CPE Catalog & Events

" For the past thirty years the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has devoted considerable?time and other?resources to developing a comprehensive set of?Best Practices?for all of the major aspects of state and local government finance. This session will focus on those GFOA Best Practices of special interest to accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and budgeting professionals. The GFOA Best Practices course is designed for accounting and auditing professionals who provide services to state or local governments."

Many leaders in finance and accounting organizations describe their passage from technical expert to financial leadership positions as a modern-day version of trial by ordeal. It's sink or swim. The good news -there is a better way. Leaders development through a set of clearly defined stages that require different ways of thinking, different perspectives, and new skills. This workshop lays out the roadmap for professional development that applies to every CPA and finance and accounting professional that wants to advance their career and create a favorable impact on the organization. Note: This is available in a 2-hour on-demand format

Get a solid understanding of financial forensics The Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program covers those areas representative of the AICPA's Body of Knowledge in the financial forensics area. This certificate program is tailored to provide an introduction to financial forensics and help you become familiar with the forensic accountant's professional responsibility. It provides a foundational knowledge of: The legal system How to plan and prepare a forensic engagement Gathering information Discovery Reporting Providing expert testimony This online CPE self-study certificate program consists of 19 required modules that utilize interactive scenario-based learning, including audio and video animation, to guide you through the concepts. As of March 25, 2019, those who successfully complete all the courses in the curriculum will receive a digital badge to be proudly displayed anywhere on the web-a personal blog, a social network like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Mozilla Open Badges, a biographical page on a company website, or an online resume. For more information digital badges, visit Digital Badges. Courses Include AICPA Guidance for the Forensic Engagement Understanding the Forensic Accountant Role Understanding the Basic Structure of the Legal System Managing the Forensic Engagement Identifying and Obtaining Evidence Conducting Effective Interviews Common Investigative Techniques Deposition and Testimony Reporting Requirements & Preparing Sustainable Reports Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Reorganization Leveraging Technology in Forensic Engagements Economic Damages in Business Economic Damages for Individuals: A CPA's Role Economic Damages for Individuals: Case Studies and Analysis Calculating Intellectual Property Infringement Damages Family Law Engagements Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Response Financial Statement Fraud and Asset Misappropriation Valuations in Litigation Matters

All about governmental accounting Learn the fundamentals Understand the purpose of governmental accounting -analyzing, recording, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting the financial transactions of governments - and how it differs from accounting for the for-profit sector. Accountability Learn how governments use budgets to show that they spent resources only for purposes approved by our elected officials. Learn how governments use fund financial reports to report assets they hold that belong to others. Details Learn details about the construction and content of financial reports for governments of various sizes and level of services provided. Understand how proprietary funds are used to account for a government's business-type activities. Understand the relationship among the government environment and GAAP; budgeting; and measurement focus and basis of accounting. Application See how the tenets are applied using real-life examples of a comprehensive annual financial report, financial statements, and updates of recent Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards.

Fund accounting and reporting Using funds Understand how revenues and expenditures are recognized and recorded in governmental funds. Understand how proprietary funds are used to account for a government's business-type activities. Understand how governments use funds to provide financial information and report the activities of assets held for others. Learn how fund financial statements provide important information - how much was received, spent, and what remains - on how the separate components of a government performed for the year.

Please join us for a introductory course on the fundamentals of preparing and filing an individual federal income tax return. We will cover topics such as what the federal income tax is and how it is computed. This course is ideal for CPAs, CFPs, EAs and other tax preparers.

Accredited by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), this online self-study certificate program will ensure you understand the benefits of Integrated Reporting for your organization, develop your knowledge of the IIRC's International Framework and prepare you to successfully implement Integrated Reporting. Enhanced On-Demand Format This product includes a course manual, plus a narrated PowerPoint video presentation delivered by Samantha Griffiths BSc (Hons), MBA, FCCA. The presentation is split into twelve separate segments relating to the chapters within the manual. This product is designed to be used by first watching the specific video segment, and then, returning to the course manual to read the relevant chapter. This product is licensed by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and requires the completion of an IIRC survey (to be sent by us) in order to obtain a certificate from the IIRC.

Budgets are a control mechanism. This course outlines the rationale for and against different methodologies that can be used when preparing budgets in the current economic and technological climate. In line with strategic objectives, organisations use budgeting as the most widely used standard device for planning and control. This course will give you the fundamentals of the budgeting process and budgetary control. Acquire new skills to demonstrate proficiency: Overview of approaches to budget preparation How to use budget to exercise control Importance of flexed budgets in budgetary control Gain experience with detailed exercises. The practical hands-on exercise uses real-world examples, and they are designed to give you real-world knowledge on how to apply daily cost accounting principles. This is a standalone course but if you're interested in more of this type of learning while earning a designation, explore the CGMAr Finance Leadership Program.

