CPE & Event Calendar

Arguably the most discussed topics to come out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are the taxation of tips and overtime. Practitioners need to understand these provisions now, as they are effective for 2025 tax returns. This program provides practitioners with the background currently available to advise clients regarding these two important tax developments. Both employers and employees need to understand these timely changes to taxation.

Proper financial accounting for S corporations involves adhering to specific accounting principles and tax regulations designed for this unique business structure.  This course examines the proper financial accounting for S Corporations.

When forensic accountants are hired to conduct an analysis and investigations, they are commonly expected to write a report. This report can be short or long, depending on the circumstances. This presentation is how to write an effective expert report that will withstand scrutiny of both parties of litigation and the court. The presentation will also include best practices, ethics, and components of an effective report. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

The objective of this course is to train new staff accountants, data processing employees, paraprofessionals, and bookkeepers to prepare a moderately complex federal individual income tax return (Form 1040). Over the years, thousands of new staff have received practical, hands-on experience to become familiar with tax forms. This course covers the latest tax law changes, making it essential for your new staff.

This course is an updated overview of the single audit of state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations under the OMB Unified Circular, as well as the applicable AICPA standards for compliance audits. 

Small to medium-sized companies often fail to address fraud-related risks adequately. Often, organizations lack the resources needed to mitigate this risk. In other cases, owners or senior management underestimate the scope of the issue. Regardless of size, all organizations must be aware of the risks associated with intentional fraud. We'll explore why fraud occurs, examining defalcations often used against smaller entities. Then, review measures that organizations can implement to increase security and stop fraud.

Taxation of real estate and homebuilding activities has been subject to IRS scrutiny, primarily regarding compliance with cost capitalization issues and revenue recognition, including the costing out of units sold. This course provides an in-depth analysis of tax accounting methods for various real estate and homebuilding activities, including the application of IRC Section 263A (capitalization and inclusion in inventory costs of certain expenses) and IRC Section 461 (the general rule for the taxable year of deduction). This program will provide clear insights into approaching compliance with costing rules, avoiding IRS audit adjustments, and obtaining the most beneficial tax results for the home builder/developer.

To make more money in less time, all accountants need to learn to market themselves effectively to their clients or their firm. For better or worse, promotions and more money go to those who are the best marketers, rather than the most competent accountants.  In this fascinating and fun workshop, participants will learn seven key ways to get more clients and/or promotions through the art of marketing.

This course explores the tests used to determine whether a worker is properly characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for tax purposes, with a focus on the cost of getting it wrong and possible Section 530 relief.  The game changing impact of the Dynamex case and AB5 will also be discussed.    *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      

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the "vision" capabilities of ChatGPT specifically tailored for accountants. The session demonstrates how artificial intelligence can interpret and analyze visual content to revolutionize financial management. The curriculum covers a wide range of applications, from understanding GPT Vision and its unique benefits to leveraging aerial and street view imagery for comprehensive financial analysis. Through detailed case studies, participants will learn how to access and utilize GPT Vision effectively, incorporating it into tasks like data visualization, text and object recognition from images, and the use of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive (DDPP) analysis methods to enhance decision-making processes. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Tax credit and incentive programs offer significant but rarely utilized savings. This presentation will introduce the most important federal and California tax credits and incentives available to business taxpayers. Attendees will hear an overview of these benefits and learn how to identify these opportunities for their clients.

Discusses the Functional Approach to Employee Benefit Plan design and provides HR professionals with a clear blueprint on how to develop a benefits strategy that is aimed at addressing employee needs. The unit will also identify pathways to develop communication strategies to ensure employees view benefit programs as compensation. The end of the unit will introduce some of the different medical plan types and how they vary in terms of how total rewards are delivered.

ProActive Response Group's Active Shooter Response Training course educates participants in current trends of active shooter incidents, how to recognize early warning signs of violence, appropriate actions to increase chances of survival in an active shooter event, and how to use basic medical equipment to save the lives of victims.   *****(Warning: This video contains simulated graphic scenes that some viewers may find disturbing)*****

Microsoft Excel is perhaps the most used business application today. Yet, many Excel users remain bogged down in yesterday's spreadsheet practices. Participate in this session to master ten terrific features you should use to enhance your productivity with Excel.

This professional development course equips you with practical strategies to manage challenging interactions in the workplace. Although difficult individuals may represent a small segment of the workforce, their impact can be significant, often leading to time lost and decreased productivity. In this course, you will gain essential skills to address and navigate these situations effectively. Additionally, you'll identify specific challenges and develop a personalized action plan for implementing the strategies learned back in your workplace.

Accounting and finance professionals often receive questions concerning all facets of Medicare. How does Medicare work? How do I apply? How much does it cost? Is Medicare optional or required? This program provides a basic introduction to the Medicare program and covers many of the areas of the Medicare program that clients are most interested in. If you, or some of your clients, have questions relating to Medicare, this program is a must for you.

This course provides a focused analysis of the individual and small business provisions in Pub. L. 119-21 (H.R.1), "One Big Beautiful Bill." Tailored for tax professionals working with Form 1040 filers, the course explores impactful updates, from the no-tax-on-tips provision to enhanced bonus depreciation. Designed to inform planning strategies and compliance for the 2025 tax year and beyond. Participants will gain actionable insight into newly proposed deductions and expanded credits. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

This course provides an overview of the risk assessment requirements under SAS 145, with a focus on the evaluation of Information Technology systems in the planning of an audit. SAS 145 introduced significant changes to risk assessment procedures, including an increased emphasis on understanding and evaluating IT environments. The course addresses key areas of concern related to IT systems and their impact on audit risk. Participants will gain practical insight into identifying risks within IT systems and understanding how those risks affect the audit process. As part of his presentation style, Jeff incorporates engaging elements designed to reinforce learning and maintain focus.

Professional codes of ethics provide guidance to professionals who are frequently required to choose between doing the right thing and the wrong thing. Sometimes, professionals violate their ethical code and do the wrong thing for what they rationalize is the right reason. This session uses the popular television show "Ozark" and its multiple examples of seemingly good people doing bad things for the right reason to define ethics as well as explore why people make unethical choices and how they justify those choices.

Companies often offer stock options as an additional form of compensation to attract and retain the best talent. Used appropriately, stock options can generate significant wealth, yet many employees are unfamiliar with how stock options work and why options serve as a valuable opportunity for employees to establish and grow their wealth. Unfortunately, employees who receive stock options are often unaware of their inherent risks. Research has shown that over 76% of employees have never exercised their stock options. Almost half of these individuals (48%), say they held off on selling their options due to fear of making a mistake. This course provides accounting and finance professionals with a broad overview of employee stock options. The webinar is designed to help participants better understand the fundamentals behind these investments and, in turn, better advise their clients.