South Carolina Association of CPAs

(LITX04/26) Roth IRAs and The Path to Tax-Free Distributions
2025-07-17 12:00 - 12:50 (America/Detroit)
Event Description
There are multiple options for funding a Roth IRA. Each option is subject to a strict set of rules, and breaking any of these rules could negate the tax benefits of the Roth IRA. When done right, these funding options can help to create tax-free income for a Roth IRA owner and their beneficiaries. During this presentation, Denise will demonstrate how to operate within the regulatory limitations for funding Roth IRAs, thus avoiding excise taxes and penalties that apply to overfunding.
Designed For
Financial and Tax professionals
Objectives

Help clients avoid costly Roth funding errors

Major Subjects

Regular Roth IRA contributions and the applicable limitations
The backdoor Roth IRA contribution strategy.
Direct Roth conversions
The special rules for indirect Roth conversions
Rollovers from employer plans to a Roth IRA
529 to Roth IRA contributions
Identifying and correcting Roth IRA excess contributions
Tax reporting requirements for Roth funding

(LITX03/26) Tax Research Part 1 - Fundamentals
2025-07-16 13:00 - 13:50
Event Description
The sheer number of sources of tax law can be overwhelming when you are first starting off as a practitioner. How do you differentiate between each one? What does each of them do? And what happens when there are conflicts between them? Through simple, plain language explanations and examples, this course gives the new practitioner an introduction to tax law. It talks about the types of primary authority and how they interact with each other.
Objectives

Describe the different levels of authority in tax law
Differentiate between the different types of administrative authority in tax law
Identify the different courts that hear cases involving tax law

(LIET02/26) A Culture of Regulatory Ethics Making Ethics a Competitive Advantage
2025-07-16 08:30 - 12:00
Event Description
In a competitive market, every company is looking for any way to differentiate themselves from their competition. While we often look to new markets and data for a competitive advantage, ethics can be the factor that makes the biggest difference to customers, employees, and the public at large. Using surveys, research, case studies, and examples, this course will explore why the CPA credential and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct is so different. We will discuss why CPAs are in a unique position of trust and how this can put their companies ahead.
Objectives

Describe the relationship between financial success and ethics
Identify the characteristics that make the CPA credential unique compared to other financial designations
Compare and contrast the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct to the ethics codes of other financial professionals
State the steps in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct Conceptual Framework Approach
Describe the key issues currently being addressed by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee
State the key factors that influence employee behavior according to research
Identify the key factors of ethical communication that increase trust
Describe how the concept of ethical communication can be applied within the context of a difficult conversation

(LITX02/26) Keeping Up with the Tax Code - Required Minimum Distributions
2025-07-15 12:00 - 12:50
Event Description
Whether you are an experienced veteran or new to the industry, one of the toughest parts of being a tax practitioner is keeping up with all of the changes in tax legislation. The Keeping Up the Code series takes a look at recent changes to tax law from a practitioner perspective. We don’t just hurl code sections at you without explanation. Using examples, problems, and plain explanations, we explore a mix of new tax issues and areas of the code that tend to be misunderstood in a practical and straight-forward way. In this session, we will explore Required Minimum Distribution rules, as well as changes that have been made in light of SECURE 1, SECURE 2, and other recent IRS pronouncements.
Objectives

Identify the correct age in which RMDs need to begin after recent tax legislation
State differences between RMDs for IRAs and Qualified Plans
Recognize how RMDs are treated for inherited IRAs

(LIAA02/26) Governmental GAAP Update
2025-07-10 10:20 - 12:00
Event Description
This course begins with a look at the GASB standards effective this year, including GASB 100, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and GASB 101, Compensated Absences. We’ll include practical application of the topics in the form of case studies.
Objectives

Recall the impact of GASB 100 and 101 on financial reporting for governments Recall the impact of standards effective in 2025

(LITX01/26) Lifecycle Financial Planning - Qualified Business Income Deduction
2025-07-09 14:50 - 15:40
Event Description
Even though it has been around several years, many practitioners fail to take full advantage of the QBI deduction due to its complexity and many nuances. In this course, we will discuss how to maximize the QBI deduction. We will get into the details of what QBI includes (and doesn’t include), which entity structures work best for the QBI deduction, and what to do if we have negative QBI. While the QBI deduction is only one deduction on the tax return, for small business owners, it may be the largest and most important deduction that they can take!
Objectives

