Calendar of Events

This case-driven training is designed to get the inexperienced accountant up to speed quickly in the most common areas of individual income taxation. The cornerstone of this course is the preparation of the Form 1040 using actual client data common to most individual income tax returns.

**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

“How will I EVER get this all done?"  It’s a question I often hear from clients and on a particularly stressful day, I can hear myself saying these words!  Instead of helping us focus, it's a question that leads to stress, anxiety and overwhelm!

Regardless of where we are in business and in life, we will run into challenges and problems as we navigate business growth, leadership, work life balance and our quest for success and happiness. This workshop will explore the 7 HIGH QUALITY questions that lead to relief, enthusiasm and success.  It will be an interactive exploration that will leave you with a game plan to use right away, as well as an opportunity to practice the mindset that the most successful and happiest people use daily. 

This program is for both the entrepreneur who wants to be more effective in their day as well as team leaders who want to stand out in their organization.  For the business owner or staff member you can expect a new way to work with your day so that it's profitable, productive and happier.  For leaders, you will learn new up- leveled skills to increase your efficiency, communication and productivity.  You and your team will shine.  Your staff will feel appreciated and connected to their value as well as the company's goals.

Albert Einstein said 'we can't solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them'.  The quality of your question will impact the quality of your solution.  Learn the 7 questions that take you from confused and frustrated to creative and focused. 

One of the three major forms of occupational fraud, along with corruption and asset misappropriation, is financial statement fraud. From improper asset valuation to fictitious revenues, this course will review financial statement fraud red flags and examine real-life examples. 

New features in Excel provide tremendous opportunities to improve Excel-based operational and financial reports. For example, Data Models, Power Query, Data Analysis Expressions, Power Pivot, and many others can help you create more powerful summaries and schedules in less time than ever. Bundle these tools with some of Excel’s “legacy” features, and you have significant new opportunities to improve your Excel-based reporting environments.

In this fast-paced seminar, you will learn about the importance of using Power Query to link data into Excel data models and how you can manage these data models to facilitate better and more efficient reporting. Additionally, you will learn how to incorporate Key Performance Indicators, Slicers, and Timelines into your reports to enhance the analytics and understandability of the data. Further, you will learn best practices to quickly and easily format your spreadsheets to give them a polished and professional appearance. This course should be at the top of your professional development list if you use Excel for any reporting process.

• Analyze how basis in an ownership interest in a pass-through entity is established
• Discuss how activity of the entity, distributions, and optional adjustments increase or decrease basis
• Discuss when basis is "at-risk" under Section 465, and the resulting loss disallowance and carryforward related to basis that is not at-risk
• Define passive activities under Section 469 and exceptions to the passive loss rules
• Discuss when and how aggregation of activities should be used to avoid the passive loss rules
• Analyze §461(l) created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and understand the limitation calculation and resulting carryforward
• Analyze the hierarchy of the loss limitations with examples of the application of the four tiers of losses and how they interact
• Use case studies to reinforce the learning objectives

• The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
• Tier 1: Basis limitations for S corporation shareholders and partners
• Tier 2: Section 465 at-risk limitations for S corporation shareholders and partners, including the impact of debt, indemnities, guarantees, and shareholder/partner agreements
• Tier 3: Section 469 passive loss limitations and exceptions to the limitations
• Tier 4: The excess business loss limitation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (new §461(l)), American Rescue Plan Act, and Inflation Reduction Act

• Keep up with the latest developments at the GAO, OMB, AICPA, GASB, and FASB
• Ensure that your accounting and auditing skills stay up-to-date with current requirements
• Be prepared for major changes on the horizon issues

• Developing issues related to the 2024 Yellow Book revision and the 2024 revision to the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards
• Key AICPA developments affecting audits of governments and nonprofits (including SAS No. 146 on quality management)
• The implementation of GASB No. 101 on compensated absences
• GASB No. 103 addressing improvements to the financial reporting model
• The application of GASB No. 102 on certain risk disclosures and GASB No. 104 on disclosure of certain capital assets
• Key issues related to nonprofit financial reporting (e.g., presenting a measure of operations, various disclosures, etc.)

• Understand the latest enacted tax law changes
• Understand strategies and techniques to use in light of tax changes
• Understand current cases and rulings affecting individuals and businesses

• Congressional Budget Reconciliation Process - explore how this powerful legislative tool allows Congress to fast track tax law changes and how it could be used to enact significant tax reforms in the current political climate
• President Trump's tax proposals - review key components of President Trump's tax agenda, including a tip income exemption, overtime pay relief, Social Security tax exemption, auto loan interest deductibility, SALT deduction modifications, a lower corporate tax rate, restoration of 100% bonus depreciation, immediate R&D expensing, and permanent extension of select TCJA provisions
• Potential expiration of select TCJA provisions - understand the implications for individual and business taxpayers as key provisions of the TCJA approach sunset dates
• Tariff policy and implementation - analyze the use of tariffs as a fiscal and trade policy tool
• Digital assets and tax implications - understand the new Form 1099-DA for reporting digital asset transactions, along with updated IRS guidance on cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and broker responsibilities
• Artificial intelligence - discover how AI and generative tools are transforming tax practices, as well as how the IRS is leveraging AI to enhance audit selection
• Form 1099-K reporting requirements - understand the evolving IRS thresholds and rules for third-party payment platforms
• Sale of Passthrough Entity Interests and Net Investment Income Tax - analyze the tax implications of selling interests in passthrough entities, including relevant examples, and how the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) applies to these transactions 
• The Gig Economy - examine key tax implications for gig workers, including Independent Contractor vs. Employee classification challenges, reporting responsibilities, and the impact of the 2024 Department of Labor Final Rule on worker status
• Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation
• Practice aids, including all the numbers applicable for the current year -- inflation-adjusted amounts, mileage rates, retirement contributions, and more
• Advanced practice, reporting, and other issues intertwined with advanced planning and discussion ideas

• Understand why the final regulations dealing with basis shifting are still important even though they were removed by Executive Order 14219

• Why the final regulations on basis shifting are important even though President Trump’s Executive Order 14219 withdrew them
• What is a transaction of interest?
• Why make a Section 754 election?
• Adjustments under Sections 743(b), 734(b), and 732
• Applicable threshold amounts for reporting
• What is a basis shift?
• Who is a material advisor and why is that status important?
• Section 755 rules for allocating the Section 743(b) and Section 734(b) basis adjustments
• Transfers of a partnership interest on death
• What is a substantially similar transaction?
• Who is a “tax-indifferent” party in a partnership?

