CPE Catalog & Events

Navigating the challenges of estate and gift taxation can be overwhelming for practitioners, especially those lacking extensive experience in this field. In this comprehensive course, participants will undergo a practical exploration through the preparation of the Federal Forms 706 and 709 - line by line. Through hands-on instruction, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the complexities of tax compliance, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to seamlessly integrate estate and gift tax preparation into their practice. With a focus on practical application, this course offers participants a unique opportunity to master the preparation of crucial tax returns, enhancing their professional expertise and strengthening client service offerings. From a detailed overview of the Federal Forms 706 and 709 to insights on complying with "Portability" and navigating postmortem estate planning issues, attendees will emerge with a newfound proficiency in estate and gift tax preparation, ready to excel in their practice. **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 kori.herrera@acpen.com. Speaker - Arthur Werner

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Learn about the latest challenges and solutions faced by the construction industry and the CPAs who work with them.  10:00am CDT - 10:05am CDT  Welcome & Opening Remarks Michael Sause, Senior Manager, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP10:05am CDT - 11:05am CDTEconomic Update: Prepare for Risks, Look for OpportunitiesSteve Scranton, Chief Investment Officer & Economist, Washington Trust BankThis session will provide an economic update for both the national and Oregon economy. Topics will current state of the economy, interest rate forecast, and risks to monitor.11:05am CDT - 12:05pm CDTConstruction Industry Compensation – Best Practices and Legal ImplicationsNicole Elgin, Attorney, Barran Liebman LLPNicole Elgin is an attorney at Barran Liebman where she advises employers on labor relations and employment law matters. In this presentation, Nicole will cover the laws governing common compensation issues in the construction industry. Topics will include prevailing wage rate rules, premium rate complications under the FLSA, bonus plans, project labor agreements, and other labor prehire agreements that all effect compensation in this field. Throughout the presentation, Nicole also always provides practice considerations and best practices for employers.12:05pm CDT - 12:20pm CDT Break 12:20pm CDT - 2:20pm CDTConstruction Tax UpdateColin Quill, State and Local Tax Manager, Moss Adams LLP2:20pm CDT - 3:20pm CDT Lunch Break 3:20pm CDT - 4:20pm CDTEverything You Need to Know About AI...But Didn't Know to AskJames Spellos, President, Meeting U.Since ChatGPT exploded in our lives in 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already having a significant impact on the tasks and and requirements needed for today’s education and professional work. While many are fearful that AI will replace the need for many, thereality is much more nuanced than what many are preaching, though the skill sets and tasks required are evolving. Attend this session to keep up the various tech tools that will impact your career moving forward.4:20pm CDT - 5:20pm CDTConstruction A&A Update and Best PracticesJared Asay, Founder & Financial Partner, Conover Asay CPAs, PLLC 7819 S 42nd WayThis session will bring attendees up to date on hot topics, technical matters, and current events that affect accounting and financial reporting in the construction industry. Additional topics include best practices and characteristics of successful contractors.5:20pm CDT - 5:35pm CDT Break 5:35pm CDT - 6:35pm CDTSurety Bonding: Market UpdateWilliam Kaufmann, KPD InsuranceIn this session, we will walk through the current state of the surety bonding marketplace, and use this information to anticipate the direction of the construction industry.

Internal controls are more important than ever, and their importance increases daily. However, internal controls present a challenge for many smaller organizations. This program will teach you how to evaluate, develop, and implement an effective internal control structure in a small business environment. You will identify how to assess risk in smaller organizations and implement preventive, detective, deterrent, and compensating controls to mitigate these risks, even without proper segregation of duties. Additionally, participating in this program will teach you technology-focused techniques for preventing and detecting fraud and securing information systems and sensitive data. For small organizations, maintaining an effective system of internal controls presents a significant challenge. Realistically, implementing many theoretical concepts surrounding internal controls may not be possible in some cases. Consequently, many internal control structures foster an environment where too much risk exists. This factor and uncontrolled information systems can often lead to disastrous results. Participate in this program to learn the necessary insights and tools to design, implement, and monitor effective internal controls, security, and anti-fraud measures in small organizations. Speaker - Randolph (Randy) Johnston, Brian Tankersley, Thomas Stephens, Mac McClelland, Steven M. Yoss, Jr., CPA

AI is an extremely popular topic these days, and for good reason! However, does AI present yet another threat to your privacy? Get answers to this question and more in this session. Speaker - Thomas Stephens

