Calendar of Events - North Dakota CPA Society

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

Welcome to the ACPEN Yellowbook Micro-Credential. This program will award you all 24 hours of Governmental CPE so you can be Yellowbook compliant. 

In order to successfully complete this program, there are 6 required sessions and a final exam to test competency. The sessions are scheduled in order and there are many date/time options that you may choose from for each session. This group of courses will address the following concepts: 

• Learn about the similarities between all three GASB accounting standards that deal with contractual arrangements such as leases, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA) and P3s.  Compare and contrast these standards as you prepare for implementation this year of GASB 94 and GASB 96, and review the implementation efforts of Leases in Year 2. 
• Take a whirlwind tour of governmental accounting basics while focusing on wetting the participant’s appetite for more. 
• Stay up-to-date on rapidly changing developments by participating in the 2024 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update! 
• Learn about Common Audit and Financial Reporting Deficiencies in State and Local Governments.
• Learn how to simplify the requirements using common sense examples and language. 
• Learn what you need to know if you are performing audits under these audit standards and the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards. 

 The sessions included are as follows:  GASB 96 –SBITA, GASB 94 P3, and GASB 87 Leases (Year 2), Governmental Accounting 101, ACPEN Signature 2024: Governmental Accounting & Auditing Update, Common Audit and Financial Reporting Deficiencies in State and Local Governments, Audit Risk Assessment in Plain English, and ACPEN Signature 2024: Single Audit and Uniform Guidance Issues Update

Welcome to the ACPEN Employee Relations Micro-Credential. In order to successfully complete this program, there are 6 required sessions and a final exam to test competency. The sessions are scheduled with multiple date/time options that you may choose from. This group of courses will address the following concepts: 

• Maintaining a Harmonious Work Environment 
• Addressing Accomodations in the Workplace
• Coaching and Counseling 
• Balancing Employee and Employer Rights

These sessions will provide you with practical knowledge and critical information that will help your firm or company to thrive in an increasingly complex work environment. This comprehensive program is designed to help practitioners, business owners, managers and leaders create successful, positive work places and avoid litigation.  The sessions included are as follows:  Balancing Employee and Employer Rights, Maintaining a Harmonious Working Environment, Coaching & Counseling - Performance Management,     Coaching & Counseling - Addressing Misconduct, Preparing for & Conducting Discharge Meetings, Accommodation Requests - Substance Abuse - Contagious Infections

In addition to the microcredential, the successful completion of this program will award 7 hours of CPE in the applicable NASBA field of study.

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.

Bitcoin and crypto have been in the news recently for a variety of reasons. This course will cover the basics of accounting and auditing for cryptocurrency, including recent standard setting by the FASB as well as a look at the AICPA's Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets practice aid.

Excel is the accountant’s tool of choice for analyzing and reporting financial data, yet many use time-consuming and error-prone processes to complete everyday tasks. Regardless of your level of experience, if you use Excel, you need this course to learn more efficient and effective ways to work with Excel. In this course, you will discover countless tips, tricks, and techniques to improve your general level of productivity, reduce the amount of time you spend on mundane tasks, such as formatting, and customize Excel for greater accuracy and efficiency. You will also learn valuable formula-building skills, best practices for linking Excel data from other worksheets and workbooks, and how to streamline report generation and printing processes.

Your K2 instructor will reinforce key learning points throughout the program with practical, real-world examples that will improve your understanding and comprehension of the topics presented. This highly acclaimed course draws on over twenty-five years of experience in delivering spreadsheet training to accounting and financial professionals, which assures you of the relevance and usefulness of the information and guidance provided during the program.

The difference between star performers and average ones in leadership roles is attributable largely to emotional intelligence (EQ). It’s surprising, then, that EQ is underrated as an essential ingredient for success in life and leadership. This presentation highlights the importance of EQ and provides participants with actionable tools to develop better relationships within and outside of the workplace, build healthy teams, and navigate constant change.

• Understand the attributes of ethics and professional conduct
• Identify ethical issues that occur every day in the work environment
• Understand those deliberative, emotional, and social skills that enable a CPA to put their knowledge of the rules into practice in ways that are applicable to any situation
• Understand CPA Independence issues and professional conduct

• Examine the CPA's role in today's economy
• Compare similarities and differences between individual and business ethics
• Explore the link between ethics, integrity and scruples
• Discuss the basic attributes of ethics and professional conduct
• Review the history of the CPA profession and the CPA's requirement to adhere to ethics policies and codes of conduct
• Review the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct and a CPA's responsibilities to the public, clients and colleagues
• Discuss the common rules and statutes faced daily in the CPA profession. Case studies may also be utilized to present potential ethical dilemmas CPAs may face during their careers
• Review CPA Independence violations by current legal case examples

• Understand and apply SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification
• Be familiar with changes due to the issuance of SSARS Nos. 22–26
• Be familiar with compilation and review program examples and disclosure illustrations
• Identify and apply compilation, preparation, and review procedures
• Be aware of the most recent compilation and review reports and other communications
• Utilize hands-on examples and illustrations to increase your overall understanding and application of the material

• SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, and updates to SSARS No. 21 due to the issuance of SSARS No. 23, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services
• SSARS No. 22, Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information
• SSARS No. 24, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services – 2018
• SSARS No. 25, Materiality in a Review of Financial Statements and Adverse Conclusions
• SSARS No. 26, Quality Management for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services
• Sample comprehensive engagement work programs for preparation, compilation, and review engagements
• Reporting and disclosure illustrations for each level of service, including attesting on personal financial statements, prescribed form, special purpose frameworks, and other engagement variations
• Other communication requirements, such as sample engagement letters and management representation letters

• 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.)

