2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 1

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 1, we’ll focus on critical topics affecting individual tax returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• New Form 15620 for 83(b) election
• New Social Security identity verification requirements
• Inflation adjustment amounts
• What to know about the Disaster Relief Act of 2023
• Disaster relief for residents in multiple states
• Updates to the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign housing exclusion
• Much, much more

Other tax update courses are shorter, less in-depth, and designed for beginners. Western’s tax update courses are for tax professionals who expect more.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Interpret the use and implications of the new Form 15620 for 83(b) elections
• Navigate updated Social Security identity verification requirements and compliance challenges
• Apply current inflation adjustment figures to individual tax calculations and planning
• Explain key provisions and tax relief options under the Disaster Relief Act of 2023
• Understand recent changes to the foreign earned income and housing exclusions and their impact on taxpayers

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Navigating Revenue Recognition: Key Insights for Accountants

Course Description

This comprehensive deep dive into ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, equips you with essential knowledge of one of the most transformative accounting standards in GAAP history. The standard’s principles-based framework replaces the previous rules-based approach, affecting virtually every entity reporting under GAAP.

Join industry expert Jeff Sailor, known for his engaging and distinctive presentation style, as he breaks down the complex framework into actionable insights.

You’ll learn to confidently navigate:

• The five-step revenue recognition model
• Contract identification and modification challenges
• Performance obligation identification and allocation
• Variable consideration determination
• Disclosure requirements and implementation strategies

Perfect for: Controllers, CFOs, accounting managers, and practitioners who prepare or audit financial statements under GAAP. Whether you’re just beginning implementation or refining your approach, this session provides critical guidance for compliance and financial reporting excellence.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe the core principles and structure of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Apply the five-step revenue recognition model to common and complex contract scenarios. Identify and evaluate performance obligations and determine appropriate allocation methods. Assess the impact of contract modifications on revenue recognition. Calculate and apply variable consideration, including constraints on estimates. Interpret the disclosure requirements under ASC 606 and develop strategies for compliance. Implement effective revenue recognition practices that align with GAAP and industry-specific considerations.Close Course Details

Leading Through Disagreement: Conflict Strategies for Finance Professionals

Course Description

This practical course transforms workplace conflict from a destructive force into a catalyst for innovation and enhanced productivity. Financial professionals regularly face tension points—from performance evaluations to workplace changes—that can derail teamwork and diminish effectiveness if not properly managed.

Through scenario-based learning and interactive exercises, you’ll develop a comprehensive toolkit for addressing conflict at its earliest stages, before minor disagreements escalate into major disruptions. The session provides both informal and formal resolution frameworks adaptable to various workplace situations.

The program delivers:

• Diagnostic tools for identifying the root causes of workplace tension
• Communication techniques based on understanding different ego states
• A five-strategy approach for selecting the appropriate conflict response
• Intervention protocols for diffusing toxic situations before they escalate
• Specialized approaches for six distinct behavioral challenges
• Practical methods for maintaining productivity despite workplace dysfunction
• Strategies for handling difficult conversations with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders

Perfect for: Financial managers, controllers, accounting team leaders, and professionals in collaborative environments who need to maintain productive working relationships despite conflicting priorities and work styles. This course provides essential interpersonal skills that complement your technical expertise.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Diagnose the root causes of workplace conflict and tension within finance teams Apply communication techniques tailored to different interpersonal dynamics and ego states Select and implement appropriate conflict resolution strategies using a structured five-strategy framework Intervene effectively to defuse escalating conflicts before they disrupt productivity Adapt conflict management approaches to address six distinct behavioral challenges commonly encountered in finance environments Maintain team productivity and cohesion despite ongoing disagreements or workplace dysfunction Conduct difficult conversations confidently and constructively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholdersClose Course Details

Mellow Money: The Business of Cannabis

Course Description

The cannabis industry is projected to reach nearly $450 billion dollars in revenue by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. In this cannabis taxation course, you’ll learn how to transform tax obstacles into strategic advantages and position yourself as an indispensable advisor to cannabis businesses, ensuring you don’t miss out on “the green rush.”

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, you will be able to:

1. Interpret and Apply IRC Section 280E: Analyze the limitations imposed by this critical tax code and develop strategies to legally maximize cost of goods sold deductions while maintaining compliance.
2. Navigate Multi-Jurisdictional Tax Challenges: Identify and address the varying tax structures across states, including percentage-of-price, weight-based, and potency-based taxation systems.
3. Implement Strategic Business Structures: Design entity structures that effectively separate cannabis and non-cannabis activities to optimize tax positions while mitigating risks.
4. Develop Robust Compliance Systems: Create comprehensive record-keeping protocols that satisfy stringent IRS requirements and prepare businesses for potential audits.
5. Analyze State-Specific Tax Requirements: Compare and contrast tax obligations across different state jurisdictions to advise clients on optimal operational locations and structures.
6. Forecast Tax Implications: Project the financial impact of current and potential tax legislation on cannabis business operations and growth strategies.
7. Optimize Labor Cost Allocations: Implement systems to accurately track and categorize labor activities to maximize allowable deductions under current tax restrictions.
8. Anticipate Regulatory Changes: Evaluate proposed federal and state tax reforms to prepare clients for evolving compliance requirements and opportunities.

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2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 2

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 2, we’ll focus on additional topics affecting individual tax returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• Updated Roth IRA catch-up changes
• 2025 inflation adjusted amounts for retirement plans
• The introduction of Form 1099-DA for virtual currencies
• The Competent Authority Arrangement between the U.S. and Switzerland affecting some pensions
• What’s new with partnerships and LLCs
• Related recent Tax Court cases

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Juggling the Numbers: Financial Reporting and Analysis

Course Description

This comprehensive course transforms your approach to financial statement interpretation by providing a systematic framework for evaluating a company’s financial health and performance. Rather than simply reviewing numbers, you’ll learn to extract meaningful insights that drive informed business decisions.

Through practical case studies and hands-on exercises, you’ll develop analytical techniques that reveal the true financial condition hidden within standard reports. The session covers both fundamental analysis principles and advanced adjustment strategies to normalize financial data for more accurate comparisons.

