BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//South Carolina Association of CPAs - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://sc.cpa X-WR-CALDESC:Events for South Carolina Association of CPAs REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T210905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T044007Z UID:10004439-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG107/25) Surgent's Engagement and Client Retention Best Practices DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nPositive 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. \nDesigned For\nAccounting and finance professionals seeking to understand how to engage and retain clients \nObjectives\nCreate and implement a client retention strategy Create content to educate clients Track customer retention metrics Leverage employee engagement with clients Map your customer journey Understand the role of technology in improving client retention \nMajor Subjects\nManaging client expectations How automation improves client engagement Understanding the role of feedback systems Seeking referrals Building client loyalty Customer retention marketing Expanding services offered to clients Knowing when it is appropriate to enter new markets \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg107-25-surgents-engagement-and-client-retention-best-practices/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T211621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T022428Z UID:10004458-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG114/25) Surgent's Gaining a Competitive Advantage: Critical Skills for CFOs and Controllers DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nAll organizations are looking for ways to gain an advantage over the competition. This practical and interactive session will present a toolkit of ideas to help CFOs\, controllers and finance professionals better position their organizations for the future. We know change is occurring at an exponential rate\, and that has proven to be the case in all areas of finance\, management\, and leadership over the past year. The course deals with these new issues and will continue to be updated as necessary throughout the year. Become the “financial hero” of your organization and make a positive impact on the bottom-line. \nDesigned For\nCFOs\, controllers\, and finance professionals \nObjectives\nMake better financial decisions that have a positive impact on the organization Lead the organization into the rapidly changing decade Apply what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for a positive impact on the organization \nMajor Subjects\nLatest state of the economy Expense control that works Understanding our changing workforce and working environment Financial risk analysis Enterprise risk management Improving bank relationships \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg114-25-surgents-gaining-a-competitive-advantage-critical-skills-for-cfos-and-controllers/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Text END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T214814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T033719Z UID:10004542-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG121/25) Surgent's Organizational Culture and the Finance Professional DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nMany experts say that an organization’s culture is the single most important thing that will determine its success. Assuming that’s true\, it’s necessary for the finance professional to understand the effect that the finance function has on that culture. This program will take a good look at what causes a better culture\, both within the organization and within the department. Then\, we will examine how the finance professional can positively influence the culture within the financial function and how that will affect the entire organization. \nDesigned For\nCFOs\, controllers\, and finance professionals \nObjectives\nUnderstand why an organization’s culture is so important to success Recognize why following principles is more important than following rules See how controls can be both tight and also serve a good culture Understand the tradeoff between flexibility and objectivity Know the best ways to control an organization Recognize how good metrics are important to a good culture \nMajor Subjects\nThe three primary organizational cultures The best cultural fit for certain types of businesses How the finance professional affects culture How to choose the culture you want\, and how to get it Greatest things that affect the culture of an organization \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg121-25-surgents-organizational-culture-and-the-finance-professional/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T215817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T033026Z UID:10004570-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSAA218/25) Surgent's The CMA's Guide to Project Management DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nA significant number of projects fail to achieve their initial goals and/or are not completed within budget and their original timetable. As a team member\, a CMA has a unique skill set and experiences to assist in project management. In addition to their analytical training and knowledge of budgets and controls\, they typically have ongoing contacts with other professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Familiar analytical tools/techniques can be applied to managing projects. This brief program is designed to aid both experienced and less experienced participants in increasing their knowledge of\, and comfort with\, the steps and skills needed for success. \nDesigned For\nPublic\, private\, and non-profit organizations and their members – CFOs\, CEOs\, controllers and managers \nObjectives\nUnderstand the process of project management Provide management and organizational techniques to establish the necessary environment for success and provide examples of alternative approaches to the process Demonstrate the use of analytical tools to assist throughout the process. These tools/techniques can improve the outcome of each step from selecting a project through planning\, implementing\, controlling\, and when necessary\, modifying the project. Identify traps that frequently occur\, and steps to manage through them; Find references for further research \nMajor Subjects\nEstablishing a system: identifying forces that support the status quo; setting milestones and goals; the role of the CMA Necessary first steps: set a framework for the project’s activities; identify needed resources; obtain support; decide on a structure; establish a team for a specific project; identify necessary team skill sets Project evaluation: analytical tools\, strategic evaluation; sources of risk Maintaining focus: monitoring and measuring results; keeping to the project’s scope Avoiding frequent traps: sunk costs; financing pitfalls; project creep; tunnel vision; failure to integrate the team’s work internally and/or the final project with the remaining organization Introduction and examples of analytical tools throughout the session: mapping; CPM; Gantt charts; benchmarking; Pareto analysis; PESTLE analysis; valuation techniques; post-completion evaluations \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssaa218-25-surgents-the-cmas-guide-to-project-management/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T222226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T051205Z