Professional Development and Event Catalog
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The Controllership Series - Overhead, Direct and Indirect Costs and Allocation Methods
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 4:58pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Managing expenses is a key for business success, and overhead costs play a pivotal role in realizing favorable profit margins. Almost all companies have some form of overhead consisting of specific categories of indirect expenses. The better organizations are able to manage overhead costs, the more competitive they are in the marketplace. It is incumbent in the Controller’s role to effectively manage, monitor and perform ongoing assessment of overhead costs, allocations and rates. Overhead refers to the ongoing business expenses not directly attributed to creating a product or service. A company must pay overhead on an ongoing basis, regardless of how much or how little the company sells. It is important for budgeting purposes but also for determining how much a company must charge for its products or services to make a profit. Overhead can be fixed, variable, or a hybrid of both. There are different categories of overhead, such as administrative overhead, which includes costs related to managing a business. In short, overhead is any expense incurred to support the business while not being directly related to a specific product or service.
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Risk Assessment of IT Systems
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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This course provides an overview of the risk assessment requirements under SAS 145, with a focus on the evaluation of Information Technology systems in the planning of an audit. SAS 145 introduced significant changes to risk assessment procedures, including an increased emphasis on understanding and evaluating IT environments. The course addresses key areas of concern related to IT systems and their impact on audit risk. Participants will gain practical insight into identifying risks within IT systems and understanding how those risks affect the audit process. As part of his presentation style, Jeff incorporates engaging elements designed to reinforce learning and maintain focus.
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Ethics Aren't for the Byrdes in Ozark
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:02pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Professional codes of ethics provide guidance to professionals who are frequently required to choose between doing the right thing and the wrong thing. Sometimes, professionals violate their ethical code and do the wrong thing for what they rationalize is the right reason. This session uses the popular television show "Ozark" and its multiple examples of seemingly good people doing bad things for the right reason to define ethics as well as explore why people make unethical choices and how they justify those choices.
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Revenue Recognition Topic 606 - Identify Performance Obligations Part 1
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:09pm
Online
1.20 Credits
Member Price: $39
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This course is meant to complement the course that evaluates all aspects of the five steps to revenue recognition. The course "Understanding the new revenue recognition rules" examines the five-step model outlined in the standard that organizations must utilize when recognizing revenue. The new standard applies to all companies.
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The Controllers Role in Data Analytics and Big Data
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:20pm
Online
1.50 Credits
Member Price: $79
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Today’s economy and all of the digital enhancements have impacted the way companies engage with their customers as well as how the company manages their internal practices. The business control function needs to keep pace. The rising importance of analytical capability is critical when defining the role of the modern controller. Execution of analytics can vary but there are still key questions that must be asked. What are the options and what we need to understand to decide the best way forward? This course focuses on the value that can be brought by the Controller when becoming involved with data analytics powered by technology and also Big Data. The digitized world we live in has made it important for the Controller function to evolve and take on this advanced task.
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Sarbanes-Oxley Overview
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:26pm
Online
1.60 Credits
Member Price: $79
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Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Although there have not been any changes in the legislative concepts of the law since its release in 2002, some aspects of executing the work have evolved. Sarbanes-Oxley was passed in 2002 and year one of attestation for publicly traded companies was 2004. Years later the legislation continues to challenge companies, auditors and compliance professionals when evaluating a company's control structure. SOX 404, although the most prominent, is only one of the many requirements covered under the legislation. In addition, the impetus of COSO 2013 has re-focused companies' efforts on evaluating their key controls. Companies must continually evaluate whether they have designed and identified the proper controls and have adequate tests in place to determine control efficiency. With the evolution of technology solutions, the impact of information systems changes must be continually evaluated to ensure controls are adequately addressed.
