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.
Surgent's Data Analytics Readiness Series: Data Preparation Using Get and Transform
Available Until
On Demand Only
1.00 Credits
In this one-hour course, users will learn to apply Power Query to extract, transform, and load data for analysis. Users will learn how to manipulate data once it is loaded into the platform and will practice the manipulation during the course. Using the same data as the instructor, users will perform an exercise to clean and transform a basic general ledger with an emphasis on preparing the data for analysis. This course is one in a ten-part certification series, Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Skills for Accounting and Finance Professionals, by Surgent IQ.
Surgent's Data Analytics Readiness Series: Excel Tables
Available Until
On Demand Only
1.00 Credits
In this one-hour course, users will apply Excel and Power BI tools and skills directly to tables in Excel. Users will work alongside the instructor to create named tables, create structured references, enter formulas, and prepare the tables for input into Power Query. Users will be introduced to the preparation of the first level of statistics - descriptive statistics. Emphasis will be placed on mean, median, and standard errors. This course is one in a ten-part certification series, Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Skills for Accounting and Finance Professionals, by Surgent IQ.
Surgent's Data Analytics Readiness Series: Formulas, Named Ranges, and Formula Auditing
Available Until
On Demand Only
1.00 Credits
This one-hour course will introduce users to table functions in Excel and Power BI. Users will demonstrate an ability to apply and utilize named ranges and naming conventions to data. Specific focus will be given to common formulas and functions within Excel. Common pitfalls in formula implementation will be discussed. Users will utilize exercises alongside an instructor to practice formula and function skills. This course is one in a ten-part certification series, Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Skills for Accounting and Finance Professionals, by Surgent IQ.
Surgent's Data Analytics Readiness Series: PivotTables
Available Until
On Demand Only
1.00 Credits
This one-hour course will provide users with hands-on practice using PivotTables and Excel. Users will learn and apply skills to create, structure, and analyze data using PivotTables. The benefits and limitations of PivotTables will be discussed. Users will be introduced to Power Pivot and Online Analytics Processing within it. This course is one in a ten-part certification series, Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Skills for Accounting and Finance Professionals, by Surgent IQ.
Surgent's Data Analytics Readiness Series: Visualizations and Reporting
Available Until
On Demand Only
1.00 Credits
This one-hour course will serve as an introduction to data visualization and reporting using Power BI and Excel. Users will understand the benefits of using Power BI to create data visualizations and how Power BI differs from previous functions in Excel for visualizations. A hands-on exercise will be applied where the user will work alongside the instructor to create dashboarding for journal entry testing. Specific focus will be on the relation among various tools for data analytics: Power Query, Power Pivot, PivotTables, DAX formulas, and storyboarding. This course is one in a ten-part certification series, Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Skills for Accounting and Finance Professionals, by Surgent IQ.
Surgent's Data Analytics Toolkit - Tools and Applications
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
There is no shortage of data, but relatively few organizations have an environment and process to isolate, capture, analyze, and convert data into actionable information. Too often, we collect as much data as possible, continue to use historic measurements, and communicate data using traditional vehicles. Good decisions are not the result of the amount of data gathered, but of the quality and understanding of the information. The goal of this program is to explore a number of analytical tools and techniques and identify applications for them within an organization. Analytical techniques will be introduced throughout the discussion, and a significant amount of time will be spent addressing the steps needed to establish a data-driven environment and identifying and discussing potential/specific applications. In this way, participants get experience they can begin to use in their organizations. An expanded list of reference books and next level software is also provided.
Surgent's Data Analytics for Accountants and Financial Managers
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
Data analytics and mining are the fastest growing disciplines in accounting and general management. Many organizations are either planning programs or have them already underway. Unfortunately, a number of these attempts fail due to poor planning/preparation and a lack of commitment, training, and clear vision of the program's goals. Today there is no shortage of data, but relatively few organizations have established an environment and ongoing process to isolate, capture, analyze, and convert data into actionable information. At times, even organizations that are employing leading-edge analytics are doing it with traditional, limited sets of data. This session explores how an organization can successfully become data driven. The discussion includes numerous examples demonstrating how accounting and financial professionals can build upon their current analytical skills to better perform traditional tasks and assume a role as a business partner with others in their organization. The program is aimed to assist those just beginning the journey, as well as those who want to test their current efforts or are considering the need for a restart. In addition to discussing a number of analytical tools, including available software, lists of reference books and next-level software are provided. This program continues to build upon the Controllership Update Series.
Surgent's Data Security: Best Practices to Protect Your Business and Yourself
Available Until
On Demand Only
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.
Surgent's Depreciation Rules for Bonus and Section 179 Expensing
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has had a tremendous impact on commercial real estate, including liberalizing the depreciation provisions. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) included several provisions that allow taxpayers to revisit projects completed in earlier, more profitable years, and generate even more value. In this webinar, we will explore the impact of these important laws on commercial real estate owners and delve into what Accounting and Financial Professionals need to know. We'll also examine these opportunities to "turn back the clock," including the retroactive correction of QIP's recovery period and the option to revoke electing-out of the business interest limitation. Finally, we will review other strategies that are crucial parts of a comprehensive tax plan this year and will discuss a strategic hierarchy for employing those strategies most successfully. Relevant Rev. Procs. and multiple real-life case studies will be reviewed.
Surgent's Did I Pick the Right Major? Selecting Major Programs in a Single Audit
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
Even after we complete our work at an institution, the question sometimes lingers: "Did I pick the right major?" Major program determination is difficult in a single audit and sometimes we feel ill prepared to make the best decision. This course will give you the counseling and assistance you need to feel confident in your major program selection under the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards requirements.
Surgent's Effective Communications with Management and Those Charged with Governance
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
As a byproduct of the audit, the auditor has a responsibility to communicate certain information to management and those charged with governance, primarily related to risk and internal control deficiencies. In some cases the auditor may be required to report outside the entity, for example, when fraud is identified. Some of these communications to management and those charged with governance occur at the beginning of the audit, others during the audit and at the end of the audit. Two-way communication is very important to meet professional responsibilities and also as a client service. This module will discuss the most significant of the required communications and explore how to make them more effective. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 5.)
Surgent's Effective Techniques for Auditing Contingencies and Going Concern
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
In these rapidly changing times, an entity may experience significant uncertainties. This is especially true at this time due to issues entities have experienced as a result of the pandemic declared in March 2020 which are still ongoing for many. New accounting principles issued by the FASB are requiring more estimates which could give rise to significant uncertainties. A primary focus right now for management is the requirement to evaluate entity's ability to remain a going concern. In addition, new audit standards, effective for calendar year end 2021 audits. This module provides tips and techniques for obtaining the audit evidence needed to support conclusions on contingencies and going concern. These issues require disclosure and may result in accruals. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 3.)
Surgent's Employee Stock Options: What Financial Professionals Should Know When Advising Their Clients
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
Companies often offer stock options as an additional form of compensation to attract and retain the best talent. Used appropriately, stock options can generate significant wealth. Yet many employees are unfamiliar with how stock options work and why options serve as a valuable opportunity for employees to establish and grow their wealth. Unfortunately, employees who receive stock options are often unaware of their inherent risks. Research has shown that over 75% of employees have never exercised their stock options. Almost half of these individuals (48%), say they held off on selling their options due to fear of making a mistake. This course provides accounting and financial professionals with a broad overview of employee stock options. The webinar is designed to help participants better understand the fundamentals behind these investments and in turn, better advise their clients.
Surgent's Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Achieving Success in a Worker Classification Audit
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
The IRS believes, perhaps with some justification, that many workers classified as independent contractors are actually employees and should be treated as such for tax purposes. The result is that worker classification audits are frequent and often costly for business clients, both in terms of time as well as money expended. This program prepares tax practitioners to assist their clients with worker classification audits, and to avoid them if possible, by discussing and explaining the circumstances under which workers will most likely be characterized as employees or as independent contractors. The program also deals with the first line of defense against the IRS in worker classification audits - Section 530, as well as the common law factors distinguishing an employee from an independent contractor. This program also explores the IRS Voluntary Classification Settlement Program and discusses whether a practitioner should advise a client to request admission into this program.
Surgent's Engagement and Client Retention Best Practices
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
Positive client relationships require work. Miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, and differing personality styles may strain a client's relationship with professional advisors. Fortunately, there are tested strategies that foster and strengthen client relationships. Creating appropriate boundaries early on is one of many effective strategies that can help. This course explores actions accounting and finance professionals can take to create and grow their client relationships. This webinar provides actionable insights on how to engage new and old clients alike. Strained client relationships can harm both the client and the firm's profitability. Yet automation, for example, allows some firms to remain more engaged while others miss the mark. There is a science underlying client retention that involves understanding the client journey, ensuring consistent client interactions, and equipping employees with the tools needed to satisfy client needs. Understanding these skills should help you protect the relationships that sustain your business.
Surgent's Enterprise Risk Management Concepts and Strategy for Small and Medium-Sized Companies
Available Until
On Demand Only
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.
Surgent's Essential Depreciation and Expensing Update
Available Until
On Demand Only
4.00 Credits
The "permanent" changes from the TCJA may stand like a lion in the pathway of change, but Washington has its own definition of permanent. Inflation adjustments and technical corrections are included within this deep analysis of the complex maze of rules dealing with depreciation, amortization, and sale of property. This course contains many examples and cases to illustrate the most important points of which CPAs need to be aware.
Surgent's Essentials Of Audit Sampling
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
When performing an audit, an auditor bases his/her opinion about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement on a variety of tests on the underlying account balances and classes of transactions. Some balances, such as debt, may be tested 100% but more often, such as is the case with accounts receivable, the auditor will use sampling applications to obtain sufficient evidence to support the opinion and will not test 100% of the population. The auditor will also use sampling when testing control activities to conclude on the effectiveness of the controls. Compliance and accuracy in the accumulation of information is also tested by sampling. This module explores the different sampling applications used in a financial statement/compliance audit. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 1.)
Surgent's Establishing State Residency and Saving Your Clients Money
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
Many of our clients are moving to one of the seven states with no personal income tax, particularly Florida and Texas. Others may maintain multiple homes with an eye toward eventually establishing residency in a state with no income tax. This course will give you practical tips for your clients seeking to establish residency in a new jurisdiction. Cash-strapped states are increasingly attempting to assess taxpayers who have declared domicile and residency elsewhere, for example in Florida, to maintain their diminishing tax base. Arm your clients with the tools needed to save money by successfully establishing domicile and residency. As a practitioner, you can't afford to be unaware of the latest issues affecting so many relocating baby boomers and others. Avoid that state audit with the information provided in this entertaining webinar.
Surgent's Evaluating Sufficiency and Appropriateness of Audit Evidence
Available Until
On Demand Only
2.00 Credits
During a financial statement audit the auditor obtains an understanding of the entity and its environment (including its internal control), performs a risk assessment and from that work designs substantive procedures that will be responsive to the level of risk assessed. At the end of the audit, the auditor assesses the sufficiency and appropriateness of the audit evidence obtained to ensure that he/she has considered everything necessary to provide an opinion on the financial statements. This module addresses the characteristics of audit evidence and how the auditor evaluates the sufficiency and appropriateness of the evidence throughout the audit. (Please Note: This module is part of Surgent's Audit Skills Training: Level 5.)