CPE Catalog & Events

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Data Analysis Process Flow: An introduction to the Data Analysis Process Flow and how it is your pathway to becoming a Data Analysis Expert.Data Modeling: A comprehensive discussion of building a data model and calculating metrics.Data Visualizations: An understanding how visualizations can present data in a more insightful and impactful manner.

An overview of the beginning of the process and documents for preliminary tax planning Recognizing the need for due diligence in acquisitions, including checklists of important points Deemed asset sales – §338 and §338(h)(10) The impact of the §197 amortizable intangibles regulations on the acquisition and disposition of a business Allocating purchase price for tax advantage Planning to avoid double taxation under the repeal of the General Utilities doctrine Special problems and opportunities when an S corporation is the buyer or seller Installment sale and interest issues Avoiding tax pitfalls and recognizing tax planning opportunities Unique issues in buying and selling LLC/partnership interests Impact of the net investment income tax (NIIT) and the §199A pass-through deduction on the tax due on the sale of a pass-through entity Individually owned goodwill

Federal and California statutory and regulatory standards governing tax preparers: Preparer penalty provisions, Circular 230 and; AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services Tax shelter and reportable transaction issues in depth Attorney-client, Sec. 7525 and work product privilege issues and Kovel arrangements

Auditing contractor accounting and revenue from contracts with customers Planning and risk assessment for construction contractors Key internal controls Substantive procedures for long-term contractors

Discuss the most recent individual and business income tax legislation passed to date Walk through major tax changes to corporations, partnerships and/or individuals and any changes to the income tax forms and other related schedules Review numerous business income tax provisions including but not limited to the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction; changes to NOLs, §461(l) business loss limitations, §163(j) business interest deduction limitations, accounting method changes, depreciation, retirement plans, fringe benefits and entertainment expenses Brush up on the individual and business income tax rates (e.g., income tax rates, capital gain tax rates, self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax (AMT), 3.8% net investment income tax) Discuss other individual income tax topics and changes to filing status, personal exemptions, itemized deductions, exclusions from income, adjustments to income and income tax credits (e.g., child tax credit and dependent care credit) Walk through the NEW final required minimum distribution (RMD) regulations Review other important IRS audit areas such as basis and at-risk limitations for S shareholders and partners, passive activity losses and real estate professionals and self-employment taxes

Accounting & Auditing Yellowbook Uniform Guidance

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

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Analysis of the ''Preparation of Financial Statements'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with detailed implementation guidance.Analysis of the ''Compilation'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with implementation guidance.Analysis of the ''Review'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with detailed implementation guidance.Common mistakes made in SSARS engagements as identified in peer reviews and in litigation.

The major topics covered in this course include:Overview of the current landscape for AI in businessHistory of ChatGPT and generative AIFundamentals of generative AI technology and related nomenclatureABC's of how to use ChatGPTDemonstration of practical ChatGPT applications for accounting, finance and taxA word of caution: What you should be concerned aboutDeveloping a ChatGPT usage policy for your firm / business

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The role of methods of proof in forensic accounting.The various types of methods of proof approved by the courts.The weakness and strengths of the methods of proof.The formulas in calculating methods of proof.Applying the formulas in various circumstances.

The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and its interpretations New developments in regulation at the national and state level Best practices, case studies, and disciplinary actions

Data analytics Key fraud risk management guidance documents  Data analytics frameworks  Leading techniques and innovations for preventing and detecting fraud

Cost Accounting Activity-based Costing

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

Discussion of the importance of financial education for the next generation Understanding a client’s financial values Determining a client’s financial literacy Helping clients develop a teaching roadmap Using knowledge to protect against entitlement Developing a knowledge base for the information, including a full list of recommended books on the topic and games for families to play Discussion of specific topics, including tips and tricks related to: Allowances Earning, work, and entrepreneurship Spending, saving, and investing Philanthropy Taxes Credit cards, crypto, and financial fraud

Recent legislative developments, cases and rulings impacting various business entity taxpayers Review of Inflation Reduction Act provisions impacting small businesses Business income, deductions and credits Section 174: Research and Experimentation Deduction update Form 1099-K reporting Depreciation update: Section 179 and 168(k) S Corporation and partnership update, including Schedule K-1 

"Tax-mageddon" - the all-important impending expiration/extension/renewal of the TCJA Other recent legislative, judicial, and IRS developments impacting business taxpayers Current status of Research and Experimentation costs and Interest Expense Limitation Phaseout of Bonus Depreciation and MACRS issues S corporation and partnership developments Other miscellaneous business developments

Discussion of financial reporting risks increased by the current economic environment, including increased uncertainty related to critical financial statement amounts and significant disclosures Executive summary of recent Accounting Standards Updates  Overview of fair value disclosure requirements and implementation issues Discussion of issues related to donor-restricted endowment funds Classification of net assets and reclassifications Endowments, including accounting, disclosures and UPMIFA Noncascontributions Contributions received and receivable Expense recognition issues Reporting expenses by function and nature Other relevant matters unique to the nonprofit environment

Each module includes a lecture followed by in-class group case studies and activities. In this two-day course, the following two-hour modules will be presented: Day 1: Auditing accounts receivable Physical inventory observations Sampling fundamentals Assessing fraud risk in a financial statement audit Day 2: Auditing common investments Financial statement fundamentals SSARS refresher and attestation engagement overview Analytical procedures fundamentals

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