Professional Development and Event Catalog

Educators FOOD Group Meeting

Accountant's Liability (Morning Session)

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AHI Supervisory Staff Training Level IV: Management & Leadership Essentials 2021

Expectations of the supervisor Participants develop an understanding of the criteria for performance of supervisory personnel in CPA firms and learn why supervisors must perform significantly different functions than less experienced staff. Participants’ attitudes about their changing role in the firm are discussed, leading to an analysis of the supervisory function.Managing Self and PrioritiesParticipants are introduced to techniques that are designed to help them function better as supervisors. Self-tests are used so that participants can determine how they currently use their time, how effectively they delegate, and their ability to achieve work/life balance. Exercises and cases illustrate and provide hands-on application for such activities as goal setting, prioritizing, organizing the work space, limiting interruptions, learning to delegate, and utilizing assistants’ time efficiently.Improving Communication SkillsCases and exercises are used to help participants learn the different ways supervisors communicate and how to be more effective communicators. For example, two-way communication, developing good listening habits, non-verbal communication, and acting as a role model are all explored.Human MotivationThe purpose of this session is to help participants understand their own and other people’s needs to accomplish their goals and those of the firm. Participants learn about and obtain practice in applying basic motivational techniques.  Significant time is spent discussing motivating younger staff and the supervisor’s role in helping their firms retain higher-quality staff. Self-assessments are included so that participants can identify managerial styles as well as potential for change. Cases are used to relate skills to practical situations including supervising assistants, dealing with partners and clients, and resolving conflicts.Supervising, Evaluating and Coaching StaffThis session focuses on the supervisory skills needed for proper delegation to assistants, effective on-the-job training, meaningful performance appraisals, and effective staff coaching. This section addresses the reasons for the many differences in assistants and how to deal effectively with staff with different needs. Skills are practiced during in-class exercises using case studies and role plays that emphasize difficulties public accountants face in supervising assistants.Helping Your CPA Firm GrowThis session begins by discussing how CPA firms grow with emphasis on three ways: keeping existing clients satisfied, expanding services to existing clients, and new business development through referrals from clients and contacts. Cases and discussion are used to show participants ways to help their firms grow. Primary emphasis is put on bridging the gap between present and future roles. Participants develop significant knowledge of the types of business advice that clients expect from career professionals in public accounting and are encouraged how to effectively market these services to existing and prospective clients.

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Understanding the COSO Framework for Internal Controls (Morning Session)

This program focuses on all things the accounting professional should be aware of including: • Background on internal controls • COSO Framework • Understanding the design of controls at the entity level and at the activity level • Control Activities

AHI Semi-Senior Staff Training - Level II

Satisfy Client and CPA Firm Needs (3.5 Hours) The objective of this section is to identify ways to maintain and improve good communication with clients and partners. There is also an opportunity to critique actual practice situations involving poor communications. Apply Analytical Procedures (3.5 Hours) This session emphasizes the values and uses of analytical procedures for auditing and review services and how these tests can be used to help a client run their business better as a part of a client-services oriented approach. Participants will learn how to correctly apply the SSARS and SAS requirements to clients through several cases covering ratio analysis and analytical procedures. Conduct Small Audits (3.5 Hours) Previous learning about the financial accounting process, transaction cycles, and the nature of generally accepted accounting principles will be reinforced and applied to the audit of a small client. Understanding the client and their industry, achieving desired levels of assurance, assessing the potential risk of errors and fraud, designing the most efficient audit approach and making management suggestions on small jobs are all addressed in the case application. Perform Review Service Engagements (6 Hours) In this session participants explore both the SSARS requirements and the practical problems encountered in applying them to compilations and reviews. A major case study is used to help participants understand differences in the nature and extent of procedures necessary for completing reviews and compilations, including analytical procedures, working papers and common GAAP problems. Participants will also learn how to use review service engagement forms and check lists more effectively. Draft Financial Statements and Footnotes (4 Hours) Participants will review and recommend changes in the format, terminology and account groupings for a set of financial statements included in a major case study. Adherence to firm policies and utilization of professional judgement in adapting to varying circumstances will be emphasized in full group discussion. Using a reporting checklist, small groups of participants will also organize and outline the contents of footnotes for the case study financial statements. Participants will evaluate an accountant's report for a review service engagement using the facts contained in the case materials. They will also complete an engagement reporting exercise to become familiar with the different types of reports needed under differing circumstances. Improve Corporate Tax Knowledge (3.5 Hours) Completion of the major case in this module requires that participants identify and resolve numerous tax issues in order to determine a small business client's tax liability for the year. A tax return preparation and review checklist for C corporations is provided as an aid. Other cases in the module require that participants solve problems involving unethical tax return preparation, methods of depreciating assets and determining the appropriate form of a business organization.

