CPE Catalog & Events

Proper planning of benefit plan audit engagements and developing audit strategy while improving overall efficiency Common pitfalls in planning and detailed audit procedures Changes affecting 401(k) plans, including recently issued SASs Common mistakes as noted in peer reviews and DOL inspections

Rethinking Risk Management: Historic view Challenges Rules Recent lessons Required skills Sources of Risk: Economy Competitors Operations Investments Strategy Compensation Routine practices Unethical behavior. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM): Defining ERM Areas of focus Implementation Planning for disasters Business continuity Contingencies Analytical Tools: Post-completion evaluations Simulation Z-score Hedging Brainstorming Mind mapping Delphi technique

Why forecasts and budgets are frequently wrong: behavioral finance; improper goal setting, games, continuing the status quo, traditional budgeting techniques Incorporating strategy into budgets: improving measurement systems; common errors, developing strategies and appropriate measurements Expanding the budgeting framework: rolling forecasts; mission-based budgeting, zero-based budgeting, post-completion evaluations, contingency planning, black swan events, identifying improvements Big data: definition, challenges, goals, current uses/examples, sources of information Analytical tools: ration analysis, benchmarking, Pareto analysis, trend analysis, regression, simulation, dashboards

Defining three critical elements: responsibility, empowerment and accountability, and how they work together to create results Designing and using clear agreements that provide clarity Skills for holding yourself and others accountable for results, no matter what Knowing where you are in the accountability game... what you do/don’t do well

What is artificial intelligence? What are the different forms of artificial intelligence? The difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning The types of problems artificial intelligence can solve The role of algorithms How artificial intelligence will affect accounting and finance careers Data governance, security, and privacy How accounting firms are using AI today The role of artificial intelligence in asset management

Calculating the home office deduction Actual expense method Simplified expense method Definition of a home for purposes of the home office deduction Whether working-from-home employees can claim a home office deduction What is a “separate, identifiable space?” The “regularly and exclusively used” rule Defining a “principal place of business” Meeting clients, patients, and customers More than one trade or business Special rules that apply to daycare providers Separate, free-standing structures Depreciating the home

Learn the power of flexibility and adaptability Manage daily changes and stressors Avoid burnout and achieve work-life balance

Understanding why internal fraud occurs Fraudulent acts initiated by outside organizations Policies, procedures and control measures designed to fight fraud Steps that verify anti-fraud activities are working

Recently issued FASB Accounting Standards Updates, PCC Update and items on the FASB’s Technical Agenda Recently issued ASUs covering common control leases, crypto assets (e.g., cryptocurrency), and income tax disclosures Statement on Quality Management Standards: SQMS 1, SQMS 2, and SQMS 3 Post-Implementation Review Report for revenue recognition under ASC 606 and best practices in applying ASC 606 Fraud case studies Recently issued SASs and other AICPA activity Recently issued PCAOB standards and SEC rulemaking activities Other important A&A practice matters

Efficient audit planning, documentation and research Risk assessment procedures relate control risk to substantive testing and reduce the risk of lawsuits Fraud requirements Testing management's estimates Auditing standards

Discuss how productivity strategies may improve work-life balance Understand the state tax consequences that may arise when working from home Identify and discuss challenges unique to financial professionals Review how some organizations are providing support to improve work-life balance Explore the role of alternative work arrangements  Examine challenges unique to auditors versus tax professionals A comparison of work-life balance between public and industry accountants How work-family conflict varies among financial professionals Recommendations for improving work-life balance

Understanding why internal fraud occurs Fraudulent acts initiated by outside organizations Policies, procedures and control measures designed to fight fraud Steps that verify anti-fraud activities are working

Efficient audit planning, documentation and research Risk assessment procedures relate control risk to substantive testing and reduce the risk of lawsuits Fraud requirements Testing management's estimates Auditing standards

The basics of nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) NQDC compliance Taxation of NQDC plans Types of NQDC plans Financing/funding NQDC plans Planning strategies

Estimated taxes and deadlines Tax due dates for common returns and filings Potential penalties and interest Information return penalties Penalties applicable to pass-through entities Accuracy-related penalties First-time abatement (FTA) FTA eligible returns Reasonable cause Nexus: sales tax vs. income tax Sales tax nexus with state specific examples Remote work and sales tax nexus Income tax nexus with state-specific examples Remote work and income tax nexus Sales factor: throwback rules

Explore the tenets of exemplary leadership which are requirements for highly effective leaders who achieve results and are respected by team members, peers, and other leaders Review key practices that recognize and build on leadership strengths to create a team environment that is productive, profitable, strengthens team members’ morale, and fosters positive energy in the work climate Examine SMART goals to inspire teams to tackle tough challenges and help team members reach and exceed their potential Review conflict management techniques to minimize negative attitudes and foster win/win resolutions for team members

Set up an in-cell drop-down list of budget methods  Change the calculations in the cells based on the selected budget method  Use names in worksheets

Changing Role of Financial Professionals: Priorities Change in mission Valued-added actions Strategic Measurements: Common errors and guidelines for improvement Balanced scorecard Strategy development and implementation Budgeting basics and next steps Risk Management: Recent lessons, including Black Swan events Defining Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Implementation Developing a Financial Leadership Pipeline: Changing employment environment Retaining the right employees Compensation Hiring process Capital Projects: Types of projects Factors affecting capacity Valuation techniques Cash management M&A Activity: Current environment Controller’s role Strategic questions Sample transactions Due diligence Implementation Introducing Improvements/Innovation: Getting started Establishing an environment Potential first projects Organizational structure

Technology and workstation arrangements Maximizing productivity Establishing procedures that can be implemented throughout the organization Understanding the relationship between remote work and employee retention Effective communication strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients The productivity challenges unique to working from home Time management The importance of distinguishing between the “home office” and “home” Data privacy concerns Other ethical considerations that arise when working from home

Explore the function that sums better than the SUM function Discover a variety of time-saving features, functions, and techniques Learn the workaround to a major Excel pitfall