CPE Catalog & Events

The major topics covered in this class include:Generally accepted audit requirements related to testing controls for operating effectivenessIdentifying key controls that may prove effective and efficient to test in a control reliance strategyResponses when deviations are discovered when evaluating the design or operating effectiveness of internal controlLeveraging audit evidence available for Service Organization Control (SOC1) ReportsGeneral computer control considerations when evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting

FASB's current activities ASUs issued Workplan agenda

What do buyers really want? Steps to take so your business will be attractive to buyers The process to prepare for a sale The steps and timing Pitfalls to avoid The value of a strong advisory team Key considerations

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Why Advanced Search Skills Are So Critical for AccountantsWhy You Need More than Google to Search the InternetGARP: Generally Accepted Research PrinciplesAlternatives to GoogleAdvisory SearchSocial SearchSpecialty searchSearch Engine resourcesWhat's Ahead in Search

What is artificial intelligence? What are the different forms of artificial intelligence? The difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning The types of problems artificial intelligence can solve The role of algorithms How artificial intelligence will affect accounting and finance careers Data governance, security, and privacy How accounting firms are using AI today The role of artificial intelligence in asset management

What does practicing before the IRS mean? Who may practice before the IRS? What should a tax preparer do if he or she has knowledge of a client's omission of income from a tax return? May a tax preparer rely on the work of other tax return preparers? May a tax preparer rely on and use client-provided information? Standards associated with giving advice to clients Abolition of the disclaimer requirement When must a tax preparer examine a client’s books and records?

What keeps companies from becoming streamlined?  Behavioral biases Information processing biases Emotional biases How to deal with behavioral biases  Connecting behavioral biases to cost cutting Creating a culture of cost cutting Rules of thumb for cost cutting  Managing headcount Post-COVID common areas of excess cost Budgeting techniques Budget variances Benchmarking Common size financial statements Horizontal analysis Negotiation and contracting techniques Cash flow and the business cycle

Overview of estate planning The dangers of a Power of Attorney The most important aspect of a will Role, scope, rights, and responsibilities of an executor Benefits of incorporating a trust Bequests Caring for a pet Claims against the estate Insurance Consequences of poor estate planning

Types of business entities (Sole proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company and Limited Liability Partnership) Considerations in choosing a business entity, including taxes, limited liability protection, management & control, funding options & opportunities, tax consequences for the owners and the business. Future tax considerations that will impact various business entities.

Overcoming the Common Obstacles to Public Speaking Fear of rejection/ failure and how to overcome From Unconscious Incompetence to Unconscious Competence Toastmasters and practicing by video Act “As If,” Do One Breath Technique to be more relaxed Creating the Content of the Talk What are the concerns of your audience? Talks consist of a title, an introduction, an opening, a body of content, a conclusion and a closing How to Deliver a Talk Effectively The clothes you wear and how you look matter Charisma = energy Smile and act enthusiastic Use self deprecating humor Making the Talk Entertaining Vary the speed of your delivery The Power of stories Memorization and Practice Key word system and note cards Practice thru video or get feedback through others Creating Stories that Rock

U.S.  GAAP and Special purpose frameworks Form and content of financial statements: Balance sheets Income statements; Statements of cash flows Retained earnings and/or owners’ equity statements Comprehensive income Supplementary information Comparative vs. single-period financial statements Sufficiency of disclosures Illustrative disclosures frequently encountered in small-to-medium reporting entities Industry-specific nuances

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

Discuss the most recent individual income tax legislation passed to date  Review numerous individual income tax provisions related to business (i.e., sole proprietors and owners in pass through entities) including but not limited to the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, §461(l) business loss limitations, §163(j) interest deduction limitations and depreciation. Cover issues related and any changes to the various taxes (i.e., income tax rates, capital gain tax rates, self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax (AMT), 3.8% net investment income tax) Brush up on other topics such as income filing status, personal exemptions, itemized deductions, exclusions from income, adjustments to income, rentals, passive activity rules and individual income tax credits (e.g., child tax credit and dependent care credit) Walk through the NEW final required minimum distribution (RMD) regulations Look at any changes to the Form 1040 and other related schedules and forms

Extensive review of the partnership income tax laws with an emphasis on any new legislative changes Comparison of partnerships, LLCs and LLPs Overview the formation of a partnership/LLC and the §704(c) pre-contribution gain or loss rules Schedule K analysis– determine if income statement items are separately (i.e. schedule K) or non-separately stated income and expense items How schedule K items get allocated to partners on schedule K-1s Look at detailed Schedule K-1 information reporting to partners needed for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction, 3.8% net investment income tax and business interest expense limitations Learn the special tax treatment of fringe benefits paid on behalf of the partners and LLC members Comparing the tax and §704(b) book capital account computations Discuss partner guaranteed payments and self-employment tax issues Schedule M-1 – reconciliation of income or loss per books with income or loss per income tax return Schedule M-2 – analysis of partners’ capital accounts Review the importance and basics of calculating a partner/member’s outside tax basis. Overview of the tax treatment of distributions, recourse and nonrecourse debt allocations, §754 election for optional basis adjustments and §743/§734 mandatory basis adjustments

Extensive review of the S corporation tax laws with an emphasis on any new legislation  Review the Form 1120S and discuss how items get reported on the S corporation tax return (i.e. page 1 versus Schedule K) and flow-thru to the shareholders on their schedule K-1 Analyze the Schedule K-1 line-by-line and discuss where the items get reported on the individual’s Federal income tax return and how the items affect the shareholder’s stock and debt basis Look at detailed Schedule K-1 information reporting to shareholders needed for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction, 3.8% net investment income tax and business interest expense limitations S corporation formation issues under IRC §351 Tax ramifications and reporting of distributions at the S corporation level including when the S corporation has prior C corporation earnings and profits (E&P) Preparation of the Schedule M-2 and the ordering rules for distributions out of the AAA, PTI, E&P and OAA accounts

Revenue Recognition Accounting

Why most equity compensation plans fail? Complexity of GAAP accounting for equity compensation plans Tax implications of equity compensation plans Who and how an equity compensation plan should be administered? Compliance issues to consider Recommendations to design a better equity compensation plan

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Understanding ethicsAvailable tools to aid in ethical decision makingThe role of bias in making ethical decisionsApplication through case studies

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).

Recent tax legislation, rules and developments related to capitalization and depreciation Capitalization of tangible property, including materials and supplies, building and improvements Small taxpayer safe harbor Section 179, including 2020 inflation adjustment Section 168(k) 100% bonus deduction Late bonus depreciation election Qualified improvement property