CPE Catalog & Events
Beyond the Basics: Financial Ratios You Might Be Overlooking
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Virtual
1.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Understanding Cost Behavior and Its Impact on Decision-MakingContribution Margin and Break-Even AnalysisMargin of Safety and Its Role in Risk ManagementOperating Leverage and Financial SensitivityAnalyzing Asset Turnover for Operational EfficiencyCash Conversion Cycle and Working Capital InsightsFree Cash Flow Yield as a Valuation Tool
Surgent's Key Partnership and S Corporation Tax Planning Strategies
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation Tax consequences of retiring partners seeking liquidating distributions/redemptions and S corporation shareholders seeking the redemption of their shares At-risk and passive activity loss considerations Basis planning Related party transactions: making them work Income splitting and shifting with family can create considerable benefits Sale of ownership interest and NIIT considerations
Tax Season Update for Individuals with Steve Dilley
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this class include:2024/25 legislative developments, cases and rulings impacting individual taxpayersChanges to Form 1040 and other related forms, worksheets and schedulesIndividual income items, itemized deductions and creditsUpdated tax rate schedule and other inflation adjusted itemsImplications for self-employed taxpayers of various legislationSection 199A changes, including use of carryforward passive activity and 199A lossesCapital gains and lossesPassive activity and hobby loss rules changes
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
AI Prompt Engineering Masterclass for Accountants
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Introduction to Prompt Engineering: Basics of structuring effective prompts for meaningful AI responses.Understanding AI's "Lazy" Defaults: Why LLMs provide basic answers and how to push them to deliver richer insights.Multi-Layered Prompting: Techniques to encourage AI to provide responses across beginner to expert levels.Candid and Contrarian Responses: Using prompts that elicit honest and balanced insights, even on controversial topics.Ripple Effect and Cobra Effect: Probing the broader impacts and unintended consequences of financial decisions.Avoid Stupidity Checklist: A practical prompt for reducing mistakes in AI-assisted accounting tasks.Role-Based Perspective Prompts: Crafting prompts that guide AI to respond from specific professional viewpoints.Automation Ideas: Leveraging AI to optimize repetitive accounting tasks.Emotion-Driven Prompting: Exploring how emotion-focused prompts can enhance AI performance and engagement.Practical Applications in Accounting: How to apply prompt engineering in real-world financial analysis and decision-making.
Navigating IRS Collections: Overview of Form 433 & OIC
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Overview of the IRS collection process and enforcement actions.Initial notices, taxpayer rights, and IRS timelines.When to use Forms 433-A or 433-B and required documentation.Offer in Compromise (OIC): criteria, process, and practical considerations.Payment options: installment agreements, partial payment plans, and OIC.Advising clients on IRS collections and avoiding penalties.Compliance strategies for minimizing tax liabilities.Real-world scenarios and examples for tax debt resolution.
Surgent's The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
What are AI tools? Where are we with AI tool development? What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT – what kind of queries are possible? Copyright and intellectual property issues Benefits of AI tools Concerns with AI tools Impact on business use of AI Policy on AI tools
Managerial Accounting: Your Prescription for Better Decision
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Target profit and Break-even analysis.Relevant costs and decision-making.Standard costs and variances.Activity-based costing.Segment reporting and analysis.Budgeting.
Grading Your Auditors - Are You Getting the Most Value?
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Limitations in roles and responsibilities an auditor can accept without impairing independenceAssessing the strength of your auditor's ability to think critically, strategically, and creatively in appropriate circumstancesEvaluating your auditor's time and project management stillsGrading your auditor's communication and interpersonal skills, in exceeding your expectations on an audit
Synchronize Your Files to the Cloud with SharePoint -Updated
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:Overview of the OneDrive Sync app functionalityStep-by-step review and demonstration of how to deploy this appInstalling the Sync app on your local devicesConfiguring the files and folders to synchronize toy your local deviceManage the locally stored filesBest practice tips for using the Sync app and avoiding common mistakes
The Ethic of Recruitment and Selection
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics covered in this course include:Discussion of ethical and effective recruiting strategiesSelection processes that foster diversity and inclusionHow to increase talent pools to ensure hiring success
Supporting Mental Wellness to Thrive in Work and Life
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Understanding Mental Wellness: Explore how the brain functions and the connection between mental and physical wellness. Learn how stress impacts brain health and overall well-being.Practical Strategies for Balanced Living: Discover techniques for improving sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to support mental wellness. Learn the importance of setting boundaries, fostering open communication, and building meaningful connections.Recognizing and Managing Support Needs: Identify when to seek additional support and learn how to integrate self-care practices that promote sustainable mental and emotional health.