Understanding independence is essential for CPAs providing Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS) to attest clients. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, focusing on the guidelines for maintaining independence while delivering CAAS. We'll review the overall independence process and its application to CAAS engagements, followed by an in-depth exploration of specific services, including reconciliations, accounting standard implementation, information system services, bookkeeping, hosting, and payroll services. Attendees will gain clarity on what services are permissible and how to navigate potential independence issues to remain compliant and uphold professional standards.

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.

Many finance departments spend considerable time managing cash, particularly if the organization is highly leveraged or cash rich.  Many opportunities exist to reduce your financing costs or increase short-term cash returns if you manage cash effectively.  This session will cover a wide variety of day-to-day cash management tools.  

Most of the models of work that we use today were not built for the pace of change and the dynamism of work today. In this course, you will learn how so many models we use at work are fundamentally broken and no longer useful. Models that rely on people staying a long time in a firm are no longer helpful in a reality where employees are staying for increasingly shorter periods with their employers. This course will reveal how so much of the architecture of work was not built with short tenure in mind: career paths, compensation, and retention objectives.

Leaders were once chosen for their character, but today we live in an age where loudmouthed extroverts seem to take center stage in everything, including business, politics and entertainment.  While the talkative, charismatic leader makes the front page of business magazines, recent research shows that successful business leaders tend to be more reserved, pensive and sometimes outright shy.  Learn why your desire to spend significant time inside your own head may be your greatest asset. Whether you are introverted or not, you likely work with, manage or are a related to an introvert.  We will discuss proven methods to better understand introverts, how to manage them, and how to get the most out of their amazing talents.  If you want to enhance your leadership skills, this seminar is for you. 

We believe in fairness. When others do wrong, and their action hurts us - the natural reaction is to fight back and seek retribution. Simple human nature and we are all human. We want fairness and want to fight back, but this is one of the toughest ethical dilemmas we all face.  What should we do and what we do are not always the same. What if being nice, or specifically being a positive best version of yourself, makes you a more effective leader?   Ethical leadership is effective leadership.  That’s what Dr. Cohen, noted psychologist, transformational speaker, executive coach, and author of Be The Sun, Not The Salt, has been teaching organizations to do for years. Dr. Cohen’s work is based on scientific studies of human behavior broken down into simple, easily digestible pillars structured around the Heliotropic Effect.  In this webcast we will discuss Dr. Cohen’s path to this work, what the Heliotropic Effect is, and how Be The Sun, Not The Salt is the perfect reminder to Do More of That every day.

Periodic FASB checkups are critical for accountants who deal with financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This course introduces recent FASB pronouncements and revisits selected existing standards that are likely to be salient for private entities. This session also offers a preview of coming attractions by examining significant elements of the FASB's technical agenda.

What would you do if you only had one workday to complete a financial statement audit? How would you optimize just a handful of hours? What would you test? More importantly, what would you minimize or eliminate? Although one day is unrealistically short, it illustrates how risk-based auditing can help auditors optimize professional effort. This course emphasizes the importance of risk assessment for enhancing both the effectiveness and efficiency of audit procedures.

How good are you with the technology you use daily?  What new technology tools are available that could save you time and make you more effective?  Technology continues to accelerate rapidly, and the need to keep pace is essential. If you are not an information technology (IT) expert but need a technology update to maintain and improve your skills to serve your companies or clients more efficiently and effectively, this course is for you!

In this fast-paced, update-style course, you will survey today’s IT environment, learning about computer hardware, software (including Microsoft Office), operating systems (including Windows 10), and what they mean for you, and peripheral devices. You will also learn about significant trends in information technology and how to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these trends.  Examples include the latest Excel features, working with PDF files, and security and privacy issues. Additionally, you will learn how to improve the overall performance of your IT investment, thereby increasing your return on investment.

Throughout this program, you will learn from real-time demonstrations of practical applications of the latest tools, which can provide you with the knowledge you need to harness the power of technology, both now and in the future. Register now for this “don’t miss” opportunity to get the skills required to enhance the value of your IT investment.

Presently, over seven million businesses use QuickBooks Online. However, these businesses often struggle to get the reports they need. In some cases, they are limited because of their chosen subscription. However, necessary reports are available in other cases, yet users do not know how to access them. Join us in this session to learn about better reporting options in QuickBooks Online.

In this session, you will learn how to create and customize your reports in QuickBooks Online. You will learn about Standard, Custom, and Management reports. You will also learn about the new Spreadsheet Sync tool that allows you to create customized reports, including multi-company reports in Excel. If you use QuickBooks Online and want to improve reporting, this session is for you!

• Understand the prophetic financial issues for the CFO/Controller including: 
  
  • Professional skepticism and the CPA
  • Becoming attuned to broad-based business knowledge
  • Becoming a futurist to effectively lead your organization to success

• CPA becoming attuned to broad based business knowledge, professional skepticism, and subordination of judgment
• The future of medical care in the United States in a post COVID-19 environment
• Future of social security and impact on retirement planning and employee retention
• Impact on financial executive if the dollar is no longer the world currency
• “Fate of the States” – will the location of your business make you less competitive
• Future of workmen’s compensation and unemployment compensation
• Future of interest rates
• Impact of greater reliance on technology
• AICPA top 10 trends and technologies
• National infrastructure
• ESG and DEI trends in the global economy
• Impact of continuing uncertainty in markets

• Understand what Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are, why they exist, and the accounts to which they apply
• Recognize the important deadlines for starting and taking RMDs, including the consequences of missing an RMD deadline and how to avoid penalties
• Calculate RMDs using IRS tables, account balances, and other impacting data
• Recognize common scenarios where RMDs apply for IRA owners, employer plan participants, and beneficiaries.