State which activities are eligible for a QBI deduction and any limitations
Identify planning techniques to increase the QBI deduction
Recognize which entity types may increase an equity owner’s QBI deduction

(LIAA01/26) Thinking Like an Auditor When Preparing Your Financial Statements
2025-07-09 10:20 - 12:00
Event Description
External auditors understand concepts like materiality, reasonableness, and risk of material misstatement. This course will explain how to think like an auditor when preparing and fairly presenting your financial statements and related disclosures.
Designed For
Anyone responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements
Objectives

Describe important judgments made by the auditor in providing reasonable assurance about whether financial statements are materially misstated due to fraud or error
Explain how to apply subjectivity, materiality and other critical aspects of professional judgment when preparing financial statements and related disclosures
Apply illustrative examples to explain how judgment can be appropriately applied in reliable financial reporting

Major Subjects

Determining an appropriate sense of quantitative and qualitative materiality
Identifying the critical components of the financial statements that matter most to financial statement users
Evaluating where the financial statements are most likely to contain material fraud and error, and ensuring adequate internal control and monitoring to mitigate those risks

(LIET01/26) Yellow Book Ethics
2025-07-08 13:00 - 14:40
Event Description
The Yellow Book outlines essential ethical principles for governmental auditors, including serving the public interest, maintaining integrity, objectivity, and professional behavior. This course provides a focused review of these key concepts and their practical application in governmental auditing. Participants will also explore the independence standards, gaining insights on maintaining objectivity and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure unbiased and professional audits.
Objectives

Identify independence rules in Yellow Book
Recognize the ethical principles in GAGAS

(LIMG02/26) The Risk Management Process & Insurance Fundamentals
2025-07-02 10:20 - 12:00
Event Description
Whether you are new to the risk management process or you are a seasoned pro, it always comes back to the fundamentals. Just like any other industry, insurance professionals have their own language. Through plain language and a commonsense approach, this course explores the steps involved in the risk management process, the elements of a good risk register, as well what sections make up a standard insurance policy. Whether you are an insurance professional trying to brush up or you are simply trying to better understand the terms in your insurance policy, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding risk management.
Objectives

Recall the three elements of a loss exposure
Identify the elements of a client’s risk register
Distinguish between risk control and risk financing measures
Indicate the different sections of an insurance policy

(LIMG01/26) Improving Your Profits: Identifying Cost Cutting Opportunities
2025-07-02 08:30 - 10:10
Event Description
Part of one’s duty as a CPA working in industry is to safeguard the assets of the organization. Cost cutting is one way to preserve assets and maintain a company’s competitive position in the industry. However, what keeps us from ridding our organizations of unnecessary costs? In this course, we will look at the factors that prevent our companies from being as streamlined as they could be. By using statistics and survey data, we will attempt to show how to better negotiate and navigate budgeting and contracting decisions. We will also discuss financial statement analysis techniques, benchmarking, and cash flow management in an effort to better cut costs and maintain the long-run viability of an organization.
Objectives

List behavioral biases that prevent companies from being streamlined
Identify techniques that may be used to make cost cutting a part of the company’s culture and business strategy
Describe techniques that may be used to discern whether or not additional headcount is necessary
Demonstrate vertical and horizontal financial statement analysis
List key considerations when benchmarking against competitors
Describe contracting and negotiation techniques
Discuss the business cycle and how cash flow management changes during each stage

(LITE01/26) AI for CPAs: How it Works and How to Apply It
2025-07-01 08:30 - 12:00
Event Description
Demystify the complex world of generative AI in this informative session designed specifically for CPAs. We’ll break down the nuts and bolts of how generative AI works, making the technical aspects accessible and relevant. Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge to leverage AI in your practice or business.
Objectives

Recognize the nature of generative AI and how it can be applied in the world of CPAs
Recall key concepts and terminology associated with this rapidly evolving technology