The course addresses essential questions including:

• When and how to adjust financial statements for inventory methods, leases, and deferred taxes
• Techniques for evaluating investment performance and return adequacy
• Methods for assessing operational efficiency through profit margins and asset utilization
• Strategies for analyzing liquidity and solvency to evaluate credit risk
• Approaches for evaluating supplier financial stability to mitigate supply chain risks
• Frameworks for comprehensive financial health assessment across different industries

Perfect for: Financial analysts, credit managers, investment professionals, business advisors, lenders, and accounting professionals who need to extract actionable intelligence from financial statements. This course provides valuable tools whether you’re evaluating potential investments, assessing credit risk, or monitoring business performance.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Adjust financial statements for inventory methods, leases, and deferred taxes to enhance comparability Evaluate investment performance and determine return adequacy using established techniques Analyze operational efficiency through assessment of profit margins and asset utilization metrics Assess liquidity and solvency to evaluate an organization’s credit risk profile Evaluate supplier financial stability to identify and mitigate supply chain risks Apply comprehensive frameworks to assess overall financial health across various industries Extract actionable insights from financial reports to support informed business decisionsClose Course Details

Investing in the Unknown: Tools and Tactics for Financial Professionals

Course Description

Tired of trying to explain market volatility to nervous clients? This practical session gives you straightforward strategies to help clients navigate today’s unpredictable investment landscape with confidence.

Rather than making market predictions, we’ll focus on building resilient portfolios that can withstand various economic scenarios. You’ll learn a systematic approach to investment planning that aligns with each client’s unique risk tolerance and financial goals.

You’ll discover:

• How to have more productive conversations about risk that go beyond simple questionnaires
• Practical ways to manage client expectations in today’s challenging market environment
• Which investment vehicles work best in different economic conditions
• Simple portfolio analysis techniques that show clients the real story behind their returns
• How to evaluate a prospect’s current portfolio and demonstrate your added value
• Portfolio construction strategies that balance growth potential with downside protection

We’ll also explore:

• Key economic trends shaping investment markets this decade
• How to position portfolios to capture specific opportunities without excessive risk
• Practical applications of portfolio theory that clients can actually understand
• Tools and software that help illustrate portfolio concepts visually for clients

Perfect for: Financial advisors, CPAs, and investment professionals who want to provide thoughtful investment guidance despite market uncertainty. Whether you’re an experienced investment advisor or incorporating investment planning into a broader practice, you’ll gain practical approaches to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Conduct productive conversations about investment risk that extend beyond standard questionnaires Manage client expectations effectively in volatile and uncertain market environments Identify investment vehicles suited for varying economic conditions and client goals Analyze portfolios using straightforward techniques to reveal true performance and risks Evaluate prospects’ current portfolios and articulate clear added value as a financial professional Construct portfolios that balance growth opportunities with downside risk protection Interpret key economic trends influencing investment markets over the coming decade Apply practical portfolio theory concepts in ways clients can easily understand Utilize tools and software to visually communicate portfolio strategies and concepts to clientsClose Course Details

Building Success: Mastering Construction Accounting

Course Description

This course covers the authoritative GAAP for construction contractors as found in FASB ASC 910 along with the guidance contained in the AICPA Guide for Construction Contractors. In this course, Jeff will cover the unique aspects of accounting in the construction industry and how the standards and guidance address those issues.

The course will also include many examples to aid in understanding. In addition to the exceptional material, Jeff will include his signature video parodies, which are designed to keep you awake and reinforce the material.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• Describe key issue related to construction accounting
• Apply revenue recognition for construction contracts using POC
• Apply revenue recognition for construction contracts using CCM
• Apply the standards for contract modifications
• Describe the issues related to contract costs and allocation
• Apply the provisions for various difficult issues

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2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 3

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Individuals: Part 3, we’ll focus on additional topics affecting individual tax returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• New SECURE 2.0 provisions stated to begin in 2026
• The introduction of Form 1099-DA for virtual currencies
• WV disaster relief for federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax
returns
• Fascinating related Tax Course cases

Other tax update courses are shorter, less in-depth, and designed for beginners. Western’s tax update courses are for tax professionals who expect more.

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Cash Flow Confidence: Get it Right Every Time

Course Description

This eye-opening course addresses a concerning regulatory trend: widespread non-compliance with ASC Topic 230 in cash flow statement preparation. Recent analyses by the SEC and other regulatory bodies have uncovered numerous errors and inconsistencies that leave companies vulnerable to restatements, regulatory scrutiny, and credibility damage.

Through detailed case studies and practical examples, you’ll learn to identify and correct the most common cash flow statement errors before they trigger regulatory action. The session dissects real-world compliance failures and provides systematic approaches to ensure your statements fully align with ASC 230 requirements.

The course explores:

• Common reconciliation errors between net income and operating cash flows
• Proper treatment of non-cash transactions and their disclosure requirements
• Nuanced presentation requirements for specifics industries and transactions
• High-risk classification areas frequently flagged in SEC comment letters and quality management

Ideal for: Financial reporting professionals, controllers, CFOs, accounting managers, and auditors responsible for preparing or reviewing cash flow statements under U.S. GAAP. This course provides vital knowledge for anyone seeking to strengthen compliance and avoid potentially costly reporting errors.

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Negotiation Success: Building Trust and Rapport at the Table

Course Description

Successful negotiation isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the relationships. This engaging workshop reveals how building genuine trust and rapport can transform contentious negotiations into collaborative problem-solving sessions.

For finance professionals, negotiation skills are essential whether you’re working with vendors, internal departments, or executive leadership. This session shows you how to move beyond positional bargaining to create solutions that satisfy both financial requirements and relationship needs.

You’ll discover:

• How your personal negotiation style affects others’ willingness to collaborate
• Simple techniques to establish rapport even in tense financial discussions
• Ways to maintain relationships while advocating for necessary financial controls
• Methods for reading emotional cues that signal concerns behind stated positions
• Approaches for transforming adversarial conversations into joint problem-solving

The workshop provides:

• Self-assessment tools to understand your natural negotiation tendencies
• Practical techniques for building trust when financial stakes are high
• Communication frameworks that reduce defensiveness in challenging conversations
• Strategies for maintaining influence without damaging relationships
• Methods for rebuilding trust after difficult financial decisions

Valuable for: Financial leaders who need to negotiate effectively with stakeholders inside and outside their organizations. Whether you’re discussing budgets with department heads, negotiating with vendors, or presenting to the board, these skills help you achieve better outcomes while strengthening important relationships.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify their personal negotiation style and assess how it impacts collaboration and outcomes. Apply techniques to build trust and rapport in high-stakes or adversarial financial negotiations. Use communication frameworks that reduce defensiveness and foster mutual understanding. Interpret emotional and behavioral cues to uncover underlying concerns in negotiation settings. Employ strategies to advocate for financial controls while preserving stakeholder relationships. Implement problem-solving approaches that align financial objectives with stakeholder needs. Develop methods to repair and rebuild trust following difficult financial decisions or conflicts. Strengthen influence and credibility in negotiations without relying on authority or positional power.Close Course Details

Crypto, Blockchain, and NFTs: Unlocking the Mysteries

Course Description

This forward-looking course tackles the technological concepts transforming the accounting profession that many practitioners find intimidating. From blockchain fundamentals to cryptocurrency accounting standards, you’ll gain practical knowledge to confidently address these emerging challenges in your practice.