Companies operating in today's business climate are weathering a storm of major FASB updates. Companies and their advisors may want to consider non-GAAP options as they develop strategies involving revenue recognition, leasing, credit losses, and other FASB pronouncements. This session will provide an overview of special purpose frameworks that may present salient alternatives to U.S. GAAP for certain entities.

Government leases are getting an overhaul. GASB Statement 87 was issued in 2017 and provides an update on the proper accounting for leases from both the lessee and lessor points-of-view.

Do you feel that you are multi-tasking more and getting less done? Do you work harder and longer and your "To-Do" list never gets any shorter? Well it's time to work smarter, not harder; work less and get more done! This session will review the challenges with time management and the lies told that don't work. We will cover solutions that are both personal and universal, and tactical and practical to power-up your productivity and leave you with more time for the important things in life – family, friends, and fun!

Don't let recent developments slip by you. Understand the latest on governmental accounting and auditing with this fast-paced interactive course that analyzes the GASB requirements for governments and provides an understanding of OMB and Yellow Book requirements.

This CPE course can be purchased individually or as part of the Retirement Planning Certificate Program. The SECURE Act is the first major legislation to revamp retirement plans in over a decade. The provisions and planning strategies to help your clients avoid unintended tax consequences on their estate and retirement plans have been implemented into this learning program. Are you ready to help your clients set realistic expectations and goals? In this narrated PowerPoint video, moderator Tom Tillery will examine Governmental Plans, Qualified Retirement Plans, and Other Employer Retirement Plans, including: Section 401(a) plans, Section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity plans, and Section 457 deferred compensation plans. In addition, the two types of qualified plans covered in this course are defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans, along with the three most common defined benefit plans (traditional defined benefit plan, a cash balance pension plan, and a 412(i) plan). Finally, in Part Four, we cover IRAs, Keogh plans and other plans for the self-employed, SIMPLE plans, and non-qualified plans. Note: This course has been updated for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform"). Moderator, Tom Tillery Thomas Neal Tillery, CFPr, AEPr, CLUr, ChFCr, CRPCr, LUTCF is Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Parakleter Financial, Inc. Parakleter provides integrated fee-for-service financial planning without asset management or product sales. Enhanced On-Demand Format This on-demand format utilizes a slide deck format, enhanced with narration and interactive exercises that are designed to increase the level of engagement and hands-on application. Drag and drop exercises, case studies, and interactive diagrams are some examples of the interactive exercises that are used to supplement traditional instruction in this learning experience.

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 CPE course can be purchased individually or as part of the Risk Management and Insurance Planning Certificate Program. Employee benefits packages are critical elements in the data-gathering phase in personal financial planning, including everything from gym memberships to education reimbursement and from transportation incentives to free meals. This can be confusing, but when correctly applied, these benefits can form the foundation of a client's personal financial plan. In this audiovisual CPE course, Tom Tillery explains group insurance and employee benefits, so you can help your employer clients navigate the complex maze and create a competitive advantage.

There are multiple tangible and intangible factors that can drive a CPA Firm's long-term success. Specifically, public accountants must place a priority on being both efficient and value-added business advisors when performing audit and other services. This course provides proven tips and techniques for ensuring your firm has the capacity to grow and expand your "business" from within in a healthy way, considering how to improve in three key areas: financial success, satisfaction of people, and outstanding client service.

Stay ahead of the competition. In this course, you will learn market-driven approaches to do the following: Consider your organisation's growth strategies and decide a sustainable strategy. Apply a proactive approach to remain competitive. Promote the achievement of medium- and long-term business goals. Key topics: Growth matrix Market penetration Competitive advantage Put your learning into practice. Detailed exercises and case studies will enable you to: Apply important growth strategies and learning techniques for continued business improvement and Acquire a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of growth strategies and your finance business partnering role. This is a standalone course but if you're interested in more of this type of learning while earning a designation, explore the CGMAr Finance Leadership Program.

You hear it all the time. Financial products are becoming more complex. Diversification has changed. Our approach to investing has changed. What does all this mean? In this course, we will explore how investment theory has changed over time from Markowitz to Factor Investing. Using examples and practical applications, we will talk about how our modern notions of portfolio building have developed throughout history.

Many small to medium sized companies do not properly address the risk that arises related to fraud because these organizations do not have the resources needed to mitigate this risk or because owners or those in top level management underestimate the scope of the issue. All organizations, regardless of size, must be aware of the risks associated with intentional fraudulent acts and know that a significant and effective fraud scheme could even create going concern issues for some entities. In this session, we delve into the reasons that fraud takes place. The material discusses the types of defalcations that are often executed against smaller entities and then explores measures that organizations can implement to help stop fraud activities and add security.