(SSAA270/25) Surgent's Revenue Recognition - U.S. GAAP vs. IFRS
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This course provides an overview of the similarities and key differences between the revenue recognition standards issued by the FASB (ASC Topic 606) and the IASB (IFRS 15). While these standards are materially similar as the regulators worked jointly to issue the new converged standards, there are notable differences that are good to understand. However, this course is not intended to provide an exhaustive discussion of these differences.
Designed For
Accounting professionals
Objectives
List the key steps in the revenue recognition model Recognize the applicable U.S. GAAP and IFRS standard with respect to revenue recognition Identify some of the key differences between ASC Topic 606 and IFRS 15
Major Subjects
Key principles of Revenue Recognition Performance obligations in the Contract Noncash considerations Presentation of sales taxes Impairment reversal of capitalized contract costs Interim disclosures
Instructions
None

(SSAA204/25) Surgent's Proven Controls to Steer You Clear of Fraud
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
Every organization in the world will fall victim to fraud. This course will cover the means and methods available to reduce the prevalence of fraud. We will also discuss the controls that victim organizations employ in order to seek improvements for our own organizations.
Designed For
CPAs in public practice and industry who wish to educate clients or colleagues on preventing fraud from occurring at the source – would-be fraudsters – and who wish to improve anti-fraud controls
Objectives
Recognize the prevalence of fraud Grasp the importance of an internal control environment Recognize potential signs of fraudulent behavior See that there are many layers involved in fraud defense Anticipate a new environment ripe for fraudulent claims and reports
Major Subjects
The price of fraud & ACFE’s Report to the Nations Deviant workplace behavior Combating fraud with controls Controls used by fraud victim organizations and suggestions for better implementation Fraud’s new frontier Corporate social, environmental, governance, and equity/inclusion reports and audits
Instructions
None

(SSAA166/25) Surgent's Controllership Skills Update: Current Survival Skills
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
The role of financial professionals has and continues to change in organizations. The stereotype of collecting and reporting data has been replaced by a broader vision, which focuses on improving an organization’s results today and preparing it for the future. This brief program offers specific actions that can be implemented by financial personnel to expand their role through improving their organization. The actions and techniques provided build upon and improve activities that exist in many organizations (measuring, budgeting, hiring, risk management, etc.), as well as providing insights into capital allocation, cash management, valuation techniques, variables that influence capacity levels, M&A activity and actions to increase efficiency and innovation. Updated to include the impact of tax regulations, additional examples of M&A, alliances and strategic spin-offs/splits, methods to improve efficiency from existing activities, and current organizational changes employed to manage and accelerate growth.
Designed For
Public, private and non-profit organizations and their members — CFOs, CEOs, controllers, auditors, and managers
Objectives
Provide an overview of the expanded role of financial professionals Gain knowledge in a diverse range of activities Explore analytical valuation techniques that are useful over a board range of events Understand the potential value of improving existing practices and/or implementing missing ones Recognize immediate actions that can result in measurable benefits to an organization Identify specific areas for further exploration
Major Subjects
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
Instructions
None

(SSAA213/25) Surgent's Latest Developments in Government and Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This is indeed another year of significant change in the world of government and nonprofit accounting and auditing. Time is valuable, and it’s hard to stay current in today’s rapidly changing environment. Let us save you time and effort with this informative update course. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 30 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced working knowledge of the latest developments in government and nonprofit accounting and auditing.
Designed For
Auditors and industry professionals working in the government and nonprofit environment
Objectives
Understand the latest GAO, OMB, AICPA, GASB, and FASB developments Keep accounting and auditing skills up to date with current requirements Prepare for major changes on the horizon
Major Subjects
Developing issues related to Yellow Book audits and single audits Key AICPA developments affecting audits of governments and nonprofits (including implementation of SAS No. 145 on risk assessment) Recent GASB activities directed toward state and local governments with an emphasis on the implementation of GASB No. 87, Leases The changes that occurred in NFP presentation and disclosure as a result of ASU No. 2020-07 The effects of FASB ASC 842, Leases, on nonprofits
Instructions
None

(SSAA214/25) Surgent's Latest Developments in Government and Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing
2025-06-30 12:00