Through clear explanations and real-world applications, this session breaks down complex digital concepts into manageable components that you can immediately apply when serving clients in these rapidly evolving areas.

The course illuminates:

• Blockchain technology fundamentals and their impact on financial record-keeping
• Cryptocurrency mechanics, taxation considerations, and implementation challenges
• Practical application of new FASB standards for cryptocurrency accounting
• NFT valuation and reporting requirements for financial statements
• WEB3 concepts and their potential impact on the accounting profession
• Strategic opportunities and ethical considerations for AI integration in accounting and audit functions

Tailored for: Accounting professionals seeking to build competence in digital asset accounting, firms expanding into cryptocurrency advisory services, and practitioners who want to stay ahead of technological disruption in the profession. No technical background required—just a willingness to embrace accounting’s digital evolution.

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2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 1

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 1, we’ll dig into a host of changes affecting business returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• New R&D credit claim requirements
• Updates on commercial clean vehicle credits
• Recent cases involving hobby loss rules
• Updates to 1099K reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations
• FinCEN’s Geographical Targeting Order for certain Money Services Businesses
• Pivotal recent Tax Court cases

Other tax update courses are shorter, less in-depth, and designed for beginners. Western’s tax update courses are for tax professionals who expect more.

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Estimates, Contingencies, and Going Concern: Accounting for the Unknown

Course Description

This insightful course tackles one of accounting’s most challenging areas: properly treating and disclosing financial statement uncertainty. Financial reporting professionals frequently struggle with quantifying and communicating risk factors that could materially impact financial statements.

Through practical examples and authoritative guidance, you’ll develop a framework for evaluating, accounting for, and disclosing various types of financial uncertainty in U.S. GAAP-based financial statements.

The session addresses:

• Methodologies for identifying and assessing financial statement areas containing significant uncertainty
• Step-by-step application of loss contingency accounting under ASC 450
• Practical approaches to evaluating the adequacy of common accounting estimates and accruals
• Comprehensive guidance on going concern assessment and disclosure requirements
• Documentation strategies that support your professional judgment in areas of uncertainty
• Common pitfalls in disclosure and how to avoid them

Designed for: Accounting professionals responsible for preparing, reviewing, or auditing financial statements, including controllers, financial reporting managers, public accountants, and auditors. This course provides essential knowledge for anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of uncertainty-related accounting and disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP.

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The Art of Influence: Mastering Persuasion in Finance

Course Description

This compelling program transforms technical financial professionals into influential business partners whose guidance is actively sought and valued throughout the organization. Recognizing that expertise alone doesn’t guarantee impact, this session provides practical frameworks for building the relational capital essential for advancing initiatives and driving change.

Through interactive scenarios and practical applications, Yvette demonstrates how emotional intelligence combines with strategic influence to elevate your organizational standing—whether you’re a CFO seeking board approval, a controller implementing new processes, or an emerging professional establishing credibility.

The course reveals:

• Seven core competencies that distinguish highly effective financial managers
• Trust-building methodologies that position you as a valued strategic advisor
• Distinct approaches for managing, coaching, mentoring, and leading—and when each is most effective
• Five influence “currencies” you can leverage to gain support for critical initiatives
• Emotional intelligence techniques that enhance professional relationships and team dynamics
• Strategic goal-setting frameworks aligned with organizational priorities
• Talent management approaches for both in-office and virtual team environments
• Relationship-building strategies that maintain engagement and retain top performers

Perfect for: Financial executives, firm owners, controllers, internal audit leaders, accounting managers, and professionals seeking to enhance their organizational influence. This course provides essential leadership skills that complement your technical expertise and position you as a strategic contributor.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify and apply seven core competencies that distinguish highly effective financial managers Use trust-building methodologies to position themselves as valued strategic advisors within their organizations Differentiate and utilize managing, coaching, mentoring, and leading approaches based on situational needs Leverage five key influence “currencies” to gain support for critical financial and organizational initiatives Employ emotional intelligence techniques to strengthen professional relationships and improve team dynamics Develop strategic goals aligned with broader organizational priorities to drive impactful outcomes Implement talent management strategies suitable for both in-office and virtual team environments Build and sustain relationships that enhance engagement and help retain top-performing team membersClose Course Details

2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 2

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 2, we’ll focus on additional topics affecting business returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• New issues critical to self-employed clients
• The latest updates affecting payroll
• What’s new with partnerships and LLCs
• Pivotal recent Tax Court cases

Other tax update courses are shorter, less in-depth, and designed for beginners. Western’s tax update courses are for tax professionals who expect more.

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The Fraud Battle Plan: Leveraging Internal Controls for Success

Course Description

This dynamic course bridges the critical gap between fraud mitigation strategies and robust internal control frameworks, equipping you with practical tools to safeguard your organization’s financial integrity. Through compelling case studies and real-world examples, you’ll discover why some companies continue to fall victim to fraud despite decades of well-documented lessons.

Explore how the revised COSO framework serves as your organization’s first line of defense against various fraud schemes, including emerging cyber threats that impact businesses of all sizes. You’ll examine high-profile internal control failures and their costly consequences, revealing how seemingly minor control weaknesses can create significant fraud opportunities.

Key areas covered include:

• Applying COSO principles to identify and address control vulnerabilities
• Understanding the evolving landscape of related party fraud and new regulatory standards
• Leveraging data analytics for more efficient, targeted control evaluation
• Recognizing cyber fraud risk indicators and implementing appropriate safeguards
• Developing cost-effective internal control strategies tailored to your organization’s risk profile

Perfect for: Controllers, internal and external auditors, compliance professionals, risk managers, and financial executives responsible for designing, implementing, or evaluating internal control systems. This course provides essential insights for both public and private companies seeking to strengthen their fraud prevention capabilities.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Apply COSO framework principles to identify and remediate internal control vulnerabilities related to fraud risk Recognize evolving types of related party fraud and understand the implications of new regulatory standards Utilize data analytics techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control evaluations Identify cyber fraud risk indicators and implement targeted safeguards to protect organizational assets Develop tailored, cost-effective internal control strategies that address specific organizational risk profiles Analyze case studies of internal control failures to extract lessons and best practices for fraud prevention Integrate fraud risk management within broader organizational governance and compliance efforts Communicate the importance of robust internal controls in mitigating fraud risk to key stakeholdersClose Course Details

The Power of Form 1040: Identifying Key Financial Planning Opportunities

Course Description

Your clients’ tax returns contain a goldmine of planning opportunities—if you know where to look. This hands-on workshop shows you how to transform Form 1040 from a compliance document into a powerful financial planning tool that uncovers hidden client needs.

