CPE + Events Catalog

The benefits, and related risks, of utilizing new technology have never been greater for those in the accounting profession. From Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Audit Data Analytics (ADA) to cloud-based software solutions, our clients' technology landscape is rapidly changing. Accordingly, we, as accounting professionals, need to be on the forefront of these changes, including having a firm understanding of the risks associated with the use of these tools. In this course, we'll review these trends, highlight new and emerging products, such as ChatGPT, and focus on cybersecurity risks and best practices that will allow accounting professionals to help our clients navigate these exciting but challenging times. Plus, we'll review the relevant guidance on audit evidence found in SAS 142, which guides our use of technology on our professional engagements.

Never have the benefits, and related risks, of utilizing new technology been greater for those in the accounting profession. From Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation(RPA), and Audit Data Analytics (ADA) to cloud-based software solutions, our clients' technology landscape is rapidly changing. Accordingly, we, as accounting professionals, need to be on the forefront of these changes, including having a firm understanding of the risks associated with the use of these tools. In this course, we'll review these trends, highlight new and emerging products, and focus on cyber-security risks and best practices that will allow accounting professionals to help our clients navigate these exciting but challenging times. Plus, we'll review the newly issued guidance on audit evidence found in SAS 142, which guides our use of technology on our professional engagements.

The risk assessment process requires the auditor to understand internal controls over financial reporting and report deficiencies to management and those charged with governance as defined by professional standards. Auditors may be also required or decide to test internal controls for effectiveness. This module builds on the previous module on internal control extending the participant's skills to effective and efficient testing of internal controls and communicating deficiencies. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 3.)

Transform your Excel skills with our comprehensive training program, designed for users at all levels seeking to master the full suite of Excel capabilities. From powerful data analysis tools like PivotTables and advanced functions such as XLOOKUP, to the nuances of data validations and conditional formatting, this course offers a deep dive into Excel's most impactful features. Whether you're streamlining complex data sets, enhancing your reporting skills, or just looking to boost your productivity, this session provides the insights and techniques you need to leverage Excel to its fullest potential, making it an indispensable tool in your professional or personal toolkit.

This course is designed to help you proceed and succeed in preparing meaningful financial statements for nonprofit organizations. Learn the requirements and options allowed to nonprofits in conveying financial information to donors, creditors, grantors, and others.

A significant number of projects fail to achieve their initial goals and/or are not completed within budget and their original timetable. As a team member, a CMA has a unique skill set and experiences to assist in project management. In addition to their analytical training and knowledge of budgets and controls, they typically have ongoing contacts with other professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Familiar analytical tools/techniques can be applied to managing projects. This brief program is designed to aid both experienced and less experienced participants in increasing their knowledge of, and comfort with, the steps and skills needed for success.

Liquidations may be used as an alternative to the sale of a business or as an adjunct to the sale of business assets. The objective of this course is to fully explore the technical tax and business issues in liquidating C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. This unique course is essential for anyone planning to sell a business.

Employment taxes are often overlooked as an area where more planning may be effective. Payroll taxes have become an increasing burden for the average business, and IRS penalties for noncompliance have risen dramatically in recent years. They have also been subject to employer incentives. The Service has announced that uncovering noncompliance by employers ranks high on its audit list. This course presents a comprehensive overview of federal payroll taxes, Form 1099, and related compliance issues.

Employment taxes are often overlooked as an area where more planning may be effective. Payroll taxes have become an increasing burden for the average business, and IRS penalties for noncompliance have risen dramatically in recent years. They have also been subject to employer incentives. The Service has announced that uncovering noncompliance by employers ranks high on its audit list. This course presents a comprehensive overview of federal payroll taxes, Form 1099, and related compliance issues.

The use of trusts will continue to undergo changes in the current year. Clients need to be informed why planning is essential in these changing times. The purpose of this course is to explore the many beneficial issues of trusts, an essential element in estate planning. This course gives insights and practical pointers concerning trusts of every shape and size after tax reform. Clients will be eager to review their estate plans in light of recent and proposed legislation.

This course provides a deep dive into SEC Form 10-K. This course addresses the key requirements and regulatory aspects, including filing deadlines and their significance for investors. This course also addresses the financial statements section, covering the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and footnote disclosures, along with best practices for preparation. The course also focuses on the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section, exploring its importance in the explanation of financial results and addressing common drafting challenges. Finally, this course discusses risk factors, internal controls, and corporate governance disclosures, highlighting their role in enhancing transparency.

With the largest overhaul of the federal income tax code in 30 years and the repeal of the physical presence nexus standards for sales tax in the Wayfair case, the states are working fast and furious to overhaul their tax laws. As some states scramble to fund their budgets, they continue to look for additional forms of revenue. Plan to attend this fast-paced class that covers developing topics in state taxation, ranging from individuals to pass-through entities to corporate taxpayers. This class will focus on issues of small and middle-market companies and offer guidance for minimizing tax liability and negotiating the treacherous waters of compliance.

With the largest overhaul of the federal income tax code in 30 years and the repeal of the physical presence nexus standards for sales tax in the Wayfair case, the states are working fast and furious to overhaul their tax laws. As some states scramble to fund their budgets, they continue to look for additional forms of revenue. Plan to attend this fast-paced class that covers developing topics in state taxation, ranging from individuals to pass-through entities to corporate taxpayers. This class will focus on issues of small and middle-market companies and offer guidance for minimizing tax liability and negotiating the treacherous waters of compliance.

In the ever-evolving world of data analysis and office productivity, Microsoft Excel remains at the forefront, continuously introducing new and powerful features. This comprehensive course is designed to familiarize participants with the most recent and significant updates in Excel as well as some old favorites. This course offers an in-depth exploration of these features, ensuring learners can harness their full potential for the efficient and innovative use of Excel.

With the constant churning of governmental accounting standards, now is the time to know more than just what the standards say; we need to know what they mean and how they will affect governmental entities. This course is designed to do just that! The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 15 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the most critical challenges in governmental accounting today.

With the constant churning of governmental accounting standards, now is the time to know more than just what the standards say; we need to know what they mean and how they will affect governmental entities. This course is designed to do just that! The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 15 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the most critical challenges in governmental accounting today.

Not-for-profit entities have recently applied critical new standards related to contributions of nonfinancial assets, leases, and more. Now is the time to know more than just what the standards say - we need to know what they mean and how they will affect not-for-profit entities. This course is designed to do just that! The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 15 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the challenges in not-for-profit accounting.

In recent years, not-for-profits have applied critical new standards related to contributions of nonfinancial assets, leases, and more. However, with all the focus on the new stuff, have we forgotten any of the old stuff? FASB ASC 958 has a great deal to say about various accounting and reporting issues in the form of its implementation guidance and illustrations. Not knowing this guidance can result in lost time and erroneous applications of GAAP. In this course, we will review some of the most critical illustrative not-for-profit guidance issued by the FASB.

The recent pandemic showed us one very important thing: the nimble business was in a far better position to change quickly and survive. Some organizations are nimbler, but why? The reason is that they know that change will happen quickly, and they specifically plan for that change. This program will take a look at planning and direct the participant into a planning system that is established to handle change more quickly.

We see multiple stories about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its entry into our lives in the form of AI tools, including ChatGPT. They seem to be everywhere. It is difficult to overstate how much things will change with the rise of these new technologies, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to execute them correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper adoption of these technologies and tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful implementation and use. This course will define the state of AI tools, what benefits and risks exist, and which steps to take to begin adopting these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that AI will destroy industries, and more likely that companies that embrace AI will overtake those companies that do not.