CPE & Event Calendar

Discover critical insights from the latest Department of Labor studies on employee benefit plan audits and tackle the pressing issue of audit deficiencies head-on. This course dives deep into the most common errors undermining audit quality and explores the underlying causes of these issues. Through practical strategies, engaging case studies, and regulatory guidance, participants will learn how to close gaps in compliance, enhance audit execution, and protect plan participants and beneficiaries. Whether you're an experienced auditor or new to benefit plan audits, this course will equip you with the tools needed to elevate audit quality and ensure regulatory compliance.  

This is a 2 hour webcast that will focus on the similarities between all three of these GASB accounting standards that deal with contractual arrangements such as leases, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA) and P3s.  Compare and contrast these standards as you prepare for implementation this year of GASB 94 and GASB 96, and review the implementation efforts of Leases in Year 2. 

"Transforming Strategic & Financial Management with ChatGPT: Insights for CPAs, CFOs, and Controllers" is a comprehensive 2-hour CPE course designed by Jim Lindell of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc. This course delves into the revolutionary impact of ChatGPT on financial and strategic management, offering a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications tailored for financial professionals. Through an exploration of ChatGPT's capabilities in research, communication enhancement, benchmarking, risk analysis, and more, participants will learn how to leverage this advanced AI technology to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation in their practices. The course not only highlights the current applications but also provides a glimpse into the future of AI in financial management, encouraging professionals to embrace technology for competitive advantage.

Ready to elevate your career as an Accountant, Controller, or CFO? This course helps you build the core competencies needed to excel in these roles—focusing on technical expertise, business acumen, leadership, people skills, and the integration of AI tools. Learn how to go beyond tracking financial results to analyze business dynamics, uncover insights, and drive strategic decisions with AI-driven analysis. Develop the vision and strategy to lead organizational growth, while honing leadership skills to inspire teams and navigate change. Strengthen your ability to communicate effectively, collaborate across departments, and influence key stakeholders, with a focus on using AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. With a practical, real-world approach, this course empowers you to master the skills that make you a successful leader in finance.

Audit Risk Assessment in Plain English, is a 2 hour webcast highlighting the AICPA’s clarified risk assessment standards, along with a new Statement on Auditing Standard (SAS 145) related to understanding the entity, the entity’s environment, the entity’s internal controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement.  This session will attempt to simplify the requirements using common sense examples and language.

As accounting software evolves, AI-native systems are transforming how firms manage data and measure results. This session explores emerging AI-integrated general ledger platforms such as Digits, Puzzle.io, and Docyt. It examines how new technologies, like vibe coding and low-code/no-code automation, are reshaping efficiency and improving fraud detection. Attendees will learn to assess ROI across accounting tools, identify key performance metrics, and develop an automation strategy that enhances accuracy, productivity, and profitability. This course equips professionals to make smarter technology investments and prepare for the next wave of AI-driven accounting transformation.

This comprehensive 8-hour ACPEN Signature course explores the pervasive issue of fraud in State and Local governments. Our panel of experts from inside and outside government will provide participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to fraudulent activities in State and local governments. The course begins by examining the types of fraud commonly encountered in governmental settings, including financial fraud, procurement fraud, and abuse of power. With our experienced panelists, participants will delve into real-world case studies to understand the tactics used by fraudsters and the impact on public trust, resources, and governance. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding regulatory frameworks and compliance measures designed to mitigate fraud risks. The course also equips participants with practical skills to implement fraud prevention strategies and conduct effective investigations. Topics will include risk assessment, internal controls, forensic accounting, and reporting mechanisms. Attendees will learn how to cultivate an ethical organizational culture and engage stakeholders in fraud prevention efforts. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to safeguard public resources, enhance accountability, and promote transparency in government operations. This course is ideal for government employees, auditors, compliance officers, and anyone responsible for maintaining integrity in public administration.

Organizations collect massive amounts of data, but far less information that actually improves decisions. This session focuses on how CFOs and CPAs can tactically manage data to generate insight, improve performance, and reduce risk. Participants will explore financial and non-financial data, data organization, and the role of analytics in understanding customers, operations, and employees. The session emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and storytelling so data supports better decisions rather than overwhelming stakeholders.

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.

Generative AI is revolutionizing the business world, and savvy professionals are embracing this cutting-edge technology. Why? Generative AI offers unparalleled opportunities to boost efficiency and productivity. But to truly harness its power, you need to master the art of crafting effective AI prompts. Join our session to discover the best practices for issuing AI prompts. Discover how to ask the right questions to obtain the information you need quickly and efficiently. Say goodbye to inefficient and ineffective prompts, and hello to streamlined, productive interactions with your AI platforms. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your AI game and achieve greater gains in your business. Sign up now and learn the secrets to getting the most out of your AI tools!  

Traditional budgets often consume significant time while delivering limited operational value. This session reframes budgeting as a tactical management tool rather than a once-a-year accounting exercise. Participants will explore how to redesign the budget process to improve communication, accountability, and decision-making across the organization. The session emphasizes output-based metrics, flexible budgeting approaches, benchmarking, and educating non-financial managers so budgets become a tool for managing performance, not just controlling spending.

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. In just three short years, AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot have revolutionized how business professionals approach everyday tasks. In this session, you will learn how you can use AI to help you solve specific problems and work more efficiently, effectively, and accurately. Throughout this session, we will focus on real-world scenarios and how AI can help you realize better results in less time. This is a must-see session for all who want to improve efficiency and effectiveness.