Rather than starting financial planning discussions with awkward personal questions, learn how to use information clients have already provided on their tax returns to identify critical planning gaps and opportunities.

In this revealing session, you’ll learn:

• Which specific line items signal potential insurance, investment, or retirement planning needs
• How to spot tax planning opportunities that clients and other advisors have missed
• Ways to identify financial risks and exposures through tax return analysis
• Techniques for using tax return information to start meaningful planning conversations
• Methods to expand your practice beyond tax compliance using information you already have

The workshop provides:

• A systematic approach to reviewing each section of Form 1040 for planning implications
• Red flag indicators that highlight urgent client financial needs
• Conversation starters that naturally transition from tax preparation to comprehensive planning
• Strategies for expanding single-service relationships into ongoing advisory engagements

Valuable for: CPAs and tax professionals who want to deepen client relationships and expand services beyond compliance work. You’ll gain a structured methodology to uncover planning opportunities using information you’re already collecting.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify specific line items on Form 1040 that indicate insurance, investment, or retirement planning needs Recognize tax planning opportunities often overlooked by clients and other advisors Analyze tax returns to uncover financial risks and exposures requiring attention Use tax return information to initiate meaningful and natural financial planning conversations Apply a systematic approach to reviewing Form 1040 sections for client planning implications Detect red flag indicators that signal urgent client financial needs Transition from tax compliance to advisory services using client data already collected Develop strategies to expand single-service relationships into comprehensive financial planning engagementsClose Course Details

Driving Financial Performance with Power BI: A Practical Guide: Part 1

Course Description

This hands-on workshop plunges you into the world of Business Intelligence (BI), today’s most powerful approach for transforming raw data into strategic insights. As organizations increasingly recognize the competitive advantage of data analytics, professionals who can harness these tools are becoming invaluable assets to their teams.

Through guided exercises and practical demonstrations, you’ll progress from basic Excel-based dashboards to sophisticated Power BI visualizations that uncover hidden patterns and opportunities within your data. Rather than just learning theory, you’ll build actual BI solutions throughout the session.

The workshop covers:

• Creating interactive Excel dashboards that transcend traditional spreadsheet limitations
• Understanding when Excel-based solutions fall short and when to transition to more robust tools
• Implementing specialized Excel add-ins to enhance your analytical capabilities
• Leveraging Power BI’s advanced features for data transformation, modeling, and visualization
• Developing distribution strategies that make your insights accessible to stakeholders

Perfect for: Financial professionals, analysts, managers, and decision-makers who need to extract maximum value from organizational data. No programming experience required—just a willingness to elevate your data analysis skills beyond basic reporting to true business intelligence.

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2025 Tax Update: Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 3

Course Description

Western CPE’s Tax Update courses have been an industry staple for over 30 years. We’ll do a deep dive on everything that’s happening in the world of tax legislation that affects both individual and business returns. This is the most in-depth and engaging tax update course in the profession—often imitated, never duplicated.

In Critical Issues Impacting Businesses: Part 3, we’ll focus on additional topics affecting business returns. These are expected to include—but are not limited to—the following:

• Tax legislation affecting S Corporations & C Corporations
• New updates to IRS practice and procedures
• Pivotal recent Tax Court cases

Other tax update courses are shorter, less in-depth, and designed for beginners. Western’s tax update courses are for tax professionals who expect more.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Interpret new requirements for claiming the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit
• Apply updated rules related to commercial clean vehicle tax credits
• Analyze recent Tax Court rulings affecting hobby loss deductions and their impact on business returns
• Understand the implications of changes to 1099-K reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations
• Navigate compliance requirements under FinCEN’s Geographical Targeting Order for Money Services Businesses

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From Theory to Practice: SSARS and Preparation Engagements

Course Description

This focused course demystifies the foundational elements of Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) that govern preparation, compilation, and review engagements. Delve into the critical general principles that form the backbone of all SSARS engagements, with special emphasis on preparation engagement requirements.

Industry veteran Jeff breaks down complex standards into practical guidelines, offering clear direction on how to implement SSARS provisions correctly in your practice. Through illustrative examples and interactive discussion, you’ll strengthen your understanding of when and how these principles apply to different client scenarios.

The session explores:

• The hierarchical structure of SSARS and how general principles influence specific engagement types
• Ethical considerations unique to SSARS engagements
• Documentation requirements and common implementation challenges
• Practical approaches to preparation engagements that ensure compliance
• Risk management strategies to protect both practitioners and clients

Designed for: Public accounting professionals who perform or supervise preparation, compilation, and review engagements. Especially valuable for practitioners looking to refine their SSARS methodology or those seeking clarity on preparation engagement requirements.

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From Friction to Flow: Aligning Finance with Other Departments

Course Description

Ever feel like your finance team speaks a different language than the rest of the company? This transformative workshop tackles the persistent tension between finance and other departments, showing you how to build productive partnerships instead of adversarial relationships.

Finance professionals often find themselves cast as the “numbers police” or “budget enforcers,” creating unnecessary friction that hinders organizational goals. This session provides practical approaches to transform these dynamics while maintaining financial discipline.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the root causes of cross-departmental conflicts before they escalate
• Translate financial concepts into language that resonates with non-financial colleagues
• Develop communication approaches that build trust rather than defensiveness
• Position finance as a strategic partner rather than just a control function
• Create collaborative processes that respect both financial requirements and operational needs

The workshop delivers:

• Conflict resolution techniques specifically tailored to finance-related disagreements
• Negotiation strategies that help you achieve financial objectives while supporting others’ goals
• Communication frameworks that improve understanding between financial and non-financial staff
• Methods for building productive relationships with sales, operations, marketing, and other teams

Perfect for: Controllers, CFOs, finance managers, and finance team members who want to enhance their influence and effectiveness by improving relationships across the organization. This workshop helps you move from being perceived as an obstacle to becoming a valued strategic partner.

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Driving Financial Performance with Power BI: A Practical Guide: Part 2

Course Description

This hands-on workshop plunges you into the world of Business Intelligence (BI), today’s most powerful approach for transforming raw data into strategic insights. As organizations increasingly recognize the competitive advantage of data analytics, professionals who can harness these tools are becoming invaluable assets to their teams.