• 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

This comprehensive case-driven training is designed to get the accountant up to speed quickly in the area of basis calculations and distribution planning for the owners of pass-thru entities (i.e., S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs)). The cornerstone of this course is the line-by-line analysis of the Schedule K-1s and how it affects the basis calculations. 

**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

Almost 50% of businesses that started five years ago are no longer in operation today. Controllers and CFOs can and must influence the longevity of their organization to improve their success rate.  Jim will help you be aware and understand the answers to these issues:

Can you describe the financial health of your company?

Can you also explain what the financial health of your industry is?

Do you know your Business Cycle compared to the industry business cycle?

Do you have an executable plan?

Do you know what the competitive, legal and technological landscape is currently, and for the future?

Is your organization aligned and incentivize to be successful?

Jim has developed his groundbreaking Business Longevity concept as a keynote and a workshop, and would be happy to speak to your organization on this topic. This session will focus on assessment (financial health, competitive environment), determination (effective business planning, including the future landscape), and execution (gettin’ it done!)

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.

Financial forecasting is an important part of any successful business. It enables businesses to plan for the future and anticipate scenarios based on strategy. The controller helps forecast financials by calculating future revenue and income streams. In recent years, corporate finance has undergone many dramatic changes due to the growth of a number of high-tech tools. The responsibilities/competencies of the Financial Controller position (FC) has changed in recent years To maximize performance, Controllers must be aware of how the FC position is changing, and how they must adjust to these changes. There are many types and methods of financial forecasting. This course will review the most prevalent forecasts and relative methods being used.

Many people use morals and ethics interchangeably. The concept of law is quite another topic. In order to properly understand ethical concepts, it is important to understand the concepts of morality and the law. The definition of morals will reference ethics in a circular definition; same goes for ethics. But ethics represents an innate knowledge of right/wrong distinctions. Ethics transcends culture, religion, and time.

Morality is defined as having and living per a moral code, or principles of right and wrong.  Basic morality condemns murder, adultery, lying and stealing. Ethics explores the idea of morality and its place in society and addresses questions about morality. The law is based on principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people.

This course evaluates these concepts and put them in a business context.

Power Query and Power BI offer great opportunities for accessing your data and making it more useful in reporting scenarios. Learn how to benefit from these tools in this session.

As tax policies and economic conditions continue to evolve, staying ahead in fringe benefit planning is more essential than ever. This course provides financial professionals with a comprehensive update on fringe benefit strategies, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations while maximizing tax efficiency for businesses and individuals.

Participants will explore the latest legislative and regulatory updates impacting employer-sponsored benefits, IRC §132 fringe benefits, cafeteria plans, and retirement healthcare strategies. This course also examines ERISA reporting requirements, tax-efficient compensation planning, and healthcare benefits, offering practical applications to help practitioners navigate compliance and optimize benefits for their clients.

*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

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.

• Calculate an S corporation shareholder's basis in his or her S corporation shares on Form 7203
• Understand and apply the S corporation shareholder loan basis rules

• Introduction to Form 7203
• Introduction to the calculation of stock basis
• Introduction to the calculation of loan basis
• Taxable and nontaxable S corporation distributions to shareholders
• The election to reduce basis by deductible losses and expenses before reducing basis by nondeductible expenses

• Understand how to file a simple gift tax return

• Taxpayers who do not file gift tax returns but should
• The annual exclusion rules for gifts to trusts including required Crummey notices
• What should be disclosed on the return for purposes of running the statute of limitations
• The reporting of installment sales and split-interest
• Valuations and valuation discounts for gifts of closely held businesses
• The utilization of Generation Skipping Transfer Tax and the related automatic allocation rules
• Reporting the use of a deceased spouse’s unused exclusion exemption amount (DSUEA)
• A line-by-line explanation of Form 709

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.

Preparing Form 1041 is essential for tax professionals working with estates and trusts. This course provides a practical, step- by-step approach to completing the U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, covering key issues such as distributable net income (DNI), income in respect of a decedent (IRD), and tax compliance for fiduciary entities. Participants will gain a clear understanding of Subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code and learn how to apply tax rules to real world situations. Through case studies and line-by-line instruction, this course equips professionals with the skills needed to prepare Form 1041 accurately and efficiently. Additionally, it will include updates on any new legislation or IRS guidance introduced by the current administration and its impact on fiduciary taxation.

*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

Charts and graphs are nothing new. However, many professionals struggle with building compelling visualizations. If that statement describes you, participate in this session to improve your skills in creating Excel charts and other visualizations. As a result, you will create visualizations to enhance your communication skills.

This session is much more than just a seminar on fundamental charts. Instead, in this session, you will learn how to create advanced charts that are interactive, dynamic, and aesthetically pleasing – three qualities that will help to ensure that your readers and audience will understand the data you are presenting. This seminar is a must if you want to improve your communication skills.

In today's dynamic economic landscape, staying ahead with effective fringe benefit planning is more critical than ever for both businesses and individual clients. With evolving tax laws and shifting market dynamics, understanding the intricacies of fringe benefit planning is essential to ensure financial well-being and compliance. This course offers a comprehensive overview of essential tools and techniques tailored for financial professionals, allowing them to navigate the complexities of fringe benefit planning with confidence and precision.

