CPE + Events Catalog

Professional conduct and ethical behavior are really the backbone of the entire accounting and auditing profession. These components form the foundation upon which our creditability with the general public is built, without which, there is no profession. Whether you are a practitioner in public accounting or business and industry, you must always act in accordance with the requirements that define professional conduct and ethical behavior. This course fulfills the Maine Board of Accountancy requirement that each CPA and public accountant (PA) license holder must complete four hours in professional ethics every three years. The course includes a brief look at the principles and concepts which form the foundation of ethical behavior; an overview of the core principles of professional conduct -- integrity, objectivity, and independence; recent changes to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct; and a review of Maine accountancy laws and rules. The primary objective of this course is to provide a formal program of learning which contributes directly to the professional competence of an individual licensed to practice public accountancy in Maine.

As you advance in your public accounting careers, your responsibilities significantly increase. The skills required for continued success go beyond your technical skills but also include others that you may not have had a chance to develop earlier in your careers. Several of these new responsibilities involve engagement management and managing your team. Mastering these skills is key to your long-term success in public accounting. In this session, we'll review the keys to successful management, including ways to best develop your team, how to successfully engage your team and build their trust and how best to present information for retention. Lastly, we'll review the critically important skill of delegation, focusing on what the best tasks are to delegate and how to empower your team without micromanaging them. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 4.)

This course provides an overview of the rules and regulations with respect to the management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) section of an entity's consolidated financial statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). MD&A has been, and continues to be, a primary focus area of the SEC when reviewing public company filings. In fact, it has consistently ranked in the top 10 of the most frequent comment letters issued by the SEC.

By 2025, millennials will represent 75% of the workforce. Whether you are an owner of a small practice or manager in a multinational corporation, it is important to understand characteristics and expectations of this large segment of the workforce. Research reveals that many of the common stereotypes surrounding millennials are unfounded and counterproductive. This course provides an understanding of who millennials are in comparison to their predecessors, the Gen-Xers and baby boomers. Equally important, the presentation will look at common myths regarding millennials and why understanding this class of employees provides opportunities for your organization to grow and succeed.

Each year, more states legalize cannabis (i.e., marijuana) for medical or recreational purposes. As legalization grows, so too does the cannabis industry. While some financial professionals have stayed away from this growing sector of the economy, others have embraced the opportunities the cannabis industry has to offer. The legalization of cannabis brings with it a complex regulatory landscape, which includes strict compliance with federal and state regulations. However, the complexity of this emerging market provides opportunities for accountants and other financial professionals. Behind the cannabis dispensaries are scores of related business sectors including food production, retail, farming, and chemical production, as well as facilities, design, and construction. Simply stated, the commercialization of marijuana offers financial professionals an opportunity to participate in an industry expected to reach $73 billion worldwide within six years.

Professional conduct and ethical behavior are really the backbone of the entire accounting and auditing profession. These components form the foundation upon which our creditability with the general public is built, without which, there is no profession. Whether you are a practitioner in public accounting or business and industry, you must always act in accordance with the requirements that define professional conduct and ethical behavior. This course fulfills the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board) requirement that during the two-year period immediately preceding re-licensing, applicants for biennial license renewal must complete four hours of acceptable continuing education in the area of professional ethics. The course includes a brief look at the principles and concepts which form the foundation of ethical behavior; an overview of the core principles of professional conduct -- integrity, objectivity, and independence; recent changes to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct; and a review of the Board's Rules and Regulations governing the practice of public accountancy. The primary objective of this course is to provide a formal program of learning which contributes directly to the professional competence of an individual licensed to practice public accountancy in Massachusetts.

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, many have continued to struggle with applying the current model for accounting for income taxes, ASC 740. But this does not have to be you. This course will provide you with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of this challenging topic. Through discussions and use of exercises, this course will analyze the authoritative literature to provide a thorough understanding of such topics as deferred taxes, income tax expense, uncertain tax positions and other classification and disclosure requirements related to income taxes. We will also explore some specialized areas of income tax accounting, such as intra-period allocations of income tax expense and accounting for changes in tax laws and rates, and we will review proposed updates to ASC 740 disclosures on which the FASB is contemplating. In summary, this course is the place to be to enhance your accounting for income taxes IQ.

