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CPE Catalog+Events

Our comprehensive, easy-to-search list of all LCPA-sponsored courses helps you find exactly what you're looking for, or even a course on a new topic to expand your competencies.  TIP: When doing multiple searches for different events, be sure to clear filters between searches.

Showing 318 All Results

Surgent's The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

We see multiple stories about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its entry into our lives in the form of AI tools, including ChatGPT. They seem to be everywhere. It is difficult to overstate how much things will change with the rise of these new technologies, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to execute them correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper adoption of these technologies and tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful implementation and use. This course will define the state of AI tools, what benefits and risks exist, and which steps to take to begin adopting these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that AI will destroy industries, and more likely that companies that embrace AI will overtake those companies that do not.Speaker - Mark McCreary, CIPP/US

Surgent's The CMA's Guide to Project Management

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

A significant number of projects fail to achieve their initial goals and/or are not completed within budget and their original timetable. As a team member, a CMA has a unique skill set and experiences to assist in project management. In addition to their analytical training and knowledge of budgets and controls, they typically have ongoing contacts with other professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Familiar analytical tools/techniques can be applied to managing projects. This brief program is designed to aid both experienced and less experienced participants in increasing their knowledge of, and comfort with, the steps and skills needed for success.Speaker - Tony La Russo, BA, MBA, CMA

Surgent's Enterprise Risk Management Concepts and Strategy for Small and Medium-Sized Companies

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Online/Webcast

4.00 Credits

2020 taught us that major risks can come at us from any direction and with barely a warning. All organizations operate in a risk environment, but all too often, they either don't realize it or they don't develop a strategy to deal with the risks. In this session, we will explore how risks work in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and how they can develop a strategy to identify, evaluate, and mitigate those risks. This program will not teach how to eliminate risks, but how to strategize how to reduce their total effect. We will liberally use case studies of both for-profit and not-for-profit companies to bridge the gap between concept and actual implementation. In each area we will explore what our experiences of the pandemic have taught us about this part of risk management.Speaker - Art Pulis, MBA

Surgent's Controllership Skills Update - Budgeting, Forecasting, and Big Data

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

Budgets are the vehicle for allocating resources, measuring activities, and identifying needed changes and improvements. An organization's strategy is the primary driver of costs. To be effective, the budget must be linked to strategy and long-term plans. Numerous organizations have achieved a series of short-term targets (budgets) but failed longer term, demonstrating the lack of this necessary linkage. Forecasting, a critical part of any successful budgeting process, can be flawed by technical errors, organizational structure, or emotional forces. The establishment of a system to collect, process, and analyze big data can provide significant insights into the budgeting and forecasting process. An efficient system of incorporating big data and analytics into normal activities will improve management's decision-making. This brief program offers specific actions to improve your forecasting and budgeting activities. In addition, more advanced techniques are identified for the participant's further review, which can be applied throughout an organization. Good budgets effectively allocate resources, provide information for decision-making and serve as an early warning system for unforeseen events. A poor budgeting process fosters a false sense of security, provides inappropriate or inaccurate data, and reinforces the status quo. Budgets are about the organization's story, not just the raw numbers!Speaker - Tony La Russo, BA, MBA, CMA

Surgent's Bankruptcy Basics: Understanding the Reorganization and Liquidation Process in These Uncertain Economic Times

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

Consumers and businesses file for bankruptcy to seek protection from creditors and to reorganize or liquidate debts. Bankruptcy filings rise and fall with the economy. Surveys show that loss of income is the leading cause of consumer bankruptcies, followed by medical expenses and foreclosure. Corporate bankruptcies, on the other hand, are often the result of several factors, including excessive debt, decreased demand, increased costs, lawsuits or poor accounting practices. It is no secret bankruptcy filings will see a tremendous uptick in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an accountant, CFP, attorney or other professional, you need to be able to discuss the process and different available courses of action with your clients. Both landlords and tenants will be influenced tremendously. Individuals will look to your advice for a discharge and new start. Businesses will do the same and will also need to advise loyal employees. Creditors will receive proofs of claim and look to you for your expertise. Take this webinar and make sure you can speak fluently to both creditors and debtors. As trusted advisors, then, professionals should have a basic understanding of the bankruptcy process. This course provides a thorough review of the consumer and corporate bankruptcy practice. Participants in this webinar will gain an understanding of how consumer and corporate bankruptcy proceedings begin and end, as well as learn about key issues that affect debtor and creditor rights during bankruptcy. This webinar provides information from the perspective of both debtor and creditor. Although bankruptcy concerns the debts of the debtor, the Bankruptcy Code provides substantial protections to creditors. Creditor rights, however, vary widely depending on the status afforded the creditor under the Bankruptcy Code. Do yourself, your clients and your profit margin a favor and sign up for this invaluable webinar. Speaker - Jason Cornell

