1/1/2026 - 12/31/2027
Get the best value CPE package on the market. For one low price, enjoy 12 months of access to every Surgent CPE course in every online format--plus unlimited CPE credits! This is the only package that includes premium courses, such as our late-breaking tax updates and specialized courses. Order now and you'll receive access instructions via email, so you'll be able to start.
Package includes 12 months of access to:
- Over 10,000 credits to choose from
- 8,500+ live webinars
- 1000+ self-study PDF courses
- 1,300+ on-demand webcasts
- Surgent's exclusive premium courses
Pricing: As a member, you pay just $625.00 – 30% off Surgent’s retail price!
Why Choose the Unlimited Plus Package?
Get the best value CPE package on the market. For one low price, enjoy 12 months of access to every Surgent CPE course in every online format--plus unlimited CPE credits! This is the only package that includes premium courses, such as our late-breaking updates, specialized courses, and our Weekly Expert Hour.
Order now and you'll receive access instructions via email from info@surgent.com. You'll be able to start registering for live webinars and accessing self-study courses right away. Earn as much CPE and explore as many topics as you'd like for one full year from the date of purchase.
What Is Included in the Package? Show all - https://www.surgentcpe.com/search-all-cpe-courses?Readyforsale=Yes&Includedinunlp=
Webinar - https://www.surgentcpe.com/cpe-courses/webinars#/?Readyforsale=Yes&Includedinunlp=
Self-Study – https://www.surgentcpe.com/cpe-courses/self-study?Readyforsale=Yes&Includedinunlp=
Location: PLSS-9999-01-SSDL
1/1/2026 - 12/31/2027
Surgent's Unlimited Self-Study Package
Surgent's Unlimited Self-Study Package includes every PDF download course in Surgent’s catalog – over 250 courses, each from 2-16 credits.
Pricing: As a member, you pay just $380.00 30% off Surgent’s retail price!
Get 12 months of access to the most practical guidance and analysis in the industry in the form of downloadable pdfs. With over 250 courses, including ethics, accompanied by reference materials, you can learn anytime, anywhere at a pace that works for you.
And when you’re ready, take the test with instant results and immediate certificate delivery. Order today and immediately start downloading the course material you need for the next 12 months.
Package includes annual access to:
- 1,000+ credits
- 250+ PDF courses
- Downloadable course material and supplements
- CPE certificate delivery within 24 hours
What’s included? Click here to view the current course list:
https://www.surgentcpe.com/cpe-courses/self-study?Readyforsale=Yes&Includedinlibr=True&sref
Location: LIBS-9999-01-SSDL Unlimited Library packages (LIBS)
1/1/2026 - 12/31/2027
Surgent's Unlimited Webinar Package
Surgent's Unlimited Webinar Package get unlimited access to our webinar catalog.
With 40+ webinars offered every week, including weekends, airing at a variety of convenient times throughout the day and evening, you’ll never have to worry about our webinars fitting in your schedule. And with the most modern webinar platform in the industry and interactive courses with renowned expert discussion leaders you’ll get the guidance and analysis you need with an unmatched customer experience.
As a member, you pay just $520.00 – 30% off Surgent’s retail price!
Why Choose the Unlimited Webinar Package?
Includes 12 month of access to:
- 8,000+ credits
- 2,100+ live webinars
- Interactive Q&A with renowned subject matter experts
- Downloadable course material and supplements
- Certificate delivery within 24 hours
All Surgent webinars feature high-quality audio and video, plus an easy-to-use attendance verification system (you'll just need to click the screen when prompted to verify that you're watching).
Technical support and interactive Q&A are available throughout all webinars.
Order a package now and you'll instructions via email from info@surgent.com. You'll be able to start registering for live webinars courses right away.
What's Included? Click here to view the current course list:
https://www.surgentcpe.com/cpe-courses/webinars#/?Readyforsale=Yes&Includedinunlm=True&sref=
* Note: this package does not include premium webinar
Location: UNWS-9999-01-WEBNR
3/1/2026 - 2/28/2027
2026 Member Webinars Up to 10 per Year - (Virtual)
Would you like to exhibit at multiple events? Start by filling out this form!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Webinar Sponsor
Location: Virtual
3/1/2026 - 2/28/2027
Special Events: Pipeline Initiatives Sponsorship
K-12 Outreach
Support programs and initiatives that educate elementary, middle, and high school teachers and students across North Dakota about the accounting profession.
College Outreach
Support programs and initiatives that educate college students in North Dakota about accounting, CPE credential, and CPA careers.
