Professional Development and Event Catalog

U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) imposed a new reporting requirement that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Millions of businesses may have to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. In a surprise turn of events, the Federal District Court from the Northern District of Alabama ruled on March 1, 2024 in National Small Business United v. Yellen ("NSB") that the CTA is unconstitutional. This course will discuss the CTA's provisions and the court's decision in NSB. Also covered will be future implications for business entities and steps to consider given the recent ruling. We will also discuss recent proposed rulemaking by FinCen with respect to nonfinanced purchases of residential real estate and gratuitous transfers so that businesses can prepare for any additional reporting burdens that might arise. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

More Dates

This another course in our series on the controllership function. The controller's role encompasses many traditional responsibilities. The breadth and depth of the controller skill set has expanded and will continue to expand as the business world evolves. The controller position will typically lead teams of financial and accounting experts. Recognizing that leadership and team management skills are must-haves; they need to be able to command their team's respect, inspire them to act, and ensure that such actions are aligned with your organization's overall vision. These skills, along with tactical knowledge will ensure the controller's success.

More Dates

The tools for managing performance and addressing misconduct are not identical. The failure to point this out to leaders has often resulted in the use of the wrong tool. Reinforcing good performance and securing improvements in performance requires skill in coaching employees, making effective requests, and providing effective feedback. This course provides practical knowledge and scripts for setting, communicating, and enforcing performance expectations, such that personal and employer liability is avoided.

More Dates

Properly identifying performance obligations is a critical step in the five-step revenue recognition model. It is a step that must be completed at the inception of the contract and prior to moving on to step three of the model. As discussed in segment one on performance obligations, there are many types and variations of obligations and as such, management will be required to utilize significant judgment when applying this step. However,  it is important that the judgment be supported by considerations of the proper factors. The course further evaluates areas that impact performance obligations. We utilize multiple examples from various industries to illustrate the considerations that must be evaluated in line with both identifying performance obligations and allocating the transaction price appropriately.    

More Dates

This course examines the critical issues and special opportunities facing partnerships and their partners, with a focus on reporting tax basis capital accounts.   *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    

More Dates

Auditing entities that hold or transact digital assets (bold) Would you like to better understand the environment of digital asset transactions? Have you ever wondered if you should accept or continue a client engagement? This webcast will help you identify challenges, risks and factors to consider when deciding to accept or continue with a client who holds or transacts with digital assets. During the webcast and discussion, you will learn: The Digital Assets Working Group's mission and the process through which nonauthoritative guidance is developed What private keys are and ways to safeguard them and the digital assets to which they enable access About the rapidly evolving nature of the digital asset ecosystem that may lead to challenges when performing required procedures surrounding laws and regulations You will gain: Insight into the unique aspects of the risk assessment process when involved in the digital assets space Awareness of the pseudo-anonymous nature of digital asset transactions that may lead to challenges in performing required procedures surrounding related-party relationships and transactions with related parties You will also gain access to valuable resources: Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets Practice Aid Blockchain Universal Glossary Webcast: Accounting for Digital Assets under U.S. GAAP Digital Asset Resources

More Dates

The purpose of this program is to discuss the ethical mandates that govern the conduct of tax practitioners. The program focuses on the ethical pronouncements of the IRS in Circular 230, as well as the preparer penalty provisions set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Please note: This ethics course does not cover state-specific issues and so is not applicable in states that require ethics courses to include specific state laws and regulations. Please check with your state board prior to registering for this program if you are in doubt about whether this program satisfies your state's ethics requirements.

More Dates

Workplace harassment — especially sexual harassment — has dominated headlines in the last several years. With discussions of workplace harassment in the news, employees better understand their rights and feel more empowered to speak out, and the standard of appropriate workplace conduct is changing. With workplace harassment claims continuing to be filed at a steady pace with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, state agencies, and the courts, it is more important than ever to understand how to prevent and avoid harassment in the workplace.

More Dates

Accounting is a man-made science, built on principles that require a consistent framework to ensure comparability and reliability in practice. This course introduces participants to the FASB Conceptual Framework, which serves not only as the foundation for developing accounting standards but also as a guide for applying sound judgment in practice. Jeff Sailor will cover the key elements of the framework, focusing on recognition, measurement, qualitative characteristics, and disclosure requirements. The course will draw on all eight chapters of Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (Concept 8), bringing clarity to how the framework supports financial reporting. Jeff’s signature video parodies will also be featured, offering memorable reinforcement of the material. 

More Dates

Stay current on key developments affecting audit and attestation engagements with this comprehensive update on what's happening at the AICPA. This course begins with the next phase of quality management, with a particular focus on firms' monitoring and remediation responsibilities and what those requirements mean in practice. Participants will also review recent and upcoming standards impacting audit, attestation, and consulting engagements, including SSAE No. 24 and SSARS No. 26, along with high-impact exposure drafts related to confirmations and fraud. The course concludes with an overview of SAS No. 149 and its implications for group audits. Designed as a timely update for practitioners, this course helps participants understand how recent and proposed changes may affect engagement planning, execution, and compliance in the years ahead.  

