CPE Catalog & Events

AI-Enhanced Business Consulting for CPAs: Strategies and Tools

Does your firm have an interest in expanding its services beyond traditional CPA services?  Do you have staff with the expertise to compete against non-CPA firms? Welcome to a course that will lead you through the maze of creating a successful Consulting Business Practice for your CPA firm. The course will help you understand where consulting business opportunities exist, what are the firm’s professional responsibilities, how to recognize the needs of the client and how the practice can be leveraged using AI. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 4Program Level: Intermediate

The Controllership Series - Overhead, Direct and Indirect Costs and Allocation Methods

Managing expenses is a key for business success, and overhead costs play a pivotal role in realizing favorable profit margins. Almost all companies have some form of overhead consisting of specific categories of indirect expenses. The better organizations are able to manage overhead costs, the more competitive they are in the marketplace. It is incumbent in the Controller’s role to effectively manage, monitor and perform ongoing assessment of overhead costs, allocations and rates. Overhead refers to the ongoing business expenses not directly attributed to creating a product or service. A company must pay overhead on an ongoing basis, regardless of how much or how little the company sells. It is important for budgeting purposes but also for determining how much a company must charge for its products or services to make a profit. Overhead can be fixed, variable, or a hybrid of both. There are different categories of overhead, such as administrative overhead, which includes costs related to managing a business. In short, overhead is any expense incurred to support the business while not being directly related to a specific product or service.       Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic

The Controllers Role in Data Analytics and Big Data

Today’s economy and all of the digital enhancements have impacted the way companies engage with their customers as well as how the company manages their internal practices. The business control function needs to keep pace. The rising importance of analytical capability is critical when defining the role of the modern controller. Execution of analytics can vary but there are still key questions that must be asked. What are the options and what we need to understand to decide the best way forward? This course focuses on the value that can be brought by the Controller when becoming involved with data analytics powered by technology and also Big Data. The digitized world we live in has made it important for the Controller function to evolve and take on this advanced task.   Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.5Program Level: Basic

Sarbanes-Oxley Overview

Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Although there have not been any changes in the legislative concepts of the law since its release in 2002, some aspects of executing the work have evolved. Sarbanes-Oxley was passed in 2002 and year one of attestation for publicly traded companies was 2004. Years later the legislation continues to challenge companies, auditors and compliance professionals when evaluating a company's control structure. SOX 404, although the most prominent, is only one of the many requirements covered under the legislation. In addition, the impetus of COSO 2013 has re-focused companies' efforts on evaluating their key controls. Companies must continually evaluate whether they have designed and identified the proper controls and have adequate tests in place to determine control efficiency. With the evolution of technology solutions, the impact of information systems changes must be continually evaluated to ensure controls are adequately addressed.  Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.6Program Level: Basic

Tactical Budgeting – Moving Beyond Traditional Budgets to Manage Performance

Traditional budgets often consume significant time while delivering limited operational value. This session reframes budgeting as a tactical management tool rather than a once-a-year accounting exercise. Participants will explore how to redesign the budget process to improve communication, accountability, and decision-making across the organization. The session emphasizes output-based metrics, flexible budgeting approaches, benchmarking, and educating non-financial managers so budgets become a tool for managing performance, not just controlling spending. Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 2Program Level: Intermediate

Can You Really Do That With AI?

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. In just three short years, AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot have revolutionized how business professionals approach everyday tasks. In this session, you will learn how you can use AI to help you solve specific problems and work more efficiently, effectively, and accurately. Throughout this session, we will focus on real-world scenarios and how AI can help you realize better results in less time. This is a must-see session for all who want to improve efficiency and effectiveness.  Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic

The Controllership Series - The Controller's Role in Pro Forma Financial Statements

Pro forma statements are used by businesses to make decisions on planning and control, as well as for external reporting to owners, investors, and creditors. For example, giving financial estimates for a given period in a standardized manner is known as “presenting pro forma,” a Latin phrase that means “as a matter of form.” Pro forma statements can be helpful tools for business owners, investors, creditors, or decision-makers to analyze various scenarios of future events based on certain financial assumptions. It might aid in making predictions performance of the company. A pro forma income statement displays a firm’s anticipated sales and revenue. It also highlights anticipated fixed or variable operational expenses and, in the end, displays the potential profits and retained earnings for a future financial quarter. There are various types of pro-forma statements and methods to develop them. The responsibilities/competencies of the Financial Controller position (FC) has changed in recent years. However, the creation of pro forma financial statements is still a core part of their responsibility.   Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1Program Level: Basic

