Professional Development and Event Catalog
IT Controls and SOC Reporting in Financial Audits
Saturday, Nov. 21 10:00am - 1:00pm
Online
3.00 Credits
Member Price: $109
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This course provides a practical understanding of IT controls and SOC reporting within financial audits. Participants will learn how to interpret SOC reports, evaluate control effectiveness, and determine reliance strategies. Real-world examples will demonstrate how IT controls tie directly to relevant financial statement areas and alignment with Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs).
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360 Budgeting: A Holistic Approach to Process and Solutions
Saturday, Nov. 21 10:00am - 5:45pm
Online
8.00 Credits
Member Price: $250
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The budgeting process can be a time consuming and frustrating process for accountants. The constraints and pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical and human components. This series will offer solutions to the budgeting woes from both the big picture and in the details. Budget Mastery: Process, Problems, and Solutions The budgeting process can be a mundane one for accountants. Let’s be realistic and agree that even the word “budget” does not bring excitement to you and your departmental colleagues. The constraints and pressures can lead to poor decisions in both the technical and human components. This session is the first part of a four part series and will cover the big picture of keeping the process fresh, pragmatic and useful. We discuss these keys in an engaging manner by discussing both our flaws and strengths, including how to build on these characteristics towards an enjoyable solutions-based method that should deliver effective results for your organization. Budget Mastery: Walkthroughs and Real World Calculations Towards Tying Budgets to Value This session takes a unique review of the fundamental budget issues faced by all and walks through a detailed modeling process intended to generate discussion and best practices to improve your organization’s financial modeling. From the beginning of the accounting process – ‘the chart of accounts’ to the end of the process – ‘the valuation of the company’, the budgeting cycle via a live case model to learn best practices common to successful companies. This course stands on its own but is part two of a four part budget mastery series. Budget Mastery: The Human Side of Budgeting-Navigating People's issues with 360 Insight You have a fantastic budget, but certain players are not pleased. Financial plans have a technical component and human component. We can resolve some of our budget issues by exploring the process’ human aspect. Understanding what makes you and others operate can enhance your understanding of the entire organization and build upon the respect and influence needed to navigate and lead the budgeting cycle. This session includes a case study that measures an individual’s personality type and then explores how to use our strengths and weaknesses to create a better budget process and quite frankly maybe a better you. This is a great and fun course on its own, but is also part three of a four part series on budget mastery. Budget Mastery: From Numbers to Narrative: Effectively Presenting Your Budget and Reporting Perhaps the most important element of the budget process is its communication. If management does not understand the budget – there is an issue. Knowing the right ways to communicate at all levels is essential to stakeholders laying an ownership claim to successful budgets. This session reveals several key guidelines in successful budget presentations and will identify key problems in how people often communicate financial plans. Presenting your budget and reporting is the final part of a four part series, but can easily stand on its own course that is intended to be fun, enjoyable and educational.
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Smarter Tax Services with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
Saturday, Nov. 21 10:30am - 12:30pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate your tax services. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your tax planning, research and compliance services. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client data, the engagement management process, tax research, and enhance client advisory services with AI too This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Becoming a Fractional CFO: What to Do and How?