By attending this course, practitioners will gain invaluable insights into various planning tools and techniques essential for meeting fringe benefit planning objectives. From mastering the subtleties of employee benefit planning, including ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements, to unraveling the complexities of IRC §132 fringe benefit options, attendees will enhance their expertise to deliver superior advisory services. The curriculum also delves into the practical aspects of cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts, group term life insurance plans, and strategies for financing retiree medical benefits, among others. With a focus on practical application and real-world scenarios, this course equips participants to tackle fringe benefit planning challenges head-on, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to optimize benefits for both business and personal needs, now and in the future.

**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.

Ethics are how groups define right from wrong. Codes of Ethics define good behavior from bad behavior for professionals. When we break those codes, we "break bad." For five seasons, the popular television show "Breaking Bad" explored the transformation of one good man breaking bad. This session provides an overview of ethics and why people break bad, while using examples from the TV show as well as case studies of good people who broke bad.

The mad scramble to remote work and utilize apps like Teams has been trying for most organizations over the past couple of years. With a rush to install and no time to plan, most team members did their best, prioritizing remote meetings as the primary concern. Therefore, as a result, Teams is vastly misunderstood and underutilized in most organizations. Join us in this session to go beyond the remote meetings aspect of Teams and to learn how to optimize efficiency, communication, and workflow with Teams.

The tax landscape is constantly changing, challenging tax practitioner to stay abreast of these developments.  This eight hour program will cover issues unique to business entities, including new court decisions, recent IRS publications, and the latest tax legislation that will impact businesses and individuals.  The remaining time will be spent on IRS procedure and other issues. This course will provide a concise look at the hottest topics affecting every tax practitioner. 

**Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com.

The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains.

• Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing
• Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism
• Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service

Most leadership development focuses on a single direction within the organizational hierarchy: downstream to subordinates. While it is important to be a good boss, leadership is much more than that. The best leaders learn to lead well in all directions. They lead upward to superiors and across among peers throughout the organization. And it all starts with self-leadership. This often overlooked or misunderstood leadership principle is essential to build a thriving and productive culture. This topic is based on Jon’s book, Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions. 

• Understand strategies and tactics to use in light of new legislation
• Understand the most current guidance on retirement planning
• Understand how to nail down valuable deductions and other reductions to the tax base

Collaboration is more important now than ever. In this session, you will learn how to take advantage of today’s collaboration tools to improve accuracy, customer/client service, and organizational efficiency.

Quality management is important.  Every CPA firm that provides audit and other attest services must undergo a third-party quality control review.  This session will provide you with the tips on how to avoid common quality control deficiencies in all services that are subject to peer review.

Stop struggling with PDFs! Adobe Acrobat and other PDF tools provide access to features that make working with PDF files a breeze. In this course, you will learn how to use tools and features such as PDF forms, redaction, converting PDFs to Word and Excel files, and electronic signatures. You will also learn how to create and apply tick marks, build indices, catalogs, and portfolios, and secure PDF documents to their fullest.

The popularity and usefulness of PDFs increase daily, but most PDF users have not learned how to manipulate PDF documents effectively. Accordingly, they struggle and strain with these standard files. You do not need to let this be the case. Join us in this very timely session where you will learn the top features necessary to optimize your work with PDF documents.

All entities are subject to the new expected credit loss model established by recent GAAP.  This course will provide highlights of the latest requirements for measurement, presentation, and disclosure.  

SAS 145, Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement, was issued in October 2021. This audit standard amends AU-C 315, making many changes to address common audit deficiencies. This course will provide an overview of SAS 145 and its changes to AU-C 315.

External auditors understand concepts like materiality, reasonableness, and risk of material misstatement.  This course will explain how to think like an auditor when preparing and fairly presenting your financial statements and related disclosures.

• Understand who is eligible for Medicare
• Determine whether an individual will have to pay a surtax for Medicare Part B and Part D coverage
• Ascertain whether private or spousal insurance options are preferable to Medicare

• Eligibility for Medicare
• How to apply for  Medicare
• Introduction to Parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare
• Payments for Parts B and D of Medicare: the higher costs imposed on higher income beneficiaries
• Late enrollment penalties
• Medicare Advantage in lieu of original Medicare
• The Affordable Care Act’s impact on Medicare
• Legislative and regulatory developments

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.

This business coaching course is designed to enhance your coaching effectiveness by integrating innovative tools like ChatGPT (Generative AI) to support and elevate your coaching practice. You'll explore the key differences and similarities between coaching and managing, uncover the most important skill every coach should master, and learn how to get to the root cause of any problem. With hands-on coaching strategies, including neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques, you'll enhance your ability to drive results. Additionally, you’ll discover how to use performance gap analysis to identify and bridge gaps, ensuring the success and growth of the individuals you coach.

The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains.

• Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing
• Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism
• Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service

This course is designed to provide learners with an understanding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Cybersecurity Checklist and how it can be used to protect taxpayer data. The course will cover the basics of cybersecurity, including threats, risks, and vulnerabilities. Learners will be introduced to the IRS Cybersecurity Checklist, which provides a framework for organizations to assess and enhance their cybersecurity practices.

The course will cover the various elements of the IRS Cybersecurity Checklist, including access control, data protection, and employee training. Learners will gain an understanding of the importance of each element and how it contributes to the overall security of taxpayer data. The course will also cover best practices for implementing each element of the IRS Cybersecurity Checklist.

Throughout the course, learners will be presented with real-world examples of cybersecurity threats and breaches, highlighting the importance of effective cybersecurity practices. Learners will also be given practical exercises and assessments to reinforce their understanding of the IRS Cybersecurity Checklist.

