Professional Development and Event Catalog

It is the role of a leader to build and maintain a great culture in the organization. The culture is the driving force that shapes the attitudes and behaviors of everyone in the organization. A relationship driven organization is built on trust and is the most effective way to improve productivity, engagement, and the bottom line. Understand the components that enable trust to be created and maintained throughout teams and organizations.

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The updated revenue recognition standard outlines five steps for proper compliance. At the surface, these steps seem simplistic. However, there are many considerations that should be considered within each step based on your process and industry.  

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Please join us for a discussion on like-kind exchanges (LKE), known as one of the last great tax legal “shelters” available to those buying and selling real property.  We will be covering the basic structure of a LKE, and ways a taxpayer can utilize qualified third party intermediaries (QI), tenancy-in-common structures including Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST).   We will also explore creative solutions to sticky situations a taxpayer may find itself in obtaining replacement property. **Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com  

The COVID pandemic changed the way many people worked, yet others have had remote teams for decades and little changed.  Many organizations trying to bring people back to the office have experienced significant turnover.  Some practices have changed forever while some principles will always remain the same.  Keeping your people happy equals keeping your best people.  Learn the changes you should make now and the things you should do forever!

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In this five part master series, class participants will gain a comprehensive view into the world of forensic data analytics (FDA). From understanding practical use cases of FDA in the audit, internal audit, investigations and proactive monitoring to understanding necessary data sources, validation proceudres, success factors and pitfalls to avoid. We will also explore hundreds of leading anti-fraud tests around corruption, conflicts of interest, fake vendor schemes, segregation of duties, revenue recognition and sales abuse, among dozens of other schemes.  Participants will develop their own library of anti-fraud tests from various open source locations and apply them in relevant contexts such as the COSO Fraud Risk Management Guide. Finally, participants will also peek into future innovations in FDA and how technologies such as ChatGPT, data visualization, machine learning, AI and cryptocurrencies are all impacting the discipline.  We can't promise you'll be a programmer after this course, but you will certainly be armed with the information needed to project manage an FDA project and "direct" the programmers to accomplish your fraud risk / FDA objectives.  

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This is a compelling course designed to strengthen the ethical foundations of experienced accountants in leadership roles. This course delves into the challenges and responsibilities of maintaining high ethical standards in complex and pressure-filled business environments. Participants will explore key concepts of ethical decision- making, the impact of leadership on organizational integrity, and strategies for fostering an ethical culture even when external behaviors fall short of these standards. Through engaging lectures, dynamic discussions, and real-world scenarios, this course equips leaders with the skills necessary to act as ethical pillars within their organizations, ensuring their actions influence positive change and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

Recently issued SSARS 27, Applicability of AR-C Section 70 to Financial Statements Prepared as Part of a Consulting Services Engagement, will significantly change the way public accounting firms assist in the preparation of financial statements. This program will discuss the practical implications of the standard, how it can affect the need to adhere to SSARS standards, peer review applicability, and how CPAs can help businesses using the Consulting Standards instead of SSARS.

Discover the ultimate tool for personal and organizational productivity with Microsoft Teams. Seamlessly communicate and collaborate with colleagues, both within and outside your organization, securely and efficiently. Teams offers a robust platform that can be easily enhanced with add-in solutions, making it an indispensable asset for any business. Join our session to discover how to unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams. We'll guide you through the essentials of getting started, making critical deployment decisions, and mastering the platform's core features. From chat, voice, and video calls to secure document sharing, you'll gain the skills needed to optimize your workflow. But that's not all! We'll also show you how to extend Teams' capabilities to external organizations, ensuring improved communication and collaboration. Additionally, you'll learn how to integrate other applications into Teams and fine-tune its configuration for optimal efficiency and security. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your Teams experience and drive your organization's success. Sign up now for this must-attend CPE session!

Please join us for a comprehensive discussion on standards that professionals must adhere to as tax practitioners.  We will be covering the major governing rules, such as Treasury Circular 230, the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS), the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and common law.  Also included will be case studies illustrating dilemmas faced by tax practitioners. **Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com  

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How well do you understand your organization’s cash flow? Good cash management techniques can provide a competitive advantage! This session shows you how to effectively measure and manage your cash conversion cycle. With a more complete understanding of how cash flows through your organization, you can eliminate impediments. Better cash management lowers your borrowing costs, reduces financing needs, and creates financial flexibility in your organization.

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Starting with tax year 2021, Form 7203, S Corporation Shareholder Stock and Debt Basis Limitation, may be required to accompany shareholders’ Individual Income Tax Returns (Form 1040). This form is essential for reporting a shareholder's outside basis and debt basis to properly apply loss limitations under I.R.C. §461 and at-risk limitations. This course will provide a detailed overview of Form 7203, including its mechanics and strategies for completing it accurately. Additionally, strategies for reconstructing shareholder basis when it has not been maintained in the past will be discussed, helping practitioners handle these scenarios effectively. *Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com

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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This is a dynamic course tailored for seasoned accountants who are looking to elevate their skills in navigating and leading through organizational change. This advanced program focuses on enhancing agility by providing the tools and techniques necessary to manage and adapt to rapid shifts in the accounting landscape. Participants will explore theoretical frameworks alongside practical strategies that support effective change management for diverse business environments.

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This is a specialized course designed for experienced accounting professionals who are looking to strengthen their interpersonal and professional skills in maintaining appropriate boundaries within and beyond the workplace. This course delves deep into the complexities of workplace relationships, personal practices, & ethical dilemmas, providing participants with advanced strategies to effectively manage professional distances and avoid problematic conflicts of all kinds. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and expert guidance, attendees will learn how to navigate sensitive situations with tact and integrity, ensuring that their professional conduct remains impeccable, and their careers continue to thrive in an increasingly complex business environment.