AHI Basic Staff Training - Level I

Role of New Staff (2.5 Hours) By identifying the factors accounting for the growth of local and regional firms in the past decade, participants become aware of the changing nature of the profession. After recognizing that "taking the total service approach" is the key to growth, participants identify the ways in which new staff can contribute to the success of both themselves and their firm. Understanding Audit Objectives (1 Hour) Through guided discussion, participants identify the major steps in the audit process and the alternatives that are available throughout the process. Audit objectives are identified and discussed. The nature of and the circumstances under which tests of transactions and tests of balances are performed are discussed. Working Paper Techniques / Cash (3.5 Hours) In a session scheduled on the first day of the program, participants critique a set of working papers in an area that they are familiar with-cash. Participants first identify the most common deficiencies found in the working papers of new staff. Then through guided discussion and exposure to electronically generated working papers, participants learn the most practical means of overcoming these deficiencies. In the process participants become aware of the characteristics and benefits of using electronic working papers. Techniques developed in this session are reinforced throughout the course. Analytical Procedures (4 Hours) Guided discussion is used to introduce participants to the purposes served and the fundamental techniques employed in performing analytical procedures. Participants are assigned a case study in which they utilize these techniques to first identify and then follow up on accounts where special problems may exist. Compilation and Review Services (4 Hours) Participants identify and discuss the different levels of assurance and responsibility associated with compilations, reviews and audits. Minimum levels of knowledge required in performing compilations and reviews are identified. The kinds of procedures performed on compilations and reviews and the circumstances under which they are performed are identified and discussed. Participants are given an unadjusted trial balance taken from the books of a closely-held corporation along with selected information about certain accounts. Utilizing this information, small groups of participants identify accounts needing possible adjustments, discuss the various alternatives available under GAAP, and then prepare adjusting entries that will permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Tax Recognition and Research Techniques (2.5 Hours) The twofold objectives of this session are to improve each participant's skills at  Identifying situations common to small and medium-sized clients that have tax implications  Performing noncomplex tax research to resolve questions associated with each situation. Working with the same small company case used in the Compilation and Review Services module, participants first identify numerous situations with tax implications and then perform basic tax research in a tax reference manual, such as the Master Tax Guide, in order to either resolve each tax question or recommend more in-depth research. Auditing / Reviewing Selected Accounts (6.5 Hours) In several sessions devoted to various balance sheet accounts, emphasis is placed on:  Identifying the audit and/or reviewing objectives applicable to a given account  Designing and implementing those procedures that will, in the most efficient and effective manner, provide sufficient evidence to meet the specified objectives  Small group case analysis is used to help participants improve the skills they need in effectively and efficiently auditing receivables, payables and inventories.