"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. Speaker - James Lindell

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The Excel for Accounting Professionals webcast series concludes by applying many of the items covered at the same time. We start by discussing dynamic headers, and how important they are when automating reporting workbooks. Next, we review how to transpose the orientation of the conditional summing function to produce horizontal or crosstab reports. We review the idea of mapping tables and show how they are the key to unlocking major efficiency gains. Lastly, we use data validation in our digital reports and review a critical worksheet that belongs in just about every recurring-use workbook: ErrorCk. The webcast is designed with time for you to work along. This hands-on workshop is an effective way to learn Excel, since you'll be completing the same exercises demonstrated by the instructor. A link will be provided so you can download the necessary Excel files. During the session, the instructor will provide time for you to complete the exercises using your Microsoft Excel for Windows. For each topic presented, the instructor explains the topic and demonstrates it with Excel exercises. Then, the instructor provides time for you to complete many of the same exercises. Finally, the instructor demonstrates the solutions for all the exercises in the practice workbook and then moves to the next topic. This format allows you to work along rather than just watch passively, enabling you to immediately practice the skills demonstrated.Speaker - Jeff Lenning

This course corresponds to our Controllership series. Within this course, we specifically address the Controllers role and pro-active potentials in organization Strategic and Annual Planning. This series of courses is dedicated to exploring the traditional controller role and stepping out of the box to identify areas where the Controller can add strategic value to their organizations. Controllers are essential to the day-to-day accounting for organizations. Yet, the role is not often readily understood. In today’s world of acronyms such as CFO, CEO, COO, CAO, etc. the Controller function may get lost in the shuffle. However, they are a critical group of professionals who ensure the adequacy and transparency of accounting and financial reporting information. When it comes to the task of strategic planning, many feel this role is primarily the responsibility of the executive team and board. However, in this course, we delve into the various steps of the strategic plan and explore where the Controller can add strategic value through providing functional input and insight. Strategic planning is a process used to identify goals, the strategies necessary to accomplish those goals, and the internal performance management system that will be used to monitor and evaluate progress.   Speaker - Lynn Fountain

HR Professionals are business leaders who, regardless of their level of experience, are responsible for maintaining a high level of interpersonal proficiency in their job function. The willingness to gain a genuine understanding and respect for diversity and the incorporation of a safe and inclusive environment of employees in the workplace, is a strong measure of the HR Professionals’ efficacy in this area. This training is geared towards improving and/ or elevating the HR Professionals’ knowledge of cultural competence in the workplace and what it means to truly adopt a culture of diversity and inclusivity. When HR professionals take responsibility for teaching others about the differences and benefits that multiple cultures and diverse backgrounds bring to the organization, research shows that companies are more likely to win top talent and yield improvement in customer orientation, employee satisfaction and decision making, as well as a cycle of increasing returns. Speaker - Shannon White

How do you keep your team connected with the limitations of virtual meetings? Suddenly, it’s more important than ever for each member to understand and appreciate their differences; to see beyond the screen and see each other’s human-side to maintain trust. In this session, Tina Hallis, Ph.D., will explore the neuroscience of trust and why it’s critical for optimum teamwork. But more importantly, you will leave with specific strategies and tools that you can choose from to use with your people.  Speaker - Tina Hallis

A harmonious working environment is one in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.  Critical to maintaining it are that employees have high self-esteem, are treated with respect, and work in a safe, non-violent setting.  This course provides practical knowledge and scripts on how to take appropriate action and deal effectively with discriminatory comments, sexual harassment, and threats and acts of violence,such that personal and employer liability is avoided. Speaker - Mike Mirarchi

Leaders have the right to exercise customary management functions.  Employees have the right to be kept free from discrimination.  Neither employer rights nor employee rights are absolute.  The courts are equally protective of the rights of employees and employers.  A courtroom is the wrong place for anyone to find this out.  This course provides practical knowledge on how to effectively balancing these two sets of rights, such that employees and leaders stay out of court. Employers avoid lawsuits, rather than win lawsuits. Speaker - Mike Mirarchi

Unlike a traditional financial audit objective (Are the financial statements materially misstated), performance auditing can address a wide variety of objectives.  Is this program working? Can it be improved? Where can we save money? How can we operate more efficiently and effectively? Are management’s assertions supported? And so forth.  This session will explain what a performance audit is, describe the applicable standards, and provide examples that indicate the value of a performance audit.  Performance audits can add value to any entity and practitioners can profit from adding these assurance services to their practices. Speaker - David Cotton

This course will examine certain qualities a leader must exhibit to set an ethical tone from the top. Speaker - Allison McLeod