Through guided exercises and practical demonstrations, you’ll progress from basic Excel-based dashboards to sophisticated Power BI visualizations that uncover hidden patterns and opportunities within your data. Rather than just learning theory, you’ll build actual BI solutions throughout the session.

The workshop covers:

• Creating interactive Excel dashboards that transcend traditional spreadsheet limitations
• Understanding when Excel-based solutions fall short and when to transition to more robust tools
• Implementing specialized Excel add-ins to enhance your analytical capabilities
• Leveraging Power BI’s advanced features for data transformation, modeling, and visualization
• Developing distribution strategies that make your insights accessible to stakeholders

Perfect for: Financial professionals, analysts, managers, and decision-makers who need to extract maximum value from organizational data. No programming experience required—just a willingness to elevate your data analysis skills beyond basic reporting to true business intelligence.

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Trust Course Part 1 – Basic Characteristics & Elements of Trusts – Frequently Asked Questions

Course Description

This foundational course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of trust creation, operation, and taxation. Designed for practitioners, this session demystifies the essential elements of trusts—grantors, trustees, beneficiaries, and property—and explores their critical roles in effective tax and estate planning. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the different types of trusts, including revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and specialized trusts like ILITs, QTIPs, and Credit Shelter Bypass Trusts.

Through a practical, FAQ-style format, the course will address common client questions and planning challenges, such as how to use trusts to avoid probate, protect assets, minimize transfer taxes, and provide for family members. Key tax characteristics, including the distinctions between simple, complex, and grantor trusts, will be clarified, along with vital concepts like the annual gift tax exclusion, Crummey powers, and the marital deduction. By the end of this course, professionals will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge necessary to identify when a trust is an appropriate solution and to navigate the initial stages of trust-based planning with confidence.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify the fundamental parties and elements of a trust—Grantor, Trustee, Beneficiary, and Property—and describe their respective roles, rights, and responsibilities.
• Distinguish between different types of trusts and their tax characteristics, including revocable vs. irrevocable, living vs. testamentary, and simple, complex, and grantor trusts.
• Explain key tax provisions impacting trusts, such as the gift tax annual exclusion, the marital deduction, and the portability of the estate tax exemption.
• Analyze the use of common estate planning trusts, including the Unified Credit Shelter Bypass Trust and Marital Deduction Trusts (QTIP, Power of Appointment, and QDOT), to achieve client goals and transfer tax efficiency.
• Apply advanced trust strategies, such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) with Crummey powers, and trusts for minors (UGMA/UTMA, §2503(c)), to address specific client needs for asset protection, liquidity, and wealth transfer.

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World’s Liveliest Accounting Update: Part 1

Course Description

Jeff Sailor is unlike any other CPE instructor. Known for his signature video parodies and trademark sense of humor, he delivers deep industry insights in a way that keeps students entertained and reinforces critical elements of the material.

Sailor’s acclaimed annual “World’s Liveliest Accounting Update” equips accounting professionals with essential knowledge of current FASB updates, financial instruments, and emerging technologies in finance. It covers the latest GAAP updates, new credit loss provisions, and more.

Designed for: CPAs, financial managers, and accounting professionals who want to ensure they’re on top of the staggering amount of change in the accounting profession.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Apply the most pervasive accounting updates issued by the FASB Apply accounting standards for the more basic financial instruments Describe the basics of accounting for more complex financial instruments Describe the concepts of blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs Apply the new provisions for Credit Losses Identify and apply the most pervasive GAAP updates Cite the basics of the narrow scope GAAP updates Describe the Elements of Financial Statements under the FASB Concepts Describe proper presentation under the FASB ConceptsClose Course Details

Leading with Vision: Building Business Acumen for the Future

Course Description

This strategic course transforms technically proficient professionals into business-savvy leaders who understand the holistic nature of organizational success. Moving beyond departmental expertise, you’ll develop the ability to make quick, well-informed decisions that impact your organization’s strategic direction and growth.

Ed guides you through the interconnected ecosystem of business operations, revealing how financial metrics, market positioning, and organizational capabilities combine to create sustainable competitive advantage. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, you’ll learn to view your organization through a leadership lens.

The session illuminates:

• Methods for assessing how your organization generates revenue and creates genuine value
• Frameworks for evaluating competitive positioning and industry differentiators
• Techniques for understanding the cascading effects of business decisions across departments
• Approaches for identifying and leveraging key financial drivers and metrics
• Strategies for balancing short-term results with long-term organizational health
• Risk management methodologies appropriate for different business contexts

Designed for: Rising leaders, departmental managers, and technical specialists preparing for broader organizational responsibilities. This course provides essential business acumen whether you’re transitioning to executive roles or seeking to become a more valuable contributor to strategic discussions within your current position.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Understand how different parts of an organization work together to create value and drive growth Analyze financial and market data to assess competitive positioning and business health Apply strategic thinking to make informed decisions with long-term impact Identify key business drivers and metrics that influence organizational success Develop risk management approaches aligned with business goals and environmentsClose Course Details

Excel 2025 Deep Dive: Innovations for Accounting and Finance

Course Description

This dynamic course unveils the latest Excel innovations that can dramatically accelerate your productivity and enhance your professional trajectory. Moving beyond basic functionality, you’ll discover recently introduced tools and techniques that transform Excel from a simple spreadsheet program into a powerful business catalyst.

Through practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you’ll master time-saving features that automate repetitive tasks, visualize complex data, and deliver actionable insights. The session focuses on immediate application, ensuring you can implement these advancements the very next day.

The course showcases:

• Next-generation analytical functions that simplify complex calculations
• Modern data visualization techniques that communicate insights more effectively
• Advanced automation capabilities that eliminate hours of manual work
• Collaborative features that streamline teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Integration possibilities with other platforms to create seamless workflows
• Strategic applications that position you as a technical leader in your organization

Ideal for: Accounting professionals, financial analysts, managers, and Excel power users who want to leverage the latest advancements to increase their value to clients or employers. Whether you’re building a practice or climbing the corporate ladder, these cutting-edge Excel skills provide a significant competitive advantage in today’s data-driven business environment.

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2025 California Tax Update: Part 1

Course Description

Navigating the complexities of California’s tax code requires a specialist’s focus. This dynamic and essential update course, led by renowned expert Karen Brosi, provides tax professionals with a comprehensive analysis of the latest changes and critical nuances affecting individual taxpayers for the 2025 tax year.

Part 1 of this series delves into the foundational elements of California tax practice. We begin by dissecting the state’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2025, via SB 711, clarifying exactly which federal provisions California has adopted and, just as importantly, where it diverges—including significant nonconformity related to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The course provides an in-depth review of new and updated California-specific credits, such as the enhanced Renter’s Credit, Foster Youth Credit, and the new Union Dues Credit.

