Professional Development and Event Catalog

*IMPORTANT:  This is the VIRTUAL option for the Employee Benefit Plans Conference While we are planning for all speakers to attend in person, due to the uncertainty of today’s environment and varying company policies, some speakers may need to appear via livestream if circumstances necessitate it. This CTCPA conference updates practitioners on a variety of topics in the employee benefit plans area.

*IMPORTANT:  This is the VIRTUAL option for the Employee Benefit Plans Conference While we are planning for all speakers to attend in person, due to the uncertainty of today’s environment and varying company policies, some speakers may need to appear via livestream if circumstances necessitate it. This CTCPA conference updates practitioners on a variety of topics in the employee benefit plans area.  

In the ever-evolving field of estate planning, addressing the complex issues that arise upon a client's death is of utmost importance. Postmortem estate planning plays a critical role in managing various aspects, including the decedent's estate tax return, final income tax return, estate income tax return, and the financial planning of the heirs. This comprehensive course equips practitioners with a thorough understanding of after-death planning issues related to a decedent's estate.

This course is designed for firm partners and managers to explore ways to incorporate data analytics and related technologies in their audit practices. Participants explore how small and mid-size firms are using these tools to improve engagement efficiency and quality while providing opportunities for value-added services to clients. All of AHI's courses rely heavily on participant interaction and these virtual programs have co-opted many of Zoom's features to preserve the same strengths of the in-person training: visual interaction between the instructor and all participants (plan to be "on screen" throughout the program); breakout rooms to ensure small group engagement; and instructor interaction screen share for small group presentations, easy delivery of video presentations, and fillable PDF for online note-taking in the course materials.

This 2-hour mini course is from our Level V course, which highlights leadership skills and situations that are common for managers and senior managers in CPA firms. Participants will be encouraged to examine and challenge their beliefs and approaches to managing and leading people. Leading Others - Coaching & Developing Staff - prioritizing the coaching and development of staff in a post-pandemic work environment, including delegation for development, effective feedback, and managing virtual employees. Building Leadership Communication Skills - strategies to influence and lead others through effective communication in both individual and group settings. Helping the Firm Grow - the three levels of helping the firm grow and how to involve the entire team in expanding services to existing clients and generating referrals to new clients. All of AHI's courses rely heavily on participant interaction and these virtual programs have co-opted many of Zoom's features to preserve the same strengths of the in-person training: visual interaction between the instructor and all participants (plan to be "on screen" throughout the program); breakout rooms to ensure small group engagement; and instructor interaction screen share for small group presentations, easy delivery of video presentations, and fillable PDF for online note-taking in the course materials.

The accounting profession and financial markets have been plagued during the past several years with numerous cases of financial reporting problems. This course will go through some real life examples of financial statement fraud and/or failed audits. The course will cover how to recognize deceptive practices related to revenue recognition, detail related party and off-balance sheet schemes, and how earnings can be manipulated through inappropriate estimates.

FASB ASC topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, has a significant impact on all reporting entities across all industries because it applies broadly to financial instruments, including accounts receivable. It also has far-reaching implications for companies because it impacts operations, data management, and internal controls over financial reporting. This course will offer tips on complying with the guidance and what the appropriate governance is related to the guidance in this topic.

This 2-hour mini course introduces how data analytics can be used to improve engagement quality and efficiency. Participants explore the use of data analytics to assess risk, support financial statement assertions, assess internal controls and uncover fraud. Apply the ADA IDEASc approach to using data analytics on engagements to ensure compliance with audit and review standards and to provide value-added services to clients. All of AHI's courses rely heavily on participant interaction and these virtual programs have co-opted many of Zoom's features to preserve the same strengths of the in-person training: visual interaction between the instructor and all participants (plan to be "on screen" throughout the program); breakout rooms to ensure small group engagement; and instructor interaction screen share for small group presentations, easy delivery of video presentations, and fillable PDF for online note-taking in the course materials.