• How SECURE Act 1.0 and SECURE Act 2.0 changed the RMD rules
• What is an RMD?
• Who is subject to RMDs?
• The types of accounts subject to RMDs
• How to calculate an RMD
• How to determine if a distribution can be an RMD
• How to determine which life expectancy table must be used when calculating an RMD
• The rollover and transfer rules during an RMD year
• IRS penalties for non-compliance with RMD regulations
• Applying RMD strategies to different plan types
• When RMDs can and cannot be aggregated
• How to correct an RMD shortfall
• How to get a waiver of the excise tax on an RMD failure
• The tax implication of an RMD
• How to donate an RMD tax-free
• How to determine the RMD rules that apply to a beneficiary

• Understand the importance of confidentiality and safekeeping of information in the accounting and finance professions, as outlined by professional conduct rules
• Identify the potential causes and consequences of a major cybersecurity breach
• Be familiar with email security best practices to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks and unauthorized access to sensitive information
• Understand security measures for remote work environments, including securing home networks and being cautious of phishing attempts
• Recognize the risks associated with IoT devices and public Wi-Fi networks, and implement strategies to mitigate these risks
• Understand the benefits of using a VPN for encrypting internet traffic and protecting against cyber threats while using public Wi-Fi networks
• Gain awareness of common phishing scams targeting text messages and phone calls, and learn techniques to identify and avoid falling victim to these scams
• Appreciate the importance of data loss prevention measures, including data classification, policy development, access controls, and endpoint security
• Understand the risks associated with third-party file sharing services and cloud storage, and learn best practices for securely sharing and storing sensitive information
• Recognize the importance of multi-factor authentication and other security measures in protecting against unauthorized access to confidential data
• Understand the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence and data profiling in the context of privacy and security
• Develop a culture of security awareness and cooperation within the organization, including effective communication channels for reporting security incidents and seeking assistance

• Obligations of confidentiality and safekeeping
• Security best practices to apply beyond work
• Likely causes and effects of a large-scale cyberattack
• Email security best practices
• Remote work security
• Mobile device security
• Internet of Things (IoT) risks
• Public Wi-Fi risk and the importance of using a VPN
• Recognizing and avoiding text message/phone call phishing
• Data loss prevention (DLP)

• Describe the different levels of authority in tax law
• Differentiate between the different types of administrative authority in tax law
• Identify the different courts that hear cases involving tax law
• Illustrate the organization of the Internal Revenue Code, the Treasury Regulations, and Revenue Rulings
• Identify the circumstances when a client may want to consider requesting a private letter ruling
• Differentiate between primary and secondary pieces of authority
• Illustrate the steps to the tax research process and the parts of a tax research memorandum

• Tax code hierarchy
• Organization of an Internal Revenue Code section
• Special rules for IRC citation 
• Citing other primary authority
• Private letter rulings 
• Primary vs. secondary authority 
• Secondary sources of authority
• Steps in the tax research process
• Research memoranda

• Understand and explain the taxation and reporting procedures for nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) arrangements
• Distinguish between incentive stock options (ISOs) and nonqualified stock options (NQSOs) in terms of taxation and reporting requirements
• Describe the tax treatment and reporting procedures for restricted stock awards
• Differentiate between the taxation and reporting requirements for stock appreciation rights (SARs) and stock options
• Discuss the taxation and reporting considerations for phantom stock plans
• Explain the tax benefits, reporting procedures, and participant eligibility for employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
• Understand the tax consequences and reporting requirements of stock bonus plans
• Outline the tax incentives, contribution limits, and reporting procedures for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)
• Interpret and analyze the tax forms and schedules used for reporting executive compensation
• Recognize and prevent common tax reporting errors associated with executive compensation plans
• Formulate strategies for stock sale reporting, estimated taxes, filing deadlines and extensions, and state taxation

• Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC)
• Nonqualified stock options (NQSOs)
• Incentive stock options (ISOs)
• Restricted stock/restricted stock units (RSUs)
• Stock appreciation rights (SARs) and phantom stock
• Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
• Applicable tax forms and schedules
• Stock sale reporting
• Estimated taxes
• Filing deadlines and extensions
• State taxation

• Prepare attendees for changes in the depreciation rules taking place in 2026 and after
• Alert attendees to potential changes in bonus depreciation taking place in 2026 and after

• President Trump’s promise to restore full bonus depreciation effective January 20, 2025
• Bonus and Section 179 depreciation rules for 2025
• 2025 legislative changes that could extend the TCJA depreciation changes for many years or even make them permanent
• Possible return of 100% bonus depreciation
• What will the depreciation rules be in 2026 and beyond if the TCJA depreciation rules are not extended beyond 2025
• Section 179 expensing rules for 2025 and beyond, including how Section 179 applies to business vehicles
• 2025 rules for vehicle depreciation

• Name legal principles and definitions essential to estate planning
• Identify best practices for working closely with legal counsel
• List main property law concepts
• Identify complex community property issues
• Determine best methods for filing special forms: Form SS-4, Form 56, Form 4810, Form 5495
• Arrange an executor checklist

• Legal principles and definitions
• Trust accounting issues
• Working closely with legal counsel proactively in the best interest of the client
• Property law concepts
• Complex community property issues
• Filing special forms: Form SS-4, Form 56, Form 4810, and Form 5495
• Executor checklist
• The basics of filing a Form 1041 for an estate or non-grantor trust
• Filing a final Form 709
• The basics of filing Form 706
• Understanding 706 elections
• Understanding Estate Valuations, including GST and portability
• Special considerations for IRAs and ERISA plans
• When to make Section 454 elections
• When to make Section 754 elections
• Understanding the fine points of basis
• S corp issues
• Partnership and LLC considerations
• Passive loss carryforwards and estates
• Fiscal year elections
• 65-day election for trusts and estates
• Tax aspects of pecuniary and specific bequests

Stay ahead of the curve with this VBOA-approved ethics course designed to meet Virginia's ethics requirements while keeping you informed on the latest developments at the AICPA. The Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has been active recently, issuing new guidance and updating existing rules. In this session, we'll explore the most impactful changes, including updates on fees, recruiting, CPE, and NOCLAR (noncompliance with laws and regulations). CPAs in both industry and public accounting will gain the insights needed to stay compliant in an evolving regulatory environment. We'll also provide a sneak peek at key projects PEEC is expected to finalize soon, ensuring you're prepared for what's next.

This program examines the critical issues, rules, and special opportunities when preparing your clients' Form 1041 US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. Learn what is considered taxable income; filing requirements and deadlines; impact of the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on net investment income; and the 10 principles of tax accounting for trust income.

**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.

By far, the biggest contributing factor that leads to a profitable, yet high quality, financial statement audit is the proper identification, evaluation, and response to assessed risk of material misstatement. When designing your detailed audit plan, how and where you decide to spend your time is largely a matter of professional judgment. The proven tips and techniques for critically rethinking how you plan and design your audit taught in this course will help auditors enhance audit quality and manage profitability in all engagements.

In the world of “Big Data,” virtually all business professionals have become data analysts, at least to some extent. However, that is particularly true in the field of auditing, where internal and external auditors are increasingly turning to data analytics to identify situations requiring follow-up and investigation. Those who understand how to take advantage of various tools to assist in these efforts benefit by conducting more thorough analyses and achieving superior results in less time.

In this session, you will learn about various tools and techniques you can use for more thorough data analyzes. The discussion includes Excel as a data analysis tool, multiple Excel add-ins, and Microsoft’s Power BI application. If you're seeking to improve your skills in the field of data analytics, this session is the one for you! 