*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.

Most leadership training focuses on leading downstream, with the goal of eventually advancing to an executive role. Few people get to be “top dog” in their organization. So, nearly every worker will spend their entire career leading up, even while serving in a leadership role. Learn the skills and tactics needed to develop an effective working relationship with your boss and other superiors. Gain the credibility and support necessary to get things done and advance professionally.

• Understand various documents used in estate planning
• Identify use of trusts and other financial arrangements
• Know what issues clients confront, and potential solutions

• Changes to the lifetime estate tax exemption in light of proposed regulations
• SECURE 2.0 updates
• More than 20 documents that should be reviewed that are neither a will nor trust
• Provisions you need in a will
• Trusts and other arrangements for children
• Durable powers of attorney for healthcare and for financial matters
• Realistic retirement goals
• Developments relative to estate tax, and the implications for planning

Young doctors sometimes arrive at an exotic medical diagnosis (You've got Kuru!), when a more common place explanation is likely (You've got a cold). These diagnoses are known as Zebras and doctors are taught, "When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras". Sometimes, the patient really has a rare disease and suffers from misdiagnosis and subsequent improper treatment. Similarly, managers, auditors, and investigators often see indicators of fraud, but dismiss them because they've been taught or assume based upon experience that it is just a mistake that looks like fraud. This session uses case studies to explore some of the more common symptoms of fraud that are often misdiagnosed.

Many Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscriptions include robust Cloud services for improving productivity. Foundational services, such as SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Exchange Online, join with other powerful tools such as Teams, Planner, Power Automate, Forms, and Power Apps to provide a productivity platform second to none. Unfortunately, most users will never benefit from working with these tools simply because they remain unaware of these features.

Plan to attend this session to learn about the “rest of 365” and how these Cloud-based applications can enhance personal and team productivity while simultaneously facilitating remote working arrangements. Don’t miss this opportunity to get all the knowledge and guidance necessary to leverage your investment in Microsoft 365/Office 365 fully.

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.

You don’t need an accounting degree to harness the power of Microsoft Excel. This course shows how Excel makes sense beyond dollars and cents. We will focus on fundamental concepts for creating, editing, and utilizing Excel content. Participants will learn how to use Excel’s menus and other functions to craft Excel workbooks. Because this course is designed for newer users, we intentionally offer a broad overview of Excel’s numerous capabilities with in-depth coverage of selected resources tailored for non-accounting applications.

Increasingly, automating business processes is a necessity. In this session, you will learn about real-world examples of automating business processes. Remember, the survival of your business might depend upon successful automation!

Sampling is often identified as a common audit deficiency in peer review. This course will review when is sampling applicable and basics of planning a sample. We'll then focus on the application of sampling in financial statement audits with a look at sampling for substantive procedures. We'll look at the use of monetary unit sampling and tools that can be leveraged to reduce bias in sampling.

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.

This is the beginning of a series that will cover major aspects of the Controllership function. Controllers are essential to the day-to-day accounting for organizations. Yet, the role is not often readily understood. In today’s world of acronyms such as CFO, CEO, COO, CAO, etc., the Controller function may get lost in the shuffle. However, they are a critical group of professionals who ensure the adequacy and transparency of accounting and financial reporting information.

A Controller is an individual who has responsibility for all accounting-related activities including high-level accounting, managerial counting, and finance activities within a company. The duties of a Controller include assisting with the preparation of the operating budgets, overseeing financial reporting, and performing essential duties relating to payroll. However, in today’s evolving world, the Controller function can provide much more in-depth value to their organizations. This series is dedicated to exploring the traditional Controller role and stepping out of the box to identify areas where the Controller can add strategic value to their organizations.
In this first course we focus on the typical Controller function and begin to identify ways to elevate the function.
 

Tax planning is more than an estimated tax calculation, it's a process.  Where are we now and what can we change?  This timely program will highlight significant 2022-23 tax developments and discuss key tax planning ideas for your clients as you prepare for the upcoming tax season. Don’t wait until late December to start planning for your clients!

**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.

Are you ready to expand your practice and offer comprehensive retirement planning services? Look no further! Delve deeper into the realm of IRAs and qualified retirement plans with this comprehensive eight-hour course tailored for financial practitioners. Understanding the intricate tax implications, design options, and strategic considerations of these plans is essential for meeting your clients' diverse retirement needs effectively. By the end of the program, practitioners will emerge equipped to confidently advise clients on a myriad of retirement planning strategies, enhancing their expertise and credibility in the field.

Explore the intricacies of different IRAs, ranging from traditional to Roth, and gain valuable insights into SEPs, qualified plans, and contribution plans. Navigate through the complexities of 401(k) plans, including Roth 401(k)s, and master the art of seamlessly navigating minimum distribution rules. Through practical highlights, case studies, and real-world scenarios, this course empowers practitioners to not only select the optimal retirement plans for their clients' unique financial goals but also to provide personalized retirement solutions tailored to individual needs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your practice and establish yourself as a trusted advisor in retirement planning. Enroll today and embark on a journey towards maximizing your clients' financial future!

**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.

Many team members now work remotely, whether by choice or necessity. As a result, questions abound about remote access to desktops and data, security, communications, collaboration, and other considerations in this new normal. When implemented correctly, remote work strategies can be a “win-win” for all involved; however, failed implementations may lead to inefficiencies, security issues, and dissatisfied team members.