Attendees will master the critical rules of California residency and sourcing, a perennial area of scrutiny from the FTB, including safe harbors and recent legal precedents. The session also covers essential administrative updates, including e-pay mandates, filing issues, and the taxation of trusts. This course is designed to equip CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys with the immediate, practical knowledge needed to ensure compliance, optimize tax outcomes, and provide sophisticated planning for their clients in the ever-changing California tax landscape.

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Reviewing Trust Documents with a Planner’s and Tax Mindset

Course Description

Move beyond the basics and into the practitioner’s analytical zone. This advanced-level course equips CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys with a critical, detail-oriented framework for reviewing trust documents through the dual lenses of strategic planning and tax efficiency. Building on foundational knowledge, we delve into the mechanics of trust taxation—demystifying Distributable Net Income (DNI), the Tier System, and the Separate Share Rule—to accurately determine “who pays the tax and why.”

The curriculum provides a systematic checklist of critical trust clauses, from Crummey powers and HEMS standards to Power of Appointment and Disclaimer provisions, teaching you how to spot opportunities, identify red flags, and anticipate unintended tax consequences. We will dissect the structure and purpose of modern planning vehicles—including SLATs, IDGTs, GRATs, and Charitable Trusts—enabling you to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving client goals for wealth transfer, asset protection, and tax minimization. By adopting this planner’s and tax mindset, you will learn to read between the lines of any trust document, providing proactive, value-added counsel to your clients and their legal advisors.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the flow of taxable income in a trust by applying key concepts of Distributable Net Income (DNI), the Tier System, and the Separate Share Rule to determine liability for the trust or its beneficiaries.
• Evaluate critical trust clauses—such as Crummey powers, Ascertainable Standards (HEMS), Powers of Appointment, and Tax Reimbursement clauses—to assess their impact on income, gift, and estate taxes.
• Differentiate between the structures and strategic uses of advanced irrevocable trusts—including IDGTs, SLATs, GRATs, and QPRTs—and identify the client circumstances for which each is best suited.
• Identify the qualifying language and potential pitfalls within marital deduction trusts (QTIP, GPAT) and trusts for non-citizen spouses (QDOT) to ensure compliance and optimal tax treatment.
• Apply a systematic review process to trust documents to provide proactive planning recommendations, mitigate tax risks, and ensure the instrument aligns with the client's overall financial and estate planning objectives.

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World’s Liveliest Accounting Update: Part 2

Course Description

Jeff Sailor is unlike any other CPE instructor. Known for his signature video parodies and trademark sense of humor, he delivers deep industry insights in a way that keeps students entertained and reinforces critical elements of the material.

Sailor’s acclaimed annual “World’s Liveliest Accounting Update” equips accounting professionals with essential knowledge of current FASB updates, financial instruments, and emerging technologies in finance. It covers the latest GAAP updates, new credit loss provisions, and more.

Designed for: CPAs, financial managers, and accounting professionals who want to ensure they’re on top of the staggering amount of change in the accounting profession.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Apply the most pervasive accounting updates issued by the FASB Apply accounting standards for the more basic financial instruments Describe the basics of accounting for more complex financial instruments Describe the concepts of blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs Apply the new provisions for Credit Losses Identify and apply the most pervasive GAAP updates Cite the basics of the narrow scope GAAP updates Describe the Elements of Financial Statements under the FASB Concepts Describe proper presentation under the FASB ConceptsClose Course Details

The Financial Planning Edge: Mastering Insurance, Investments, and Taxes

Course Description

The old rulebook for financial planning doesn’t work anymore. This eye-opening workshop shows you how to help clients navigate a world where traditional assumptions about retirement, investing, and financial security have been fundamentally challenged.

Many clients are still operating with outdated expectations, believing they can retire as planned or achieve financial goals using strategies that worked in previous decades. As their trusted advisor, you can help them adapt to this new reality before it’s too late.

In this comprehensive session, you’ll discover:

• Why standard “rules of thumb” fail in today’s economic environment
• Fresh approaches to analyzing client situations when traditional metrics fall short
• How to spot critical warning signs in client financial plans before problems emerge
• Innovative tax planning strategies that reflect current legislative realities
• Insurance and risk management techniques for unprecedented uncertainty
• Investment approaches adapted for today’s volatile markets

The workshop equips you with:

• A structured framework for evaluating all aspects of client financial situations
• Analytical tools to extract planning opportunities directly from tax returns
• Communication strategies for delivering difficult financial realities to resistant clients
• Actionable methods to revise outdated financial plans for current conditions

Designed for: Financial professionals who want to provide truly valuable guidance in an era of economic and regulatory uncertainty. You’ll leave with practical approaches to help clients achieve financial security despite today’s challenging environment.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Explain why traditional financial planning rules of thumb are often ineffective in today’s economic environment Apply a structured framework to comprehensively evaluate client financial situations beyond standard metrics Identify early warning signs and critical gaps in client financial plans that could lead to future problems Develop innovative tax planning strategies aligned with current legislative and regulatory realities Implement insurance and risk management approaches suited for increased uncertainty and complexity Adapt investment strategies to manage risks in volatile and unpredictable markets Use analytical tools to uncover planning opportunities by reviewing client tax returns and financial data Communicate challenging financial realities effectively to clients, fostering trust and proactive decision-making Revise and update outdated financial plans to reflect the realities of the new economic landscapeClose Course Details

Excel Powerhouse: Advanced Features for Accounting Success

Course Description

This immersive program elevates your Excel expertise beyond fundamentals to the sophisticated capabilities that distinguish true power users. Drawing from over twenty-five years of specialized Excel training for accounting and financial professionals, the K2 team delivers practical, immediately applicable techniques that transform your efficiency and analytical capabilities.

Through hands-on exercises using your own laptop, you’ll master advanced functionalities across six critical areas that directly impact your daily workflow and deliverables. Rather than theoretical concepts, each segment focuses on real-world applications specifically relevant to financial environments.

The program delves into:

• Strategic collaboration tools and security protocols that protect sensitive financial data
• Advanced table structures and data modeling techniques that reveal relationships across complex datasets
• Time-saving data query methods for importing and transforming information from diverse sources
• Formula mastery that harnesses specialized functions for financial analysis and reporting
• Sophisticated analytical approaches including data tables, subtotals, and PivotTable techniques
• Visualization strategies that communicate financial insights with clarity and impact

Tailored for: Experienced Excel users in accounting, finance, and related fields who need to process complex data more efficiently, produce more insightful analyses, and create compelling visualizations that drive decision-making. This course covers advanced features available in Excel 2019 and newer versions.