The standard also requires information about the following categories: 

• disaggregation of revenue
• contract balances
• performance obligations

This webinar will deal directly with disclosure requirements for the standard. Several courses currently exist on the platform related to an overview of the standard and deep dive into individual steps of the standards. 
 

Building on Part 1, this course will review the application of sampling in financial statement audits with a focus on sampling for tests of controls. We'll also review the requirements for sampling in Single Audits with a focus on tests of controls and tests of compliance. 

Artificial Intelligence ("AI") can do and does amazing things, but there are myriad ethical issues involved with AI. We will discuss the many ethical questions that AI raises and how to prevent them from having an adverse impact. We must be more diligent and aware of the ethical issues.  AI has severe ethical pitfalls that we should understand clearly. AI is here to stay and we must understand how to mitigate the ethical issues.     

This course on ethics in communication and reporting covers essential topics to ensure integrity and professionalism in our interactions. We begin with the fundamentals of ethical communication, emphasizing the importance of honesty, transparency, and respect. We then explore four must-have communication skills crucial for effective and ethical exchanges. The session also provides practical application steps on how to improve these ethical communication skills in daily practice. Finally, we discuss the problems associated with unethical behavior in reporting and communication, highlighting the potential consequences and the importance of maintaining ethical standards to build trust and credibility.

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.

The IRS has recently increased the pressure on how to calculate and report partner and shareholder basis. Changes in the forms reflect these developments. This program provides a detailed analysis of the calculations related to determining tax basis for a partnership interest and S corporation shareholder shares and loans. How to use the Form 1065, Schedule K-1 and Form 1120S, Schedule K-1 information for basis determination. Illustrated examples with filled in forms will demonstrate how the process works and their many potential pitfalls.

*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

Organizations that use primitive costing methods make predictable mistakes. They allocate too much cost to easy, high-volume "gravy" products and too little cost to difficult, low-volume "dog" products. This puts the organization with inferior information at a significant disadvantage against a competitor who has a better cost model. The secret to having a great cost model is learning how to deal with overhead.
This webinar will show you how to assign 16 key categories of overhead. Whether you work in a wholesale, retail, health care, service or manufacturing business. This session will give you important insights into how to handle overhead. If you get your costing right, you will be able to give the "dogs" to your competitors and keep the "gravy" for yourself.

This course provides a high-level overview of the most important issues facing nonprofit entities and their auditors.  The focus of this course is on explaining the theory behind major issues and trends, enabling professionals to understand the most important aspects of relevant professional and regulatory standards related to reliable financial reporting for nonprofit entities.      

• Review and apply recently issued and proposed FASB, PCAOB, SEC, and AICPA pronouncements 
• Recall and apply AICPA quality management standards (SQMS 1, SQMS 2, and SQMS 3)
• Understand the major findings of the FASB’s PIR report for ASC 606 and best practices in applying ASC 606
• Be familiar with other important A&A practice matters you should be aware of
• Recall key provisions in SAS 146 and SSARS No. 26
• Utilize hands-on examples and illustrations to increase your overall understanding and application of the material

• Recently issued FASB Accounting Standards Updates, PCC Update and items on the FASB’s Technical Agenda
• Recently issued ASUs covering common control leases, crypto assets (e.g., cryptocurrency), and income tax disclosures
• Statement on Quality Management Standards: SQMS 1, SQMS 2, and SQMS 3
• Post-Implementation Review Report for revenue recognition under ASC 606 and best practices in applying ASC 606
• Fraud case studies
• Recently issued SASs and other AICPA activity
• Recently issued PCAOB standards and SEC rulemaking activities
• Other important A&A practice matters

No matter what role you play in your professional life, being able to command an audience--whether of one or of thousands--is an important skill. Public speaking, no matter how you slice it, is a practice that is worthy of attention. This workshop teaches you approachable strategies to improve your public speaking and presentation skills, recognizing that everyone comes with different comfort levels and experiences. There is no one-size-fits-all speaking style, and trying to force yourself into a specific presentation persona can be more harmful than helpful. Learn actionable tips to help you be more confident next time you need to take the proverbial (or literal) stage.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has become a hot topic among standard setters. This session will look at the work of the FASB, GASB, and AICPA in the areas of ESG. We'll also look at the types of engagements CPAs can provide to entities who want assurance around their ESG reporting.

This session provides a refresher regarding the fundamentals of activity-based costing (ABC). We will examine theoretical concepts before exploring practical possibilities for implementing ABC. A major focus of the course will be factors to consider when determining whether this managerial accounting tool is an appropriate resource for an organization.

• Understand the process of project management
• Provide management and organizational techniques to establish the necessary environment for success and provide examples of alternative approaches to the process
• Demonstrate the use of analytical tools to assist throughout the process. These tools/techniques can improve the outcome of each step from selecting a project through planning, implementing, controlling, and when necessary, modifying the project.
• Identify traps that frequently occur, and steps to manage through them 
• Find references for further research

• Establishing a system: identifying forces that support the status quo; setting milestones and goals; the role of the CMA
• Necessary first steps: set a framework for the project’s activities; identify needed resources; obtain support; decide on a structure; establish a team for a specific project; identify necessary team skill sets
• Project evaluation: analytical tools, strategic evaluation; sources of risk
• Maintaining focus: monitoring and measuring results; keeping to the project’s scope
• Avoiding frequent traps: sunk costs; financing pitfalls; project creep; tunnel vision; failure to integrate the team’s work internally and/or the final project with the remaining organization
• Introduction and examples of analytical tools throughout the session: mapping; CPM; Gantt charts; benchmarking; Pareto analysis; PESTLE analysis; valuation techniques; post-completion evaluations

• Describe the factors affecting the value of a business
• Compare and contrast market value, investment value, bankruptcy value, and going concern value
• List the key differences between technical and fundamental analysis
• Calculate intrinsic value using discounted cash flow methods, such as the GGM and the H-Model
• Calculate intrinsic value using free cash flow
• Calculate the gains and losses to the buyer/seller in a merger/acquisition
• List key discounts when valuing privately held companies

• What does value mean?
• Technical vs. fundamental analysis
• Intrinsic value
• Other discounted cash flow models
• Assumptions in the Gordon Growth Model
• Valuations using free cash flows
• Residual income model
• Enterprise value
• Value in mergers and acquisitions
• Small business valuations and discounts
• Advanced valuation models

This program addresses the most recent developments impacting partnerships operating as LLCs, with a focus on legislative, administrative, and tax form changes. Emphasis will be placed on partners "tax basis" capital accounts & now required for tax form reporting, as well an overview of K-2 and K-3 reporting requirements and effective dates.