This session will teach you today’s best practices for working remotely. Specifically, you will learn about various remote access tools, communication and collaboration options, and security best practices. You will also learn about managing and monitoring workflows in remote work environments and tools you can use. After completing this session, you can implement a remote work strategy that yields efficiency, security, and satisfaction to all involved.

Many organizations have implemented Microsoft 365/Office 365 at a basic level, but few have truly explored the breadth and depth of tools included with their subscriptions. Some less commonly known apps help you manage shared email boxes, create and use web forms, schedule appointments, trade shifts, create real-time closed captions, and translate presentations. Attend this session and learn more about the hidden features in Microsoft 365 that you can use to level up your productivity.

Substance abuse and mental health issues among CPAs has become of great concern among many state boards and the AICPA in recent years. This program will cover the factors that push CPAs to unhealthy behaviors, the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse, and possible options in addressing the situation.  We will also discuss steps that friends and family can take to support their struggling CPA find hope and healing.

Automation and standardization are two of the keys to productivity, but most people who are not programmers are unsure where to start. Microsoft’s Power Platform is a comprehensive platform for creating automated workflows, integrations, and data-driven reports. Components include Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Power Virtual Agents. Attend this session to learn about this platform and how everyone can use its low-code, no-code environment to solve process challenges.

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.

This course corresponds to our Controllership series.

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

Strategic planning is a process used to identify goals, the strategies necessary to accomplish those goals, and the internal performance management system that will be used to monitor and evaluate progress.

 

The ancient Romans had a saying about using caution when appointing someone to a position of trust, "don't set a wolf to watch the sheep". That saying is in use today and has changed to include "don't put a fox to guard the henhouses";. The thought is similar, but the wolf and fox are vastly different animals. Wolves rely upon their strength to survive while foxes rely on their cunning. Like foxes, fraudsters rely upon their cunning to defeat or circumvent internal controls. This session reviews the investigation of a deputy court clerk who exploited a weakness in internal controls and committed fraud in the courthouse.

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.

The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains.

• Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing
• Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism
• Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function
• Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service

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.

Tax planning is more than an estimated tax calculation, it's a process.  Where are we now and what can we change?  This timely program will highlight significant 2022-23 tax developments and discuss key tax planning ideas for your clients as you prepare for the upcoming tax season. Don’t wait until late December to start planning for your clients!

**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.

Obligating Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) by December 31, 2024 is essential to ensure a recipient does not have to return funds to the Treasury. There are a number of requirements to properly obligate SLFRF funds and opportunities to make changes to projects after the obligation deadline. In this course, we will define what an obligation is under SLFRF, review guidance from the Treasury, learn how to meet the SLFRF obligation deadline in multiple areas, and identify when changes can be made to estimates, contracts, and subawards after the obligation deadline.

The QuickBooks platform is a robust environment with features and capabilities that many users are unaware of or do not know how to utilize effectively.  This course helps you get more out of QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online and resolve the issues that even experienced QuickBooks users struggle with, such as locking down prior periods.  This program starts fast with a chapter covering the top issues accountants face with QuickBooks.  The day continues with practical guidance and solutions designed to help accountants get the most out of QuickBooks for themselves or their clients. You will learn about issues, such as setting up a new company, configuring and customizing QuickBooks preferences, and enabling system security and password protection features.  Also, you will learn how to lock down transactions in prior periods, the audit trail, customizing reports, exporting reports to Excel, and extending QuickBooks’ usefulness with tools such as the Fixed Asset Manager and Loan Manager.  

• Help clients determine how much retirement income is necessary for the desired retirement lifestyle
• Identify resources available for retirement
• Explain how budgeting can determine retirement resources
• Understand how to build the three-legged retirement stool through employer retirement, savings, and Social Security
• Understand the need for Plan B when the ideal retirement goal is not achievable
• Explain ways that clients can convert the equity in a home to retirement income
• Explain how the value of a small business can be converted to retirement income
• Explain survival possibilities and how first-to-die and last-to-die survival probabilities are used in retirement planning for married couples
• Understand timing regarding the use of taxable retirement funds and nontaxable funds, as well as strategies to minimize income tax on Social Security
• Recognize the role of various investment types, such as life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, equity holdings, and bonds in retirement planning
• Summarize key points of recent research on the sustainability of retirement income and maintenance of desired retirement lifestyles

• Retirement planning using variables such as desired lifestyle, travel plans, housing plans, medical needs, and family needs to customize a retirement plan unique to the client
• Using a residence and other real estate as retirement assets through equity and rent
• Using a small business as a retirement resource through creative retirement plans
• Overview of asset allocation, portfolio management, portfolio rebalancing, and investment selection concepts, before and after retirement
• The three-legged retirement stool: employer retirement, savings, and Social Security
• Planning with the new retirement provisions of SECURE Act 2.0
• Distribution/asset liquidation planning
• Analysis of the most current/important research on retirement planning and sustaining retirement income levels

• Understand the drivers of fraud risk in a financial statement audit
• Conduct procedures required by professional literature to assess the risk of fraud
• Develop discussion points to review with management and those charged with governance
• Identify the main types of fraud that occur in small to mid-sized companies and develop internal controls responsive to those risks
• Evaluate fraud case examples and identify how fraud occurred and how it could have been prevented or detected

• The fraud landscape in the United States
• Fraud risk procedures as updated by recently issued standards
• Most likely fraud types found in small to mid-sized entities
• Internal controls to prevent and detect fraud
• What to do when fraud is identified or suspected
• Case studies based on recent frauds
• Cyber fraud schemes and how to prevent and detect them
• Analytics that can be used as fraud risk procedures
• Assessing the risk of grant fraud in a Single Audit

