting Today
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
Key issues related to not-for-profit financial reporting (e.g., presenting a measure of operations, various disclosures, concentrations of risk, and etc.) Key challenges encountered in not-for-profit accounting (e.g., contributed services, restricted contributions, conditional contributions, membership dues, noncash contributions, and etc.) Additional issues in not-for-profit financial reporting
Microsoft Teams - Everything You Need to Know from A to Z
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Understanding the "big picture" of the role the Teams app plays in your Microsoft 365 ecosystemHow to effectively design your teams / channels configurationDetailed review of all the features for creating conversation postsDetailed review of all the features for creating, editing and managing Office files within the Teams appHow to use the search features to find Teams content instantlyStep by step review of how to host and participate in Teams online meetingsUsing Teams calling features for your phone systemHow to manage your notification settings in TeamsAnd more
CPAxPACK: Audit Essentials: Cash, Expenses, Inventory
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Virtual
6.00 Credits
"All courses in this Pack are presented by Melissa GalassoThe major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: How to Audit CashCPE: 2Description: Cash is essential to every business, and is often one of the first accounts audit staff are exposed to. This course will cover the basics of auditing cash, including the related audit assertions, risks, & threats to the cash balance. During this course, we will also highlight the various substantive auditing procedures that staff should perform, and also walk through some real-world examples. Course 2: How to Audit InventoryCPE: 2Description: Inventory observations are often a right of passage for audit staff. This course will cover the basics of auditing inventory, including the related audit assertions, risks, & threats to inventory. During this course, we will also highlight the various substantive auditing procedures that staff should perform, and also walk through how to conduct a physical inventory observation.Course 3: How to Audit Expenses & PayablesCPE: 2Description: It is imperative that audit staff understand the fundamentals of expenses & payables. This course will cover the basics of auditing expenses, accrued liabilities, and other payables, including the related audit assertions, risks, & threats to the expenses & payables balances. During this course, we will also highlight the various substantive auditing procedures that staff should perform, and also walk through some real-world examples.
Avoiding the Most Misapplied Audit Concepts
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Risk Assessment - Properly assessing inherent, control, and detection 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.Substantive Analytics- Leveraging strong substantive analytic procedures as audit evidence to cut back on tests of details.Selecting items to test common misunderstandings related to designing, performing and concluding on tests of details, including sampling.Identifying and Evaluating Internal Control Deficiencies - Emphasizing the importance of identifying both design and operating effectiveness deficiencies during the course of the audit, and how to properly categorize deficiencies as inconsequential, significant or material for impact on the audit or required communications with management and those charged with governance.
CPAxPACK: Combatting Fraud: Master Prevention and Detection
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: Fraud Busters: Controls to Prevent & Detect FraudCPE: 2Field of Study: Auditing, AccountingDiscussion Leader: Keely GohlDescription: This course investigates actual real-world fraud schemes and discusses what controls could have prevented the fraud from occurring, and what controls could detect and curtail the fraud scheme. The instructor speaks from experience, finding multiple frauds very early in her career leading to a career-long focus on fraud prevention and detection. Course 2: Steps to Stop External FraudCPE: 2Field of Study: AccountingDiscussion Leader: Karl EgnatoffDescription: Until recently, a percentage of organizations discounted the risk related to external fraud attempts. Most were only concerned with protecting physical assets such as inventory or fixed assets. However, because of the many highly publicized corporate hacking events, such as the ones that affected the Colonial Pipeline and JBS Meats, more attention is being paid to external fraud risk of all types. In this session, we look at what is included in a definition of external fraud and then delve into specific control issues that can give rise to increased risk. We then discuss measures that organizations can employ to help reduce exposure to external attacks. Course 3: Money Laundering 101 for CPAs CPE: 4Field of Study: Specialized KnowledgeDiscussion Leader: Robert NordlanderDescription: CPAs spend most of their working lives reviewing bank statements and books and records of businesses. They are experts in understanding how to prepare financial statements according to GAAP. But would a CPA know a possible money laundering transaction if they saw it? Would they know about a money laundering business? Money laundering is a subject of many action and thriller movies, but rarely understood. This presentation will educate the CPA in understanding the basics of money laundering and how to identify money laundering. This presentation will help the CPA know the truth about money laundering, how to identify it, the statutes that define it, and the court cases that interpret it.