*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

Technology adoption often comes with resistance, but it's possible to transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth. This course explores the journey from resistance to resilience in embracing new technologies, focusing on overcoming barriers and ensuring successful implementation. Participants will examine cutting-edge audit technologies, including AI, data analytics, and automation, and learn how to align these innovations with both organizational and personal goals. Through case studies, insights into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and practical discussions, participants will gain the tools and strategies to foster acceptance, driving seamless integration of new technology into both individual tasks and team workflows.

If sales increase, so should profits.  Yet, the opposite result often leaves executives scratching their heads.  When organizations work with inferior cost information, they make mistakes in four specific situations.  Bad information causes sellers to overprice easy, high-volume work and underprice difficult, low-volume work. 

This session discusses how to use activity-based costing data to build accurate costing models that consider far more than just the labor and materials necessary to provide goods and services.  

If you are efficient and want to learn lessons from the best in a short time, this seminar is for you.  Popular speaker Don Minges will review the key lessons from five fantastic business books that will help you become more effective.  The topics are; leadership, how to create a valuable business, how to turnaround a business, how to make terrific presentations and how do humans think?  These lessons are valuable for every business leader. 

By the nature of our work and training, financial professionals have more personal finance knowledge than the general population. However, sometimes we spend so much time planning our company's future that we neglect or defer taking steps to build our own personal net worth.

If you are dissatisfied about the speed that you are accumulating savings, this session will help put you on the right track. Even if you are meeting your goals, this session will provide insights and ideas which will add to and reinforce what you may already be doing.

Learn the basic skills new staff need to hit the ground running and efficiently complete assigned tasks, including what new auditors are expected to know and do, including the nature, timing, and extent of common audit procedures. Focus on why certain procedures are performed and perform typical procedures.

This session explores tools and techniques that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of client engagements and business processes using data analysis tools. We will introduce some of today's popular and software tools and examine the AICPA's Five-step approach to incorporating data analytics into public accounting engagements.

Procurement is a critical component of successful government operations. While there are challenges in public procurement, there are a number of guidelines and requirements that will help lead you to success. This course will offer guidance on how governments can meet complicated procurement needs and develop best practices that protect public and Federal funds.

• Be well informed on current topics impacting taxes, finance, and industry

• Each week’s topics will change based on the most critical issues affecting financial professionals

In this course we will look at the highlights of what valuation is doing, how to go about it and what to look for in business valuation reports.  Areas such as types of reports, the standards by which they are prepared and process that is used to go from data to report.  We will also discuss the purposes of reports and how that purpose may impact the value.  Finally, we discuss how to determine the value of minority interests.

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!

"Did you know that fraud is like a parasite, feeding on the lifeblood of the industry and causing billions in losses each year? Join Chuck Gallagher, a renowned expert in fraud prevention, for 'The Many Faces of Fraud: Shedding Light on the Tactics of Modern-Day Swindlers,' a captivating two-hour course that will empower you to thwart these financial predators.

Chuck will guide you through the most common forms of fraud, revealing the psychology and motivations of swindlers. Through real-life case studies and hands-on exercises, you'll learn practical strategies for identifying red flags and responding effectively to safeguard your organization.

Enroll now to gain invaluable insights and join the fight against these cunning adversaries!"

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.  

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework in state and local government was not often embraced as a form of employment. As the pandemic continues, governments are beginning to experience the benefits of remote work and are reevaluating hiring practices to offer more telework and hybrid work options, not simply as a result of an emergency. This course will review various telework options and best practices for success. 

This course on ethics in communication and reporting covers essential topics to ensure integrity and professionalism in our interactions. We begin with the fundamentals of ethical communication, emphasizing the importance of honesty, transparency, and respect. We then explore four must-have communication skills crucial for effective and ethical exchanges. The session also provides practical application steps on how to improve these ethical communication skills in daily practice. Finally, we discuss the problems associated with unethical behavior in reporting and communication, highlighting the potential consequences and the importance of maintaining ethical standards to build trust and credibility.

Stay ahead in the evolving landscape of employee benefit plan (EBP) audits with this essential 2025 update. This course covers key regulatory changes, including the SECURE 2.0 Act, newly effective accounting and auditing standards (SAS 145 and Quality Management Standards), and insights from the Department of Labor's latest findings on audit quality. We'll also dive into emerging hot topics shaping the EBP audit environment, equipping you with the knowledge to enhance compliance, mitigate risks, and deliver exceptional audit quality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to EBP audits, this session will provide actionable insights to keep you confident and prepared.

This program reviews the statutory and regulatory guidance as they relate to fringe benefits. There will be an emphasis on entertainment, meals and business transportation expenses, including qualified employer-provided parking, with a focus on planning opportunities. Recent federal tax legislation, cases and rulings will also be addressed.

*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

Mergers, acquisitions and alliances have been and continue to be major avenues to organizational growth and increased competitive advantage. Despite the great initial promise of many mergers and alliances, few seem to yield the anticipated results.

Numerous studies indicate that between 55% and 77% of mergers fail to accomplish their intended purpose. This course helps financial professionals, and their advisors identify, execute, and consummate mergers and acquisitions that create shareholder value while avoiding the many traps that can cause post-acquisition failure.

This session introduces a structured approach to government budgeting using the four W’s: Who, What, When, and Which. Participants will explore WHO should be involved in the budgeting process, including internal teams and external stakeholders, while learning effective communication strategies to foster collaboration. The session examines WHAT the budgeting process entails, covering essential phases, components, legal requirements, and common challenges. Attendees will also learn WHEN to engage the public through strategic planning, workshops, and outreach initiatives. Finally, the session highlights WHICH departments play key roles, from financial planning to managing capital projects. By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of government budgeting and how to align financial planning with community priorities.

Many entities look to their CPA as a trusted advisor when tackling complex accounting topics. This is more relevant now than ever. The FASB's big three accounting pronouncements involving revenue recognition, leasing and credit losses have placed a magnifying glass on this reality. Practitioners need to exercise caution to ensure they maintain independence as they assist their review and audit clients with such matters, as well as with compilation engagements. This course addresses these issues and explores best practices and guidance provided by the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct.

This program compares and contrasts the financial accounting for partnerships and LLCs, as well as discusses the tax accounting for these entities, with a thorough discussion of the important differences between financial accounting for partnership capital accounts and the tax accounting for partnership capital accounts. Financial accounting for operations of a partnership will also be addressed.