The Risks of Artificial Intelligence - Part 1

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and redefining how organizations operate. While the benefits of AI-efficiency, automation, data-driven insights, and innovation-are significant, the risks are equally profound and demand careful consideration. AI introduces a range of technical risks, such as bias, lack of transparency, data dependency, and vulnerability to manipulation. Ethical risks arise in the form of workforce disruption, diminished accountability, potential misuse, and the erosion of human autonomy. On a broader societal scale, AI threatens to widen inequalities, accelerate disinformation, and erode trust in institutions, while raising concerns of cultural homogenization and disproportionate power concentration among a few entities. Governance challenges further complicate the landscape, as regulation struggles to keep pace with technological advances, and questions emerge about the long-term safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. Leaders and organizations must recognize that AI is not only a technological innovation but also a strategic risk management issue. Responsible adoption requires robust governance, transparent and ethical frameworks, ongoing monitoring, and human oversight. By proactively addressing these risks, organizations can balance innovation with accountability, safeguard trust, and position themselves for sustainable success in an AI-driven future. Note:  This is Part 1 in a two-part series on the risks of AI Delivery Method: Individual webcast CPE Credit: 1.6Program Level: Basic

AI Peer Group

AI is moving fast and transforming the accounting profession, but you don't have to figure it out alone. In this virtual, peer-driven community, you'll discuss AI and emerging technologies, share real-world AI experiences, explore practical use cases and learn how to responsibly integrate AI into your firms and companies. Whether you're just getting started, actively implementing or designing advanced workflows, our roundtable conversations will focus on opportunities and challenges, leaving you with innovative solutions you can apply to your organization immediately.

57th Annual Virginia Accounting & Auditing Conference (2027)

Surgent's 2025 Tax Update

Both businesses and individual clients face major changes as a result of tax reform, and tax professionals face the considerable challenge of delivering effective planning advice and services to address this myriad of recent developments. This course addresses this challenge and also encompasses the latest tax legislation applicable to individual and business clients. Continually updated to reflect enacted legislation.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Taxes (3)Program Level: UpdateThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Accounting, Audit, and Attest Update for Practitioners with Small-Business Clients

Specifically tailored for practitioners who not only perform audits but also provide other attest and non-attest services to small and medium-sized businesses, this course is a comprehensive update covering recently issued accounting, auditing, and SSARS standards, including SAS 145 and the quality management standards, as well as other professional guidance impacting small and medium-sized business accountants. The course uses practical examples and illustrations to help you understand and apply the new guidance. Following the release of the FASB's final PIR report for ASC 606, Revenue, in December of 2024, we do a deep dive into the complex revenue recognition standard and findings of the PIR report, review common special purpose frameworks, and discuss the new quality management standards for audits and SSARS engagements. This course will get you up to speed on the things that are most important to your small and medium-sized clients. Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (6), Auditing (2)Program Level: UpdateThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - What Every CPA Needs to Know

This course provides an overview of the accounting requirements with respect to accounting changes and error corrections and the reporting implications within an entity's financial statements. The scope of accounting changes includes a discussion of changes in accounting principles, changes in accounting estimates, as well as changes of a reporting entity. The course also provides an overview of the accounting requirements of correcting errors in previously issued financial statements as well as restatement considerations. A majority of the information included within this course is sourced from the requirements found within FASB ASC Topic No 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (2)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Accounting for Litigation and Legal Contingencies

This course provides an overview of the accounting and financial reporting requirements with respect to litigation. This includes distinguishing between probable, reasonably possible, and remote litigation outcomes as well as how to evaluate, recognize, measure, and disclose litigation-related contingencies.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (2)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Accounting Principle Changes -- What Every CPA needs to know

This course provides an overview of the accounting requirements with respect to accounting principle changes. The scope of accounting changes includes a discussion of changes in accounting principles, changes in accounting estimates, as well as changes of a reporting entity. A majority of the information included within this course is sourced from the requirements found within FASB ASC Topic No. 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Accounting (1)Program Level: OverviewThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Achieving High Levels of Compliance and Customer Service in Your Organization

Probably one of the greatest conflicts in an organization is determining which is more important: compliance or customer service. This program digs deeply into the issue and prepares the finance professional to achieve high levels of compliance and customer service in the department and in the entire organization. We will examine both disciplines from an analytical standpoint, proving why they are necessary for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to achieve success.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Management Services (4)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's Achieving High Levels of Compliance and Customer Service in Your Organization

Probably one of the greatest conflicts in an organization is determining which is more important: compliance or customer service. This program digs deeply into the issue and prepares the finance professional to achieve high levels of compliance and customer service in the department and in the entire organization. We will examine both disciplines from an analytical standpoint, proving why they are necessary for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to achieve success.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Management Services (4)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's A Complete Guide to the Yellow Book

If you work with governments and not-for-profits, a thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential. This course will equip you with a comprehensive knowledge of the Yellow Book requirements and increase your confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. Updated for the 2024 Yellow Book revision, the course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 20 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced knowledge of the Yellow Book.Delivery Method: On-Demand WebcastCPE Credit: Auditing (Governmental) (8)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.

Surgent's A Complete Guide to the Yellow Book

A thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential for anyone working with governments and not-for-profits. This course provides comprehensive coverage of Yellow Book requirements while building confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. The course uses a highly illustrative and engaging format, featuring more than 25 focused exercises designed to strengthen practical application and enhance working knowledge.Delivery Method: DownloadCPE Credit: Auditing (Governmental) (8)Program Level: BasicThis course is being offered by a learning partner. You may access the Surgent platform through the My CPE page on vscpa.com after purchase.