CPAxPACK: The Ultimate IRS Guide: Forms and Collections
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
All courses in this Pack are presented by Mary Jane Hourani.The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: Navigating IRS Authorizations: Understanding Power of Attorney (Form 2848) and Tax Information Authorization (Form 8821)CPE: 2Description: Providing a practical overview of the IRS Power of Attorney, Form 2848, and IRS Tax Information Authorization, Form 8821. Participants will explore the differences between these forms, understand when each is required, and how to comply with IRS requirements for representing clients and accessing their tax information. The course will cover practical issues, ethical considerations, and best practices for managing client authorizations through the IRS Centralized Authorization File (CAF) system. Course 2: Navigating IRS Collections: Overview of Form 433 & Offer in CompromiseCPE: 2Description: This course highlights when to use Form 433-A or 433-B, along with documents needed to effectively submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC) or Installments Agreement. Settling tax debts is an important part of the IRS collection process, this course helps guide taxpayer representatives through the process so they may efficiently complete these necessary forms. Course 3: Navigating IRS Collections: The Collection ProcessCPE: 2Description: This course is designed for tax professionals seeking to understand and navigate the IRS collection process effectively. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the various collection methods employed by the IRS, including liens, levies and wage garnishments. Addition all, participants will learn strategies to avoid or halt collection actions and the implications of the statute of limitations on tax collection. Course 4: Navigating IRS Correspondence: Effectively Responding to IRS LettersCPE: 2Description: Participants will learn how to interpret the most common IRS correspondence, adhere to response deadlines, and effectively communicate with the IRS to resolve issues and minimize risks. It provides professionals with knowledge and strategies needed to handle the most common notices including audit requests, collections & return inquiries as well as error notices. Focusing on best practices to ensure compliance and avoiding penalties or escalation.
Surgent's Technical Individual Practice Issues and Tax Forms for Experienced Practitioners
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Virtual
8.00 Credits
What’s NEW for this year – Items all practitioners must know Form 1040 and Schedules 1 – 3 1099-K reporting requirements Qualified Business Income -- Coverage of §199A including the real estate safe harbor A tour of the most recent forms changes, starting from gross income and ending with selected credits, including the latest IRS guidance on significant recent tax legislation How will clients (and practitioners) interact with IRS in the future and how the pandemic is steering the IRS to ramp up with digital communication efforts Hot developments and current areas of interest Virtual Currency and Digital Asset Taxation Advanced practice, reporting, and other issues intertwined with advanced planning and discussion ideas Form 6198 -- At-risk basis: Detailed case study and discussion of how this form is to be used and when it needs to be filed; learn how basis and at-risk basis are different, and why this is significant Form 6252 -- Installment sale income: A common tax area; however, a case study and discussion of this topic includes advanced issues such as gain on reacquisition of installment sale property, including worksheets on calculating gain & tax basis of reacquired property Form 5329 -- Additional taxes on qualified plans: Advanced study of how to avoid penalties
ChatGPT Vision for Financial Analysis
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Introduction to GPT Vision - Understanding the fundamentals of GPT Vision and its capabilities.Advantages of Vision Mode Research - Exploring the unique benefits of visual data analysis over traditional methods.Accessing GPT Vision - Guidance on how to access and utilize GPT Vision capabilities.Financial Screenshot Analysis - Techniques for analyzing financial documents and reports through screenshots.Operational Insights from Visual Data - Using images to gain insights into operational processes and asset management.Integration with Google Maps - Learning how to combine ChatGPT's vision capabilities with mapping technologies for enhanced spatial analysis.DDPP Analysis - Applying descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis to visual data.Sentiment and Facial Expression Analysis - Techniques for interpreting emotions and sentiments in images to gauge client and employee feedback.Body Language Interpretation - Analyzing body language in images to understand non-verbal cues in business contexts.Effective Photo Capturing Techniques - Best practices for taking photos that provide optimal insights for financial analysis.
Determining Reasonable Compensation for Owner Employees
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Virtual
1.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:An analytical framework for analyzing and opining on reasonable replacement compensation for owner-employees of closely held businesses and professional practices in the context of tax planning, compliance, management consulting and business appraisal assignmentsExecutive compensation components, including the valuation of non-qualified plans and restricted stock units
Surgent's A Guide to Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The basics of nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) NQDC compliance Taxation of NQDC plans Types of NQDC plans Financing/funding NQDC plans Planning strategies
Surgent's Anatomy of a Ransomware Event and Incident Response
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
What is ransomware? The growing threat of ransomware — statistics Remote working and COVID-19 Ransomware infection process Incident response protocol Business considerations Legal considerations Breach notification obligations Steps to protect against malware Tabletop exercise
Surgent's Getting Ahead: The Art of Marketing for CPAs
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Challenges of marketing CPA firms Developing marketing strategy Elements of a marketing plan Example: CPA firm marketing plan Marketing regulatory/AICPA issues Picking the right marketing channels Marketing channel statistical analysis Developing marketing metrics
Criminal Tax: How CPAs Bring Value to Defense Attorneys
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The common weaknesses in a criminal tax investigation.The key documents to review (In a sea of thousands of documents).Crafting questions to recommend in court proceeding.