This course does not qualify for IRS credit.

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.

Freelance work and other non-permanent employment arrangements are becoming increasingly popular ways for people to earn a living. Although these non-traditional activities offer novel, flexible ways to earn income from diverse sources, they also introduce nuanced recordkeeping, reporting, and attestation issues. We investigate characteristics of the gig economy, employee-versus-contractor considerations, bookkeeping, regulatory compliance, and external reporting considerations. We also explore best practices for CPAs who fulfill the role of trusted advisor for gig economy clients.

This course explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accounting and auditing, highlighting its vast potential while addressing the associated risks and ethical considerations. Participants will discover how to harness AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation, while mitigating challenges such as overreliance, data security vulnerabilities, and ethical dilemmas. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you'll gain practical skills to navigate AI complexities, ensure trustworthy outputs, and uphold ethical standards in today's fast-paced digital environment.

Many organizations struggle to keep budgets current in an ever-changing business climate.  Twenty-first century performance metrics focus on determining what budgets should be rather than what they were in the past.  Using performance metrics effectively reduces work, reduces politics, provides flexibility and substantially improves the performance management process.  This session will show you powerful techniques to drive your organization’s performance.

Leaders naturally wield power and influence. But, to avoid the temptation of abusing power, leaders must apply ethical behaviors for themselves and others. Words,
actions and deeds which demonstrate integrity and trust yield the credibility that make others want to follow ethical leaders. Betraying trust can destroy careers, whole
organizations, and lives. This is why trust is a top prerequisite for principled and ethical leadership. Positive (and negative) influence is derived from the credibility trust brings.

Ethical leaders who continually work to earn and keep trust reap enormous payback in all aspects of business including superior economic, competitive, and strategic performance.

You spent your life building retirement savings.  Now you want to make sure your savings last the rest of your life and perhaps pass some on to the next generation.  Come hear a veteran financial educator talk about money management and planning issues for this phase of your life.  

At some point in his or her career, every financial manager will face a choice of doing the right thing or taking the easy way out. Skillfully handling a conflict, ethical or otherwise, can make a big difference your career's trajectory. Professional standards provide procedures for resolving ethical conflicts. Yet, following these procedures alone will often cause a financial professional to lose their job.  This webcast will show you how to both do the right thing and keep your job.    

Leaders have the right to exercise customary management functions.  Employees have the right to be kept free from discrimination.  Neither employer rights nor employee rights are absolute.  The courts are equally protective of the rights of employees and employers.  A courtroom is the wrong place for anyone to find this out.  This course provides practical knowledge on how to effectively balancing these two sets of rights, such that employees and leaders stay out of court. Employers avoid lawsuits, rather than win lawsuits.

We know that effective communication is essential to growing a career and a business. But we often don't take time to think through, concsiously, about how we communicate and how small changes could change the trajectory of our messages. This workshop is designed to give you a survey of multiple communication strategies and mistakes to avoid. We start by discussing how people make decisions--which is important to understand in the context of business communication and communication in the workplace. We then transition into common communication mistakes and actionable tools and tactics that you can use to overcome and avoid these mishaps.

The tools for managing performance and addressing misconduct are not identical. The failure to point this out to leaders has often resulted in the use of the wrong tool. Reinforcing good performance and securing improvements in performance requires skill in coaching employees, making effective requests, and providing effective feedback   This course provides practical knowledge and scripts for setting, communicating, and enforcing performance expectations, such that personal and employer liability is avoided.

Many people, when they hear about feedbcak in organizations and the workplace, think immediately of performance reviews. But feedback should not be isolated to these formal structures. This workshop is about the more informal methods of feedback that managers and coworkers can use to have more productive conversations that drive behavioral change. Through understanding the importance of dialogue, strategic questions to drive conversation, and mistakes to avoid, you'll be able to have more productive feedback conversations in your workplace (and maybe even at home, too).

Did you know that AI can now write your marketing copy? Create videos with your digital likeness? Provide subjective advice to your clients? Produce training for your employees? Even if you're on the fence about trusting artificial intelligence tools, knowing about these technologies, especially when combined with forms of synthetic media (think deep fakes, but not nefarious), is important for any business leader. Imagine being able to have your likeness communicate in over 40 languages. Think about how amazing it would be to create customized content for every situation without building each piece from scratch. Marvel at how that *perfect* image can manifest from typing just a few keywords. In this session you'll learn about the evolution of communication technologies, how artificial intelligence has expanded our range of connective possibilities, and what possibilities exist for leveraging these channels of communication in your business.

Do you often hear people complaining about coworkers or other departments? Do you have talented people with the right skills who struggle to collaborate and cooperate as a team? You’re not alone. This can be a common situation when people’s values, beliefs and their approach to solving problems differ. The key is to help everyone understand that our differences aren't bad – they’re interesting and extremely valuable. 

In this course, Tina guides you through tools and activities you can use to help your people (and yourself) broaden their perspective so they can more easily cooperate, collaborate, and communicate with the people around them. This program explores ways to help them connect, from personality assessments to team building activities. When coworkers or team-members understand each other better, it's easier to appreciate their differences.
 

Debt is a real problem for many clients, business owners, and the general public.  It can be ever increasing and causes financial, emotional and physical challenges that seem to spiral out of control.

What if you could help your clients “do debt differently”? This strategy turns the game upside down and presents solutions from the inside out.  As a CPA, you are already a trusted advisor for your clients.  What if you could help your clients be free of this burden?  This is a tremendous resource you can offer to your clients, expanding the value of what you offer them by adding these processes to your packages.  Clients will be happy to pay for this kind of relief as you support them in doing debt differently.  

If you are one of the many people who are personally burdened by this situation, these strategies, tools, mindsets and actions will personally help you get better results…so you can go back to the task of expanding and growing your business, sleeping better at night and gaining access to the creativity that will take you to your next level of financial fulfillment. 

Paying off debt is an inside/outside job.  Successful strategies include the internal shifts to mindset and enhancing the inner qualities that are most helpful in paying off debt, and practical tools to help make the transition from thinking about paying off debt to actually doing it. This program combines both -- emotional support and dozens of tools and action steps to Do Debt Differently, including:

• An inventory process to objectively assess the situation and face it head on
• Guided mind/body processes to alleviate anxiety about the situation
• Creative exploration (writing and drawing) to gain clarity and specificity
• Stories and discussion to strengthen your access to the qualities that will be most helpful to your success
• Using a menu of options to create a personal action plan and an ongoing support team

The techniques in this program are creative and easy, but immensely practical.   We will combine practical, nuts-and-bolts action steps with powerful tools for mindset-shifting.