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2025 California Tax Update: Part 2

Course Description

The modern tax practice extends far beyond return preparation. This critical second part of the California Tax Update series equips tax professionals with the essential knowledge to navigate the Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) administrative procedures, represent clients effectively during audits and collections, and master the complex landscape of California business taxation.

Led by expert Karen Brosi, this course provides a strategic deep-dive into the FTB’s evolving digital tools, including the “MyFTB” portal for practitioners, electronic communication protocols, and the expanded Voluntary Disclosure Program. We will dissect the state’s top audit areas, analyze recent key cases, and review penalty abatement strategies. The session then transitions to a comprehensive analysis of business entity taxation, focusing on the critical areas of nonconformity with federal law, such as depreciation, Net Operating Losses (NOLs), and the intricacies of the Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Elective Tax. Attendees will also gain insights into significant payroll, sales, and property tax changes affecting California businesses. This course is indispensable for CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys who advise business clients and seek to enhance their practice’s efficiency and defensive posture.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

1. Navigate the FTB's administrative and digital landscape, including the "MyFTB" portal for tax professionals, e-pay requirements, and electronic communication standards to improve practice efficiency and client representation.
2. Identify the FTB's top audit areas and apply knowledge of recent court cases and rulings to support client positions regarding residency, capital gains, pass-through entities, and corporate tax issues.
3. Analyze California's major business tax nonconformity items, including depreciation methods, NOL suspension rules, and the R&D credit, to accurately calculate state tax liability for C corporations, S corporations, and partnerships.
4. Evaluate the mechanics and strategic implications of the California Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Elective Tax, including eligibility, payment timelines, and recent legislative enhancements, to determine its applicability for client tax savings.
5. Recognize key updates in California payroll, sales, and property taxes, including worker classification standards, remote seller nexus, and Proposition 19 property tax base transfers, to ensure comprehensive client advisory services.

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Planning for the 99%

Course Description

The landscape of estate planning has fundamentally changed. With the federal estate tax exemption at a historic high, traditional planning for the “1%” no longer applies to the vast majority of your clients. This critical course, led by Steven Siegel, JD, LLM, refocuses the practitioner’s mindset from transfer tax avoidance to the more relevant and pressing concerns of the “99%.”

We will navigate the post-OBBBA world where income tax planning, basis step-up optimization, and asset protection have become the primary drivers of a sound estate plan. This session provides a practical framework for advising clients with estates under the exemption limit, tackling real-world questions: Is portability a silver bullet or a trap? When does a bypass trust still make sense? What is the new role of life insurance and retirement plans? How do we plan effectively in decoupled states? Through a strategic analysis of core dispositive planning, compressed trust tax rates, and the implications of the SECURE Act, you will learn to construct efficient, resilient plans that protect your clients’ assets and ensure their legacy in this new era.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of traditional estate planning tools—such as bypass trusts—in a high-exemption, portable world and articulate their non-tax benefits to clients.
• Develop income tax-centric planning strategies that prioritize securing a basis step-up at death and managing assets to avoid the compressed tax brackets of nongrantor trusts.
• Analyze the strategic use of portability, including the critical compliance requirements for a valid election and the potential pitfalls of relying on it exclusively.
• Reassess the role of life insurance and retirement assets (including Roth IRA conversions and planning under the SECURE Act) within estates that are not subject to the federal estate tax.
• Formulate effective planning recommendations for clients in decoupled states, balancing the trade-offs between state estate tax savings and the long-term income tax cost of a lost basis step-up.

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World’s Liveliest Accounting Update: Part 3

Course Description

Jeff Sailor is unlike any other CPE instructor. Known for his signature video parodies and trademark sense of humor, he delivers deep industry insights in a way that keeps students entertained and reinforces critical elements of the material.

Sailor’s acclaimed annual “World’s Liveliest Accounting Update” equips accounting professionals with essential knowledge of current FASB updates, financial instruments, and emerging technologies in finance. It covers the latest GAAP updates, new credit loss provisions, and more.

Designed for: CPAs, financial managers, and accounting professionals who want to ensure they’re on top of the staggering amount of change in the accounting profession.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Apply the most pervasive accounting updates issued by the FASB Apply accounting standards for the more basic financial instruments Describe the basics of accounting for more complex financial instruments Describe the concepts of blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs Apply the new provisions for Credit Losses Identify and apply the most pervasive GAAP updates Cite the basics of the narrow scope GAAP updates Describe the Elements of Financial Statements under the FASB Concepts Describe proper presentation under the FASB ConceptsClose Course Details

The Art of Change Management: Dancing Through the Storm

Course Description

This transformative course reframes organizational change from a threat to an opportunity, providing practical strategies for not just surviving industry disruption but thriving amidst constant evolution. Through customized content based on pre-session interviews, Ed addresses the specific challenges facing your industry and organization.

Rather than generic change platitudes, this session delivers concrete frameworks for embracing transformation while maintaining team cohesion and business momentum. You’ll develop both the mindset and tactical skills needed to lead confidently through periods of uncertainty.

The program delivers:

• Ten distinctive behaviors that distinguish high-performing professionals during periods of change
• Productivity maximization techniques that maintain focus despite disruptive environments
• Strategic planning methodologies for achieving consistent results amid shifting landscapes
• A comprehensive model for creating sustainable success regardless of external conditions
• Goal-setting frameworks paired with executable action plans for measurable outcomes
• Marketing strategies that enhance your professional brand during industry transformation
• Advanced approaches for selling complex solutions in changing markets
• Techniques for improving deal closure and attracting higher-value clients

Ideal for: Financial professionals navigating regulatory shifts, technological disruption, or organizational restructuring. This course provides essential strategies whether you’re leading change initiatives or helping your team adapt to evolving industry requirements.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Demonstrate ten key behaviors that distinguish high-performing professionals during times of change Apply productivity techniques to maintain focus and momentum in disruptive environments Use strategic planning methodologies to achieve consistent results despite shifting conditions Implement a comprehensive model for creating sustainable success amid ongoing transformation Develop goal-setting frameworks and actionable plans that deliver measurable outcomes Employ marketing strategies to strengthen their professional brand during industry change Utilize advanced sales approaches to effectively sell complex solutions in evolving markets Improve deal closure rates and attract higher-value clients through targeted techniquesClose Course Details

Pivot Tables Pro: Unlocking Insights from Your Data

Course Description

This immersive workshop unlocks Excel’s most potent analytical tool—PivotTables—transforming this underutilized feature from intimidating to indispensable. While many financial professionals avoid PivotTables due to perceived complexity, this hands-on session reveals how they can slash analysis time while delivering deeper insights.