UID:10004633-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSAA167/25) Surgent's Controllership Skills Update - Budgeting\, Forecasting\, and Big Data DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nBudgets are the vehicle for allocating resources\, measuring activities\, and identifying needed changes and improvements. An organization’s strategy is the primary driver of costs. To be effective\, the budget must be linked to strategy and long-term plans. Numerous organizations have achieved a series of short-term targets (budgets) but failed longer term\, demonstrating the lack of this necessary linkage. Forecasting\, a critical part of any successful budgeting process\, can be flawed by technical errors\, organizational structure\, or emotional forces. The establishment of a system to collect\, process\, and analyze big data can provide significant insights into the budgeting and forecasting process. An efficient system of incorporating big data and analytics into normal activities will improve management’s decision-making. This brief program offers specific actions to improve your forecasting and budgeting activities. In addition\, more advanced techniques are identified for the participant’s further review\, which can be applied throughout an organization. Good budgets effectively allocate resources\, provide information for decision-making and serve as an early warning system for unforeseen events. A poor budgeting process fosters a false sense of security\, provides inappropriate or inaccurate data\, and reinforces the status quo. Budgets are about the organization’s story\, not just the raw numbers! \nDesigned For\nPublic\, private and non-profit organizations and their members – CFOs\, CEOs\, controllers\, auditors\, and managers \nObjectives\nUnderstand all facets of the budgeting process Provide techniques to improve forecasting Demonstrate how a budget can be a vital tool for overall long-term improvement Identify immediate actions that can result in measurable benefits to an organization Understand management\, uses\, and potential benefits of big data Employ techniques for further research \nMajor Subjects\nWhy 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 \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssaa167-25-surgents-controllership-skills-update-budgeting-forecasting-and-big-data/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T223810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T042218Z UID:10004657-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG132/25) Surgent's Starting a Small Business: What Every Trusted Advisor and Entrepreneur Needs to Know DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nStarting and owning a small business has often been referred to as the “Third Pillar of Wealth\,” right behind investments and owning real estate. Essentially\, all businesses start off as “small businesses.” Small businesses\, however\, require a large amount of preparation in order to successfully launch and grow. Starting a business requires the owners and managers to address a host of issues\, including an understanding of applicable laws\, appropriate financing\, staffing requirements\, marketing\, liability protection\, and many more.This course provides a broad overview of the critical issues business owners\, as well as their professional advisors\, must consider when starting and growing a small business. There is extensive research regarding best practices in this area\, and this webinar is intended to distill down such information and focus on what is critical to get a small business up and running as seamlessly as possible. \nDesigned For\nAnyone in the accounting or financial services profession who seeks to understand proven strategies to establish and grow a small business or who counsels individuals who own\, or are considering owning\, a small business \nObjectives\nUnderstand how to successfully start and grow a small business or advise clients who are starting a small business Understand basic legal issues that need to be addressed when forming a business Explore marketing and financing plans to launch and develop a business Recognize ways to protect business assets and owners from different forms of liability \nMajor Subjects\nUnderstanding 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 \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg132-25-surgents-starting-a-small-business-what-every-trusted-advisor-and-entrepreneur-needs-to-know/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T225909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T051026Z UID:10004706-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG118/25) Surgent's Lessons Learned from Successful Companies DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nWhy do some companies fail while others grow and succeed for generations? Common perceptions often attribute organizational success to great leadership\, timing\, or unique ideas. Although these traits certainly play a role in helping companies grow\, research shows that corporate success often hinges on whether a company is value driven. Such companies have core ideologies that drive almost every major decision.In this course\, we look at empirical data on why some companies succeed while others fail. By looking at companies that were created prior to 1950 (e.g.\, Disney\, Marriott\, or 3M)\, we can understand why certain organizations have been able to grow and achieve exceptional success through many different eras in the American economy. The lessons learned from these visionary companies can be broadly applied to organizations of all sizes\, including accounting and financial service firms. \nDesigned For\nAnyone in the accounting or financial organizations services professions who seeks to understand ways to implement or improve their profession \nObjectives\nUnderstand what differentiates highly successful organizations from their less successful peers\, according to research Recognize the myths regarding organizational success Implement strategies to improve corporate culture and effectiveness \nMajor Subjects\nCreating a visionary company Traits of successful\, visionary companies Goal setting to create a successful organization The role of experimentation and failure in achieving success How successful organizations emphasize learning new skills The role of effective communication in achieving corporate success The importance of emotional intelligence in building corporate culture How leadership can direct a company toward success \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg118-25-surgents-lessons-learned-from-successful-companies/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T230510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T032708Z UID:10004719-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG134/25) Surgent's The Nimble Business: How to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nThe recent pandemic showed us one very important thing: the nimble business was in a far better position to change quickly and survive. Some organizations are nimbler\, but why? The reason is that they know that change will happen quickly\, and they specifically plan for that change. This program will take a look at planning and direct the participant into a planning system that is established to handle change more quickly. \nDesigned For\nCFOs\, controllers\, and finance professionals \nObjectives\nUnderstand why being nimble has to