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, many have continued to struggle with applying the current model for accounting for income taxes, ASC 740. But this does not have to be you. This course will provide you with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of this challenging topic. Through discussions and use of exercises, this course will analyze the authoritative literature to provide a thorough understanding of such topics as deferred taxes, income tax expense, uncertain tax positions and other classification and disclosure requirements related to income taxes. We will also explore some specialized areas of income tax accounting, such as intra-period allocations of income tax expense and accounting for changes in tax laws and rates, and we will review proposed updates to ASC 740 disclosures on which the FASB is contemplating. In summary, this course is the place to be to enhance your accounting for income taxes IQ.

The most difficult concepts to master when dealing with flow-through business entities are the basis and distribution concepts. Major error and malpractice issues occur if the CPA does not fully understand the impact of these rules. This course is designed to focus on the practical applications of these rules.

During this interactive simulation, you will interview a sophisticated client who is knowledgeable about the latest changes in tax laws. This client always comes prepared with ideas of what deductions he may take, and it is your job to determine whether his claims are accurate and consistent with the latest tax regulations.

Your client, Aida, wants to share an amazing new product and service with the world, but she needs funding. The product, a sensory jacket, syncs with virtual reality (VR) apps so people can use more of their senses in VR experiences. Ask relevant questions to create an effective fundraising campaign for the product.

Participants must use their expertise to assist a new client who just received Letter 6173 from the IRS. The client didn't share any crypto-related transactions or events with the tax accountant who filed the original return. It's up to the participants to meet with the client and uncover details of the activities so an accurate, amended tax return can be completed. They must carefully ask questions to get all the relevant information, determine the proper changes to taxable income, and submit the documentation correctly to avoid an IRS response and losing the new client.

A client is starting a new business and needs advice on whether to choose an S or C corporation. She is seeking support to determine the most advantageous entity from a tax-efficiency perspective. Participants will first ask relevant questions about the client's plans and then advise her on entity selection based on their expertise.

Liam, a public relations executive, needs expert advice regarding equity compensation options he has received. Liam researched key topics but needs the participant's help to validate his findings. Then, participants will review various equity compensation scenarios and advise on the most appropriate tax planning strategies available (e.g., 83(b) election, etc.).

Your client, Multi-Mega Markets Corporation (MMM), a global conglomerate with businesses in entertainment, fashion, retail, software, technology and other industries, is looking for advice on the state of the metaverse. They are considering starting a new subsidiary in the metaverse called The MegaVerse (TMV). Your help is needed to share accurate information about the metaverse, choose the most appropriate MMM subsidiaries to be associated with the metaverse, and make decisions regarding interoperability.

In this scavenger hunt game, you're a tax associate at Surging CPAs, LLC. It's the busy time of year, and you arrive at work to find an urgent assignment in your inbox from your senior manager, Caroline. Another colleague suddenly quit, and Caroline needs help finishing the tax return today for the client, Jasper Jones, a small business owner. Jasper does not want to file an extension. You're asked to jump in and help complete the Schedule C, which is the only remaining form to complete the return.

You just received an email from Roni, a prospective new client. He owns several properties under the business name Roni's Real Rentals LLC and wants help minimizing rental income and maximizing deductions that offset the rental income. You will interview Roni and visit his two properties to gain a better understanding of his situation. Advise Roni by providing him good and relevant ideas, and he will ask you to be his new tax accountant.

Two firms need expert help with Section 754, and game participants are just the right people to assist. First, partners at LMN, LLP are considering electing Section 754. They need to understand key aspects of the process and want to ensure the best outcome to their basis in partnership property and interest. Participants must then leverage their knowledge and calculate the adjusted basis balance sheet for another firm that already elected Section 754.

The leading edge of the baby boomer generation has already reached retirement age. Financial and tax planners can expect increased demand for strategies that dovetail Social Security with other retirement and estate planning objectives. This course provides tax and financial planning professionals with both the background information on the Social Security system and the strategies clients will need in dealing with Social Security, and the myriad other related retirement planning issues.

Years ago, Peter Drucker said, "what gets measured gets managed," and that is true today. As financial professionals, we understand and desire this, but often it's difficult to get the concept across to the remainder of the organization. This program will take a deep dive into metrics with the goal of making them more actionable for any organization. By doing so, we are in a much better position to sharply increase the success of the organization.