Professional Development and Event Catalog

The amount of electronic content that business organizations contend with is growing at incredible rates. Terms like "Big Data" and "Information Overload", are being used by overwhelmed information workers on a daily basis. Additionally, because of the move to a much larger telecommuter footprint, electronic data is now even more prevalently utilized. This session discusses the places that businesses keep digital information and addresses the importance of securing corporate electronic data. The material effectively shows ways to achieve high security standards for content stored in fixed locations, on mobile devices and in the cloud. Participants in this session will gain an understanding of the concepts needed to improve the way they, and their companies secure digital information. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This comprehensive course provides the essential updates for professionals working with governments and not-for-profit organizations. We'll begin with an in-depth review of recent GASB standards, including compensated absences, certain asset disclosures, risk and uncertainty disclosures, and financial reporting model improvements. For each standard, we'll cover its background, potential impact, and practical strategies for implementation to ensure you're fully prepared. Next, we'll shift focus to the FASB and its implications for nonprofit organizations. While there haven't been recent nonprofit-specific standards, several Accounting Standard Updates (ASUs) significantly impact NFPs. We'll explore these ASUs, evaluate changes to programmatic investments, and discuss their interplay with the CECL standard. Additionally, we'll highlight the movement in IFR4NPO, a global initiative to develop universal financial reporting standards for nonprofits, offering insights into its potential worldwide impact. In the second half, we'll turn to governmental auditing. Key topics include the 2024 Yellow Book updates, the transition from quality control to quality management, and the implementation timelines. For Single Audits, we'll cover the 2024 Uniform Guidance changes, the 2025 Compliance Supplement, GAO reports on improper payments and fraud, the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), and recent Department of Education guidance on related parties.  

If you are an experienced Excel user seeking to elevate your skills, join the K2 team for K2’s Advanced Excel. In this laptop-friendly program, you will learn critical advanced Excel skills in six key areas: 1) collaborating with other users and securing workbooks, 2) using tables to analyze and report data, 3) integrating and manipulating data from external sources, 4) creating and auditing complex formulas, 5) advanced data analysis tools, and 6) visualization techniques to analyze and communicate information. The course draws from over twenty-five years of experience delivering Excel training to accountants and other business professionals. Throughout the program, relevant, real-world examples reinforce the topics presented. Take advantage of this opportunity to become more efficient and proficient in Microsoft Office Excel, the tool of choice for accounting and financial professionals. This course covers advanced Excel topics found in Excel 2019 and newer.

An audit is an investment in reliable financial reporting and compliance, and an increased return on those dollars can be achieved by hiring the right auditors. This course will provide key factors for you to consider when evaluating whether you are getting the most quality and insight from your auditors, to enable them to perform the most value-added audit possible in the given circumstances - while retaining the trust of a CPA. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This course provides a complete framework for transforming the culture in your organization. Key topics covered include: - What is organizational culture - A self assessment - Why culture matters - How to change your culture This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

With only a few months to go before the AICPA's Statement on Quality Management Standards 1, 2, and 3 (SQMS 1, SQMS 2, and SQMS 3, respectively), SSARS No. 26, SAS 146, and SSAE 23 are required to be implemented, this course can help you meet the deadline. It focuses not simply on theory but on HOW to perform the steps involved. The Quality Management Suite of Standards must be implemented by December 15, 2025. The standards modernize the firm's approach to quality to reflect an increased focus on risk assessment, technology use, and the presence of outside experts on many engagements. Beginning with performing a risk-based approach, the standards provide accounting firms with the ability to enhance their quality control by shifting their focus to a proactive approach (management) from a reactive approach (control). The results of the firm's risk assessment will form the basis of its new Quality Management document. This is not just a tweak of the old document but a more robust document that adds new requirements from the new standards. We will cover how to perform a risk assessment, including the key provisions of the standards, and how to effectively implement a monitoring plan. We will also review how the firm will evaluate its System of Quality Management beginning in 2026.