Would you like to exhibit at multiple events? Start by filling out this form!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Champion Sponsor
- Leading Sponsor
- Partner Sponsor
- Contributing Sponsor
- Supporting Sponsor
Media Kit
3/1/2026 - 2/28/2027
Special Events: Young Professionals Sponsorship
Would you like to exhibit at multiple events? Start by filling out this form!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Champion Sponsor
- Partner Sponsor
Media Kit
5/18/2026
Description:
Tackle employee benefit plans with confidence at the MNCPA Audits of Employee Benefit Plans Conference. Dive into case studies on audit pitfalls to avoid common mistakes and apply practical solutions. Gain a deeper understanding of ESOPs and how they differ from typical 401(k) audits. Learn about the various types of audits and identify the tripping points to navigate challenges effectively. Choose your ideal way to attend — either in-person or via livestream.
Designed for: CPAs, auditors and other financial professionals who are responsible for auditing employee benefit plans
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Prep: None
Level: Update
8 CPE
| Schedule: | |
| Time | Session |
| 8 - 9:20 a.m. | A1. Department of Labor Update Jennifer Keim, US Department of Labor Stay ahead of the evolving regulatory landscape with a direct look into current activities within the Department of Labor’s Office of the Chief Accountant. Gain practical insight into how ongoing initiatives may influence your upcoming audit season and what steps you can take to ensure compliance. Explore the most common audit deficiencies and learn how to strengthen audit quality while better supporting clients who receive enforcement correspondence. Walk away with timely, actionable guidance straight from the DOL to enhance your effectiveness as an EBP auditor. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.5) |
| 9:20 - 9:35 a.m. | Break |
| 9:35 - 10:25 a.m. | B1. Common Plan Errors and Current Correction Guidance Deb Linder, Fredrikson & Byron Marjorie Heap, Eide Bailly Explore the latest IRS and DOL guidance shaping today’s retirement plan correction landscape. Gain clarity on how common plan administration errors occur, how they’re typically identified and the compliant options available for resolving them. You’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of correction pathways and greater confidence in guiding clients and evaluating plan issues. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.0) |
| 10:25 - 10:40 a.m. | Break |
| 10:40 - 11:55 a.m. | C1. Best Practices and Efficiencies in ERISA Audits Randy Dummer, HHM PLLC Elevate audit quality while improving efficiency by exploring proven practices used in successful ERISA engagements. Learn what peer reviewers consistently look for, where firms commonly stumble and how to streamline work without increasing risk. Through a reviewer’s lens, uncover practical steps that strengthen documentation, support compliance and reduce the likelihood of issues in your next peer review. Walk away with strategies you can implement immediately to enhance both quality and workflow. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.5) |
| 11:55 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:40 - 1:30 p.m. | D1. Navigating 403(b) Plans: From Basics to Compliance Realities Maria Schwingler, Eide Bailly 403(b) plans may look familiar, but their ERISA status, operational nuances and compliance rules can create unexpected risk for sponsors and practitioners. Explore how these plans evolved, what truly distinguishes them from 401(k)s and where real world compliance pressure points tend to emerge. Gain a clearer framework for evaluating ERISA vs. non ERISA status and spotting common plan design and administration issues. Walk away with practical insight to strengthen audit, governance and regulatory readiness. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.0) |
| 1:30 - 1:45 p.m. | Break |
| 1:45 - 3 p.m. | E1. Audit Foundations for Benefit Plans: Controls, Risk and SOC 1 Understanding Rachel Rafik, Grant Thornton Erin Griswold, Grant Thornton Build a strong foundation in the core elements that drive high quality employee benefit plan audits. Explore how internal controls, thoughtful risk assessment and SOC 1 reporting work together to support clearer documentation, better judgment and more reliable audit conclusions. Gain practical insight that helps staff move beyond basic checklists and develop confidence in evaluating processes and identifying real risks. Leave with a clearer framework you can apply immediately to strengthen audit quality. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.5) |
| 3 - 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 - 4:30 p.m. | F1. Panel Discussion: Ask the Experts Jennifer Keim, DOL Randy Dummer, HHM PLLC Rachel Rafik, Grant Thornton Marjorie Heap, Eide Bailly, moderator Experts share their insights on the latest developments, common pitfalls and best practices in auditing employee benefit plans. Gain practical strategies for addressing regulatory updates, improving audit quality and mitigating risk. Whether you’re an experienced auditor or new to the field, gain valuable perspectives to help you stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape. NASBA FOS: Auditing-Technical (1.5) |
Speakers:
Randy Dummer, CPA
Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough PLLC
Chattanooga, TN
Randy Dummer, CPA, quality control partner in the accounting and assurance department at Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough (HHM), joined the firm in 2011 and leads key initiatives including the peer review practice and employee benefit plan audit niche. Randy is a nationally recognized employee benefit plan audit specialist and serves as a discussion leader for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), earning the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award eight times. He instructs the Audits of 401(k) Plans webcast and teaches employee benefit plan audit courses. Randy serves as audit partner for 401(k), 403(b), ESOP, defined benefit pension and health and welfare plan audits. As captain for approximately 50 peer reviews each year, Randy helps CPA firms strengthen accounting, auditing and attestation quality. He serves on the peer review committee of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and is an approved ERISA audit subject matter expert for the AICPA enhanced oversight project.
