CPE Catalog & Events

Create an equipment/technology checklist before each meeting Structure your environment for maximum effect Manage and mitigate distractions Handle and respond to technology issues Present yourself with authority Prepare to achieve the best outcomes Establish an authentic and accessible professional presence Navigate a group meeting as well as one on one discussions Master audio only meetings and discussions

Types of performance obligations Bundled offerings Customizations Modifications to product specifications Requests for additional services Alterations in delivery timelines Long-term contracts Enforceability and payment terms

Key principles of Revenue Recognition Performance obligations in the Contract Noncash considerations Presentation of sales taxes Impairment reversal of capitalized contract costs Interim disclosures

Topic 606’s five-step revenue recognition model Determining whether to recognize revenue over time or at a point in time under Topic 606 Other unique considerations in applying the five-step model for entities currently using SOP 81-1 Lessons learned and best practices from entities already adopting Topic 606

Documentation as a means of audit quality Responsibilities of the workpaper reviewer Important tips for providing reviews notes that will promote an effective and efficient financial statement audit Appropriate review considerations at various phases of the engagement, including before and after audit report date and report release

Revised format of audit opinion under SAS 134 Additional responsibilities of both management and the auditors under SAS 134 Additional requirements related to SASs 135-140 Qualified auditor reports, their wording, and when the auditor would issue one of them Circumstances requiring the addition of Emphasis of Matter and Other Matter paragraphs to the standard unqualified audit report

The overall purpose of the Form 8-K Triggering events for filing the Form 8-K Filing deadline for the Form 8-K

The overall importance 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) An overview of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Retirement planning using variables such as desired lifestyle, travel plans, housing plans, medical needs, and family needs to customize a retirement plan unique to the client Using the residence and other real estate as retirement assets through equity and rent Using the small business as a retirement resource through creative retirement plans, non-qualified deferred compensation, and converting the value of the business through sales within the family or to an outside party An overview of portfolio management for retirees, including sustainable portfolio withdrawal rates; balancing investments between income and equity, and taxable and nontaxable; and asset liquidation and distribution timing to minimize the tax impact of retirement distributions and maximize cash flow from retirement vehicles and Social Security Developing a three-legged retirement stool of employer retirement, savings, and Social Security, and timing the use of the legs of the stool to maximize after tax retirement benefits Analysis of the most current/important research on retirement planning and sustaining retirement income levels and lifestyles and the impact of the most recent tax laws, regulations, and rulings Planning with the new retirement provisions of SECURE Act 2.0

Types of SOC reports Uses of SOC reports by user auditors Characteristics of SOC reports Format of a SOC1 report Using a SOC1 report on a financial statement audit

Availability bias Herding Loss aversion Present bias Anchoring Home country bias

The value of strategic networking Quality vs. quantity in networking Networking for professional opportunities Person-to-person networking Maintaining and expanding your current connections Networking for introverts Long-term networking strategies

Will Social Security be there for me? How is my benefit calculated? Can I claim my benefit and work too? When do I stop paying Social Security taxes? Why does my government pension cause my benefits to be reduced? Can I claim spousal benefits now and my own later? What is my breakeven? Can I claim benefits from my ex-spouse? What do you mean I may pay taxes on my income benefits? … and more!

Understanding the time commitment required to start and run a business Selecting a corporate structure to protect your personal assets Building your product or service Sales and marketing in your business Establishing your owners, investors, managers, and employees Accounting, recording-keeping, and other software programs Leases, contracts, and employee agreements Protecting intellectual property Insurance Business plans Financing Market position

When is a person eligible to take Social Security benefits? Factors to consider when selecting an option for taking Social Security benefits Is there a best age to start taking Social Security benefits? How to maximize Social Security benefit payments for surviving spouses How can a divorced spouse collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of a former spouse? How minor children can collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of an older parent

Barriers to communication, especially when working remotely Modules and best practices for effective communication Keys to effective non-verbal communication Effective listening techniques

How to find unrelated buyers of a business Maintaining control of the business succession process Turning over the reins to family members: when to give up control Finding the right team to sell a business Options for selling a business to an unrelated party Options for selling a business to family members Options for selling a business to employees Overcoming the emotional attachment to a business Selling to family members for a life annuity Using family partnerships and trusts to transfer a business

The importance of proper documentation of workpapers Meeting firm-mandated ethical requirements  Independence issues related to client relationships Client engagement and entertainment Accurate and complete reporting of time

Refresher on understanding internal controls  When testing internal controls is required  When testing of internal controls is an effective strategy to reduce substantive testing   Designing tests of controls   Responses when deviations are discovered in the design or operating effectiveness of internal control 

Demonstrating professional skepticism Assessing audit evidence Responding to contradictory evidence Assessing the sufficiency of audit evidence