Professional Development and Event Catalog

In today's interconnected world, safeguarding information systems is crucial. This course offers a deep dive into information security and privacy principles with a focus on modern cybersecurity threats tied to cloud environments, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile technologies. The course will also cover data protection during application development. Taking this course will equip accounting professionals with the knowledge to lead in cybersecurity strategy.

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Will we ever get used to the rapid pace of change? Is our organization changing as fast as society? These are just some of the questions that must be asked and will be discussed in this program. Forecasting and budgeting are two words that often draw an adverse reaction from many financial professionals; let us help you turn that upside down with our innovative approach to planning and budgeting. Recent changes in our economy have shown us that our planning process must be far nimbler and allow our organization to shift rapidly. We'll move beyond the traditional techniques and show you easier ways to complete the process while cutting out the political pitfalls that end up causing a lack of accountability and can be demotivating to the staff. During the seminar we will cover such topics as the sales/income plan, capital equipment planning, the "one-year operating plan" (formerly referred to as a budget), the "monthly operating plan," cash planning, risk planning, and much more! Join us for this seminar as we help you streamline your forecasting and budgeting processes, which turns into a win-win for the employees and the organization.

Planning may be one of the most important assignments of the finance professional; however, it is often accomplished in a way that can harm the organization. In many cases, huge sums are spent only to have a planning document developed that does not serve to bring the company together, but rather causes internal division. In some situations the budget can actually harm both productivity and alignment. This course is designed to bring planning, budgeting, and forecasting together into one fully aligned process that is easier, more efficient, and fully engages all parts of the organization. Rather than the plan being owned by the finance department, it is owned and followed by everyone from the CEO to the entry-level employee.

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Planning may be one of the most important assignments of the finance professional; however, it is often accomplished in a way that can harm the organization. In many cases, huge sums are spent only to have a planning document developed that does not serve to bring the company together, but rather causes internal division. In some situations the budget can actually harm both productivity and alignment. This course is designed to bring planning, budgeting, and forecasting together into one fully aligned process that is easier, more efficient, and fully engages all parts of the organization. Rather than the plan being owned by the finance department, it is owned and followed by everyone from the CEO to the entry-level employee.

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Companies that fall victim to fraud schemes need to reassess internal controls in order to prevent future fraudulent activity. In this course, we will review the 18 most prevalent internal controls present as well as designed and operating effectively according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations. Then we will tie these controls to the 17 internal control principles offered by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), the framework used by virtually all entities and auditors to assess the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls. Lastly, we will consider the impact of the 2020 pandemic on the internal control environment in the post-COVID pandemic era.

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Companies that fall victim to fraud schemes need to reassess internal controls in order to prevent future fraudulent activity. In this course, we will review the 18 most prevalent internal controls that should be present (as well as designed and operating effectively) in order to prevent future frauds. These controls are taken from Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' Report to the Nations: 2020 Global Study on Occupational Fraud and Abuse. Then we will tie these controls to the 17 internal control principles offered by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), the framework used by virtually all entities and auditors to assess the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls. Lastly, we will consider the impact of the 2020 pandemic on internal controls in the coming era.

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Globalization continues to make it easier for taxpayers to live abroad, do business in other countries, or invest in foreign enterprises. This creates significant complications and tax planning opportunities when it comes to filing U.S. tax returns. This course provides an overview of the unique tax challenges and solutions presented to U.S. expats or investors living or investing abroad. It examines how foreign-source income is taxed in the U.S. and how the tax consequences could be mitigated by applying the tax treaties, claiming credit for foreign taxes paid, or excluding foreign-earned income. Additionally, the course discusses the numerous foreign informational form reporting requirements and the significant penalties that could be imposed by the IRS. Examples from real-life client scenarios are included.

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This course introduces the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI's relevance to accounting. Participants will explore various AI applications and understand the benefits, challenges, and future trends associated with AI integration in accounting. Case studies of successful AI implementation in accounting firms are included to enhance learning.

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Forensic accounting encompasses fraud investigation and prevention, as well as a wide variety of functions in litigation. Forensic accountants provide services ranging from serving as an expert witness, to litigation consultant and bankruptcy trustee. As our economy grows more complex, the need for forensic accountants grows as well. One critical role of the forensic accountant is exposing and examining financial fraud. Technology expands the way companies conduct business; however, technology also provides greater opportunities for those willing to commit fraud. Forensic accountants rely on their skills in accounting, coupled with their investigative skills, to explain to clients, courts, and jurors how fraudulent schemes occur and the effect caused by fraud. Forensic accountants also provide expert opinions in calculating damages in litigation and administering bankruptcy estates, as well as a host of other services.

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Learn the essentials of single audits in clear, manageable steps. This course introduces key requirements under the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards and helps you build the confidence to perform single audits efficiently and effectively.

Financial statement auditors are engaged to provide reasonable assurance that financial statements are not materially misstated, whether due to fraud or error. Professional standards require auditors to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to support that opinion. It is critical for effective and efficient auditors to have a clear understanding of all the important elements and concepts related to a financial statement audit. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 1.)

If you work with governments or not-for-profits, understanding the Yellow Book is a must. This beginner-friendly course breaks the requirements down into clear, manageable concepts, helping you build a solid foundation, boost your confidence, and perform Yellow Book audits with ease.

The IRS began replenishing its workforce with the additional funding only to have to terminate workers or lay them off due to mandated federal workforce reductions. The IRS trains its audit workforce by examining the tax returns of individuals and small businesses. As the IRS continues to examine tax returns, 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.

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Although the Inflation Reduction Act increased the IRS budget, Congress continues to battle about whether this funding will be continued. The IRS began replenishing its workforce with the additional funding only to have to terminate workers or lay them off due to mandated federal workforce reductions. The IRS trains its audit workforce by examining the tax returns of individuals and small businesses. As the IRS continues to examine tax returns, 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.

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This course covers the key components of IT governance and risk management through interactive discussions and hands-on activities. By the end of the course, participants will have a thorough understanding of the function of IT governance within an organization, including roles and responsibilities and key frameworks. In addition, participants will learn about IT risk identification and assessment methods and IT general and application controls. Business process management and change management will also be discussed.

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Explore the critical intersections between information technology (IT) systems and data management through this specialized CPE course for accounting professionals. This session covers business resiliency and disaster recovery strategies, change management processes, and much more. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to enhance their organization's IT framework while ensuring robust data collection and storage. Equip yourself to oversee IT systems with confidence and reinforce data integrity and system availability.

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Many of our clients are pass-through entities for which many of the general business strategies are subject to additional limitations. To provide the tax planning strategies for closely held business clients that will bring more revenue, this course focuses on the special concerns and techniques the practitioner needs to thrive in this market.

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Many of our clients are pass-through entities for which many of the general business strategies are subject to additional limitations. To provide the tax planning strategies for closely held business clients that will bring more revenue, this course focuses on the special concerns and techniques the practitioner needs to thrive in this market.

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This year is indeed another year of significant change in the world of governmental accounting and auditing. Time is valuable, and it's hard to stay current in today's rapidly changing environment. Let us save you time and effort in staying current through this informative update course. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 20 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the latest developments in governmental accounting and auditing.

This year is indeed another year of significant change in the world of government and nonprofit accounting and auditing. Time is valuable, and it's hard to stay current in today's rapidly changing environment. Let us save you time and effort in staying current through this informative update course. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 25 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the latest developments in government and nonprofit accounting and auditing.

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