Estate planning, financial strategizing, and asset protection aren't isolated endeavors; they intricately intertwine, each exerting significant influence on the others. This course unveils the intricate web of relationships between these planning facets and imparts the essential sequence for orchestrating planning endeavors within them. This comprehensive course addresses special scenarios like single-parent considerations within this comprehensive framework. Practitioners seeking to provide comprehensive planning services to their clients will find this course an indispensable addition to their skillset

Accounting and financial reporting for construction contractors may be the most difficult area to be in compliance with the various standards. Construction engagements are, in many instances, more "dangerous" than most lines of business due to the many users of the financial statements. In this course, we will discuss why construction accounting and financial reporting are so complex and discuss the relationship between the contractor and the surety, both from an underwriting and claims perspective. We will also explore what the surety looks for in order to maximize potential bond credit, and we will discuss key areas of tax compliance concentrating on those areas which make construction unique, including the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry.

One of the most favored employee benefit plans, the 401(k) plan, provides unique challenges for auditors. Also, as many 401(k) plan administrators opt for ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audits, audits of 401(k) plans will be significantly impacted by the now-effective SAS 136, the AICPA's new employee benefit plan auditing standard. Through this course, auditors will obtain an understanding of the rules and regulations unique to employee benefit plans and obtain practical guidance on applying them. Auditors will enhance their knowledge of the performance and reporting requirements of SAS 136 through real-world examples, best practices, and efficient audit techniques that can be utilized in various audit engagements. Make sure your audits don't trigger a DOL inspection by conforming to all applicable rules and regulations.

The most difficult concepts to master when dealing with flow-through business entities are the basis and distribution concepts. Major error and malpractice issues occur if the CPA does not fully understand the impact of these rules. This course is designed to focus on the practical applications of these rules.

*IMPORTANT:  This is the IN-PERSON registration option. This CTCPA conference is designed to update practitioners and government finance officers in the area of governmental accounting and auditing.

*IMPORTANT:  This is the VIRTUAL registration option. This CTCPA conference is designed to update practitioners and government finance officers in the area of governmental accounting and auditing.

This comprehensive course equips practitioners with the knowledge and expertise to make well-informed decisions regarding the suitability of trusts in their clients' financial, estate, and asset protection plans. Participants will gain indepth insights into various trust types that can effectively minimize income, estate, generation-skipping, and other taxes at both the federal and state levels. From understanding the role of trustees to exploring advanced trust strategies, this course provides practical guidance on trust implementation, operation, and optimization.

This program is an in-depth analysis of the Section 754 election and the two adjustments associated with the election under Section 743(b) and Section 734(b). The 754 election is a highly technical provision that provides great tax benefits to the owners of the partnership, and particularly in the case of Section 743(b), a new partner. This course covers the most common questions encountered by practitioners in their daily practices. The program includes a number of examples that provide insights into the mechanics of the two adjustments that follow upon a Section 754 election.

Despite the fact that a client's tax matter may be taken directly to court, utilizing IRS Appeals usually results in saving your client both time and money. Join us as we discuss the misunderstood process of going to IRS Appeals.

A company's financial statements are far more than just financial data. This is where the disclosures become key to explaining what the numbers may not be able to on their own. Keep your professional reputation stellar by making sure your financial statements are up-to-speed. This course will: This course will explain and illustrate disclosure requirements, clear up misconceptions on practice problems, correct disclosure deficiencies most frequently cited by peer reviewers, and illustrate revenue and lease disclosures based on Topics 606 and 842.

Federal estate and gift taxes currently affect few clients, but there are many other issues involved in settling an estate or administering a trust. Clients who are beneficiaries of a trust or estate often turn to their financial advisors to understand the administrative process and its effect on their interests. This course enables the accountant to cut through the jargon to understand the legal concepts, communicate a real-world explanation to clients, and serve, in some instances, as an advisor to them. After taking this course, practitioners will feel more confident to serve in a fiduciary capacity. Updated for developments relative to estate taxation.

This program hits the mark by reviewing real issues and questions asked prior to the session by accountants who are past attendees of our seminars. The course covers "live" issues dealing with accounting and disclosures, preparation services, compilations, reviews, and audits. This course lends practical solutions to issues that may confront those in practice.