• Identify and calculate the deferred tax asset or liability for an entity
• Determine when and how to report uncertain tax positions
• Calculate and report the components of income tax expense
• Develop appropriate income tax disclosures
• Comprehend recent and proposed changes to accounting guidance for income taxes

• The sources of deferred tax assets and liabilities
• Calculating the deferred tax asset or liability
• Reporting income-tax expense and balance sheet items
• Defining, analyzing, and reporting uncertain tax positions
• Classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities
• Disclosure requirements
• Finalized and proposed changes to ASC 740, including ASU 2023-09, CAMT, and global tax transparency initiatives

People skills are the most significant skills that professionals need to develop and yet are often the last skills perfected. This course will help participants understand personality types and the successful interactions with clients, peers and family. In addition, participants will learn Neuro-linguistic programming and develop the ability to better understand nonverbal language, which is key to communication. Participants will also learn techniques to enhance memory and to improve the ability to recall key facts.

Unlock the power of multigenerational teams to future-proof your firm.

Today’s workplace is more generationally diverse than ever—spanning five, soon to be six, distinct generations. And while this mix can create miscommunication and friction, it also holds untapped potential for innovation, connection, and resilience.

This dynamic course helps professionals in accounting, law, banking, insurance, and financial services understand and harness generational dynamics. You'll explore how shared formative experiences shape values, communication styles, and expectations at work—from the frugality of the World War II generation to the digital fluency of Gen Z and the up-and-coming Generation Alpha.

Rather than getting stuck in generational stereotypes, you’ll learn to lead, collaborate, and connect more effectively across ages. With insights drawn from workplace psychology, sociological research, and real-world examples, this course equips you with practical tools to bridge the gap—so you can build stronger client relationships, more collaborative teams, and a culture people want to stay in.
 

Join our course on Multistate Taxation – Issues and Planning Opportunities designed for financial professionals. Learn about crucial topics like nexus implications, state taxable income calculations, and audit defense strategies. Gain practical insights to integrate these considerations into client financial plans effectively. From deciphering complex formulas to understanding state-specific regulations, this course equips you with actionable knowledge to excel in finance. Explore multistate business activities, choice of business entity, and interstate commerce clauses. By course completion, you'll be ready to identify common pitfalls, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with multistate taxation. Join us and navigate the complexities of finance confidently.

**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.

Would you like to find important documents in 10 seconds or less? Would you like to ensure your digital information is safe and secure? Would you like to improve workflow efficiency? Of course, you would, and with some planning and guidance, you will realize these and other benefits of a paperless office. Naturally, no one expects a fully “paperless” office, but reducing the amount of paper we shuffle can offer tremendous rewards. This course will teach you the best practices and proven processes for effective document management.

Participating in this program will teach you how to implement simple, inexpensive document management systems at an individual, workgroup, or small business level. You will also learn about sophisticated and comprehensive document management systems appropriate for larger offices and organizations, including systems with automated workflow processing. Your instructor will guide you through issues such as digitizing paper files, exporting and importing data from specialized applications into a document management system, essential hardware and software considerations, and the policies necessary to facilitate a successful office. Upon completing this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of your options and a clear direction for implementing your version of a Paperless Office.

This course explores the increasingly complex features of Excel that facilitate efficient data analysis.  We will introduce numerous analytical methods and techniques by using practical examples to illustrate how to unleash the power of Excel when manipulating, analyzing and reporting information and dive into the powerful, but potentially under-utilized, capabilities of Microsoft Excel.  Designed for sophisticated users willing to approach spreadsheets from a unique perspective, this program encourages users to challenge the status quo by considering opportunities to take acceptable spreadsheets to a new level.

In this comprehensive course, practitioners gain a deep understanding of strategic planning considerations and potential hurdles encountered when clients face difficult circumstances. Delving into an array of scenarios often classified as "challenging," the course offers tax insights. From divorce and personal bankruptcy to intricate personal relationship matters, participants will equip themselves to adeptly guide clients through these challenging scenarios by understanding the tax implications.

**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 you onboard a new employee is critical in ensuring they understand your company culture and are immersed properly in your organization. On the flipside, in the event you are dealing with an employee termination, this too is critical in handling with care and sensitivity.  

Once an employee decides to report an issue, the risk for retaliation must be minimized. Metrics matter. As such, capturing and reviewing employee data for indicators of possible retaliation are key to protecting those who report. The more subtle forms of retaliation, though, require a focused communication plan to address. This course offers recommendations for implementing specific retaliation monitoring protocols.

Award winning discussion leader Mark Hugh discusses both nexus basics and new developments in the dynamic, ever changing world of state income and sales tax nexus. This valuable course answers your frequently asked questions, reviews key factors in examining potential nexus consequences, takes a tour through the rules in states comprising 50% of the US, and identifies free, online multistate resources. 

*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

What do people say about you when you leave the room? Is it what you want them to say? How you show up in the room, get listened to, build trust, and are known amongst your colleagues are all critical components of your future success. In this workshop Michelle Tillis Lederman, CEO and Founder of Executive Essentials, will discuss how to determine you brand attributes, demonstrate the nuances of body language on your professional presence, and discuss how to strengthen trust and the lasting impressions you make on your network, expanding upon lessons from her books The Connectors; Advantage and The 11 Laws of Likability. 