"No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." To be a part of a team, a team that truly cares for its people, is to be granted an opportunity for growth and inclusion and a sense of belonging. It doesn't get better than that! This ethics-based webinar examines the essence of what constitutes teams that are high functioning and highly collaborative. One essential component is the balance between content (getting the job done!) and process (how we get things done...how we treat each other). This webinar will offer concrete practical suggestions for teams both for content and process effectiveness. It will also offer opportunities for self-reflection and actions to take to enhance team performance. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The Internal Revenue Service has targeted complex partnerships it believes are not in compliance with the tax law for audit. One of the abuses the IRS has attacked is transfers of interests in partnerships which result in an increase in the basis of a partner who is subject to a high marginal income tax rate. This perceived abuse results in lower income tax and/or a higher basis in partnership property for the higher marginal income tax partner. The final regulations basically characterize certain partnership-related basis adjustments as transactions of interest on the part of the IRS. In a practical sense, this means that property transfers in a partnership with related party partners may run the risk of IRS scrutiny if audited. It is common for certain types of partnerships, such as real estate limited partnerships, to have related-partner partnerships. The IRS may decide to scrutinize partnerships with related party transfers. Since these final regulations presume an understanding of the rules for partnership distributions and Section 754 elections, the program begins with coverage of those two topics, with time devoted to adjustments under both Section 743(b) and Section 734(b). It would be hard to understand the IRS's claim of abuse without a working knowledge of these transactions.

In today's rapidly changing world, finance professionals are required to wear many hats and are often the keys to the success of the organization. On one hand, they need to be abreast of the latest proven financial skills for making the best decisions, and on the other hand they need the best skills to motivate, manage, and lead people. Being pigeon-holed into one area or another is neither good for career building nor good for the organization. We'll cover the latest issues that all CFOs and controllers need to know about and provide how-to guidance to allow for immediate use in their organizations.

Both businesses and individual clients face major changes as a result of new legislation, and tax professionals face the considerable challenge of delivering effective planning advice and services to address this myriad of recent developments. This course addresses this challenge and also encompasses the latest cases and rulings applicable to individual and business clients. Continually updated to reflect enacted legislation. Please Note: Due to content overlap, it is recommended that this course NOT be taken together with BIT4.

The control and compliance requirements for single audits differ from the requirements for GAAS audits. As a result, sometimes it's difficult to tell where the auditor's responsibilities start and stop in a single audit. This course is designed to help you proceed and succeed in applying the single audit control and compliance requirements contained in the 2024 revision to the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards. Over 15 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the most critical challenges in single auditing today.

This course chronicles the decisions that led to the arrest of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), and helps participants understand the consequences that will follow for people charged with business-related crimes. Authorities arrested SBF pursuant to a grand jury indictment that charged him with wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and related conspiracy charges. This lesson chronicles how the former billionaire's business decisions exposed him to criminal charges that include potential penalties of more than 100 years in federal prison for his alleged role in defrauding investors who trusted in his ability to make ethical decisions. Participants will learn about the criminal justice process, including indictments, arrest, extradition, judicial proceedings, mitigation, sentencing, prison, and collateral consequences. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The Inflation Reduction Act increased the IRS budget. As a result, the IRS continues to replenish its audit workforce. The IRS trains its audit workforce by examining the tax returns of individuals and small businesses. Now, more than ever, Accounting, Tax and Financial Professionals need clients to understand the need for documentation and procedures to substantiate what IRS examiners are pursuing. Learn the high audit risk areas and ways to help clients survive an IRS audit with little or no change. It is critical for Accounting, Tax, and Financial Professionals in public accounting to understand the risk to clients and to themselves in tax return preparation and planning since the IRS continues to increase its audit coverage and is examining more taxpayers than it has in the recent past.

As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others become more popular, tax authorities around the world are working to create regulations for their use and transactions. This session will address cryptocurrency tax issues and their complexities and challenges that individuals and businesses face when dealing with the taxation of digital currencies. *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

As financial and tax professionals well know, information overload is a constant struggle we face because things change quickly, and the sheer number of changes being made on a daily basis is enormous. Of great importance to small and medium tax and advisory firms is differentiating between changes that are relevant to our practice and our clients and changes that are new but totally irrelevant. Distinguishing between the two is difficult and time-consuming. Mike Tucker and a team of experts are pleased to present a weekly series designed to eliminate the clutter and get you what you need to stay up-to-date and perform for your clients. Mike and his co-presenters will dispense news on current events impacting taxes, finance, and industry. The subject matter will differ each week and intermittently include topics such as Social Security and Medicare. The panelists will discuss personal and corporate tax matters as well as other late-breaking news related to practitioners' personal finances and those of their clients. Every financial professional will benefit from this series. This is a cost-effective way for accountants to fulfill their compulsory continuing education because this weekly series will include almost 40 one-hour presentations. Sign up today - your clients and your bottom line will thank you.