Surgent's Controllership Skills Update: Risk Management

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

The most recent recession and its fallout, weather (look at 2017), process and product failures, and unethical behavior have again highlighted failures by numerous organizations in identifying and managing risk. The size and reputation of organizations proved not to be the key to success. Again, we saw that failures can result in areas/industries thought to be "under control" through their policies, practices and/or regulations. A core activity of financial management is to effectively protect the assets of their organizations, without significantly reducing new ideas and growth. This brief program provides insights and approaches to identify risk and manage the above noted trade-off. The course is designed for financial managers looking to quickly build upon their existing knowledge and experience, as well as to help to start the less experienced individual. It offers ideas that can be used immediately, as well as longer term approaches. Updated to include new information particularly in the areas of disaster planning, business continuity, and ethics, as well as a sample group exercise to test your current risk management systems.Speaker - Tony La Russo, BA, MBA, CMA

Surgent's Budgets, Forecasts, and Forward-Looking Cash Flow Projections in a Post-Pandemic Environment

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Online/Webcast

4.00 Credits

The COVID-19 pandemic has had many far-reaching implications. In addition to the financial reporting impact of the pandemic, many other business functions, such as budgeting and forecasting are also proving to be challenging in the current environment and will require adjustments to how they were done in the past. As re-opening guidance continues to be issued, companies will have more visibility into when and how they can resume production and operations. Management and the Finance Team will need to work together to accurately forecast the impacts that the pandemic will have on revenue, margins, and costs in both the short term and long-term. Also, accurate operating and cash flow forecasts are essential for updating critical accounting estimates, including impairment models, contract modifications, and going concern risk assessments. They are also essential to determining the extent of operational disruption, supply chain disruptions, and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as identifying potential liquidity and working capital short-falls and access to existing sources of capital. In this course, we'll review best practices for budgeting and forecasting in the COVID-19 environment. We'll discuss what techniques can remain the same and which need to change as entities struggle to assess the impact of this crisis.Speaker - Samuel Monastra, CPA

Surgent's Data Security: Best Practices to Protect Your Business and Yourself

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Online/Webcast

1.00 Credits

Data security is a front-of-mind topic for most businesses because the risk and cost statistics are sobering. Each of us is in the crosshairs because a typical internet-connected computer faces a cyberattack every 39 seconds. Businesses of all sizes should be cognizant of the ethical issues that must be considered when planning their approach to privacy and data security. In this webinar, we will explore both the risks we have traditionally faced in the workplace personally, as well as the novel set of data privacy threats and compliance challenge issues employers face with a remote and mobile workforce.Speaker - Mark McCreary, CIPP/US

Surgent's Preparing for and Navigating a Potential Banking Crisis

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

The collapse of FTX followed by Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has renewed concerns with accounting and financial executives and their boards regarding how to navigate a potential banking crisis and survive. The course explores the challenges of the current monetary trends, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and insurance reserves. We will analyze their impact on accounting and financial executives in areas of credit markets and banking, risk management, cash flow planning strategies, debt and equity mix impacts in uncertain markets, and globalization of the financial markets in times of uncertainty. Specific recommendations and insights will be offered to you to deal with the challenges, including a discussion on the nuances of FDIC.Speaker - Frank Ryan, CPA

Surgent's Controller/CFO Update: Hot Topics Facing Today's Financial Professional

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Online/Webcast

4.00 Credits

In today's rapidly changing world, finance professionals are required to wear many hats and are often the keys to the success of the organization. On one hand, they need to be abreast of the latest proven financial skills for making the best decisions, and on the other hand they need the best skills to motivate, manage, and lead people. Being pigeon-holed into one area or another is neither good for career building nor good for the organization. This reality has proven to be even more true with the advent of COVID-19. We'll cover the latest issues that all CFOs and controllers need to know about and provide how-to guidance to allow for immediate use in their organizations. The program is focused on organizational success and will concentrate on ways to manage risk and achieve greater productivity.Speaker - Art Pulis, MBA

Student Webcast: Virtual Mock Exam by Surgent

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Online/Webcast

0.00 Credits

Free to our Student and Candidate Affiliates! For many candidates, taking the CPA Exam can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when transitioning into the profession. Often aspiring CPAs are not sure if they are truly prepared to sit for each section. In order to help provide more transparency into exam-readiness, LCPA and Surgent CPA Review have partnered to offer student and candidate affiliates a FREE simulated CPA Exam section of your choice. This exercise will show you what it's like to sit for any CPA Exam section as you immerse yourself in questions pulled from the actual CPA Exam Blueprints.Plus, you will leave the session with your own personalized ReadySCORE™ (an accurate measurement of your actual exam score) as well as a detailed report showing your areas of strength and weakness for that section. PRO EXAM TIPS Register for this event using the same email address that you'll use the day of the simulation — it's how Surgent will identify you. Consider in advance which portion of the exam you'd like to try.  Watch for a software activation email from Surgent CPA Review the morning of the Mock Exam. Review your personalized Exam ReadySCORE along with your diagnostic report and work on areas that may need improvement. Not an LCPA Student or Candidate Affiliate? See if you qualify to join. Questions? Contact our Member Service Team, 504.464.1040.