(SSOT127/25) Surgent's Raising Financially Capable Children
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This course focuses on the main elements of financial education and will help accounting and finance professionals guide their clients, and their clients’ children, through a personalized teaching roadmap. Clients with wealth face questions about how to teach their children about money to raise financially capable children. Often, their first contact is to their accounting and financial professionals, so it is important to be able to provide a framework to help teach clients how to prepare their children for life with privilege.This course is designed for all practitioners who want to help their clients navigate the process of teaching the next generation about personal finances. Because every family and child are different, it is critical to develop a specific plan for each client, and likely each child and grandchild. By working with their clients’ descendants, accounting and finance professionals not only build rapport and trust but also get to know the children and grandchildren, building firm value and long-term connection.
Designed For
Accounting and finance professionals who want to help clients better prepare the next generation
Objectives
Understand the importance of financially capable children Be familiar with the basic elements of financial education Be able to deal with the most common questions and answers Recognize how to build a stronger relationship with clients
Major Subjects
Discussion of the importance of a 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
Instructions
None

(SSAA222/25) Surgent's How Not-for-Profits Account for Grants and Contracts Under ASU No. 2018-08
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This course is designed to help you proceed and succeed in applying the requirements found in ASU No. 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope and the Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made. Learn the thought process used in evaluating and recording contribution transactions.
Designed For
Not-for-profit industry professionals and auditors
Objectives
Understand the steps involved in applying ASU No. 2018-08 Recognize how the new contribution guidance interacts with the old contribution guidance
Major Subjects
Evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as contributions or as exchange transactions Determining whether a contribution is conditional or unconditional Become comfortable with the new barrier and right of return/right of release terminology
Instructions
None

(SSTX311/25) Surgent's Weekly Expert Hour (Original Air Date: 6/02/22)
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
As financial and tax professionals well know, information overload is a constant struggle we face because things change quickly, and the sheer number of changes being made on a daily basis is enormous. Of great importance to small and medium tax and advisory firms is differentiating between changes that are relevant to our practice and our clients and changes that are new but totally irrelevant. Distinguishing between the two is difficult and time-consuming. Mike Tucker and a team of experts are pleased to announce a new weekly series designed to eliminate the clutter and get you what you need to stay up to date and perform for your clients. We are all aware that the IRS, along with other state and federal regulators, is issuing guidance with increased frequency due to the coronavirus pandemic tax changes. New rules need to be analyzed, dissected, and explained more quickly than in days gone by so that our clients are kept informed of opportunities that may not last long. This weekly series will provide relevant and important tax and financial changes in a quick, concise format.Each week, Mike and his co-presenters will dispense news on current events impacting taxes, finance, and industry. The subject matter will differ each week and intermittently include topics such as Social Security and Medicare. The panelists will discuss personal and corporate tax matters as well as other late-breaking news related to practitioners’ personal finances and those of their clients.Every financial professional will benefit from this series.
Designed For
Financial professionals who wish to be up to speed on the latest news affecting themselves and their clients
Objectives
Be well informed on current topics impacting taxes, finance, and industry
Major Subjects
IRS news releases and Fact Sheets as of June 2, 2022 Key tax law changes affecting the 2022 filing season and Tax Year 2021 tax returns Charitable contributions Congressional Budget Office projections, 2022 to 2023
Instructions
None

(SSOT107/25) Surgent's Business Development: Time Management
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
Participants have nine hours before tonight’s birthday party, and as they begin the workday, they must review and prioritize their task list to maximize productivity. How much can they get done? As they set off on their day by clicking through each task on the list, they will encounter interruptions and distractions from colleagues. Players must manage these interruptions while staying on track. Their responses will affect the day’s priorities as well as the number of hours they consumed throughout the day.
Designed For
Accounting and financial service professionals needing to develop or improve time management skills
Objectives
Recognize how you use your time most effectively; Understand your priorities when budgeting time; Manage external events that consume time; Be familiar with strategies for resolving time management problems;
Major Subjects
Managing interruptions; The role of to-do lists Creating an effective time management plan Staying on track of your time management plan Blocking out time
Instructions
None