Many people that use Microsoft Excel know a great deal about the functionality of the application. There are, however, a tremendous number of hidden tools that a high percentage of users overlook. Additionally, there are newer features that some have not had the opportunity to explore. This session shows some of the numerous time-saving tools and features that often go unused by spreadsheet creators. People that wish to become more efficient when using Excel should take this session! This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Managing a strong network is one of the most important things you can do to grow professionally. Yet despite its importance, maintaining an effective network is often not taught in undergraduate and graduate schools. The good news is that managing and growing a network is easier than it sounds. In fact, most professionals have some level of basic networking skills simply from helping someone find a job, attending an industry conference, or seeking professional connections through social media. Effective networking involves more than simply collecting contacts. Strong networks should be relevant to your career and consist of people you trust. Personal networks are just as important as professional networks and the two often overlap. In this course, we explore ways to strengthen and grow networks by examining proven strategies that have helped individuals meet their personal and professional goals.

The new administration has proposed significant tax policy changes that may impact individual taxpayers and financial planning strategies. This course provides tax practitioners with essential updates on recent legislation, regulatory changes, and potential future reforms. Participants will explore the implications of proposed tax cuts, adjustments to Social Security and retirement taxation, and potential modifications to deductions and credits. The course also examines ongoing discussions about IRS restructuring and the expansion of tax incentives for American businesses and families. With a focus on practical strategies, this course equips tax professionals with the tools to help clients prepare for these changes before year-end. Whether addressing Form 1040 issues, capital gains planning, or income and estate tax considerations, participants will gain insights to help clients make informed decisions. *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

Unlock the full potential of your data with our cutting-edge course, "Create Visuals in Power BI to Successfully Analyze Data." Designed to span a focused, four-hour session, this course is your gateway to mastering the art of data visualization using the powerful tools of Microsoft Power BI Desktop and PowerBI.com. Whether you're a business professional, a budding data analyst, or simply someone interested in the world of data science, this course is tailored to enhance your skills in transforming raw data into visually stunning and insightful reports. Dive into the intuitive interfaces of Power BI Desktop and PowerBI.com, and learn to navigate these platforms with ease and confidence. The course is meticulously structured to provide you with demonstrations and practical knowledge. Starting with a comprehensive tour of the Power BI Desktop and PowerBI.com interfaces, you'll quickly move to the core of creating impactful visuals. Explore a wide array of available visuals and learn how to select the most effective ones for your data stories. Through detailed sessions on building interactivity into your visuals, you will discover how to create dynamic reports that not only captivate but also communicate effectively. This course will also guide you through the process of publishing your reports on PowerBI.com, ensuring that your insights reach their intended audience with the right impact. By the end of this transformative journey, you will be adept at leveraging the full capabilities of Power BI. Your newfound ability to create interactive, engaging, and informative visual reports will make you an indispensable asset in any data-driven decision-making process. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your professional profile, enhance your analytical capabilities, and become a sought-after expert in the field of data visualization. Join us for "Create Visuals in Power BI to Successfully Analyze Data" and step into the future of data analysis with confidence and skill. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The QuickBooks ecosystem of accounting tools remains the most widely-used set of accounting applications used by small businesses. Yet, many of these organizations struggle because of inadequate internal controls. In this seminar, you will learn options for improving internal controls in small businesses running QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise, or Online. Participate in this program to understand how you can create a robust system of internal controls in a small business environment, including businesses using QuickBooks accounting solutions. In this session, you will also learn about the four common types of internal controls and how to assess the relative condition of the internal control structure of a small business. With this background in place, the focus then shifts to discovering the opportunities to enhance internal controls in QuickBooks-based environments using features found in the application. In addition, you will learn about additional internal control procedures for situations where you cannot establish adequate controls in QuickBooks. In sum, while many believe that QuickBooks-based organizations will forever face weak internal control structures, by participating in this session, you will learn how QuickBooks-based businesses can benefit from strong internal controls.