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*IMPORTANT:  This is the in-person option for this conference and is being run in partnership with the New York State Society of CPAs (you do have the option to attend this conference virtually as well, but please make sure to select the in-person option when registering). Please join us at the NYCPA Estate Planning Conference, long recognized as one of the premier estate planning programs in the Northeast United States. Each year, the sponsoring committee assembles a dynamic agenda designed to help practitioners navigate the most significant developments shaping estate, gift, and trust planning.This year’s Conference will once again offer timely insights into emerging trends, regulatory updates, technical planning considerations, and practical strategies relevant to professionals advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held businesses. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions led by experienced practitioners, addressing the evolving federal and state landscape and its impact on modern estate planning practices. Offered both in-person and virtual, this hybrid Conference is a must-attend event! Highlights: Current developments in estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning Planning with the new $ 15 million federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions under The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Marital Trust Planning and the consequences of divorce down the road IRS challenges to grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) in the Elcan case Preserving attorney-client privilege and confidential communications Planning with partnership or LLC interests, including through nongrantor trusts Estate and Gift Planning with the International Client Please note that the Class Pass does not apply to this program.

*IMPORTANT:  This is the virtual option for this conference and is being run in partnership with the New York State Society of CPAs (you do have the option to attend this conference in person as well, but please make sure to select the in-person option when registering). Please join us at the NYCPA Estate Planning Conference, long recognized as one of the premier estate planning programs in the Northeast United States. Each year, the sponsoring committee assembles a dynamic agenda designed to help practitioners navigate the most significant developments shaping estate, gift, and trust planning.This year’s Conference will once again offer timely insights into emerging trends, regulatory updates, technical planning considerations, and practical strategies relevant to professionals advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held businesses. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions led by experienced practitioners, addressing the evolving federal and state landscape and its impact on modern estate planning practices. Offered both in-person and virtual, this hybrid Conference is a must-attend event! Highlights: Current developments in estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning Planning with the new $ 15 million federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions under The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Marital Trust Planning and the consequences of divorce down the road IRS challenges to grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) in the Elcan case Preserving attorney-client privilege and confidential communications Planning with partnership or LLC interests, including through nongrantor trusts Estate and Gift Planning with the International Client Please note that the Class Pass does not apply to this program.

This course corresponds to our Controllership series. Within this course, we specifically address the Controllers role and pro-active potentials in organization Strategic and Annual Planning. This series of courses is dedicated to exploring the traditional controller role and stepping out of the box to identify areas where the Controller can add strategic value to their organizations. Controllers are essential to the day-to-day accounting for organizations. Yet, the role is not often readily understood. In today’s world of acronyms such as CFO, CEO, COO, CAO, etc. the Controller function may get lost in the shuffle. However, they are a critical group of professionals who ensure the adequacy and transparency of accounting and financial reporting information. When it comes to the task of strategic planning, many feel this role is primarily the responsibility of the executive team and board. However, in this course, we delve into the various steps of the strategic plan and explore where the Controller can add strategic value through providing functional input and insight. Strategic planning is a process used to identify goals, the strategies necessary to accomplish those goals, and the internal performance management system that will be used to monitor and evaluate progress.  

Please join us for our next Not-for-Profit Interest Group meeting.  Attendees include those who work in the not-for-profit field and those who have not-for-profit clients.  We welcome those with an interest no matter career stage or expertise.  A detailed agenda will be sent out prior to the meeting date. This meeting will be an online meeting via Zoom.

As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence become more advanced, and their use proliferates, the threat of complex and technology-driven frauds only increases. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners says that there is fraud lurking in all businesses, including not-for-profit organizations. It often goes undetected for years, and when uncovered, management and the board may question why an auditor did not identify it. The auditor's responsibility in a financial statement audit is to assess risk and perform sufficient procedures to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement due to fraud or error. However, failure to perform an adequate fraud risk assessment and report deficiencies in internal control, such as a lack of segregation of duties, can leave a firm, and their auditor, vulnerable. Beginning with a summary and discussion of the 2024 ACFE Report to the Nations, this course will further discuss the audit procedures that should be performed in accordance with AU-C §240 as recently amended, best practices in performing fraud risk assessment procedures, when and how to report control deficiencies noted in an audit, and the most frequent types of fraud found in small to mid-sized entities along with internal controls that could be implemented to help prevent and detect them. Utilizing case studies and comprehensive illustrations, best practices in documentation and risk assessment are discussed and analyzed.

Designed as an all-you-need-to-know update for accounting, auditing, and attestation practitioners at all levels in public accounting and industry, this course provides a comprehensive review of recent standard-setting and rulemaking activities of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On the financial accounting front, we will cover the FASB's Post-Implementation Review (PIR) report for revenue recognition under ASC 606 and discuss the best practices in applying the standard and identifying any ongoing issues practitioners are experiencing with applying the standard. We will also discuss the more than a dozen ASUs the FASB has issued since the beginning of 2023 and into 2025 covering crypto assets, disaggregated expenses, business combinations, and leases for entities under common control. Our focus on AICPA standards includes a detailed discussion of revamped AICPA quality management standards. The AICPA updated and modernized the standards by issuing Statement on Quality Management Standards 1, 2, and 3 (SQMS 1, SQMS 2, and SQMS 3, respectively), SSARS No. 26, and SAS 146, Quality Management for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (SAS 146). These standards, effective December 15, 2025, modernize quality management standards to reflect an increased focus on risk assessment, technology use, and the presence of outside experts on engagements. We will also cover new rules impacting public company audits and present case studies on recent fraudulent accounting stories and best practices for detecting and preventing such frauds. In summary, the course is your go-to source for all things A&A and will prepare you for your upcoming engagements throughout the rest of the year.

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