Saturday, Nov. 21 11:00am - 1:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Are you considering becoming a fractional CFO, or possibly a public CPA firm or consulting practice that wants to offer fractional CFO services or advisory services? Either way, do you truly know what to do and how? Are you aware of the many pitfalls? Becoming a successful fractional CFO is complicated and it is not a trivial career change! Review the lessons learned from experienced fractional CFOs on how to enter, engage and run a thriving fractional CFO practice. Whether you are in public practice, a consultant, or in industry - be prepared for this as a possibility. Many fractional CFOs do not execute their practice as they could, and that is why they are not very successful. This discussion includes over fifty (50) recommendations to strengthen your fractional CFO practice. What do clients typically need? Are you better as a solo practitioner or should you join a firm? How to manage the relationship(s)? Every effective organizations make plans and if you want a winning fractional CFO business, come join us and learn how. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Fraud and Embezzlement: Case Studies from the Trenches
Saturday, Nov. 21 11:00am - 1:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Governmental entities are the second largest victims of embezzlement. This seminar examines recent events involving theft of public money and circumstances that allowed the fraud to occur. Case studies we examine include the 2012 $54 million embezzlement from the City of Dixon by Rita Crundwell. The events that impacted the small Illinois town of 16,000 residents was the largest governmental fraud case to date, and spanned an astonishing 20 years. This remarkable story inspired an award-winning documentary, "All the Queen's Horses." We will also examine factors that led to scandals involving the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, World Com, Collin Street Bakery and the Ohio American Cancer Society, among others. This course is ideal for CPAs, government finance personnel, all Internal Auditors, lawyers, governance professionals, accountants and human resource personnel. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Retirement Planning: Next Stage for You or Your Client
Saturday, Nov. 21 11:00am - 1:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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If you or your clients are facing that stage of life where careers are passing into the background, and a new "to be determined" life is emerging, then you are entering what is called "retirement". Some people are excited, some are scared, and most are both. There are many issues and questions people face at this time - what to do with time, financial, relationships, health, identity and more. This program summarizes the key research studies, provides stories from those who have made this work, and offers thoughtful, practical exercises from my award winning book NEXT STAGE. It will help you (or your clients) address key issues and develop a Master Plan for the transition. If not now, when? This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Accounting for Leases
Saturday, Nov. 21 11:00am - 1:21pm
Online
2.60 Credits
Member Price: $99
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In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides new guidelines that change the accounting for leasing arrangements. To be able to properly account for leases, financial professionals must understand ASU 2016-02 (also referred to as Topic 842). This guidance covers information on how leases should be accounted for. The previous leasing standard (ASC 840) had been in existence for almost 40 years. Under ASC Topic 842, lessors continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type. While lessees now classify leases as operating or financing leases. Previous guidance only required capital leases to be reflected on the BS. The new guidance requires all leases to be reflected on the BS. This is a major change for organizations and will cause their balance sheets to swell as leases must now be disclosed on the balance sheet. The standards original effective dates were prior to 2019. In April 2020, due to COVID-19, FASB voted to defer the effective date for ASC 842 for private companies and certain not-for-profit's for one year. For private companies and private not-for-profits, the leasing standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. For public companies the leasing standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The course covers elements of lease classification for both lessees and lessors. Also, numerous examples are incorporated as reference.
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Responding To Retaliation Concerns and Capturing Key Retaliation Case Metrics
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:00pm - 1:04pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Individuals may cite retaliatory concerns when weighing their decision to report an issue; during an investigation; or, after an investigation’s conclusion. No matter the timing, when an individual raises a retaliation concern, their claims should be taken seriously and fully reviewed. Does your organization analyze retaliation allegations and investigate outcomes as part of their cultural assessment? Most organizations track retaliation matters at a general, non-specific level. The type of retaliation and the perceived cause of the retaliatory act are not delineated. When a retaliation matter requires investigation, an organization should gather key data points for trending purposes and to fine tune future training and policy initiatives. This course offers recommendations for (1) framing responses to retaliation allegations (2) capturing key data points (3) developing specific metrics for retaliation matters
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Leading Up: The Superpower Every Ascending Leader Needs
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:00pm - 1:46pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Most leadership training focuses on leading downstream, with the goal of eventually advancing to an executive role. Few people get to be “top dog” in their organization. So, nearly every worker will spend their entire career leading up, even while serving in a leadership role. Learn the skills and tactics needed to develop an effective working relationship with your boss and other superiors. Gain the credibility and support necessary to get things done and advance professionally.
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About the TIGTA: Who Watches the IRS?
