CPE + Events Catalog

The growing interest in private equity in accounting reflects a shift towards new growth opportunities, strategic investments, and competitive positioning within the industry. Allan Kotlin, CEO of Kotlin Consulting Group, addresses the growing role of private equity in the accounting industry and explores challenges in mergers and acquisitions, including the importance of cultural fit and leadership decisions. This includes discussion of how private equity affects profitability as well as strategies for staying competitive, such as mergers, private equity rollups, and partnering with big firms. He also covers how generational conflicts and changes in compensation impact younger partners.

Revenue recognition continues to be a top compliance and advisory issue for CPAs in the construction industry. This session will dive into the complexities of ASC 606, including common pitfalls in contract modifications, variable consideration, and performance obligations. Real-world case studies will illustrate best practices for implementation and ongoing management. This session was recorded on March 25, 2025 for CalCPA's Construction Management Conference.

Revenue involves significant risks that warrant special consideration during audits. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued a new standard - "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" that replaces most industry-specific revenue recognition requirements in US GAAP. A new principles-based, five-step revenue recognition model now applies. Recent disclosures of qualitative and quantitative information, significant judgments, and changes in judgments are also required. New systems, processes, and controls may be needed. Poor design or implementation may pose heightened risks of material misstatement, including those due to fraud.

In this course, we will explore how auditors identify and assess the risks of material misstatements by gaining a comprehensive understanding of privately owned companies and their unique challenges. Key questions we will address include: Are identifiable controls in place? Do owners and managers actively promote compliance with company policies? Have they documented these controls and effectively communicated them to staff? Are these controls observable and testable for operating effectiveness? Additionally, do owners and managers monitor employee performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the controls implemented?

Robotic process automation (RPA) possesses several features that may give rise to similar but also new adoption effects (both benefits and challenges) relative to other information technology (IT) implementations. This study adds to the accounting and emerging technologies literature by examining the beginning-to-end process through which RPA is implemented in the accounting function. We adopt an exploratory and case-centered research methodology based on a mature RPA implementation in an accounting setting. We further corroborate it with interviews with subject matter experts and compare it with another case study of an early-stage RPA implementation. We identify five themes related to RPA adoption in accounting functions: workforce, IT governance, privacy and security, system sustainability, and the measurement of RPA success. We'll also present key takeaways that may support effective RPA adoption in accounting.

This course provides an overview of non-GAAP financial measures with a particular emphasis on comments from the SEC, the FASB, as well as comment letter analysis from several of the Big 4 accounting firms. Non-GAAP financial measures continue to rank at the top of the most frequent comment letters issued by the SEC. As a result, it's important to understand the guidance with respect to these measures to ensure that a company's financial statements remain GAAP compliant and are not misleading. Speaker/Author: Kelen F. Camehl, CPA, MBA

As the liquidating trustee, Jeremiah Foster and Resolute were responsible for the dissolution of Shoot the Moon, a restaurant group operating across three states with fifteen franchises. Through forensic accounting, they identified various financial irregularities over a five-year period, including a kiting scheme, a Ponzi scheme, and merchant cash advance lending activities. In this case study, Mr. Foster will detail the process, his role, and the fiduciary duties of a trustee, providing valuable insights into the complexities of managing such a significant financial undertaking. This session was recorded on March 20, 2024 at the 2024 Fraud & Forensic Accounting Virtual Conference.

Entities relying on agreed-upon procedures engagements must understand key enhancements in SSAE No. 19 to better tailor reporting, broaden distribution, and address evolving subject matters. Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA, of SEK CPAs & Advisors explains how removing the need for pre-specified parties, allowing general-use reports, and enabling CPAs to develop procedures helps smaller entities optimize cost-effectiveness while ensuring independence, high-quality documentation, and pertinent findings.

Big changes are coming'are you ready - By December 15, 2025, firms must comply with the new Statement on Quality Management Standards (SQMS). Understanding these requirements is the critical first step toward implementation. This on-demand course breaks down the most significant SQMS requirements, helping you navigate the changes with confidence. With the deadline fast approaching, don't wait to prepare'get the insights you need to ensure compliance and strengthen your firm's quality management system today.

Are you ready to excel in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and advance your career in accounting? This course will provide you with the essential tools and knowledge needed to succeed in this demanding examination. You will explore the key components of the CPA exam, including its structure, sections, and time allocations. Additionally, you will learn effective exam preparation strategies and techniques to overcome exam anxiety. The course will also cover strategies for mastering complex topics, test-taking approaches, and actionable takeaways that will enhance your confidence and readiness. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the CPA exam and take significant steps toward achieving your professional goals in accounting.

Surveys and field studies find that diverse teams are high-performing teams. Diverse teams value different perspectives and encourage the participation of team members through psychological safety, leading to higher team performance. Team diversity is an office-level characteristic, that is distinguishable from other characteristics studied in prior auditing literature, that has an incremental effect on audit quality. The positive association between team diversity and audit quality is robust to controlling other audit office and client characteristics. This positive association is even stronger for more complex and non-routine audit engagements.