Microsoft 365/Office 365 continues to grow and evolve, yet most utilize only a fraction of the tools available in their subscription. For example, powerful resources such as SharePoint Online and audio and video conferencing can change how your organization communicates and collaborates. In contrast, more personal apps such as Teams, Planner, Flow, and Sway allow individuals to work more efficiently and effectively in virtually all facets of their jobs. Further, security enhancements to Office 365 mean that your organization can take advantage of all these features in a highly secure environment. 

Isn’t it time you learned how to move beyond the traditional Microsoft 365/Office 365 applications such as Excel, Word, and Outlook and unleash all your subscription offers? Join us in this fast-paced and highly interactive seminar where you will learn what you need to know to succeed with Microsoft 365/Office 365.

• Thoroughly understand what a single audit includes and excludes
• Apply some of the best practices and avoid some of the worst mistakes seen in single audits
• Skillfully apply today’s single audit requirements

• The key requirements and responsibilities related to the schedule of expenditures of federal awards and major program determination
• The process of how the auditor determines the direct and material compliance requirements, obtains an understanding of and tests the related internal controls, and performs compliance testing
• The development and reporting of findings in the schedule of findings and questioned costs
• Additional performance and reporting responsibilities

• Recognize the unique role of financial professionals in a potential transaction
• Understand the changes that have occurred in the competitive landscape as a result of M&A and alliances
• Identify the potential pitfalls
• Be knowledgeable of the skills required for successful transactions
• Utilize a framework, with specific actions, to manage the selection, valuation, negotiation, and execution of a transaction
• Gain a roadmap (inexperienced participants) and a review and update (experienced participants) of these strategic, non-traditional skills

• Recent trends: M&A activity; contributing factors/reasons for current levels; examples of recent transactions; IPOs (Initial Public Offering) and SPACs (Special-Purpose Acquisition Company); strategic spin-offs/splits; internal venture capital activities; incubators
• Expanded role of financial professionals: establishing strategy; valuation techniques; execution plan; due diligence; sources of industry information; goodwill; post-completion evaluations
• Negotiations: Improving your communication skills; establishing an environment for success; list of dos and don’ts
• Alliances and outsourcing: steps to forming an alliance; examples of recent alliances; determining if outsourcing (short and long-term) is correct for your organization; steps to improve results

• Learn in detail about the preparation of Form 1065, Schedules M-1, K, and K-1
• Learn in detail about common business reporting Forms 4562 and 4797
• Provide staff with the first stage of a graduated professional education program in servicing partnership and LLC clients

• Comprehensive coverage of HR 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act 
• Gain a thorough understanding of federal income tax laws for partnerships and LLCs, from formation to tax return preparation issues 
• Filing requirements for Schedules K-2 and K-3 
• Who files Form 1065, and who does not file Form 1065 
• Tax Basis Capital Account Reporting Requirements 
• Trade or Business income and expenses versus Separately Stated Items 
• The importance of Schedule M-1 
• Partnership distributions -- current or liquidating, cash or property 
• How to allocate recourse and nonrecourse debt 
• Self-employment tax issues; court cases and trends in tax audits of earnings subject to self-employment taxes
• Complete coverage of any new legislation enacted before presentation 
• Section 163(j) limitations 
• Mastering two common tax forms, Depreciation (4562) and Sale of Assets (4797) 
• Final regulations on Section 168(k) 
• Partnership reporting oddities 
• Accurately preparing partnership returns and reconciling book income to taxable income 
• The Centralized Audit Regime under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 

 

• Prepare for changes in the depreciation rules relating to bonus depreciation and Section 179
• Understand the Ins and out of depreciating qualified production property

• The OBBBA changes impacting bonus depreciation
• New Section 179 ceiling limitations
• When business property is subject to 100% bonus
• Qualified production property
• What is a qualified production activity?
• Recapture of depreciation on qualified production property

The Accounting and Auditing Update is designed to provide its participants with a comprehensive, in-depth review of what’s happening at the FASB, AICPA, and other professional bodies who may impact accounting and auditing this year, including FASB Statements and Interpretations, Statements on Auditing Standards, Statements of Position, Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, Ethics Interpretations, exposure drafts and projects in progress, with emphasis on the practical application and impact on practitioners in small to medium sized firms and members in industry. Special attention this year will be focused on the emerging use of data analytics related to audit evidence.
 

This session will teach leadership principles to transform a workplace into a healthy & supportive environment. By improving organizational culture, mental health conditions will improve, & burnout potential is minimized. An unhealthy workplace results in failure to attract and retain top talent. Leaders can be instruments of change. The C.A.R.E.S. approach offers leadership principles that will improve your workplace. Symptoms are hidden at work. Your employees are hurting, and you can help. If you care for your people from the bottom of your heart, you will be amazed at what it does to your bottom line.

Appreciation isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. In today's competitive professional landscape, your ability to express appreciation effectively can be the difference between retaining top talent, building strong client relationships, and creating a thriving team culture—or not.

This course introduces a powerful, research-backed framework for understanding how appreciation works—and how to use it to fuel performance, loyalty, and engagement across your firm, practice, or department. Based on the work of Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White, you’ll explore the four core "languages of appreciation" and learn how to recognize and use them in a way that resonates with clients, colleagues, and team members.

The truth is, everyone wants to feel valued—but not everyone receives appreciation the same way. In this hands-on session, you’ll discover your own appreciation style, learn to spot others’, and develop practical tools to build a more energized, connected, and committed workplace.
 