More Dates

QuickBooks Online's (QBO) reporting capabilities represent the gold standard in financial software, yet most professionals only scratch the surface of its potential. This course reveals how to transform QBO into a reporting powerhouse, making any organization more efficient and accountants more valuable to their clients. Participants will discover how to customize standard reports, build sophisticated management reports that automatically update, and create tailored solutions that deliver exactly what clients need. The course demonstrates how professionals can automate routine reporting tasks, saving hours of manual work while delivering more insightful financial analysis. Beyond core functionality, participants will master advanced features like Spreadsheet Sync, QBO's powerful Excel integration tool that brings QuickBooks data directly into spreadsheets for unlimited analysis and data management. The course also covers various third-party tools and ODBC connections that extend QBO's capabilities. This knowledge transforms accountants into indispensable advisors, equipped to deliver precise, professional reports that meet any client's needs while streamlining their own workflow. Perfect for professionals ready to leverage QBO's full potential and provide exceptional value to their clients through advanced reporting solutions.

This course addresses frequently encountered disclosures associated with the preparation of private company financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), or a "Special Purpose Framework"; (SPF), such as cash or tax basis. Learn to research presentation and disclosure requirements and examples using the FASB Codification and other resources. Understand frequent disclosure requirements such as contingencies, risks and uncertainties, accounting policies, revenue recognition, leases, credit losses, impairment, fair value, and much more. Know the additional disclosure requirements needed when preparing private company financial statements using a special purpose framework, such as cash or tax basis. 

More Dates

In today's fast-paced financial environment, the line between right and wrong can often seem blurred. This course serves as a beacon for financial professionals, guiding them through the complexities of ethical decision making with clarity and practicality. Designed for those with a foundational understanding of finance ethics, this program leverages real-world case studies to dissect and understand ethical dilemmas, ensuring participants can apply these insights directly to their professional lives. Engaging content and persuasive delivery make it not just an educational investment but a crucial step towards safeguarding one's professional integrity and the trust of those they serve. Why attend? The course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of ethical behavior's critical role within the financial industry. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the professional code of ethics and conduct, including the new AICPA Ethics Codification, and explore the significant impact ethical and unethical conduct has on the profession. By the end, participants will be equipped with the tools to identify and rectify critical thinking errors related to ethical dilemmas, ensuring they are not just following the rules but leading with integrity. 

More Dates

Independence requirements are foundational to audit quality, yet they vary depending on the applicable regulatory and professional framework. This course provides a practical overview of auditor independence rules and highlights key similarities and differences across major standard setters and oversight bodies. Participants will review independence requirements issued by the AICPA, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Department of Labor (DOL), and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board / SEC. The course emphasizes common areas of confusion, nuanced differences among the frameworks, and considerations auditors should keep in mind when performing attest services for different types of clients. This overview course is designed to help auditors recognize which independence rules apply in various engagement scenarios and better position themselves to meet applicable independence requirements. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

More Dates

In today's world of "Big Data" every business professional is a data analyst to some extent. This is especially true for auditors, who increasingly rely on data analytics to identify situations that require follow-up and investigation. Those who master the tools and techniques for thorough data analysis can achieve superior results in less time. Join our dynamic session to unlock the full potential of data analytics! You'll explore various tools and techniques, including Excel, multiple Excel add-ins, and Microsoft's Power BI application. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or dive deeper into the world of data analytics, this course is designed for you. Our expert instructors will guide you through practical, real-world examples, ensuring you grasp the key concepts and apply them effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your data analysis skills and stay ahead in your field. Enroll now and transform your approach to data analytics!

More Dates

With the increasing complexity and ever-changing nature of tax laws and issues, today’s accountant needs a one-day update course focusing on individual income tax issues with an emphasis of newly enacted income tax legislation. This comprehensive class will not only review the current Federal individual income tax laws but will also update tax return preparers of new tax forms, changes to existing tax forms, as well as tax planning opportunities and pitfalls. This is a “must-attend” course for all tax practitioners who want to be up to speed quickly and have a successful Federal individual income tax filing season.   *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  

More Dates

This ACPEN Signature course is designed to assist CPAs who perform financial statement preparation, compilation, or review engagements. Our panelists will provide an in-depth analysis of the SSARS and will provide practice tips that will assist you in performing profitable standard-compliant engagements. The program also includes an ethics update, discussion of new Quality Management standards, and insights into emerging accounting and review hot topics impacting practitioners.  

More Dates

New Technology, the move toward telecommuting, the widespread adoption of electronic documentation, and a wide range of other factors have significantly and forever changed the way business is conducted. It should go without saying that changes in tools and methods lead to upheaval in any organizations internal control system. In this session, we look at all the changes that are occurring and discuss what's coming in the not too distant future. The material then looks at how internal controls have been affected and what other updates are on the horizon. Anyone trying to use controls to keep their organization efficient and secure should consider this session because the rate of change to both operational methods and control processes has been and will continue to be incredible. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

More Dates

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth discussion of selected advanced-level issues affecting LLCs and LLPs.

More Dates

Excel remains the most critical tool in any accounting professional's arsenal—but the platform keeps evolving, and most practitioners aren't tapping into even half of what's now possible. This specialized conference cuts through the noise to focus exclusively on Microsoft Excel's latest capabilities that matter most to your daily workflow. From dynamic arrays and LAMBDA functions to Power Query automation and modern data manipulation tools, you'll discover features that can genuinely transform how you work. These aren't theoretical exercises—they're real-world techniques you can implement immediately to handle larger datasets, reduce errors, and reclaim hours every week.Whether you're still relying on methods from five years ago or you're already pushing Excel's boundaries, these sessions will equip you with practical skills that make an immediate difference. With two opportunities to attend in 2026, you can choose the timing that works best or revisit the material as Excel continues its rapid evolution. Don't let your Excel knowledge stagnate while the platform races ahead.