CPE Catalog & Events

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:A review of the various lookup functions, beyond VLOOKUPLearn which lookup works best for your situationHow to apply the many lookup functionsDiscover advanced lookup techniques like nested lookups, approximate matching, and handling errors effectivelyAn in-depth review of the following functions:VLOOKUP / HLOOKUPXLOOKUPMATCH / INDEXXMATCHINDIRECTFILTERSORT / SORTBYUNIQUEAn overview of some newer functions

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Introduction to GPT Vision - Understanding the fundamentals of GPT Vision and its capabilities.Advantages of Vision Mode Research - Exploring the unique benefits of visual data analysis over traditional methods.Accessing GPT Vision - Guidance on how to access and utilize GPT Vision capabilities.Financial Screenshot Analysis - Techniques for analyzing financial documents and reports through screenshots.Operational Insights from Visual Data - Using images to gain insights into operational processes and asset management.Integration with Google Maps  - Learning how to combine ChatGPT's vision capabilities with mapping technologies for enhanced spatial analysis.DDPP Analysis - Applying descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis to visual data.Sentiment and Facial Expression Analysis - Techniques for interpreting emotions and sentiments in images to gauge client and employee feedback.Body Language Interpretation - Analyzing body language in images to understand non-verbal cues in business contexts.Effective Photo Capturing Techniques - Best practices for taking photos that provide optimal insights for financial analysis.

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Module 1: Introduction to AI in Marketing   The Basics of AI – Concepts and TerminologyModule 2: Leveraging AI Tools and Technologies   Overview of AI Tools for MarketingModule 3: Practical Strategies for AI Integration   Integrating AI into Your Marketing WorkflowModule 4: Measuring AI-Driven Marketing Effectiveness   Key Metrics for Assessing AI-Driven CampaignsModule 5: Real-Life Case Studies and Success Stories   Case Studies of Firms Successfully Using AI in MarketingModule 6: Developing Your AI-Enabled Marketing Strategy   Creating a Custom AI Marketing Strategy

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Data Analysis Process Flow: An introduction to the Data Analysis Process Flow and how it is your pathway to becoming a Data Analysis Expert.Data Modeling: A comprehensive discussion of building a data model and calculating metrics.Data Visualizations: An understanding how visualizations can present data in a more insightful and impactful manner.

An overview of the beginning of the process and documents for preliminary tax planning Recognizing the need for due diligence in acquisitions, including checklists of important points Deemed asset sales – §338 and §338(h)(10) The impact of the §197 amortizable intangibles regulations on the acquisition and disposition of a business Allocating purchase price for tax advantage Planning to avoid double taxation under the repeal of the General Utilities doctrine Special problems and opportunities when an S corporation is the buyer or seller Installment sale and interest issues Avoiding tax pitfalls and recognizing tax planning opportunities Unique issues in buying and selling LLC/partnership interests Impact of the net investment income tax (NIIT) and the §199A pass-through deduction on the tax due on the sale of a pass-through entity Individually owned goodwill

Federal and California statutory and regulatory standards governing tax preparers: Preparer penalty provisions, Circular 230 and; AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services Tax shelter and reportable transaction issues in depth Attorney-client, Sec. 7525 and work product privilege issues and Kovel arrangements

Classifying receipts between “income” and “corpus” under the Uniform Principal and Income Act Calculation of DNI utilizing three different methods, a “forms” method (Schedule B), a “code” method, and a “shortcut” method, utilizing a worksheet of common income and expenses Proper W-2 preparation and procedures in the year of death Taxpayer passes before taking a required minimum distribution; what must be done?  Forgetful fiduciaries of simple trusts Fluctuating trusts – Simple one year, complex the next Dividing income in the year of death Overview of Subchapter J Form preparation issues – Filing requirements and line-by-line explanations of Form 1041 Taxable income of estates and trusts and expense allocation issues Specific deductions and miscellaneous itemized deductions Income in respect of a decedent The income distribution deduction calculation Relation of principal and income law to DNI Understanding how to handle capital gains and losses Allocating tax items to beneficiaries: another K-1 Other considerations: excess deductions on termination Comprehensive DNI case study, with principal (cost and FMV) and income reconciliation Comprehensive trust and estate case studies, with filled-in forms

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Analysis of the ''Preparation of Financial Statements'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with detailed implementation guidance.Analysis of the ''Compilation'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with implementation guidance.Analysis of the ''Review'' standards as amended by SSARS 26 with detailed implementation guidance.Common mistakes made in SSARS engagements as identified in peer reviews and in litigation.