Erin Griswold
Grant Thornton LLP
Salt Lake City, UT
Erin Griswold, CPA, manager in the employee benefit plan practice at Grant Thornton, began her public accounting career in 2013 and has specialized exclusively in benefit plan audits since 2019. Erin has been a dedicated member of Grant Thornton’s employee benefit plan audit practice for the past four years, managing a broad range of defined contribution, defined benefit, health and welfare and employee stock ownership plans. She serves as lead manager for the firm’s employee benefit plan SOC 1 initiative, overseeing reviews of major service providers and developing key audit documentation used firmwide. Erin also supports the onboarding of new benefit plan clients, including documenting internal controls at both the entity and service provider levels.
Marjorie Heap, CPA
Eide Bailly LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Marjorie H. Heap, CPA, a senior manager with Eide Bailly, LLP, has experience in all phases of employee benefit plan engagements including planning, execution and quality control. In addition, she has a wide variety of public accounting experience covering all levels of financial statement service across several industries, developing and teaching training programs, and involvement in various levels of firm quality control.
Jennifer Keim, CPA, CEBS
U.S. Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Keim, CPA, CEBS, senior auditor at the Office of the Chief Accountant at EBSA, brings more than 16 years of public accounting experience focused on employee benefit plan audits. Prior to joining EBSA, Jennifer spent 16 years in public accounting, primarily auditing employee benefit plans. She specializes in compliance audits for 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit and money purchase plans. Jennifer has reviewed audit workpapers, advised engagement teams and contributed to continuing education programs on GAAP, GAAS and DOL and IRS regulations. She has spent the past eight years with the Office of the Chief Accountant.
Debra Linder, JD/MA, CPA
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN
Debra J. Linder, JD/MA, CPA, is the Chair of the Compensation Planning & Employee Benefits Group at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. She advises public, private and tax-exempt employers on plan design, administration and compliance for retirement plans, health and welfare plans, ESOPs and executive compensation programs. Debra frequently speaks on employee benefits law and is admitted to the Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota Bars. She earned her law degree with the highest distinction from the University of Iowa.
Rachel Rafik
Grant Thornton LLP
Oklahoma City, OK
Rachel Rafik is a Managing Director and Center for Excellence Leader for Employee Benefit Plan Audits at Grant Thornton, with over 18 years of experience in the EBP industry. She manages complex benefit plan audits nationwide, including defined contribution, defined benefit and ESOPs. Rachel leads Grant Thornton’s Employee Benefit Plan SOC 1 project and plays a key role in developing national training programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Central Oklahoma.
on the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Expert Panel and contributes to key industry guidance updates.
Maria Schwingler, CPA
Eide Bailly LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Maria Schwingler, CPA, regional assurance practice leader in the assurance department at Eide Bailly LLP, brings deep experience in employee benefit plan audits. Maria has served as Eide Bailly’s employee benefit plan audit practice leader for six years and was the firm’s designated audit partner with the AICPA’s EBP Audit Quality Center. In this role, she has led the firm’s internal benefit plan inspection process and participated in peer review teams to help ensure audit quality in employee benefit plan engagements. She has extensive experience serving employee benefit plans, with particular expertise in 403(b) plans and the regulatory, operational and governance challenges they present. Maria partners closely with plan administrators, boards and internal finance and HR teams to address evolving regulatory expectations and operational needs.
Location: Online
5/19/2026 - 5/19/2026
Your Path. Your People. Your Potential.
Join us for an energizing event designed to help you learn, grow, and engage with fellow young professionals! Enjoy lunch during the sessions, followed by snacks and beverages as you connect with peers. Lunch will be provided. (Earn 4 CPE credits)
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: Observe & Adapt: The Ultimate Edge in Life and Leadership (Part 1) | Kevin and Kathy Miiller
(In-Person Bismarck, Satellite Fargo)
The high achiever’s great irritation: spotting massive potential and clear solutions, but realizing that others don’t care to hear your recommendations. We tell them about it, and nothing happens. Even worse, they may get frustrated or angry as we continue to try to convince them.