AHI Supervisory Plus Staff Training Level V: Advanced Management and Leadership Essentials 2021

What is Expected of the Manager?• Characteristics of a Successful Project – What messages do you get from your organization? What do managers need to do to balance their focus on all the characteristics of a successful project? • The Manager Role in an Organization – How does the manager role compare to a lower level supervisor role? The importance of “ownership” for managers.Managing Self and Priorities:Part I:• The big-picture view of prioritizing – revisiting the Covey Activity Matrix (from AHI’s Level IV course) • The ongoing daily approach to meeting priorities – the Allen “Getting Things Done” SystemPart II • Productive, non-billable time needs in the firm – determining your most valuable niches for Involvement now and in the future • Managing your reputation and career prospects – identifying your career success routes, enlisting Mentors & Feedback Allies, and building your Development Plan Building Leadership Communication Skills:Part I• Influence without Authority – using influence skills to build productivity with partners, clients & staff Part II• Empowering Meeting Leadership & Facilitation Skills • Managing Gender Communication Differences – to enhance colleague relationships and assist with building firm retention & engagementLeading Others – Coaching and Developing Staff:Part I• On-the-Job Coaching & Development – using a coaching approach to build performance and engagement • Performance Feedback & the Art of Delivering it – feedback model and practice for using within on-the-job coaching • Delegating for Development versus for Results – distinguishing between delegation approaches covered in AHI Level IV programPart II• Career Advising & Mentoring Others – skills for holding career conversations and mentoring others’ development in the firm • Team Building for Managers & Senior Managers – assessing current team functioning and identifying strategies for productively bringing engagement teams togetherHelping the Firm Grow:Part I• Revisiting Three Levels of Firm Growth (from AHI’s Level IV course) – the manager’s role • Expanding Services to Existing Clients – identifying the stages of business relationship development, tactics for building Trusted Advisor status with current clients, and ways to convert that status into new business opportunitiesPart II• Adding New Clients through Referrals – assessing your current networking skills & comfort level; building effective new approaches • The Technical Professional’s Role in Closing Sales – finding high skill/high comfort ways to aid in direct business development activities within the firmSpeaker:  Bruce J. Dunn, Jr.

LIVESTREAM - State Tax 360° Conference

AHI Beginning In-Charge Staff Training - Level III

What is Expected of the In-Charge (2.5 Hours) Participants first build a composite list of the responsibilities of an effective in-charge based on their firms' practices. The list is then used as a basis for discussing the kinds of actions that participants can take to improve their chances for achieving success in their firms. Plan Engagements (5.5 Hours) The in-charge's responsibilities for engagement planning are the focal points for this session. The steps that should be followed in proper planning are identified through the use of a case. This is followed by a discussion of the deterrents to planning that exist in actual practice and identification of ways to partially or fully overcome the deterrents. The emphasis in the entire planning session is on how to plan more effectively. The second part of the planning session pertains to the proper use and common abuses of audit budgets as a planning tool. It also includes a case and discussion about strategies for obtaining better client assistance. Assess Risk and Materiality (3.5 Hours) In this session participants first define and differentiate types of risk assessment; engagement risk and the risk of material misstatement. The impact that these risks have on audit evidence requirements is then discussed. Participants also discuss the concept of materiality. Materiality decisions need to be made both in the planning phase of an engagement and in the evaluation phase. The first case in this module is used to illustrate how risk assessment and the determination of a preliminary judgement of materiality can be used to minimize engagement cost while still permitting high quality engagement performance. The final case requires participants to assess the risk of fraud, including conducting a fraud brainstorming session for a client. Nonstatistical Audit Sampling (2.5 Hours) Nonstatistical audit sampling concepts are typically difficult for participants to apply to audit engagements. This module begins with a discussion on properly applying audit standards. In a case continued from the previous module, participants practice making correct sampling decisions for the audit of one major financial statement account. The final case illustrates the concept of projecting sample misstatements to the population, including the consideration of sampling error. Meet Client Needs (1.5 Hours) One purpose of this session is to illustrate the four primary elements of effective selling and how these elements can be used by in-charges to help the firm sell additional services to existing clients. Using the conclusions reached, a general discussion is held about how to use management letters as a client relations and sales tool. There is specific discussion on the purposes of management letters, elements of effective letters, development of management letter ideas and writing better letters. Complete Engagements (2.5 Hours) Inexperienced in-charges typically have difficulty getting an engagement completed. This session is designed to give them ideas and teach them how to do a better job in that area. Early problem identification, tying up loose ends throughout the engagement, early review of assistants' work and self review are stressed as ways to reduce completing-the-engagement difficulties. Review Assistants' Work (3 Hours) This session emphasizes identifying objectives and developing a methodology in reviewing assistants' working papers. Early review, proper documentation and effective communication of review notes are essential parts of the discussion. A major case provides practice in reviewing a section of a set of working papers. Supervision (3 Hours) Supervision and motivation of assistants is a major topic in Supervisory Staff Training. It is introduced in this program to help participants understand the importance of good supervision and to teach them some on-the-job supervision techniques. Fundamental characteristics of good supervisors and common characteristics found in poor supervisors are identified through a series of short case studies. There are also cases and discussion dealing with teaching assistants and effectively assigning responsibilities to assistants.

