CPE Catalog & Events

Analyzing Financial Statements

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Balance sheet analysisIncome statement analysisCash flow statement analysisClues in the notes and MD&AIndustry nuances

Surgent's Applying the Yellow Book to a Financial Statement Audit

Critical concepts related to applying the Yellow Book including when the standards are applicable; the types of engagements involved; and the relationship between the Yellow Book and other standards The Yellow Book standards related to ethics; independence; professional judgment; competence and CPE; quality management; and peer review The Yellow Book requirements related to performing and reporting on financial audits and how those requirements affect the audit in areas like internal control

Surgent's Federal Tax Update

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, and New Exceptions to Penalty-Free Withdrawal from Retirement Plans Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation The Gig Economy -- Tax implications, Independent Contractor vs. Employee Classification, and the 2024 DOL Final Rule Advanced practice, reporting, and other issues intertwined with advanced planning and discussion ideas

Beyond the Numbers: Success Strategies for Female CPAs

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:How to increase your visibility instead of flying under the radar.Critical time management techniques that allow you to focus and prioritize the right strategic initiatives.How your inner critic operates and how to silence it.How to build a network of community support and mentoring.What impostor syndrome is and how it may be holding you back.

Surgent's Lessons Learned From Recent Accounting Malpractice Actions

Common instances of accounting malpractice Current claim trends Frequent defenses to claims Statute of limitations Damages Claims by practice area

Build a Data Model for Analysis in Power BI

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Data Modeling Essentials: Understanding the core concepts of data modeling in Power BI, including integration of various data sources.Building Relationships: Techniques to establish and manage relationships between different data sets.Calculated Columns and Basic DAX Measures: Introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) and its application in creating calculated columns and basic measures.Calculated Columns vs Measures: Insights into when to use calculated columns and when to opt for measures.Explicit vs Implicit Measures: Understanding the difference and appropriate application of explicit and implicit measures in data analysis.Hierarchies in Data: Creating and utilizing hierarchies to enhance data analysis and reporting.Using Pivot Tables to Validate Measures: Practical skills in using pivot tables within Power BI to validate and refine measures.

The Leadership Skills of Tomorrow: Delegate and Listen

The major subjects that will be covered in this course include:Three levels of listeningStrategies to remain focusedBuilding trust through listeningTactics to practice the Titanium RuleDelegating with confidenceEstablishing an accountability system

Peer Reviewer Forum: Q3

Discussion of recent Peer Review Board activity Update on Enhancing Audit Quality (EAQ) initiatives

PPP Fraud and Financial Professionals

The major topics covered in this class include:Ethical dilemmasJudicial proceedingsMitigation strategiesCreating tools to help make better decisionsAtonement and reconciliation

SECURE Act 2.0 and Updates (2025)

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

ChatGPT and Advanced Accounting Research

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

Forensic & Valuation Services Conference

Forensic & Valuation Services Virtual Conference

Bumper Sticker Ethics v. Professional Ethics

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Introduction: "Bumper Sticker Ethics" Thinking About Ethics:  Digging a Little DeeperCompare: Principles of Professional Ethics in AccountingCase Study: Frank v. Dana Corp.Conclusion: The Conceptual Framework as an Ethics Resource

Keeping Up with the FASB

The major topics covered in this class include:Review of current items on the FASB agendaDiscuss the new revenue recognition standardProvide an update on the new lease accounting standardAddress U.S. GAAP alternatives for certain entities

Surgent's Best Practices in Not-for-Profit Accounting and Reporting

The key requirements, options, and best practices seen in each of the basic financial statements Today’s core accounting and reporting requirements related to contributions and how to effectively and efficiently apply them How to analyze and incorporate the needs of financial statement users into a not-for-profit’s financial statements and disclosures

Surgent's Employer's Handbook: Health Care, Retirement, and Fringe Benefit Tax Issues

ERISA compliance: employee welfare plans and qualified plans Fringe benefit issues: COBRA, Family and Medical Leave Act, and new developments in health care Health care plans: HRAs, HSAs, and other employer-sponsored plans Qualified plan requirements: eligibility, coverage, and vesting

Introduction to Yellow Book: 8-Credit Boot Camp

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The basics needed to understand what makes nonprofit and governmental accounting & auditing unique. The key financial reporting differences for governmental and nonprofit entities.The fundamentals of Yellow Book and Uniform Guidance audits.

Surgent's Compilations, Reviews, and Preparations: Engagement Performance and Annual Update

SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, and updates to SSARS No. 21 due to the issuance of SSARS No. 23, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services SSARS No. 22, Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information SSARS No. 24, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services -- 2018 SSARS No. 25, Materiality in a Review of Financial Statements and Adverse Conclusions  SSARS No. 26, Quality Management for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services Sample comprehensive engagement work programs for preparation, compilation and review engagements Reporting and disclosure illustrations for each level of service, including attesting on personal financial statements, prescribed form, special purpose framework and other engagement variations Other communication requirements, such as sample engagement letters and management representation letters

Surgent's The Complete Guide to Payroll Taxes and 1099 Issues

Payroll tax requirements for wages, including wages subject to the .9 percent tax, employee benefits and reimbursements, nonqualified deferred compensation, stock options, and tips Fringe benefits issues, such as health insurance, life insurance, cafeteria plan benefits, accountable and non-accountable plans, standard mileage rates, and per diem rates Special issues -- Using a common paymaster, how to file W-2s after a takeover, merger, or acquisition, and state and local tax withholding Statutory employees, independent contractors, and possible changes to §530 relief Penalties -- Who is a responsible person? Expenses and gross-up calculations Pension issues and payroll taxes including SIMPLE plans, and §401(k) and pension distributions The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) Forms I-9, W-9, W-2, 1099, 1099-NEC, SS-8, and 940 Understanding payroll tax responsibilities in the gig economy