The major topics covered in this course include:Overview of the current landscape for AI in businessHistory of ChatGPT and generative AIFundamentals of generative AI technology and related nomenclatureABC's of how to use ChatGPTDemonstration of practical ChatGPT applications for accounting, finance and taxA word of caution: What you should be concerned aboutDeveloping a ChatGPT usage policy for your firm / business

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The role of methods of proof in forensic accounting.The various types of methods of proof approved by the courts.The weakness and strengths of the methods of proof.The formulas in calculating methods of proof.Applying the formulas in various circumstances.

What keeps companies from becoming streamlined?  Behavioral biases Information processing biases Emotional biases How to deal with behavioral biases  Connecting behavioral biases to cost cutting Creating a culture of cost cutting Rules of thumb for cost cutting  Managing headcount Post-COVID common areas of excess cost Budgeting techniques Budget variances Benchmarking Common size financial statements Horizontal analysis Negotiation and contracting techniques Cash flow and the business cycle

Discussion of the importance of financial education for the next generation Understanding a client’s financial values Determining a client’s financial literacy Helping clients develop a teaching roadmap Using knowledge to protect against entitlement Developing a knowledge base for the information, including a full list of recommended books on the topic and games for families to play Discussion of specific topics, including tips and tricks related to: Allowances Earning, work, and entrepreneurship Spending, saving, and investing Philanthropy Taxes Credit cards, crypto, and financial fraud

Each module includes a lecture followed by in-class group case studies and activities. In this two-day course, the following two-hour modules will be presented: Day 1: Auditing accounts receivable Physical inventory observations Sampling fundamentals Assessing fraud risk in a financial statement audit Day 2: Auditing common investments Financial statement fundamentals SSARS refresher and attestation engagement overview Analytical procedures fundamentals

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Balance sheet analysisIncome statement analysisCash flow statement analysisClues in the notes and MD&AIndustry nuances

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Current individual tax issuesCurrent business entity tax issuesAny current tax legislation occurring during the periodOther issues affecting the profession, including IRS procedure, current cases, payroll, and other federal tax issues

What the IRS knows: Forms 1099R and 5498 Exceptions to the ten percent penalty Secure 2.0 changes to the late payment penalty History of the 60-day Rule and Recent Developments Rulings and self-certification Form 5329 use and strategies

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Financial Modeling with ChatGPT IntegrationAdvanced Ratio Analysis TechniquesRisk Assessment and Scenario AnalysisValuation Methods and ChatGPT ApplicationsUtilizing Performance Metrics in Financial AnalysisData Analysis and Interpretation with AIInvestment Analysis Enhanced by ChatGPT

The major topics covered in this class include:Target profit analysisBreak-even analysisRelevant costs and decision-makingStandard costs and variancesActivity-based costingSegment reporting and analysis

Major 2025 tax form changes as they relate to individual taxpayers Key new tax developments as they relate to 2025 and how they impact the 2025 tax forms

The impact of recent legislation on the construction industry How to qualify for the “small contractor exemption” and its advantages to the taxpayer Options available to the “small” contractor regarding taxation of long-term contracts How the choice of entity impacts taxation of contractors How AMT impacts the construction industry IRC §460 and “large” contractors How “uninstalled materials” impact taxation of contractors How the “look-back” rules impact contractors How the “10 percent method” can allow certain contractors to defer recognizing taxable income Critical tax planning strategies for contractors