The good news is that there are things you do when you approach people to help them understand what you are trying to communicate. A common mistake nearly all humans tend to make is to communicate and interact with people in the fashion that works for us. To be honest, we’re too wrapped up in our own way of thinking and doing things. To become more effective, we must adapt to what engages and influences THEM. Effectiveness skyrockets when we strive to first understand, then adapt to others. This is why the people first method of observing and adapting is the ultimate game-changing tactic.
11:05 AM - 11:55 AM: Observe & Adapt: The Ultimate Edge in Life and Leadership (Part 2) | Kevin and Kathy Miiller
(In-Person Bismarck, Satellite Fargo)
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM: The Power of Being Human in an AI - Driven World | Heather Ostrowski
(In-Person Fargo, Satellite Bismarck)
In this interactive, in‑person session, you’ll discover the unique value you bring in a world increasingly shaped by AI. You’ll explore practical ways to lean into your strengths to support both personal and professional growth. Together, we’ll create a simple, sustainable plan you can confidently stick to as you elevate the areas where you most want to grow.
1:50 PM - 2:40 PM: Purpose, Value, and Connection | Heather Ostrowski
(In-Person Fargo, Satellite Bismarck)
When it comes to engagement in the workplace, these two are critical. This session will help your team create their purpose statement, audit their network for success, and drive greater connectedness overall.
2:40 PM - 3:30 PM: Connecting with Peers!
Meet the Speakers
Kevin Miiller, PE, MBA, author of Finding Ways to Win & Doing More with Less and John C Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. With 30 years of management experience, Kevin’s expertise ranges from construction foreman, engineering management, regional sales manager, and GM. Taking his success in athletics to the business world, he has brought about growth factors of 60%, 200%, 300%, and 500%, in different industries and each in less than 5 years. Kevin’s heart is to join forces with leaders and managers to help them solve problems, reduce stress and enjoy higher levels of success. Kevin believes that an organization’s workplace culture is the biggest competitive advantage, and that culture starts with trustworthy, strategic leaders who have a people first mindset.
Kathy Miiller, Med, has over 25 years of experience in education (starting as a high school math teacher), most notably evaluating, developing, and delivering corporate training. With a master's degree in instructional technology, Kathy works as an education and training specialist, primarily consulting for the aviation industry to advance their pilot training services. As part of her volunteer work, Kathy has been working with students and families to identify and facilitate career and education pathways since 2018, eventually becoming a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). A fun fact about Kathy is that she is a Division I All-American sprinter originally from Nebraska. She competed on the world junior team in Seoul, South Korea, and ran in the Olympic Trials.
Heather Ostrowski is a Senior Organizational Development Officer for Gate City Bank with over 25 years of experience in management, sales, speaking, writing and team/personal/professional development. She is a joyful connector of people, both to other people and to resources they may need, with a special focus on mental health resources. She serves as a public speaker to diverse audiences on a variety of topics and her passions include supporting her family, community, and team members.
She lives in Hawley, MN with her husband Jeremy, their son Adam and two labradoodles. Their other son Ethan is a student at the University of Minnesota. They love golf, being outside in the warm seasons and sweet treats!
Registration Fees (Add $20 after May 5):
Member: $99.00
Nonmember: $125.00
Student: $20.00
Location: Four Point at Sheraton - Fargo | United Energy Corporation - Bismarck
11/12/2026 - 11/12/2026
2026 Business & Industry Miniseries Sponsorship: November 12, 2026 (Virtual Only)
NOTE: This registration is for sponsorships only and cannot be used to register for CPE.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Mini-Series Sponsor*
Media Kit
Location: Virtual
12/9/2026 - 12/10/2026
2026 Technology Conference Sponsorship: December 10-11 (Live Virtual)
Would you like to exhibit at multiple events? Start by filling out this form!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Technology Sponsor*
Media Kit
Location: Virtual
1/15/2027
Professional Ethics: The AICPA's Comprehensive Course On-Demand (For Licensure)
Product# 155906
Upon purchase of this course you will be sent a link to access the course online. This link is good for one year after purchase.
You must pass this course with a score of 90% or higher.
This revised course teaches you the AICPA, SEC and GAO independence rules in an inventive and creative way. Through interactive case studies, exercises and illustrative graphics, you will learn the most up-to-date AICPA, SEC and GAO rules.
This CPE course also explains the revised AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and conceptual framework, which all members of the AICPA must follow. It covers the basic tenets of ethical and professional conduct, covering the principles of ethics, and it explains why the code is necessary and how it is organized.
Location: On-Demand
2/11/2027 - 2/11/2027
2027 Business & Industry Miniseries Sponsorship: February 11, 2027 (Virtual Only)
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Mini-Series Sponsor*
Media Kit
Location: Virtual