Social media has become a ubiquitous phenomenon in our business world. However, just because it exists is not a good reason to use it. This workshop is designed to give you an overview of the social media landscape to help you decide if you want to engage with and on social media and, if so, what channel(s) are most strategic for you and your business. The workshop ends with a simple framework to help you use social media as a credibility strategy for your business, giving you a strategy for creating a year's worth of social media content in a single day. Speaker - Jill Schiefelbein

With new accounting standards, the economic landscape and evolving technology, accounting, financial reporting and finance continue to grow in complexity. FASB has tried to address the growing complexity, by working towards making GAAP less convoluted.  The struggle to stay on top of accounting financial reporting requirements and finance changes due to the economy continues for several reasons. Lack of in-house SMEs, managing high volumes of transactions, and data and evolving information technology systems. In the future, executives must consider the challenges they will face in future years that will bring their own nuances and complexities. Budgeting is certainly one of those processes that must be evaluated and re-evaluated for efficiency. This session delves into the corporate budgeting process and discusses methods used and which methods may or may not allow for the organization’s to properly plan for a volatile future. Speaker - Lynn Fountain

Penalty abatement is a technique that tax practitioners can utilize to help their clients reduce penalties and interest they owe to the IRS if the taxpayer can prove “reasonable cause.” This informative and insightful webinar will provide you with some insider tips, practical steps and effective strategies to help your client manage IRS tax penalties and interest. Learn about various types of penalties that you may face and the various forms and procedures used for requesting penalty and interest abatement, including First Time and Reasonable Cause abatement. Plus, learn about the procedure to follow when requesting refund of paid penalties. **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 kori.herrera@acpen.com.   Speaker - Allison McLeod

Your writing represents you and your organization. Success in your career, success with customers or clients requires clear, concise, and polished communication. The sooner you learn professional techniques to plan, organize, and present your ideas for maximum impact, the sooner your proposals, e-mails, and reports will be read, understood, and acted upon! Developing practical skills will increase your ability to inform, persuade, and motivate your reader.Speaker - Jennifer H Elder,Karl Ahlrichs

Based on Government Auditing Standards, 2018 Revision, this course is essential for auditors performing Yellow Book audits. It provides detailed information about conducting engagements in accordance with the Yellow Book and requirements related to independence. This course will increase your knowledge of the requirements and application guidance related to ethics, standards for financial audits, attestation engagements, performance audits, and more.Speaker - Rebecca Meyer

Join the Baton Rouge Chapter for a full day of CPE, networking, and insightful discussions on today’s hottest topics. Stay informed, earn credits, and connect with fellow professionals! AGENDA 7:30 AM - 7:55 AMRegistration & Continental Breakfast 8:00 AM - 8:50 AMRecruiting, Retaining, & RestructuringJenna Lemmon, CDR, Advisory Research Manager, EisnerAmper, LLP 8:50 AM - 10:20 AMBanking FraudSonya Crowe, Vice President, Landmark Bank, Deposit Operations Manager 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM - BREAK10:40 AM - 11:40 AMForm 990 Common ErrorsBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM, Partner, Eisner Advisory Group, LLCGina Rachel, CPA, Partner, Eisner Advisory Group, LLC 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM - LUNCH (included)12:40 PM - 1:30 PMKeeping Politics out of the Finance OfficeMichelle Treschwig, CPA, Partner, Kushner LaGraize CPAs and ConsultantsDonna Graham, Director of Finance, Washington Parish Government 1:30 PM – 3:00 PMAI Practical ApplicationsSteven Kraemer, CIA, Senior Technology Advisory Specialist, Louisiana Legislative Auditor 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM – BREAK3:20 PM – 4:20 PMSingle Audit and OMB Compliance Supplement UpdateRodney Combs, CPA, Partner, Audit and Assurance, EisnerAmper, LLP

Staff accountants have specific needs when working with Excel. Unfortunately, their existing Excel knowledge often does not meet these needs. Chief among these are summarizing data quickly and accurately, generating accurate and aesthetically pleasing reports, and creating accounting-centric calculations for elements such as depreciation, amortization, and interest. By participating in this eight-hour session, staff accountants will gain the essential skills to maximize efficiency and accuracy when working with Excel. This session begins with a quick overview of Excel best practices. It then progresses rapidly into discussions that address PivotTables, sophisticated formulas, Tables, formatting, and working with dates in Excel. Throughout the session, you will learn from accounting-centric examples to reinforce key learning points. In this session, you will learn in a "laptop-friendly" environment, and participants will have access to all the demonstration files. In sum, this seminar is a "must" for all staff accountants seeking to improve their efficiency and accuracy when working with Excel.Speaker - Lawrence "Mac" McClelland

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