This study uses difference-in-differences (DiD) analyses to examine the consequences of adopting the U.S. critical audit matter (CAM) disclosure requirement for preparers and users of financial reports. The CAM requirement is one of the largest expansions of the U.S. audit report since the 1940s. We document significant changes to financial statement footnotes referenced by CAMs, which suggests an indirect consequence where management disclosure changes in areas that are expected to be scrutinized following auditor-provided disclosure. Results also suggest that, on average, CAM disclosures do not provide incremental information to the market. To further examine market reaction, we develop well-specified prediction models for the expected number and subject areas of CAMs. We find limited initial evidence that the market reacts negatively when unexpected CAMs are disclosed. Overall, the findings provide insights on the new CAM standard and particularly demonstrate its relevance to management disclosure decisions and to the market.

Benefit plan audits, a material but less understood public accounting service, represent a non-audit service that is - audit-related. - We explore the implications of benefit plan audits for the financial statement audit and find that performing a benefit plan audit for a company significantly increases the likelihood that the firm will be selected as a company's financial statement auditor in the future, particularly for smaller audit firms. Companies that engage the same audit firm for both their benefit plan and financial statement audits have a significantly lower likelihood of misstatements and shorter audit report lags. There is also evidence consistent with the joint provision of these services creating greater bonding and higher switching costs for the financial statement audit. The findings speak to the continued debate over the effective market expansion of financial statement audit providers, audit quality determinants, and audit efficiencies.

Despite the growing interest in blockchain (BC) technology, recent research shows mixed perceptions due to its risks and returns. We utilize event study methodology to examine overall market reactions and to delineate how specific contexts associated with BC technology influence market reactions. Using 149 BC technology adoptions announced between January 2015 and December 2019, we find positive abnormal returns, reflecting investors - optimistic perception toward BC technology adoption. Specifically, we find that abnormal returns from BC technology are higher when used in a transformative strategic role and offered by leading vendors, suggesting that investors view this adoption as a value-enhancing activity. Our results are robust to the use of an alternative sample and different methods of measuring variables. Overall, our study provides insights for academics and practitioners to better understand the market value of BC technology adoptions.

A compelling narrative of Tom Hardin's Tipper X experience, offering vital lessons in ethics tailored for the accounting profession. By intertwining personal experiences with practical insights, this session seeks to clarify the intricacies of ethical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in professional practice. This session was recorded on March 19, 2024 at the 2024 Fraud & Forensic Accounting Virtual Conference.

After this session examining the psychology of investigators and perpetrators, you'll never think about fraud the same way again. This story-based presentation will use first-hand accounts and the latest research to show why some traditional investigational practices are more harmful than helpful. This course exposes myths and dangers lurking in our assumptions about fraud. We'll explore misunderstandings about skepticism and learn how auditors and investigators may unwittingly assist the same fraud schemes they are trying to thwart. We will challenge the industry's "sacred cows" and help develop more effective thinking approaches for fraud investigation, detection and deterrence.

The tone at the top defines the foundation of a good company. It's also a hallmark of a company with fraud. What are the red flags? What difference can the CFO make? The recent focus on social responsibility impacts accounting. Meanwhile, investors and employees are reshaping business practices. Review fraud case studies examine corporate culture and the impact of executive personnel and master risk mitigation for organizations of all sizes.

This course provides CPAs with a thorough understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, regulations, and their evolution. It explores the historical context and development of ESG, examines materiality and standardization, and covers recent regulatory developments, including the SEC's climate-related disclosure rules and California's Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to navigate the evolving ESG landscape, enhancing their ability to provide informed accounting services in this dynamic field.

Accounting and audit professionals need a clear understanding of SOC reports to manage risk and evaluate third-party providers. Jared James, CPA and IT security specialist, shares his SOC expertise in interpreting auditor opinions, control testing, and system descriptions with confidence.

Earn CPE credits while mastering fraud detection with Red Flag Mania's When We Prey Bundle! Level up your professional development and anti-fraud expertise with this comprehensive self-study program for busy professionals. This CPE credit-eligible bundle offers an immersive learning experience, allowing you to earn valuable continuing professional education credits while becoming a fraud-fighting champion. The When We Prey Bundle combines the power of Red Flag Mania's top-rated on-demand programs: Culture Dash : Sharpen your ethical compass and confidently navigate real-world ethical dilemmas through a whodunnit mystery. Audit Challenge : Step into the shoes of a real auditor, investigate a fraud case, and gain practical experience in control testing. Fraud Scheme Hunt : Develop a keen eye for identifying and understanding how to unravel different fraud schemes. Here's what you'll gain: In-depth knowledge of fraud schemes and detection strategies. Hone your skills in recognizing ethical issues within a scenario. Enhanced audit and investigative skills through gamified learning. CPE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements. The When We Prey Bundle is your one-stop shop for mastering fraud prevention and ethical decision-making. Invest in your professional growth and become a valuable asset to your organization. Enroll today and earn CPE credits while becoming an ethical leader, audit pro, and fraud fighter! These courses are produced by Red Flag Mania.