Surgent's U.S. Taxation of Foreign Corporations: A Case Study Approach

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Online/Webcast

3.00 Credits

This course is a case study designed to provide a comprehensive overview of U.S. taxation of a foreign corporation. Using a specific example, the course will walk through step-by-step mechanics on how to calculate the income inclusions and foreign tax credits under GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income), Subpart F, and PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) regimes. The case study will further evaluate tax impact of subsequent distributions from the foreign corporation and sales of its stock. A compare-and-contrast approach will highlight the different outcomes of these regimes for individuals and for C corporations, empowering participants to advise their clients on the most tax efficient way to structure their international investments.Speaker - Renata Maroney (Stasaityte), CPA

Surgent's Time Management for Professionals

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

The phrase "time management" is misleading. No one manages time. Instead, we manage events in our lives which consume time. Like money, time is both finite and valuable; it should be budgeted and used wisely. Those individuals who "manage" or budget their time wisely often are more productive, less stressed, and able to achieve their goals more effectively than others. Professionals by nature place a high value on their time. Still, successful time management strategies vary based upon the personality, motivation, and discipline of each individual. This course provides simple, practical, and powerful techniques that help professionals work efficiently and achieve better balance in their lives. Successful time management skills also reduce the risk of burnout, which in turn improves the likelihood of achieving success in any endeavor.Speaker - Jason Cornell

Surgent's Excel Budgeting Ideas

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

Budget methods are the key to allowing department managers to efficiently prepare their budget in Excel. For example, a budget method may be to spread prior year actuals or match prior year actuals, or match prior year actuals less 10%. In this webinar, we will explore how to allow users to pick a budget method from a drop-down list for each account and then have Excel perform different calculations depending on the budget method selected. We use several features and functions at the same time to pull this off. Even if you are not involved in the budgeting process, the underlying features and functions discussed have a wide range of uses.Speaker - Jeff Lenning

Surgent's Excel Budgeting Ideas

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

Budget methods are the key to allowing department managers to efficiently prepare their budget in Excel. For example, a budget method may be to spread prior year actuals or match prior year actuals, or match prior year actuals less 10%. In this webinar, we will explore how to allow users to pick a budget method from a drop-down list for each account and then have Excel perform different calculations depending on the budget method selected. We use several features and functions at the same time to pull this off. Even if you are not involved in the budgeting process, the underlying features and functions discussed have a wide range of uses.Speaker - Jeff Lenning

Surgent's Client Advisory Services (CAS): A Guide to the Variety of Offerings Professionals Can Provide

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

According to a 2020 AICPA survey, advisory and consulting services were considered the greatest unmet needs of clients. The recent growth in Client Advisory Services (CAS) has led many to ask what is included in this broad category as well as how to develop the services for clients. With so much focus on the recent success of CAS offerings, now is the time to learn how the services differ from what you currently offer, which of your clients would benefit most, and what you need in place to add a quality CAS program to your firm's menu of services.Speaker - Christina Hilton, CPA

Surgent's Excel Shortcuts for Accountants

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

This webinar presents a variety of time-saving ideas, shortcuts, and tips that are sure to boost personal productivity. We discuss better summing, address one of the biggest pitfalls that Excel users have faced over the past 25 years, present the most important keyboard shortcuts, demonstrate a better alternative to hiding rows or columns, illustrate how to quickly navigate to other workbooks and files, and demonstrate using Excel with styles.Speaker - Jeff Lenning

Surgent's Perplexing Financial and Economic Issues for the CFO/Controller

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Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

For CFOs and Controllers, the emergence of regulatory, fiscal, and monetary policy directly impacting their organizations' costs, competitiveness, and financing options, are causing them to understand the effect of shocks well outside of their control. The Dodd-Frank Act, health care reform, shortfalls in Social Security, unfunded pension liabilities, and deficit spending will all be explored relative to their impact on the CFO/Controller and your organization.Speaker - Frank Ryan, CPA

Surgent's Use the Data Model to Build More Powerful PivotTables

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

Do you love PivotTables? Of course, we all do! Traditional PivotTables are incredible, but they do have limitations. If you have ever encountered one of these limitations, you'll be excited to learn that by using the Data Model as the source for PivotTables, you'll be able to bypass many of the restrictions that exist with traditional PivotTables. The data model (also referred to as Power Pivot) is included in Excel 2016+ for Windows and available as a free download for previous versions (excluding Excel for Mac). Using the data model enables you to build PivotTables that were previously not practical. If you frequently build PivotTables and would like to do more with them, you'll want to understand how to use the data model (Power Pivot) to enhance your reports. Note about Excel versions: Power Pivot is not available in all versions of Excel, including Excel for Mac. If you would like to see if Power Pivot is available in your version of Excel, visit the Microsoft site.Speaker - Jeff Lenning

Surgent's Anatomy of a Ransomware Event and Incident Response

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Online/Webcast

2.00 Credits

The past two years have ushered in an explosion of ransomware attacks affecting businesses and individuals. Many of us read or hear about these attacks, but there is little understanding of how they occur, how a response is undertaken, and how the chances of experiencing one can be reduced. Join us to learn about these topics so you can be prepared with the best response and the knowledge to avoid common mistakes in a ransomware event.Speaker - Mark McCreary, CIPP/US