The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) has become mainstream and while most have a layperson's understanding of AI, few know the depth and breadth of this technology's capability. AI is affecting just about everything in business and in people's personal lives. The operation of an internal control system is also changing because of this incredible advancement. This session explains what AI is and how it works and then goes into detail about how it can be applied to a system of internal control. The material speaks about changes occurring in today's world as well as what's coming in the not-too-distant future.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Recognize changes that are occurring because of AI.
The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) has become mainstream and while most have a layperson's understanding of AI, few know the depth and breadth of this technology's capability. AI is affecting just about everything in business and in people's personal lives. The operation of an internal control system is also changing because of this incredible advancement. This session explains what AI is and how it works and then goes into detail about how it can be applied to a system of internal control. The material speaks about changes occurring in today's world as well as what's coming in the not-too-distant future.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Recognize changes that are occurring because of AI.
New Technology, the move toward telecommuting, the widespread adoption of electronic documentation, and a wide range of other factors have significantly and forever changed the way business is conducted. It should go without saying that changes in tools and methods lead to upheaval in any organizations internal control system. In this session, we look at all the changes that are occurring and discuss what's coming in the not too distant future. The material then looks at how internal controls have been affected and what other updates are on the horizon. Anyone trying to use controls to keep their organization efficient and secure should consider this session because the rate of change to both operational methods and control processes has been and will continue to be incredible.
You are likely familiar with and/or have experience with IRS summonses. BUT - Did you know there's a lot of procedure and decorum that goes into issuing a summons that you can leverage to help your client?
This program will focus on the basics of an administrative summons, what the IRS can summons for, how you should comply with a summons, summons referral criteria, and common errors and misnomers the IRS can make in generating/serving a summons.
This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
This intensive two-hour course addresses the critical need for accuracy and efficiency when developing spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Recognizing that even minor errors can have significant implications, this course delves deep into strategies and skills required to detect and correct errors in Excel. By the end of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to efficiently identify and correct errors in Excel spreadsheets, enhancing their overall productivity and accuracy in their professional roles.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Apply advanced Excel auditing tools, such as Trace Precedents, Trace Dependents, and the Error Checking feature, to effectively identify and rectify complex errors in financial spreadsheets.
Analyze and interpret common error messages and anomalies in Excel, enabling the ability to diagnose underlying issues in spreadsheet formulas and data inputs.
Distinguish between different types of Excel errors, including formula errors, reference errors, and logical errors, to implement targeted corrective actions for enhanced spreadsheet accuracy and reliability.
This course introduces professionals to the fundamentals of individual tax preparation. Participants will learn the essentials of Form 1040, including filing requirements, income reporting, and deductions. The session will also cover preparer responsibilities, due diligence, and taxpayer rights under Circular 230. By the end, attendees will have a solid understanding of the foundation of personal tax returns.
This course provides a focused analysis of the individual and small business provisions in H.R.1, "One Big Beautiful Bill." Tailored for tax professionals working with Form 1040 filers, the course explores impactful updates, from the no-tax-on-tips provision, to enhanced bonus depreciation - designed to inform planning strategies and compliance for the 2025 tax year and beyond.
Professional Skepticism - Creating a Mindset for Finding Fraud and Error is a critical skill for audit and other attest services. The public places a high value on assurance services provided by an external public accountant, as the CPA's involvement directly enhances the degree of confidence intended users can place on the financial statements to make economic decisions. A proper mindset, including professional skepticism, is a critical feature of a high-quality audit or other attest service. Professional skepticism is an essential attitude that enhances the ability to identify and respond to conditions that may indicate possible material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify traits of a skeptical auditor
Recall applying professional skepticism on any assurance service
Recognize fraud, including examples of fraud indicators
Identify the auditor's responsibility for identifying and responding to fraud in a financial statement audit
Audit Documentation - Creating Workpapers That Pass Review is an important foundational course. Proper documentation is essential to a high-quality audit and other assurance services, as auditors are required to prepare and maintain documentation to demonstrate that sufficient and appropriate audit evidence was obtained to support the auditor's opinion. It is critical for workpapers to provide a clear understanding of the nature, timing and extent of procedures applied, the results of those procedures, source of evidence obtained, and conclusions reached. Both audit effectiveness and efficiency are directly impacted by the nature and extent of audit documentation.
U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) imposed a new reporting requirement that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Millions of businesses may have to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. In a surprise turn of events, the Federal District Court from the Northern District of Alabama ruled on March 1, 2024 in National Small Business United v. Yellen ("NSB") that the CTA is unconstitutional. This course will discuss the CTA's provisions and the court's decision in NSB. Also covered will be future implications for business entities and steps to consider given the recent ruling.