What were they thinking?  Why do some people make horrible decisions that severely damage themselves and their organizations?  It is tempting to assume that a poor choice must be due to a leader’s incompetence, inexperience, bad character, or low intelligence – but such easily attributed factors generally aren’t the true cause when leaders blunder.  In such situations, many turn to finance and accounting professionals for evaluation, answers, remedies, and solutions for improved decision-making.

This instructor-led course offers an in-depth analysis of ethical challenges that tax professionals face, focusing on the provisions of Circular 230 and how they apply to real- world scenarios. Through the discussion of key issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, diligence, contingent fees, and the handling of amended returns, participants will learn how to apply ethical principles in their practice while maintaining professional standards. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to handle ethical dilemmas, manage client pressures, and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations, all while safeguarding their professional integrity.

*Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Handouts Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com

In April 2016, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Auditing Standards Board (ASB) issued the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 18, Attestation Standards: Clarification and Recodification, to supersede the former standard SSAE 16

This course will help you if your organization has the need to obtain or provide a SOC (Systems Organization Control) report or if you wonder what changes the new SSAE 18 standard will bring to the process. SSAE 18 is effective for SOC report opinions dated on or after May 1, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. This course focuses on the specific requirements of SSAE18 and highlights changes from SSAE16

In today’s economic environment, many companies utilize outsourced services to perform varied functions. These functions can span from payroll and accounts payable to information technology processes or even call center functions. The list can be endless however these services are often a critical component to the internal control environment of the organization

A service organization should implement a robust third-party vendor management policy if one is not already in place. Often, initial vetting occurs of the subservice organization however that same diligence is not maintained as the service continues. It is just as important to ensure that subservice organizations are monitored on an ongoing basis using the methods outlined in SSAE 18.

Being consistently ethical is a challenge. Most of us have had to make tough choices.  This session will discuss real world cases involving thorny ethical dilemmas and how to resolve them.

Being ethical is not the same as complying with the law and ethical issues are not always black and white. This session will review different professional ethical standards.  What does integrity mean in the office? If you want to learn lessons from the best in a short time, this session is for you. Participate in engaging dialogue about how to prepare for the inevitable ethical situations. These lessons are valuable for every business leader.

Now more than ever, navigating loss, grief and crisis in the workplace is a skillset that leaders must possess. Keeping the heart in human resources is so important, especially in this post-pandemic state we are living in. We will explore ways that you can show empathy to your employees while also balancing your business needs. 

In this course, participants will gain a broad understanding of the various anti-fraud preventive and detective tests available to practitioners and take initial steps in building their own library of tests unique to their business or industry risks. Specific discussions and examples will include vendor analysis to look for potentially improper payments around conflicts of interests, fake vendor schemes, bribery & corruption, sanctions and trade compliance, anomalous payments, segregation of duties, among other risk categories.  Participants will also explore tests around customers or distributors that include margin analysis, free goods, discounts and revenue recognition. Further, we will explore employee related test to mitigate travel & entertainment expense abuses. We will also point out various online and public resources for participants to start building their own library of tests to support both reactive investigations as well as proactive prevention and detection.

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

Organizations that use primitive costing methods make predictable mistakes, allocating too much cost to easy, high-volume "gravy" products and too little cost to difficult, low-volume "dog" jobs,  putting an organization with inferior information at a significant competitive disadvantage.  The secret to being the “smart competitor” is learning how to deal with overhead. 

This session will show you how to assign 16 key overhead categories.  Whether you work in a wholesale, retail, healthcare, service or manufacturing business, you will find this session invaluable.  Get your cost right, and you will be able to give the "dogs" to your competitors and keep the "gravy" for yourself.

This course provides junior tax professionals with a strong foundation in individual tax preparation for the 2025 tax year, focusing on Form 1040 and key schedules. Participants will gain step-by-step guidance on filing requirements, income reporting, deductions, tax credits, and compliance standards under Circular 230.

Emphasizing preparer due diligence and ethical responsibilities, the course also covers recent tax law updates, including potential changes from the expiration of TCJA provisions. It introduces essential forms such as Schedule C, Schedule E, Form 7203, and Form 7217 to ensure participants understand business income, rental income, and shareholder reporting. By the end, junior staff will be equipped to prepare individual tax returns accurately and maintain IRS compliance.

*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

Many business professionals consider PivotTables the most powerful feature in Excel, yet most accounting and financial professionals do not use them in their day-to-day activities. If you are ready to learn how to take advantage of PivotTables or extend your existing knowledge of PivotTables, then plan to participate in this course. You will learn how to build PivotTables, group data inside PivotTables – including grouping options for fiscal periods – and create user-defined calculations in your PivotTables. You will also learn advanced PivotTable techniques, including building PivotTables that consolidate data from multiple data ranges and PivotTables that connect dynamically to external databases and financial accounting systems. Additionally, you will learn to take advantage of other Excel features associated with PivotTables, including Slicers, Power Query, and Power Pivot. You will be a master of Excel PivotTables at the end of the day!

This course is for you if you have been leery of working with PivotTables or have struggled to realize their many benefits. With some information, guidance, and coaching from your K2 instructor, you will be ready to use PivotTables to analyze and report on extensive data sets in a fraction of the time you spend completing such tasks.

Please join us for a discussion on like-kind exchanges (LKE), known as one of the last great tax legal “shelters” available to those buying and selling real property.  We will be covering the basic structure of a LKE, and ways a taxpayer can utilize qualified third party intermediaries (QI), tenancy-in-common structures including Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST).   We will also explore creative solutions to sticky situations a taxpayer may find itself in obtaining replacement property.

**Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to kori.herrera@acpen.com