start with good planning Realize why traditional budgeting can kill change Recognize how good planning can cause people to accept and even love change Understand how to set your department and organization up for rapid change Reexamine traditional relationships to increase speed of change \nMajor Subjects\nOld and new style of planning The attitude and culture of being nimble Planning at the department level Planning and risk management Technology planning Reinventing the organization for speed \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg134-25-surgents-the-nimble-business-how-to-thrive-in-a-rapidly-changing-world/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T233019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T044113Z UID:10004784-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG102/25) Surgent's Client Advisory Services (CAS): A Guide to the Variety of Offerings Professionals Can Provide DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nAccording to a 2020 AICPA survey\, advisory and consulting services were considered the greatest unmet needs of clients. The recent growth in Client Advisory Services (CAS) has led many to ask what is included in this broad category as well as how to develop the services for clients. With so much focus on the recent success of CAS offerings\, now is the time to learn how the services differ from what you currently offer\, which of your clients would benefit most\, and what you need in place to add a quality CAS program to your firm’s menu of services. \nDesigned For\nAccounting and finance professionals looking to enter the increasingly popular and lucrative CAS space \nObjectives\nAssess a firm’s current abilities to service the CAS needs of clients Implement a CAS program at a firm \nMajor Subjects\nDetails on CAS: new services or rebranding? Review the value of timely accurate automated accounting ; Review the three levels of service; Discuss technology options; Assess your client base for who would benefit most from CAS Staffing requirements for CAS The value of servicing a niche \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg102-25-surgents-client-advisory-services-cas-a-guide-to-the-variety-of-offerings-professionals-can-provide/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250331T234608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T050614Z UID:10004826-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSAA170/25) Surgent's Controllership Skills Update: Risk Management DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nThe most recent recession and its fallout\, weather (look at 2017)\, process and product failures\, and unethical behavior have again highlighted failures by numerous organizations in identifying and managing risk. The size and reputation of organizations proved not to be the key to success. Again\, we saw that failures can result in areas/industries thought to be “under control” through their policies\, practices and/or regulations. A core activity of financial management is to effectively protect the assets of their organizations\, without significantly reducing new ideas and growth. This brief program provides insights and approaches to identify risk and manage the above noted trade-off. The course is designed for financial managers looking to quickly build upon their existing knowledge and experience\, as well as to help to start the less experienced individual. It offers ideas that can be used immediately\, as well as longer term approaches. Updated to include new information particularly in the areas of disaster planning\, business continuity\, and ethics\, as well as a sample group exercise to test your current risk management systems. \nDesigned For\nPublic\, private\, and non-profit organizations and their members – CFOs\, CEOs\, controllers\, auditors\, and managers \nObjectives\nUnderstand the sources of risk and potential actions/behavior that may hide them Gain up-to-date knowledge of risk management and build upon and improve existing practices Recognize actions/steps that can result in measurable benefits to an organization Become familiar with the process of Business Continuity Planning Identify and discuss analytical tools and areas for further investigation \nMajor Subjects\nRethinking 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 \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssaa170-25-surgents-controllership-skills-update-risk-management/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250401T001717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T044310Z UID:10004918-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSMG131/25) Surgent's Implementing Subscription Pricing to Your Practice DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nThis course is designed to provide accountants with a comprehensive understanding of the subscription pricing model. As the business world increasingly shifts toward subscription-based models\, it’s crucial for accountants to understand the financial implications and strategies associated with this pricing approach. This course will cover the basics of subscription pricing\, how to set prices\, and how to analyze the financial impacts of these decisions\, as well as the specific impacts to your business.By the end of this course\, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the implementation of subscription pricing to their practice. \nDesigned For\nAll finance and accounting professionals who want to improve billing practices for their business \nObjectives\nUnderstand what subscription pricing is and the need for a shift from traditional pricing to subscription pricing Set subscription prices based on costs\, customer value perception\, and competitive analysis Transition to a subscription pricing model and communicate these changes to stakeholders Understand the need to regularly review and adjust subscription pricing based on business needs and client changes Manage customer retention and churn in a subscription pricing model Develop skills to analyze the financial impact of subscription pricing on a business’s revenue and profitability \nMajor Subjects\nThe basics of subscription pricing Pricing strategies\, with an eye toward a modern model for your business How to implement subscription pricing The need to look back and assess the financial impact of the implementation How to manage customer retention The optimum subscription pricing for your business \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssmg131-25-surgents-implementing-subscription-pricing-to-your-practice/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250630T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T113106 CREATED:20250401T004714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T050641Z UID:10004963-1751284800-1751284800@sc.cpa SUMMARY:(SSAA166/25) Surgent's Controllership Skills Update: Current Survival Skills DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nThe 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. \nDesigned For\nPublic\, private and non-profit organizations and their members — CFOs\, CEOs\, controllers\, auditors\, and managers \nObjectives\nProvide 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 \nMajor Subjects\nChanging 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 \nInstructions\nNone URL:https://sc.cpa/event/ssaa166-25-surgents-controllership-skills-update-current-survival-skills/ CATEGORIES:Self-Study Video END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR