CPE Catalog & Events

Proper planning of benefit plan audit engagements and developing audit strategy while improving overall efficiency Common pitfalls in planning and detailed audit procedures Changes affecting 401(k) plans, including SAS 136 implementation Common mistakes as noted in peer reviews and DOL inspections

Rethinking Risk Management: Historic view Challenges Rules Recent lessons Required skills Sources of Risk: Economy Competitors Operations Investments Strategy Compensation Routine practices Unethical behavior. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM): Defining ERM Areas of focus Implementation Planning for disasters Business continuity Contingencies Analytical Tools: Post-completion evaluations Simulation Z-score Hedging Brainstorming Mind mapping Delphi technique

New features in QuickBooks Desktop and Online Enhancing internal controls in QuickBooks-based environments Improving financial and operational reporting when using QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online Best practices for setting up companies

Why forecasts and budgets are frequently wrong: behavioral finance; improper goal setting, games, continuing the status quo, traditional budgeting techniques Incorporating strategy into budgets: improving measurement systems; common errors, developing strategies and appropriate measurements Expanding the budgeting framework: rolling forecasts; mission-based budgeting, zero-based budgeting, post-completion evaluations, contingency planning, black swan events, identifying improvements Big data: definition, challenges, goals, current uses/examples, sources of information Analytical tools: ration analysis, benchmarking, Pareto analysis, trend analysis, regression, simulation, dashboards

Defining three critical elements: responsibility, empowerment and accountability and how they work together to create results Designing and using clear agreements that provide clarity Skills for holding yourself and others accountable for results, no matter what Knowing where you are in the accountability game... what you do/don't do well

Leadership Development

What is artificial intelligence? What are the different forms of artificial intelligence? The difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning The types of problems artificial intelligence can solve The role of algorithms How artificial intelligence will affect accounting and finance careers Data governance, security and privacy How accounting firms are using AI today The role of artificial intelligence in asset management

Learn the power of flexibility and adaptability Manage daily changes and stressors Avoid burnout and achieve work-life balance

Recently issued FASB Accounting Standards Updates, PCC Update and items on the FASB's Technical Agenda Leases - Topic 842 ASC 326: CECL Review of SAS 142 - Focus on Audit Evidence Recently issued SASs and other AICPA activity SSARS No. 25 and other recently issued SSARS Detailed review of SAS 145 Other important A&A practice matters

Discuss how productivity strategies may improve work-life balance Understand the state tax consequences that may arise when working from home Identify and discuss challenges unique to financial professionals Review how some organizations are providing support to improve work-life balance Explore the role of alternative work arrangements Examine challenges unique to auditors versus tax professionals A comparison of work-life balance between public and industry accountants How work-family conflict varies among financial professionals Recommendations for improving work-life balance

Collaboration and security techniques Tables, data models and PivotTables Advanced formulas Data queries Creating effective visualizations

Explore the tenets of exemplary leadership which are requirements for highly effective leaders who achieve results and are respected by team members, peers and other leaders Review key practices that recognize and build on leadership strengths to create a team environment that is productive, profitable, strengthens team members' morale and fosters positive energy in the work climate Examine SMART goals to inspire teams to tackle tough challenges and help team members reach and exceed their potential Review conflict management techniques to minimize negative attitudes and foster win/win resolutions for team members

Set up an in-cell drop-down list of budget methods Change the calculations in the cells based on the selected budget method Use names in worksheets

Changing Role of Financial Professionals: Priorities Change in mission Valued-added actions Strategic Measurements: Common errors and guidelines for improvement Balanced scorecard Strategy development and implementation Budgeting basics and next steps Risk Management: Recent lessons, including Black Swan events Defining Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Implementation Developing a Financial Leadership Pipeline: Changing employment environment Retaining the right employees Compensation Hiring process Capital Projects: Types of projects Factors affecting capacity Valuation techniques Cash management M&A Activity: Current environment Controller's role Strategic questions Sample transactions Due diligence Implementation Introducing Improvements/Innovation: Getting started Establishing an environment Potential first projects Organizational structure

Internal controls and risk assessments using a risk-based audit approach New Pension and OPEB Standards, including GASB Statement Nos. 68 and No. 75 COSO for Smaller Entities and Governments Survey of California Cities and Counties (17th Annual) New GASB Standards updated with an emphasis on GASB 84, Fiduciary Activities and GASB 87, Leases GASB's "Big Three" Projects

Technology and workstation arrangements Maximizing productivity Establishing procedures that can be implemented throughout the organization Understanding the relationship between remote work and employee retention Effective communication strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients The productivity challenges unique to working from home Time management The importance of distinguishing between the "home office" and "home" Data privacy concerns Other ethical considerations that arise when working from home

Fraud Trends Audit requirements related to fraud

Explore the function that sums better than the SUM function Discover a variety of time-saving features, functions and techniques Learn the workaround to a major Excel pitfall

How the application of policies and employment laws within the workplace can reduce employee complaints and protect your company from claims of discrimination or wrongful behavior Examining wage and pay practices, FMLA examples and other challenging workplace questions, to insure actions are consistent with laws/policies Key functions of employment including recruitment, interviewing and selection