CPE Catalog & Events

The importance of Defined Names and Excel Tables is detailed in our course "Excel - Two Must Know Features: Defined Names & Tables." Once you understand these two features, how can you use them to build advanced spreadsheets?This course is designed to demonstrate how you can use these features to build better spreadsheets that are easier to read, easier to update and more accurate. Learn about the INDIRECT function and how to use it with Defined Names to build a summary table. You will also learn the importance of Consistent Column Calculations and how tables can help. We will demonstrate the use of Structured Table References, as this is the foundation for using the advanced data analytics.This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In this course, we will focus on Financial, Statistical and Math functions. In the Financial functions section, you will learn how to use the financial functions to build better amortization schedules. In the Statistical and Math functions sections, you will learn how to use various statistical functions to analyze your data. Depending on your version, Excel has over 500 functions already built in and ready to use. How many of those do you incorporate into your spreadsheets? You will learn some powerful functions that will take your calculating power to the next level. This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In the "Excel - Formatting Spreadsheets for Beginners" class, you learned basic formatting of a spreadsheet. In this class, we take you to the next level by teaching you how to customize many of the formatting options.Learn to customize cell styles and how to use these styles in other workbooks. Most Excel users know how to select number formats but this class shows how to leverage the Custom Number Formatting option to create special formatting options.Many of the formatting options are applied manually, cell-by-cell or by range. This can be tedious if there is a condition by which you want to apply a format. You will learn to use Conditional Formatting to format based upon a criteria.Have you ever finalized a spreadsheet, only to accidently make changes over the top? This action is something that is very easy to do. This class demonstrates various options to prevent this from happening and will look at various security options within Excel.This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In this course, we will focus on debugging and troubleshooting complex formulas. You will learn various techniques that will assist you in creating complex compound formulas. You will also learn methods to resolve issues when you receive errors. Do you dread that annoying ERROR! message popping up on your spreadsheets? Tired of using the same long, elaborate formulas when you could be using Excel's built-in formulas? Then this class is for you!This session will also discuss Excel's nine built-in error-checking options and then demonstrate different approaches to error resolution. We will also review techniques to resolve rounding errors.This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Did you know Excel has 400-500 functions depending on your version? Did you know there are 12 different function categories? Did you know you could create your own functions? After you attend this class, you will be in the know! In this course, we will focus on proofing and auditing your spreadsheets. You will learn how to build spreadsheets that validate the accuracy of your calculations and techniques to use the Data Validation feature to validate data entry. You will also learn techniques to cross-foot your data to ensure accuracy as well as how to use the various Excel Auditing Tools. This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In this course, we will focus on the Logical, Information and Lookup and Reference functions. In the Logical function section, you will learn to perform logical tests using the IF function along with AND, OR and NOT. In the Information function section, you will learn various ERROR checking functions that can be combined with the Logical functions. In the Lookup and Reference section, you will learn to use the various LOOKUP functions and the INDIRECT function. Excel has over 500 functions that are built in and ready to use. You just have to figure out which one to use and when. Integrating functions into each and every one of your spreadsheets not only improves efficiency, it also makes your task easier to execute. This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In this course, you will learn how to build robust dashboards for analyzing key metrics in Excel. We will begin with some dashboard design guidelines, such as understanding your audience and identifying necessary metrics. Then we will work through importing data, setting up calculated fields and columns, and creating key performance indicators (KPIs) for the dashboards.Most business professionals use Excel to help them make decisions about their data. However, as the amount of data grows, it becomes more difficult to make strategic decisions based on rows and rows and columns and columns of data. You will learn how to add charts and eye-catching visuals with Power View, which will make your dashboards easily understood.This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Over the years, Excel has added MANY new features and functionality, yet most people still use it the same way they first learned it. Many of the features were added to Excel to enhance your ability to create spreadsheets more efficiently and with more accurately. However, if you aren't aware of these new features, how can you use them? This class will focus on walking through each ribbon (menu) to explain the capability of various features in Excel. It is a great overview for both new and advanced Excel users to make sure you know all the capabilities of Excel. You may have seen many of the features but had no idea what they could do for you. This class will help you to understand these features and determine how you might take advantage of their capabilities. This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Formatting Excel spreadsheets to look their best can be a tedious task. From deciding which fonts to use to cell formatting to multiple sheets to printing to distribution, these factors can take considerable valuable time. This class is designed to help you efficiently format spreadsheets, so you can spend time on more profitable tasks like analyzing data.Learn to format multiple sheets at the same time as well as use Cell Styles to quickly format cells and ranges. Learn how to create and use templates that are pre-formatted. We will also review print options.This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Have you ever opened a blank workbook in Excel and just stared at it, wondering where to begin? Or, do you spend most of your time just formatting cells to make your spreadsheet look pretty? Or, do you just wonder if there is a better way to creating your spreadsheets? This course is designed to take you from a blank worksheet to a completed report. Our example will be a financial statement but you can use the knowledge gained in the course and apply it to your specific job function. You will learn to import data instead of manually entering it. Learn that you can use functions and formulas to build calculations that will eliminate the need to manually manipulate your data. Our goal is to make sure you have all the information needed to build reports without having to manually enter it every month. You will learn techniques to use your data to build your reports. This will include building formulas that are flexible with your changing data. You will learn techniques to validate your report calculations so you can improve the accuracy of your reports. You will also learn how to quickly format reports and techniques that allow you to efficiently change the format. Lastly, you will learn how PivotTables can provide a more dynamic reporting option instead of using pre-defined report formats. Obviously, we will be covering a lot of ground, so to enhance your learning experience all examples will be provided to each participant along with instructions. This will allow you to follow along and use as you apply your new knowledge to your spreadsheets. This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Are you aware there are 470+ formula functions in Excel? Do you realize that they add new functions in every major version of Excel? Did you know that Microsoft adds new functions throughout the year in the Office 365 version of Excel? Are you stuck using old or simple functions like SUM or ROUND? Do you want to expand your knowledge of the extensive function library in Excel? If these questions perk your interest in becoming an Excel function expert, this course is right up your alley. This past-paced course digs into some of the most powerful functions in Excel. Although, we cannot cover 470 functions, we will look at over 20 functions that will allow you to create advanced calculations in your spreadsheets. Functions like: VLOOKUP, IF, IFS, FORECAST, RAND, SWITCH, TEXTJOIN, UNIQUE, SUBTOTAL, IS, TEXT and more! We will also provide examples files that will include all the functions used during the class. It's time to take your Excel spreadsheets to the next level. This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Are you self-taught on Excel?Have you ever wondered if you really know how to use Excel?Do you want to build a great foundation for using Excel?Are you new to using Excel?If you answered YES to any of these questions, this is for you.This course is designed to start with the basics of using Excel from the interface to the structure to data entry to formula basics. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate user, you will gain valuable foundational knowledge for using Excel.This session is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this course apply to all versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Over the years, Excel has added MANY new features and functionality, yet most people still use it in the same way they first learned. Part of the reason is new features were added when the newest version was announced approximately every 3 years. The list was so extensive, making it difficult to learn what was new. Microsoft attempted to solve this for Office 365 customers by releasing new features more often, making it difficult to pinpoint the latest update.This class focuses on the specific added elements to Excel 2019 plus new functionality available to Office 365 users. Not only is this a great class to learn about what's new, it provides those who have not upgraded an opportunity to determine the value of upgrading or purchasing an Office 365 license.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