Surgent's Ethical Considerations for the CPA
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Virtual
4.00 Credits
Examine the CPA's role in today's economy Compare similarities and differences between individual and business ethics Explore the link between ethics, integrity and scruples Discuss the basic attributes of ethics and professional conduct Review the history of the CPA profession and the CPA's requirement to adhere to ethics policies and codes of conduct Review the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct and a CPA's responsibilities to the public, clients and colleagues Discuss the common rules and statutes faced daily in the CPA profession. Case studies may also be utilized to present potential ethical dilemmas CPAs may face during their careers Review CPA Independence violations by current legal case examples
CPA to CFO
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Virtual
1.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The steps necessary to effectively transform a tax or accounting practice into an advisory service.What it means to be a CFO/advisor to small-to-medium sizes businesses.What qualifications are necessary to offer an advisory service.How to find and convert leads and how to price and package services, including combining advisory services with the firm’s current offerings.
Surgent's A Complete Tax Guide to Exit Planning
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Virtual
2.00 Credits
Gain exclusion and tax-free reorganization planning Gain exclusion with sales of C corporation stock – Section 1202 Deferral of gain with installment reporting Gain planning with partnerships Basis planning – basis step-up at death, gifts of interests to family Restructuring the business entity – C vs. S corporation, partnerships, LLCs Real estate planning – retention vs sales, like-kind exchanges Employee stock ownership plans – special tax incentives Employee benefit planning with ownership change Taxes other than the federal income tax – state tax, estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes, and property taxes Prospects for tax law change
CPAxPACK: Monthly Federal Tax Updates: Stay Informed on Tax!
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Virtual
24.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Current individual tax issues. Current business entity tax issues. Any current tax legislation occurring during the period. Other issues affecting the profession, including IRS procedure, current cases, payroll, and other federal tax issues.
CPAxPACK: Unlock Power BI with Comprehensive Data Analysis
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Virtual
10.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:All courses in this Pack are presented by Bryan Smith.Course 1: Get started with Power BICPE: 2Description: The course will cover Excel's Power BI tools - Power Pivot, for advanced data modeling, and Power Query, for efficient data transformation and preparation. This segment is essential for understanding how Power BI extends and enhances the data processing and analytical capabilities of Excel. The second section of the course delves into the standalone Power BI tools.Course 2: Clean, transform & load data in Power BICPE: 2Description: 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.Course 3: Create measures in Power BI that define your MetricsCPE: 4Description: Starting with the foundational elements of DAX, you'll rapidly progress to tackle advanced formulas and time-intelligent functions, essential for nuanced data analysis. The highlight of the course is the emphasis on the DAX calculation process, a crucial aspect for validating measures in Power BI. Additionally, the practical application of PivotTables for measure validation will equip you with the skills to confirm the accuracy and effectiveness of your data measures. These advanced techniques are not just theoretical concepts but are presented through engaging, real-world scenarios, enabling you to apply your learning immediately to your daily tasks.Course 4: Power BI - Bringing It All Together for Data AnalysisCPE: 2Description: Building on the foundational knowledge from previous courses, this session focuses on the crucial next steps after creating data models and measures, guiding participants on how to fully utilize the potential of these tools to uncover insights and create impactful, actionable visualizations. This course takes a deep dive into the critical aspects of using Power BI to its fullest potential, emphasizing a holistic approach to data analytics. You'll learn how to build a streamlined workflow, ensuring every step in your data journey contributes to actionable insights.