(SSTX173/25) Surgent's Loss Limitations - A Mechanical Review
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
Owners of S corporations and partnerships are subject to various limitations on pass-through losses, each with unique rules, applications, and complexities. As many businesses are reporting losses as a result of COVID-19, it is essential for tax practitioners to understand the mechanical aspects of each limitation and how they coordinate to provide effective planning for loss utilization in future periods.
Designed For
Experienced practitioners who desire a refresher on loss limitations and an analysis of the new rules and less experienced practitioners who desire to learn the basics of all four pass-through loss limitations and their interactions in one course
Objectives
Understand how the activity of an entity and distributions are handled when basis limitations exist for partnership interest and S corporation stock Analyze at-risk amounts for disallowed losses and demonstrate understanding of how the amount and character of suspended amounts are determined Understand passive loss limitations and how character and the number of suspended losses are determined Analyze excess business loss limitations created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and understand the limitation calculation and resulting carryforward amounts
Major Subjects
Limitation 1: Basis limitations will be reviewed in detail with computational examples and include insights into similarities and differences between calculations for partnership interests and S corporation stock Limitation 2: Detailed at-risk limitation computational examples will be reviewed, and the mechanical features of partnerships and S corporation activities will be compared and contrasted Limitation 3: Passive loss limitation mechanics will be outlined in detail and discuss computations where there are a mix of entity structures owned by a taxpayer Limitation 4: Excess business losses will be presented from a mechanical perspective
Instructions
None

(SSTX307/25) Surgent's Weekly Expert Hour (Original Air Date: 5/5/22)
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
As financial and tax professionals well know, information overload is a constant struggle we face because things change quickly, and the sheer number of changes being made on a daily basis is enormous. Of great importance to small and medium tax and advisory firms is differentiating between changes that are relevant to our practice and our clients and changes that are new but totally irrelevant. Distinguishing between the two is difficult and time-consuming. Mike Tucker and a team of experts are pleased to announce a new weekly series designed to eliminate the clutter and get you what you need to stay up to date and perform for your clients. We are all aware that the IRS, along with other state and federal regulators, is issuing guidance with increased frequency due to the coronavirus pandemic tax changes. New rules need to be analyzed, dissected, and explained more quickly than in days gone by so that our clients are kept informed of opportunities that may not last long. This weekly series will provide relevant and important tax and financial changes in a quick, concise format.Each week, Mike and his co-presenters will dispense news on current events impacting taxes, finance, and industry. The subject matter will differ each week and intermittently include topics such as Social Security and Medicare. The panelists will discuss personal and corporate tax matters as well as other late-breaking news related to practitioners’ personal finances and those of their clients.Every financial professional will benefit from this series.
Designed For
Financial professionals who wish to be up to speed on the latest news affecting themselves and their clients
Objectives
Be well informed on current topics impacting taxes, finance, and industry
Major Subjects
Secure Act proposed regulations New RMD rules Outlook for the economy and markets
Instructions
None

(SSTX101/25) Surgent's Fiduciary Income Tax Returns - Form 1041 Workshop with Filled-in Forms
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This course is designed as a comprehensive guide to the core concepts of trust and estate income tax preparation. The course explains the common terminology and complicated income tax rules of estates and trusts, fiduciary accounting, and an introduction to or refresher on preparing Form 1041. This practical, over 300-page manual is an excellent reference source for your practice, which begins with quite simple cases. Building upon that base throughout the manual, the course ends with two complicated preparation cases, one trust and one estate, each with filled-in forms.
Designed For
Accounting and Financial Professionals whose practice includes the preparation of fiduciary income tax returns
Objectives
Be aware of fiduciary accounting principles Calculate Distributable Net Income and the income distribution deduction Prepare Form 1041 and Schedule K-1
Major Subjects
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 Effects of the CARES and Tax Relief Acts on trusts: Sect 461(l) Excess Business Loss Limitation, NOL, Sect 163(j) modifications, new employer credits Comprehensive DNI case study, with principal (cost and FMV) and income reconciliation Comprehensive trust and estate case studies, with filled-in forms
Instructions
None