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Business Tax Update for Industry
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 5:47pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This course focuses on the key federal tax issues affecting businesses from the internal accountant's point of view, with a focus on recent tax legislation and developments. Planning alternatives and the potential risks associated with those strategies will also be discussed. *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 terri.storer@acpen.com
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An Ethical Approach to Mental Health Issues at Work
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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In the past talking about mental issues in the workplace was taboo. Not anymore!!! So many of us suffer with mental health issues at some point in our lives. Poor mental health impacts, from a work perspective, productivity, absenteeism, retention and more. On a personal level it often causes personal distress and hopelessness. The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) is addressing mental illness as a critical factor for the wellbeing of organizations. Additionally, the EEOC is cracking down on mental health discrimination. It is a very important topic for any functional business! This ethics-based webinar will bring awareness to this issue and offer suggestions on managing mental health issues in ethical, compassionate and healthy ways. It will offer suggestions on managing mental health issues for leaders, managers and all staff to create and environment of safety and belonging. This webinar will also address the topic of suicide talking about warning signs and resources. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Tactical Budgeting – Moving Beyond Traditional Budgets to Manage Performance
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Traditional budgets often consume significant time while delivering limited operational value. This session reframes budgeting as a tactical management tool rather than a once-a-year accounting exercise. Participants will explore how to redesign the budget process to improve communication, accountability, and decision-making across the organization. The session emphasizes output-based metrics, flexible budgeting approaches, benchmarking, and educating non-financial managers so budgets become a tool for managing performance, not just controlling spending.
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Key Tax Issues Facing Business and Industry
Wednesday, Oct. 21 4:00pm - 7:38pm
Online
4.00 Credits
Member Price: $149
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This course focuses on the key federal tax issues affecting business from the internal accountant's point of view, with a focus on the major ramifications of the TCJA and other recent tax legislation and developments. Planning alternatives and the potential risks associated with those strategies will also be discussed. *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 terri.storer@acpen.com
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Beyond the Basics: Financial Ratios You Might Be Overlooking
Wednesday, Oct. 21 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $55
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Overview: Understanding your company's financial health requires more than just traditional metrics. This webinar is designed to reveal deeper insights through advanced, underutilized financial ratios. In this session, accounting and finance professionals will explore metrics such as operating leverage, free cash flow yield, and margin of safety-tools that go beyond standard ratios to deliver nuanced perspectives on profitability, risk exposure, and operational efficiency. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
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Can You Really Do That With AI?
Wednesday, Oct. 21 5:00pm - 6:03pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. In just three short years, AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot have revolutionized how business professionals approach everyday tasks. In this session, you will learn how you can use AI to help you solve specific problems and work more efficiently, effectively, and accurately. Throughout this session, we will focus on real-world scenarios and how AI can help you realize better results in less time. This is a must-see session for all who want to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
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The Controllership Series - The Controller's Role in Pro Forma Financial Statements
Wednesday, Oct. 21 5:00pm - 6:03pm
Online
1.00 Credits
Member Price: $39
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Pro forma statements are used by businesses to make decisions on planning and control, as well as for external reporting to owners, investors, and creditors. For example, giving financial estimates for a given period in a standardized manner is known as “presenting pro forma,” a Latin phrase that means “as a matter of form.” Pro forma statements can be helpful tools for business owners, investors, creditors, or decision-makers to analyze various scenarios of future events based on certain financial assumptions. It might aid in making predictions performance of the company. A pro forma income statement displays a firm’s anticipated sales and revenue. It also highlights anticipated fixed or variable operational expenses and, in the end, displays the potential profits and retained earnings for a future financial quarter. There are various types of pro-forma statements and methods to develop them. The responsibilities/competencies of the Financial Controller position (FC) has changed in recent years. However, the creation of pro forma financial statements is still a core part of their responsibility.