CPAxPACK: Unlocking AI Potential for Business Innovation
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Virtual
10.00 Credits
The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Course 1: Implementing an AI-Enabled Marketing Strategy for Your FirmCPE: 1Field of Study: Communications and MarketingDiscussion Leader: Gaynor MeilkeDescription: Unlock the power of artificial intelligence to transform your firm's marketing strategy. This course will explore how AI can revolutionize your marketing efforts, helping you to reach your target audience more effectively and boost your firm's growth. In this session, Gaynor Meilke will guide you through the steps to implement an AI-enabled marketing strategy tailored to your firm's needs. Key Takeaways: Understand the fundamental principles of AI and its applications in marketing. Learn how to leverage AI tools and technologies to enhance your marketing campaigns. Discover practical strategies for integrating AI into your firm's marketing workflow. Gain insights into measuring the effectiveness of your AI-driven marketing efforts. Explore real-life case studies and success stories of firms that have successfully implemented AI in their marketing strategies. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI, streamline your marketing processes, and achieve remarkable results for your firm. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the competition and lead your firm to new heights with AI-enabled marketing Course 2: Generative AI in Practice-Boost Efficiency and ProfitabilityCPE: 2Field of Study: Information TechnologyDiscussion Leader: John Higgins (HAL)Description: Unlock the potential of generative AI to streamline accounting, auditing, tax , and advisory services. This course focuses on practical applications that can save you time and enhance profitability. Learn how to integrate AI tools into your workflows to automate tasks, improve accuracy, and deliver higher-value services. Course 3: Using AI to Instantly Transform Ideas into Revenue StreamsCPE: 2Field of Study: Information TechnologyDiscussion Leader: Garrett WasnyDescription: Learn practical strategies to increase revenue generation using AI-driven ideation methods. This course provides a concise overview of cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools and methodologies that enable professionals to transform innovative ideas into sustainable revenue streams. Through a practical, hands-on approach, participants will explore various AI platforms and workflows that streamline the process of creating digital assets, content, and products. The course emphasizes real-world applications and demonstrates how to leverage AI technology to diversify service offerings and generate new income sources. Course 4: AI Privacy, Security, and Compliance MasterclassCPE: 2Field of Study: Information TechnologyDiscussion Leader: Garrett WasnyDescription: In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the interplay between generative AI and data protection is not just an asset, but a necessity. This transformative course is designed to delve deep into the crucial privacy, security, and compliance aspects of working with Generative AI (GenAI) technologies. As accountants increasingly integrate AI tools into their workflows, the stakes for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring ethical AI practices have never been higher. Our masterclass is tailored to meet the unique needs of modern accountants, providing a thorough and practical exploration of how to navigate the complexities of secure data sharing with GPT models, implement robust AI policies, and master the intricacies of AI copyright compliance. With a focus on real-world applications and emerging threats, such as deepfakes and their implications for fraud and misinformation, this course is your gateway to becoming a trusted expert in the field. Join us to future-proof your career and lead with confidence in the digital age. Course 5: Tech It to the Next Level: Slim Your Team for Max EfficiencyCPE: 1Field of Study: Computer Software & ApplicationsDiscussion Leader: Sharrin FullerDescription: Ready to slim down your team and maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality? This session breaks down how to leverage tech and automation to fill workflow gaps, build a strong tech stack, and connect tools seamlessly. Learn how one proven tech stack replaced more than half a traditional team while improving client satisfaction and reducing overhead. Walk away with practical steps to streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and focus your resources on what really matters. Attendees will gain practical insights into streamlining operations, automating repetitive tasks, and focusing resources on high-value activities. The session also includes an exclusive look at a proven tech stack used to replace over half a traditional team, offering actionable steps to create a leaner, tech-driven, scalable firm. Perfect for firm owners ready to rethink staffing, reduce overhead, and embrace the future of accounting efficiency. Course 6: Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in ExcelCPE: 2Field of Study: Computer Software & ApplicationsDiscussion 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.
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.