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course will provide an overview of the work and impact of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) on the US tax system, regulatory ethics, and accounting profession. TIGTA is an independent organization that provides oversight of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and conducts audits, investigations, and inspections and evaluations to promote integrity, economy, and efficiency in the administration of the nation's tax system. The course will explore the role of TIGTA in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the IRS, identifying opportunities to improve the administration of tax laws, and upholding ethical standards in the accounting profession. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Ethics: 10 Crucial Qualities of High Character CPAs
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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What can you do to enhance your commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession? How will doing so bring you more business? In this unique and engaging ethics course, the instructor, Dr. Bruce Weinstein, The Ethics Guy (R), reveals ten crucial qualities of CPAs. They are: 1. Honesty 2. Accountability 3. Care 4. Courage 5. Fairness 6. Gratitude 7. Humility 8. Loyalty 9. Patience 10. Presence (focus or mindfulness) You're already a good CPA and a good person. This course will show you how to be even better. The result will be greater satisfaction in your professional relationships, a deeper commitment to the profession of accounting, and much more business. Please note that this is a stand-alone course for 2 CPE credits in Behavioral Ethics, but you'll maximize your ROI by also taking "Ethics: How to Build and Keep Your A-Team". Together these courses are two of the surest pathways to sustained success in accounting. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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How to Audit Cash
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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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. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Written Information Security Plans
Saturday, Nov. 21 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
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Thsi course provides a comprehensive overview of Written Information Security Plans (WISP), focusing on their purpose, requirements, and implentation. All PTIN holders must certify they have a WISP prior to renewal, along with certifying the training of employees, staff and contractors as necessary. Participants will explore the history and legal foundation of WISP under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and how compliances is enforsed through IRS Circular 230, AICPA Statments of Standards, The American Bar Associations and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Enact Retaliation Abatement and Monitoring Measures
Saturday, Nov. 21 2:00pm - 3:02pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Once an employee decides to report an issue, the risk for retaliation must be minimized. Metrics matter. As such, capturing and reviewing employee data for indicators of possible retaliation are key to protecting those who report. The more subtle forms of retaliation, though, require a focused communication plan to address. This course offers recommendations for implementing specific retaliation monitoring protocols.
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Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions
Saturday, Nov. 21 2:00pm - 3:47pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Most leadership development focuses on a single direction within the organizational hierarchy: downstream to subordinates. While it is important to be a good boss, leadership is much more than that. The best leaders learn to lead well in all directions. They lead upward to superiors and across among peers throughout the organization. And it all starts with self-leadership. This often overlooked or misunderstood leadership principle is essential to build a thriving and productive culture. This topic is based on Jon’s book, Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions.
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Promote Internal Whistleblowing and Succeed in Creating a Strong Speak Up Culture
Saturday, Nov. 21 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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The Department of Justice updated guidance regarding their evaluations of Corporate Compliance Programs in March 2023: “Prosecutors should assess whether the company’s complaint-handling process includes proactive measures to create a workplace atmosphere without fear of retaliation, appropriate processes for the submission of complaints, and processes to protect whistleblowers.” This course offers recommendations for employers to consider when developing or augmenting an internal complaint handling process. Organizations benefit when whistleblowers trust the process and choose to promptly report their concerns internally. The measures offered promote a strong speak up culture and align with the Department of Justice's guidance.
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Fraud and Financial Distortion: What May Be Hiding Behind the Numbers
Saturday, Nov. 21 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Financial statements are intended to communicate the financial condition of an organization, but the numbers themselves are only a translation of underlying business operations. When financial professionals focus solely on the accounting presentation without understanding the operational realities behind those numbers, significant risks, distortions, or even fraud can go undetected. This course explores how CPAs, auditors, controllers, and financial analysts can apply operational thinking when reviewing financial information. Participants will learn how to translate financial results back into operational language and evaluate whether a business model is plausible. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, the program highlights warning signs that may indicate financial distortion or misrepresentation. The session equips participants with practical questions and analytical tools to help identify what may be hiding behind seemingly reasonable financial statements.
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Ethical Considerations in Record Retention: Should I Keep or Should I Throw
Monday, Nov. 23 9:00am - 9:56am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Requirements surrounding record retention continue to leave many practitioners confused. What documents must you keep, how long must you keep them and which can you destroy? Discuss why it is important to understand the requirements and the potential impact it can have on both the governmental unit and the CPA firm.
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AICPA's New SSTS #4 - New Ethics Standard for Tax Resolution
Monday, Nov. 23 9:00am - 10:00am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
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This 1-hour course is designed for CPAs and EAs who want to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of tax resolution. Dive into the latest updates to the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS) #4 and explore their practical implications for your practice. Through real-world examples and case studies, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate ethical challenges while maintaining compliance with professional standards. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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The Head and Heart of Ethics - Featuring Bob Mims and Don Minges
Monday, Nov. 23 9:00am - 10:05am
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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There are multiple facets to ethical choices, including should you use your ‘head’ or your ‘heart’? What are the pros and the cons? How can we balance these opposing views? This seminar outlines the value of; trust, courage, fairness, sensitivity, persistence, honesty and gracefulness – to help us make better ethical decisions.