Top Business Tax Planning Strategies (Morning Session)

Taking maximum advantage of the 199A 20% deduction Whether the reduction in C corporation tax rates merits converting to a C corporation Limiting the impact of the 461(l) loss limitation rules for taxpayers other than C corporations Avoiding or limiting the limitation on the deduction of net business interest expense Minimizing the limitation of the deduction of expenses for entertainment and certain fringe benefits Taking advantage of more tax-efficient tax accounting methods

Top Individual Tax Planning Strategies (Morning Session)

IRA changes that impact individual tax planning Election to use the interest tracing rules rather than be limited under the mortgage interest deduction limitation Transfer property to younger family members while the enlarged transfer tax exemption remains in place Rollover 529 plan balances into ABLE Programs Take advantage of 529 plans to fund pre-college education expenses on a tax-advantaged basis Negotiate or renegotiate separation agreements and divorce decrees in light of the changes in the tax rules governing the deductibility of alimony payments

Larry Stein's 2021 Busy Season Tax Update

Part One Individual Tax Developments (200 Minutes) New tax forms and instruction Tax reform guidance SECURE and CARES Act developments Key new tax cases Key New IRS Regulations and administrative guidance Form 1040 hot spot Post-election developments Part Two Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Client Update (200 Minutes Tax deduction developments Tax accounting insights "S" Corporation and LLC tax developments Real estate and passive activity update IRS audit hot spots SECA tax

Larry Stein's New Tax Law Forms Update: 1040, 1120S, and 1065

 Part One – Ne Tax Laws Forms (200 Minutes) • New Tax Laws; Forms. • Capital Gains Taxation. • Carried Interest. • Basis. • Installment Sales. • Tax Rates. • SECA And NIIT. • The New 1040. • Tax Return Preparation, Quality Control And Form 8867. • Schedule C And Schedule E; IRS Audit Hot Spots. • Restaurant Meals; Travel, Cars And Entertainment. • Substantiation And Tax Forms. • Employee Vs. Independent Contractor; Form 8919. • Business Bad Debts; Losses. • IRAs And Roth IRAs; EPCRS; Prohibited Transactions; UBTI; SEPs; SIMPLE-IRAs. • “S” Stock Basis; “S” Debt Basis; Excess Business Losses. • Partner Basis; Partner Capital Accounts. • Like-Kind Exchanges. • Real Estate Issues. • Schedule A. • Passive Activity Loss; Real Estate Professionals; Material Participation. • Disclosures. • FBAR And FATCA. • 199A, Forms, Compliance, Aggregations, Disclosure, And Rental Real Estate. • Capitalization Vs. Deduction; “NIMS” Accounting – Reg. 1.162-3.Part Two – New Tax Laws Forms (200 Minutes) • Form 1120S Compliance. • Form 1065 – Key Compliance Areas. • Late Breaking Tax News. • 1099 And Information Reporting Developments. • Credits, Employee Retention Credit; Work Opportunity Tax Credit. • CARES Act, COVID-19 Tax Law Developments And Tax Forms.

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LIVESTREAM - Northeast Future-Ready Firm Conference