As the digital asset market continues to mature, more taxpayers may be contemplating blessing their favorite charitable organizations with gifts of cryptocurrency. Beneficiaries unfamiliar with digital assets may find it challenging to properly report any of these types of donations. Likewise, taxpayers will need to ensure that they properly value and substantiate any contributions or potentially risk their charitable deductions being denied. This course will provide a brief overview of digital assets. This will be followed by a discussion of the rules regarding the documentation required when claiming a charitable contribution of digital assets. This course will also cover recent IRS publications and cases discussing taxpayers whose deductions of digital assets charitable gifts was scrutinized.
The path from CPA to CFO has evolved dramatically in recent years, with only 43% of S&P 1000 CFOs holding CPA licenses in 2022, down from 55% a decade earlier. This comprehensive course, based on groundbreaking research from the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs surveying over 320 CEOs and hiring executives, reveals what today's leaders truly seek in CFO candidates and provides a roadmap for CPAs to secure their seat at the executive table. Participants will discover the five critical competencies that distinguish successful CFO candidates: forward-looking financial acumen that goes beyond traditional reporting, strategic leadership skills including critical thinking and strategy creation, the evolving role of emotional intelligence, industry-specific expertise requirements, and the balance between technical proficiency and visionary leadership. Through practical frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to transform their CPA foundation into a comprehensive skill set that meets the dynamic demands of modern CFO roles, whether in high-growth companies, nonprofits, or traditional corporations.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify the top general competencies most valued by hiring executives for CFO positions
Recognize the shift from compliance-focused to forward-looking financial skills in CFO requirements
List specific sub-competencies that rank highest in the research findings
Compare traditional CPA skills with modern CFO competency requirements
Identify actionable steps from the report's recommendations for career development
This course builds on the foundational knowledge from Part 1, Fundamentals of the 1040 - Core Concepts. It expands into business income taxation and additional reporting requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately report self-employment income, income from pass-through entities on Form 1040. This course covers Schedule C, Schedule E, and essential forms such as Form 7203 and Form 7217 to ensure accurate tax preparation for clients with business activities.
The audit profession stands at a critical inflection point, facing unprecedented challenges from technological disruption, evolving regulatory landscapes, and workforce transformation. This comprehensive course, based on the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs' groundbreaking research report "The Future of the Audit: Building Relevance and Sustaining Quality," provides auditors with essential insights and actionable strategies to navigate these seismic shifts. Through expert perspectives from industry leaders including PCAOB board members, Big Four executives, and audit committee chairs, participants will explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics are fundamentally reshaping audit practices while creating new opportunities for value creation and risk assessment.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Implement AI and blockchain tools to enhance audit quality
Develop talent retention strategies for technology-savvy teams
Navigate regulatory sandboxes for safe technology adoption
Expand services to include ESG and real-time assurance
The accounting profession stands at a critical inflection point where artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping how firms operate, serve clients, and compete in the marketplace. This course, based on the 2025 CPA Firm Tech Report, provides expert guidance on overcoming the five key challenges that prevent firms from successfully adopting transformative technologies: decision paralysis from overwhelming choices, leadership resistance to change, difficulty proving ROI, growing cybersecurity risks, and critical skills gaps. Through real-world case studies and insights from industry leaders, participants will learn practical strategies for evaluating AI solutions, implementing change management frameworks, and building a technology-forward culture that enhances both efficiency and client value.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify and address the five key barriers preventing technology adoption in their firm
Apply the CPA Firm Digital Maturity Model to assess their organization's readiness for transformation
Evaluate AI tools and vendors using strategic fit criteria appropriate for their firm size
Implement change management strategies to overcome leadership and staff resistance
Develop metrics beyond traditional ROI to measure technology implementation success
In today's challenging talent market, accounting firms face unprecedented pressure to retain their best performers. This course provides actionable, research-backed strategies to help firms keep their top talent from leaving. Based on comprehensive surveys of both current accounting professionals and those who have recently left the profession, participants will learn the real reasons employees stay or go-and what firms can do about it.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify the top factors that drive retention decisions
The accounting profession faces unprecedented workforce challenges that demand a fundamental rethinking of traditional firm structures. This course examines why the century-old pyramid practice model is becoming obsolete and presents the inverted pentagon framework as a sustainable alternative. Based on comprehensive research showing that 52% of firms expect to shrink by 20% or more in the next five years, participants will learn how to restructure their firms to thrive with fewer entry-level staff while expanding specialized expertise. The course explores the "6 Ps of Business Model Transformation" - Precision Hiring, Proactive Retention, Practical Technology Implementation, Pricing Expertise, Practice Area Expansion/Focus, and People Acceleration. Drawing from success stories in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology industries, attendees will discover proven strategies for accelerating staff development, implementing effective knowledge transfer programs, and building sustainable talent pipelines in an era of technological disruption and demographic shifts.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Analyze your firm's current structure against future workforce predictions
Design an inverted pentagon framework tailored to your firm's needs
Implement precision hiring strategies for specialized roles
Develop accelerated training programs to move staff to higher-value work
Create effective knowledge transfer systems including mentorship and rotation
Leverage technology for personalized professional development
Build retention strategies for specialized professionals and lateral hires
Evaluate pricing models that support investment in talent and technology
Identify barriers preventing staff progression and develop solutions
Construct a transformation roadmap with measurable milestones
Instructor: Leeland Rogers
Fields of Study: Business Management and Organization more info...