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The Risks of Artificial Intelligence - Part 1
Wednesday, Oct. 21 5:00pm - 6:29pm
Online
1.60 Credits
Member Price: $79
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and redefining how organizations operate. While the benefits of AI-efficiency, automation, data-driven insights, and innovation-are significant, the risks are equally profound and demand careful consideration. AI introduces a range of technical risks, such as bias, lack of transparency, data dependency, and vulnerability to manipulation. Ethical risks arise in the form of workforce disruption, diminished accountability, potential misuse, and the erosion of human autonomy. On a broader societal scale, AI threatens to widen inequalities, accelerate disinformation, and erode trust in institutions, while raising concerns of cultural homogenization and disproportionate power concentration among a few entities. Governance challenges further complicate the landscape, as regulation struggles to keep pace with technological advances, and questions emerge about the long-term safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. Leaders and organizations must recognize that AI is not only a technological innovation but also a strategic risk management issue. Responsible adoption requires robust governance, transparent and ethical frameworks, ongoing monitoring, and human oversight. By proactively addressing these risks, organizations can balance innovation with accountability, safeguard trust, and position themselves for sustainable success in an AI-driven future. Note: This is Part 1 in a two-part series on the risks of AI
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Real World Business Ethics Scenarios
Wednesday, Oct. 21 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $85
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Most business ethics courses focus on concepts like “tone at the top”, “integrity”, “code of conduct”, “values”, and “ethical culture." These are extremely important concepts and must be understood But often, when a professional finds they are in a potential “ethical” situation, they question “What should I do?” It is not as easy as flipping a coin. Ethics aren’t always black and white and there are many variables that can impact both the issue and the outcome This course presents real-life ethical scenarios then challenges you to put yourself in the place of the professional to truly think about “What would I do?” The scenarios are all true…. the names have been changed to protect the innocent You will come away from this training with a new view of putting ethics into practice
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S Corporation Essentials: Stock and Loan Basis Reporting
Thursday, Oct. 22 9:00am - 10:48am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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This program addresses the critical issues and special opportunities facing S-corporations, with a focus on reporting shareholder basis and distributions. *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 terri.storer@acpen.com
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The Role of Internal Audit in SOX Compliance
Thursday, Oct. 22 9:00am - 10:48am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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The Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) continues to pose challenges with compliance. Companies must continue to evaluate whether they have designed and implemented an adequate system of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). This course will address the best practices that ensure an effective and efficient approach to SOX compliance.
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Annual Update on the 2024 Revised Uniform Guidance and Time and Effort Reporting
Thursday, Oct. 22 9:00am - 10:49am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) pertains to the management of Federal Financial Assistance for grants and cooperative agreements. The Biden Administration has performed a comprehensive update where the revised Uniform Guidance was released in April 2024. We will review all of the significant compliance and threshold changes. In addition, we will provide a brief presentation of the revised guidance as it pertains to Time and Effort reporting.
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Transforming Strategic and Financial Management with ChatGPT - Insights for CPAs, CFOs and Controllers
Thursday, Oct. 22 9:00am - 10:56am
Online
2.20 Credits
Member Price: $89
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"Transforming Strategic & Financial Management with ChatGPT: Insights for CPAs, CFOs, and Controllers" is a comprehensive 2-hour CPE course designed by Jim Lindell of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc. This course delves into the revolutionary impact of ChatGPT on financial and strategic management, offering a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications tailored for financial professionals. Through an exploration of ChatGPT's capabilities in research, communication enhancement, benchmarking, risk analysis, and more, participants will learn how to leverage this advanced AI technology to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation in their practices. The course not only highlights the current applications but also provides a glimpse into the future of AI in financial management, encouraging professionals to embrace technology for competitive advantage.
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Communicate Financial Concepts to Non-Accountants
Thursday, Oct. 22 9:00am - 11:00am
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price: $89
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Do you ever get blank looks when you present your company's financial statements? Does your board nod knowingly, during your presentation, but never seem to have any meaningful questions? It could be that they have no idea what you are talking about and are just pretending to understand! Learn how to connect with your CEO, board, fellow managers, and ordinary employees so they understand your message.