There is no reason to continue to suffer the burden and overwhelm of debt. Relief is here! Through discussion, interactive exercises, skill building, mindset shifting and powerful actions, you and your clients could be on your way to a debt free life. Please join me for this empowering approach to changing your financial situation.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why people won't just listen to you? Or maybe you have found yourself surrounded by people that make your jaw clench...you know the people...the challenging people. 

HR Professionals walk a tight rope of being strong, but not aggressive, polite, but not a push over. It is exhausting!

In this session, you will uncover the secrets to working with (and overcoming) challenging people derived from the decades of experience Summer brings from her time on the frontlines and as an HR Professional working with companies such as Walt Disney World, H-E-B and even a dude ranch.
 

The world of work today has never before faced so many simultaneous changes. From rising turnover and rising employee disengagement to the changing psychology of the workforce, the world of work is changing fast. In order to understand how to thrive in this complex landscape - we must begin by understanding the key drivers of change. What is changing in the world of work, why are these changes happening, and what can we expect will continue to change and what may not change. These are the elements we will explore in this class. 

This course aims to reveal many examples of companies, leaders and industries who are building new talent models. The world of work is less certain than ever before and this world requires experimentation. In this course you will learn about many experiments that organizations are deploying to build a new model that fits the pace of change the world is experiencing today.  IN this course we will consider many new models and approaches and learn from them. In a world of work with few benchmarks - today organizations need to learn how to experiment and become the benchmark. 

Good people believe everyone else is just like them. They cannot imagine someone could con them or their company and have no guilt or remorse about what they have done. Lack of guilt and empathy are key traits of a psychopath. Most of us envision psychopaths to be cold-blooded serial killers who are locked away in prison. However, experts estimate that 4% of corporate executives are psychopaths who may initially appear to be more normal than the rest of us. Psychopaths may present a convincing picture of virtue while helping themselves to money, status and sex while leaving a path of shattered expectations, empty wallets, and broken hearts in their wake. Learn how to recognize and deal with others who have no conscience. 

Why not learn, or re-learn, some amazing business lessons from the past that are still effective today? What did Henry Ford do when annual employee turnover was 370% and workers demanded more pay? Sound familiar to today’s world? Ford’s solution worked! We see today’s problems and believe that these problems have never occurred before. Not true. We will discuss timeless business lessons that are as practical today as when they were written decades ago. We will review; ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’ ‘Today and Tomorrow,’ and ‘The Art of War.’ Let's learn from the very best, as these lessons have been battle-tested and proven over time.

If a great leader is someone we are willing to sacrifice for – what do those leaders do that makes us want to do more? Many of us work in dysfunctional organizations that want followers, but have no leaders that lead. What makes a leader effective? True leaders sacrifice, they are trustworthy and they empathize. We discuss the steps to take so you can become a true leader: including, integrity, humility, communication, self-control and self-awareness. With diligence, you can become a better leader and we will discuss how.  

This program addresses the many complex financial and tax accounting issues that are common in S corporation transactions, with discussion of common pitfalls and the AICPA "small" GAAP accounting standards.

This course does not qualify for IRS credit.

This course will allow you to get reacquainted with the statement of cash flows. We will refresher your skills regarding both the preparation and utilization of the statement of cash flows. Significant emphasis will be placed on the informational role of the statement of cash flows and insights that can be obtained using the statement of cash flows in concert with the other elements of a company’s accrual-basis financial statements.

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.

Quality management will have a big impact on CPA firms. This course will cover both SQMS 1 and 2 as well as the related engagement level standards (SAS 146 and SSARS 26). The new standards will require a risk-based approach to quality management as well as the documentation of an information & communication process. SQMS 1 is required to be implemented at all accounting firms by December 15, 2025 but due to the size of the effort, firms should start their implementation process ASAP. SQMS 2 covers the appointment and eligibility of the engagement quality reviewer and the performance of the reviews. SAS 146 addresses the specific responsibilities of the auditor regarding quality management at the engagement level for an audit of financial statements and the related responsibilities of the engagement partner. SSARS 26 amends AR-C Sections to be consistent with these new standards. This two hour class will provide a deep dive into what you need to know to start your implementation process!

Effective governance is the cornerstone of any nonprofit organization. This course delves into the foundational elements of nonprofit governance, emphasizing fiduciary duties, board responsibilities, and best practices for board operations. Participants will explore key compliance requirements, risk management strategies, policy development, and regulatory obligations. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped with practical tools and insights to confidently navigate the complexities of nonprofit governance.

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 session will cover:

Building Flexible Budgeting Models: Walking Through and Crunching The Numbers

•    We can all learn from others and improve our budgeting process by listening to our colleagues’ wisdom and experience.  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 planning. 

Emerging from the pandemic is a workplace culture governed by values. Far from a soft approach, it can drive significant business results. Organizations that embrace an empathetic culture increase performance and decrease turnover, while their customers report a more positive experience. Additionally, being more “person-focused” strongly correlates with more effective ethics and compliance programs. These insights can provide a roadmap for the "new normal" as the world emerges from the crisis. How employees and management move forward from this experience will shape the workplace for decades to come.

ProActive Response Group's Active Shooter Response Training course educates participants in current trends of active shooter incidents, how to recognize early warning signs of violence, appropriate actions to increase chances of survival in an active shooter event, and how to use basic medical equipment to save the lives of victims.  

*****(Warning: This video contains simulated graphic scenes that some viewers may find disturbing)*****

Are you running around with a fire extinguisher permanently strapped to your back? Do everyday crises run your life, both at work and at home? Do you find yourself
consistently taking care of everyone else with no time left to take care of you?

In this session, we dive into controlling your chaos and managing your energy. Make no mistake, this isn't your father's time management class. It’s an energy management class developed on behalf of and with tired, frustrated, and burned out HR professionals like yourselves! If you find yourself drained and drinking far too much coffee, this is the session for you!