The President signed on July 4, 2025, one of most consequential tax legislation in recent years. The well-informed tax practitioner will want to stay abreast of these developments! This course will start with a short background of this legislation as it made its way through Congress and to the President's desk. We will then review the final provisions that was approved by the Senate and passed by the House.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Analyze recent court cases and Treasury publications affecting individuals and business entities.
Recognize recent changes to IRS procedure.
Identify recently issued tax court opinions and their implications to taxpayers.
Assess the status of upcoming tax legislation and how it might affect clients.
In the ever-evolving world of data analytics and business intelligence, Microsoft Excel continues to be an indispensable tool for professionals across industries. With the introduction of Copilot, Microsoft has integrated the power of artificial intelligence directly into Excel, revolutionizing how users work with data. This 2-hour interactive course, Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel, provides a comprehensive overview of how Copilot transforms traditional Excel workflows into dynamic, AI-driven processes, enabling users to accomplish tasks faster, more accurately, and with less manual effort.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify key features of Copilot in Excel and their applications in data analysis.
Distinguish between traditional Excel workflows and AI-enhanced capabilities.
Select appropriate AI-driven tools within Excel to streamline specific tasks.
Instructor: Bryan Smith
Fields of Study: Computer Software & Applications more info...
There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate various aspects of 1040 tax preparation. This course will provide specific examples of how you can use AI (artificial intelligence) based tools to complement your core 1040 tax prep software. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client source documents, enhance the engagement management process and add value to your 1040 service through AI enhanced 1040 advisory services. This course will separate the hype from reality about AI and how it can be used in 1040 tax preparation.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Recognize specific ways to leverage AI technology in your 1040 tax preparation serves.
Identify specific AI tools that can be leveraged to automate and enhance 1040 tax preparation services.
This program addresses the role of client internal controls for balancing efficiency and effectiveness in a risk-based audit. Practical insights regarding an auditor's assessment of the risk of material misstatement when auditing financial statements of non-issuers will be explored, with particular emphasis on internal controls of small-to-medium clients. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Objectives:After attending this presentation you will be able to...
Identify minimum understanding and documentation requirements if the auditor does not intend to rely on internal controls.
Recognize internal controls of less-sophisticated, small-to-medium sized audit clients.
Utilize identified internal controls for an efficient, risk-based approach to audits conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Participants will learn how to interpret the most common IRS correspondence, adhere to response deadlines, and effectively communicate with the IRS to resolve issues and minimize risks. It provides professionals with knowledge and strategies needed to handle the most common notices including audit requests, collections & return inquiries as well as error notices. Focusing on best practices to ensure compliance and avoiding penalties or escalation.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Identify and interpret the most common IRS letters, including general notices, audit requests, collections, return inquiries, and error notices.
Recall IRS deadlines and the importance of timely and accurate responses.
Apply effective communication strategies when corresponding with the IRS.
Proactively address IRS concerns to avoid escalation and penalties.
Ensure compliance with IRS requirements when responding to correspondence.
Assess common issues that arise from IRS letters and develop resolution strategies.
Advise clients on their rights and responsibilities when dealing with IRS correspondence.
Implement documentation and tracking practices to manage IRS responses effectively.
We are bombarded with information continually. So how do we determine what is valid and what isn't? This course points out common pitfalls inherent in data interpretation and gives practical tips to overcome those pitfalls by using real life examples. The course incorporates information from key thought leaders including Adam Grant, Alex Edmans, and Hans Rosling.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Analyze the various ways that data can be misleading.
Recognize that data interpretation is affected by many factors.
Identify how these factors can lead to pitfalls in interpretation.
This workshop, framed through an ethical lens, is offered to empower women who wish to consider the privileges, responsibilities, and challenges of holding leadership positions.
Despite advances, women are significantly underrepresented in the workplace. In addition to external societal barriers for which many women are held back, there are many internal messages that sabotage the move into leadership. We will examine common beliefs ("I should be nice," "I am an imposter", etc.) and behaviors that can hold women back as well as offer suggestions for moving forward.
Objectives:After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
Recognize the relationship of ethics to leadership.
Identify challenges women face and suggestions for minimizing them.
Indicate suggestions for women to overcome beliefs and barriers that are obstacles to leadership.
Recognize skills of assertive communication.
Select ways to give respectful feedback and handle receiving negative feedback.