(SSTX192/25) Surgent's Getting Ready for Busy Season: Key Changes Every Tax Practitioner Should Know
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
Getting ready for busy season involves not only knowing what’s new for the current year, but also understanding how the changing limits, phaseouts and other rules apply to current-year returns. With major legislation enacted over the past few years, the present course will constitute a one-stop “shop” that brings you the essential individual tax information. In addition, this course provides an up-to-date review of important tax form changes, new tax forms, new limitations, key developments as they are reflected in the IRS forms, and IRS filing issues and deadlines that will be invaluable to attendees who prepare tax returns during busy season.
Designed For
Any tax practitioner preparing or reviewing individual income tax returns for the current tax year
Objectives
Understand which income tax returns and schedules have changed for individuals and pass-through entities Identify the legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect the income tax returns and schedules of individuals and pass-through entities
Major Subjects
Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation Comprehensive coverage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and SECURE Act 2.0; A tour of the most recent changes starting from gross income and ending with alternative minimum tax (AMT) and selected credits including the latest IRS guidance on recent tax legislation Hot developments affecting the upcoming tax season Review of new laws and changes in old forms to provide a familiarity for the upcoming tax season Key new tax and practice developments and how they impact the current-year tax forms for individuals
Instructions
None

(SSAA239/25) Surgent's Applying Lessons Learned To Assure a Successful ASC 842 Adoption
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
With the effective date of ASC 842, Leases, imminent, it’s time to get tactical with your implementation plan. In this webinar, Ane Ohm, the co-founder and CEO of leading lease accounting software provider LeaseCrunch, joins Surgent to discuss lessons learned and best practices from those who have already completed ASC 842 adoption to help assure a successful implementation of this complex accounting standard. Ane will discuss her experiences in assisting companies through the nuances of ASC 842, from navigating its complex guidance on such topics as lease term, lease payments, and discount rates to providing a road map for performing transition accounting. Plus, she’ll demonstrate the value of using lease accounting software to assist in these activities. With time at a premium, this webinar will allow you to focus on the important activities that you should be doing now to complete your ASC 842 implementation.
Designed For
Practicing CPAs and their staffs, both in public accounting and business and industry – controllers, accountants, and other financial accounting personnel involved in financial statement preparation and review
Objectives
Identify best practices for successful ASC 842 adoption Recall common challenges when applying ASC 842 guidance Identify tools to assist with successful ASC 842 adoption
Major Subjects
ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) Implementation challenges in adopting ASC 842 Common pitfalls and errors in applying ASC 842 Best practices in implementing ASC 842 Use of lease accounting software for successful implementation and ongoing accounting
Instructions
None

(SSAA289/25) Surgent's What in the GASB Were They Thinking! Governments and Leases
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
Governments enter into leases for many types of assets. This course is designed to help you understand the core components of governmental lease accounting under GASB No. 87, Leases. You will learn the important definitions involved, the key decision points involved in applying the standard, and how to think through those decision points.
Designed For
Governmental industry professionals and auditors
Objectives
Skillfully prepare for the implementation of GASB No. 87 Become comfortable with the application of GASB No. 87 in the governmental environment
Major Subjects
Evaluating whether a contract meets the definition of a lease Properly calculating the lease term Determinations to be made with regard to short-term leases
Instructions
None

(SSTX160/25) Surgent's Taking Advantage of Installment Sales
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
When real property is sold for a gain, we always try to find ways to defer recognizing income so that it won’t be necessary to send a check to Uncle Sam. There is a provision within the Internal Revenue Code that allows the taxpayer to defer recognition of immediate taxable gain in the year of sale known as an “installment sale.” Knowing how and when to utilize this provision makes the Accounting and Finance Professionals very valuable to either their client or the entity they work for. We will also discuss recent proposals that could impact the future of this provision.
Designed For
Accounting and Finance Professionals who either represent or work for entities that own real property
Objectives
Utilize the provisions of IRC Sec 453 to defer recognizing gain on the sale of real property via an installment sale
Major Subjects
How does the IRC define an installment sale under IRC Sec 453? When can a taxpayer utilize the provisions of IRC Sec 453? When should a taxpayer utilize the provisions of an installment sale and when should it be avoided? How does the issue of a dealer vs. a non-dealer impact the use of the installment sale method? Reporting an installment sale when related parties are involved Calculating an installment sale How has the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act impacted the use of the installment sale method?
Instructions
None