• Identify who is entitled to retirement benefits and in what amounts
• Identify factors to consider in determining when to take benefits
• Discuss taxation of Social Security benefits and how this impacts other income tax planning
• Identify and describe the potential effects of retirement and estate planning strategies and tactics that can enhance overall retirement
• Explain Medicare and the prescription drug provision; describe the basic supplementary insurance plans that are available to fill in the gaps in basic Medicare coverage

• Legislative developments
• A full chapter devoted to determining the best planning options for maximizing joint Social Security benefits
• Retirement benefits: Amount of benefits in various circumstances; how the amounts are distributed within the family unit
• Qualification: Has the client retired? How business entities may be used for Social Security advantage
• Income taxation of Social Security: avoidance tactics
• Spousal benefits: Should a spouse return to work? What benefits does a spouse have and when and how do they relate to benefits decisions by the client?
• When can hiring the spouse increase overall benefits?  Why should both spouses qualify for survivor benefits?
• Disability benefits
• When to start Social Security benefits: Advantages and disadvantages at ages 62, full retirement age, and 70
• Coordinating benefits: Should you take Social Security first and higher-balance IRA distributions later, or take IRA balances first and enhanced Social Security benefits later?
• Pensions: Distribution strategies; how to use the minimum distribution rules in concert with Social Security benefits
• IRAs: Is it time to convert to a Roth?
• Medicare, Part D prescription drugs: what retirees need to know

• Obtain a working knowledge of the not-for-profit financial reporting requirements
• Skillfully prepare a not-for-profit’s financial statements with superior knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements
• Effectively apply today’s core not-for-profit accounting requirements

• Key requirements, options, and disclosures related to each of the basic financial statements
• The reporting of functional and natural expense information
• Requirements related to providing liquidity and availability of financial assets information
• Core not-for-profit accounting requirements related to conditional and unconditional contributions, promises to give, contributed services, net assets, special events, the classification of expenses, and more

• Mine a tax return for tax planning with a client
• Understand the planning implications of the current environment
• Determine the best tax strategies for retirement
• Understand tax planning for the middle-income client

• Understanding the environment: what’s new, what’s expired or expiring, and what’s likely to change in light of the new Trump administration and Republican Congress
• Reading a tax return for developing client-specific tax strategies
• Changes to the lifetime estate tax exemption considering proposed regulations 
• The net investment income tax: planning for compliance
• Family income-splitting strategies that need to be considered
• Income tax issues: impact on timing of other income
• Selling a principal residence
• Two principal residences at the same time
• Use of life insurance to protect families: Whole Life Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Universal Life Insurance, and Variable Life Insurance
• Using Roth IRAs and Roth contribution programs to best advantage
• Conversions: do they still make sense?
• Taking distributions: matching timing to client requirements
• Qualified plan contributions to reduce current income and Social Security tax: implications for business owners and self-employed
• Social Security - the latest on the looming solvency crisis
• Incentive Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan considerations
• What to do about itemized deductions
• Trans-generational planning: conversions, income, and gain-splitting
• Tax benefits of HSAs and other tax-advantaged accounts
• Identifying tax opportunities: reviewing the prior-year return to develop a plan for the future
• Planning for middle-income taxpayers: financial planning for the young, the working, and those approaching or in retirement
• Best financial planning ideas for young people

This session explores the importance of internal controls with an emphasis on best practices for small- and medium-sized entities.  We will examine the roles of both preventive and detective controls and practical, cost-effective suggestions for implementing effective internal controls will be addressed.

This session reviews the three elements of fraud, how fraudsters think, how proper internal controls can prevent and detect fraud, and the red flags to look for to identify fraud. It looks at Radar O'Reilly, one of the most beloved characters of the TV show M*A*S*H. He was trusted by his boss to run the administrative side of the US Army medical unit. Were there red flags all around Radar? Did he have the opportunity to steal? Was he a fraudster? We'll find out? Attendees learn to recognize the traits of this type fraudster that are present in many organization. Case studies of various Radars are included.

This comprehensive 8-hour course explores the pervasive issue of fraud in State and Local governments. Our panel of experts from inside and outside government will provide participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to fraudulent activities in State and local governments.

The course begins by examining the types of fraud commonly encountered in governmental settings, including financial fraud, procurement fraud, and abuse of power. With our experienced panelists, participants will delve into real-world case studies to understand the tactics used by fraudsters and the impact on public trust, resources, and governance. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding regulatory frameworks and compliance measures designed to mitigate fraud risks.

Workpapers are the primary support for findings, conclusions and opinions on any audit or other attest engagement.  This course will provide the essential tips and techniques for ensuring workpaper documentation is of a high quality, yet efficient, nature.

This course equips practitioners with the knowledge to help clients navigate complex tax and financial challenges. Covering a range of difficult situations—such as divorce, bankruptcy, and other personal and business matters—this course provides key tax insights and strategic planning considerations. Participants will gain practical strategies to support clients in making informed decisions while understanding the tax implications of these situations.

• Recognize when and why a lookup function is better than a direct cell reference
• Use three of Excel's many lookup functions
• Gain comfort with the arguments of the functions presented

• Using lookup functions as an alternative to direct cell references
• Understand the limitations of the VLOOKUP function
• Discover ways to move beyond these limitations

• Alert business clients to legislative changes enacted in 2025 that would impact them
• Advise business owner clients on adopting tax planning strategies that would reduce their tax liability for 2025 and later

• Use of the budget reconciliation process to enact major tax legislation
• Whether the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 expires after 2025
• Elimination of income taxation on tips, Social Security payments, and overtime
• Changes in marginal tax rates after 2025, including 15% rate on corporations for domestic manufacturing
• Section 163(j) — deduction limitation based on EBIT rather than EBITDA
• Various tariff proposals ranging from 10% to 200%
• Reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation
• Changes in research and development expensing
• Increased tax-free benefits for commuting, health, and child care

If you think applying one set of audit standards is tough enough, how about applying three different sets of audit standards in one “single” audit?  That’s exactly what happens when the auditor applies GAAS, the Yellow Book and the OMB requirements in a Single Audit.  This session will start with a single audit “nuts and bolts” overview before delving into unique aspects and audit issues of the continued era of pandemic-related funding, and, of course, provide an update of any recent changes to the funding related to the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act, or IIJA.  Recent changes to the Single Audit and Uniform Guidance rules will also be covered.  Join our expert panel of federal, state and local auditors and practitioners to learn what you need to know if you are performing audits under these audit standards and the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards.

If you are an experienced Excel user seeking to elevate your skills, join the K2 team for K2’s Advanced Excel. In this laptop-friendly program, you will learn critical advanced Excel skills in six key areas: 1) collaborating with other users and securing workbooks, 2) using tables to analyze and report data, 3) integrating and manipulating data from external sources, 4) creating and auditing complex formulas, 5) advanced data analysis tools, and 6) visualization techniques to analyze and communicate information.

The course draws from over twenty-five years of experience delivering Excel training to accountants and other business professionals. Throughout the program, relevant, real-world examples reinforce the topics presented. Take advantage of this opportunity to become more efficient and proficient in Microsoft Office Excel, the tool of choice for accounting and financial professionals. This course covers advanced Excel topics found in Excel 2019 and newer.