This course is designed to build the foundation to becoming an Excel formula expert. Our focus will be on design techniques that should be used when creating formulas. Excel has over 500 functions and among those, Defined Names is one of the top choices in creating formulas that make your spreadsheets work better for you.After understanding what they are and how to properly create Defined Names, you will wonder how you managed without them for so long. You will learn how to use Defined Names and Excel Tables as an important and fundamental part of EVERY spreadsheet. You will learn techniques that most advanced users don't implement in their spreadsheets but should.This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

This course will show you how to use Excel's charting and formatting features to present financial data to a non-financial audience. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." People tend to better understand the point when visuals are used. We will explore the many capabilities of presenting data without showing rows and rows or columns and columns of data. Help your audience visualize the meaning of the data, whether it is a trend, an exception, a distribution or a good vs. a bad relationship.This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Excel is the #1 data analysis tool for accountants, yet many accountants have never learned the basics of data analysis using Excel or the tools that Excel offers to help with data analysis.This session is designed to teach participants the importance of PivotTables for analyzing data. We will demonstrate how PivotTables can make analyzing data an easy task for all accountants. Participants will learn the step-by-step process to create PivotTables and PivotCharts. We will also cover all the setup options and features.This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

In this course, we will focus on Text functions and Date and Time functions. Want to automatically update the date and time on your spreadsheet? Or pick text strings from other cells to automatically copy and update to a different cell? You will learn how to incorporate text, date and time functions in your spreadsheet that will make data entry a breeze. In the Text function section, you will learn how to use the various Text functions to join and separate text entries as well as formatting the results. In the Date and Time function section, you will learn how to perform various date and time calculations. This session is presented using Excel 2013. Regardless of the version you are using, ALL concepts covered in this course apply to ALL versions of Excel.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

This course examines actual fraud circumstances through the lens of potential prevention. We will examine how selected frauds were accomplished and consider what internal controls may have prevented fraudsters' ability to accomplish their nefarious acts.Speaker - Chris Harper, CPA

It's a whole new world for lessees under ASC topic 842. This program will dive into the new standard on leases and its impact on every size entity, review effective dates, and address what you need to know now.Speaker - Chris Harper, CPA

This course explores the FASB codification provisions and AICPA financial reporting framework for transaction with related parties, including business owners and special purpose entities. Real-life examples are used to illustrate the various authoritative standards and discuss the consequences of failing to comply.Speaker - Steven C. Dilley, CPA, JD, PhD