(SSAA192/25) Surgent's Focus on Engagement Quality: How to Avoid Deficiencies in Peer Reviews
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
With the AICPA’s heightened focus on enhancing audit quality, increased oversight of the peer review process and the auditor’s overall responsibility to provide high quality services, the focus on compliance with professional standards has never been greater. Recent peer reviews have indicated that auditors are often failing to perform and/or document certain critical components of an audit such as the auditor’s assessment of risk and linking the results of the assessment to substantive procedures performed. In addition, auditors are not adequately documenting their consideration of fraud, expectations in analytical procedures and the appropriate level of work needed to understand an entity’s internal control. Now is time to revisit the way that auditors are performing and documenting the work performed to meet professional standards since nonconforming engagements can result in an auditor’s referral to the AICPA Ethics Committee. There have not been significant changes to quality control standards since 2006. In June 2022, two new statements on quality management were issued. Another statement was issued recently to incorporate the changes to the Group Audit Standard (SAS 149). A related audit standard on engagement quality, SAS 146, and an accounting and review service standard, SSARS 26, were also issued. These changes are substantive. They are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2025.This course will also focus on the most significant items resulting in deficiencies identified in the peer review process. We will also discuss the applicable audit standards, documentation requirements, and best practices. We will specifically look at the issues related to the peer review “must select” audit areas: Government Auditing Standards and Single Audit and Employee Benefit Plans. Finally, we will discuss issues in compilations and reviews as well as disclosure deficiencies noted by peer reviewers. The objective of the course is to provide the insights necessary to help auditors and accountants improve not just the quality of their work but also the perception of the accounting profession as a whole.
Designed For
Accounting and auditing practitioners at all levels desiring to improve engagement quality
Objectives
Identify key elements of the AICPA’s Enhancing Audit Quality initiative Recognize key trends in recent peer review deficiencies noted Identify professional standards related to performing a risk assessment, understanding and testing internal controls, and linking these procedures to further audit consideration Implement best practices to help ensure overall engagement quality
Major Subjects
AICPA’s Enhancing Audit Quality initiative Recent revisions to Quality Management standards Feedback from peer reviews, including areas driving deficiencies in audit Elements of an effective risk assessment and how to link to audit procedures performed Understanding internal controls and making the decision whether or not to test them Issues related to compilations and reviews Issues related to employee benefit plans Issues related to Government Auditing Standards/Single Audits Best practices in documentation
Instructions
None

(SSET106/25) Surgent's General Ethics for Tax Practitioners
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
This two-hour course covers most of the specific ethical considerations that come into play as a practitioner in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service.
Designed For
CPAs who want to satisfy the general professional ethics requirement in all states except those that require a state-specific ethics course (AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, LA, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY); and all EAs.
Objectives
Identify the Office of Professional Responsibility Distinguish between ethical responsibilities owed to the Service and the client State the limitations on contingent fee arrangements Discuss the areas of conflict of interest and solicitation that attend practice before the Service Appreciate the possible sources of, and sanctions for, unethical conduct with the IRS Recognize the public disclosure of unethical conduct by a tax practitioner before the IRS
Major Subjects
Who is a tax practitioner? What responsibilities does the Office of Professional Responsibility regulate? What limitations does the IRS place on fee arrangements? What duties does the practitioner have with respect to client records? What limitations apply with respect to a written tax opinion? What sanctions may be applied for violations of Service imposed standards of conduct?
Instructions
None

(SSTE130/25) Surgent's Power Query Series: Merge Queries
2025-06-30 12:00
Event Description
A merge query combines two queries that have a common column or columns. This course discusses best practices for creating merge queries using Power Query (Excel version) and includes hands-on exercises to enable the user to demonstrate what they have learned.Power Query is an “ETL” tool that extracts, transforms, and loads data. This tool has a user-friendly interface that enables the Excel user to connect to data sets they previously did not have access to. It also enables powerful data transformations without requiring any coding and will save the Excel user time in performing their cleanup of data. This course is the eighth in a twelve-part series, Power Query: Beginning Data Analytics for the Excel User. The series is designed so the Excel user can learn the functionality of Power Query and the many benefits of this powerful tool. Each 1-hour webcast has hands-on examples to enable the Excel user to experience the active learning of Power Query.
Designed For
Excel users who want to develop data analytics skills
Objectives
Understand what a merge query is and why it is so useful Recognize the data requirements for a merge query Be familiar with the types of joins for a merge query
Major Subjects
What is a merge query? What are the data requirements for a merge query? What are the types of joins for a merge query? Hands-on examples: creating merge queries, creating a full anti-join using an append query, grouping queries
Instructions
Save all data sets provided to a central location on your computer