Your K2 instructor guides you through a progressive learning journey, beginning with fundamental concepts before advancing to sophisticated techniques that connect PivotTables to external data sources and financial systems. Through practical exercises using real-world scenarios, you’ll overcome common obstacles and discover time-saving shortcuts.

The workshop covers:

• Essential PivotTable architecture and the six key elements that drive functionality
• Strategic data grouping techniques, including fiscal period reporting solutions
• Custom calculation methods that extend beyond Excel’s standard formulas
• Advanced consolidation approaches for multiple data sources and ranges
• Enterprise-level applications using Power Query, Power Pivot, and Slicers
• Formatting strategies that maintain data integrity while enhancing readability
• Troubleshooting techniques for common PivotTable challenges

Perfect for: Accounting professionals, financial analysts, and business managers who work with large datasets but haven’t fully embraced PivotTables. Whether you’re a PivotTable novice or seeking to enhance existing skills, this course will dramatically improve your data analysis capabilities and efficiency.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the core architecture and six key elements that power PivotTable functionality. Apply effective data grouping techniques, including those tailored for fiscal period reporting. Create custom calculations within PivotTables that go beyond standard Excel formulas. Consolidate and analyze multiple data sources using advanced PivotTable methods. Utilize Power Query, Power Pivot, and Slicers to enhance enterprise-level data analysis. Format PivotTables to improve readability without compromising data integrity. Identify and resolve common issues encountered when working with PivotTables.Close Course Details

Trust Course Part 2 – Charitable Trusts, Grantor Retained Interest Trusts

Course Description

Elevate your advisory capabilities with a deep dive into the sophisticated world of advanced irrevocable trusts. This course, led by renowned expert Steven Siegel, JD, LLM, moves beyond foundational concepts to master the intricate mechanics and strategic deployment of two powerful planning families: Charitable Trusts and Grantor Retained Interest Trusts (GRITs).

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to structure Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) to achieve dual objectives—fulfilling philanthropic goals while optimizing income, gift, and estate tax outcomes. The curriculum then shifts to advanced wealth transfer techniques, providing a detailed analysis of Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs), and the strategic use of “defective” grantor trust status. Through practical scenarios and a focus on current economic conditions, you will learn to navigate the critical rules of Code Section 2702, execute “zeroed-out” strategies, and leverage these powerful tools to freeze assets and transfer significant wealth to the next generation with minimal tax cost.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between the structures, tax treatments, and strategic applications of Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) to align with specific client philanthropic and financial objectives.
• Analyze the mechanics and tax implications of Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), including the execution of "zeroed-out" strategies, to leverage the Section 7520 rate for efficient wealth transfer.
• Evaluate the use of Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) as a technique to remove a high-value, appreciating personal residence from a client's taxable estate at a significantly reduced gift tax cost.
• Apply the critical provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 2702 to correctly value retained interests in GRATs, GRUTs, and QPRTs, and identify situations where common law GRITs are applicable.
• Construct integrated planning strategies that utilize these advanced trusts to achieve client goals for asset freezing, basis planning, generation-skipping, and overall transfer tax minimization

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Accounting Adventures: Navigating Equity Investments

Course Description

This comprehensive overview untangles the often confusing world of financial instrument accounting under GAAP. Through a practical “good, bad, and ugly” framework, the course stratifies different instruments by complexity, giving you a clear roadmap for handling everything from straightforward investments to intricate derivatives.

You’ll gain clarity on where to find authoritative guidance for each instrument type, along with practical insights on proper valuation techniques, classification options, and disclosure requirements.

The session covers:

• Classification systems for various equity financial instruments and how they impact reporting
• Navigation techniques for locating relevant guidance in the FASB Codification
• Valuation methodologies across different instrument categories
• Presentation and disclosure requirements that satisfy both technical and practical considerations
• Real-world applications for common equity financial instruments encountered in practice

Well-suited for: Financial reporting specialists, controllers, accounting managers, and practitioners who prepare or audit financial statements containing various financial instruments. This course bridges the gap between theoretical accounting concepts and practical implementation challenges encountered in financial reporting.

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The Succession Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together

Course Description

This forward-thinking course addresses one of the most critical challenges facing accounting and financial firms today: developing a robust succession strategy that ensures organizational continuity and growth. Moving beyond theoretical concepts, this session delivers practical frameworks for identifying, developing, and retaining the next generation of leaders within your organization.

Through interactive case studies and implementation examples, you’ll learn to create succession systems that align with your firm’s strategic objectives while addressing the unique needs of key stakeholders. The session explores both planned transitions and unexpected departures, preparing you for various succession scenarios.

The course addresses:

• Comprehensive succession planning models tailored to accounting and financial service firms
• Talent assessment methodologies for identifying high-potential future leaders
• Leadership development strategies that prepare successors before transitions occur
• Valuation considerations and financial structuring options for partner retirements
• Client relationship transition approaches that maintain business continuity
• Implementation roadmaps for firms at different stages of succession readiness

Ideal for: Firm owners, partners, managing directors, and emerging leaders who need practical approaches to succession planning. This course provides essential guidance whether you’re planning your own transition, developing future partners, or building organization-wide succession systems.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe key succession planning models tailored to accounting and financial service firms Identify high-potential leadership candidates using structured talent assessment methodologies Apply leadership development strategies to prepare future successors for key roles Evaluate valuation methods and financial structuring options for partner retirements and ownership transitions Develop client relationship transition plans that support long-term continuity and trust Implement succession planning strategies that accommodate both planned and unexpected leadership departures Align succession planning efforts with the firm’s strategic goals and cultural values Create a phased succession implementation roadmap appropriate for the firm's current stage of readinessClose Course Details

The 2025 Tech Update: Navigating the Digital Frontier

Course Description

Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of technology change? You’re not alone. This practical session cuts through the hype to show you which innovations actually matter for accounting professionals right now.

Instead of getting lost in technical jargon, K2 focuses on what these technologies mean for your daily work and future career. You’ll learn which trends deserve your attention and which you can safely ignore.

We’ll explore:

• How AI is already changing accounting work and what’s coming next
• What quantum computing could mean for financial analysis (in plain English!)
• Practical applications of blockchain beyond the cryptocurrency buzz
• Smart hardware and software investments that deliver real ROI
• How Excel continues to evolve 40 years after its release

You’ll walk away with:

• Clear explanations of complex technologies without the technical jargon
• Practical ideas you can implement right away in your practice
• Strategies to get at least double the return on your tech investments
• Confidence to separate meaningful innovations from marketing hype
• A roadmap for staying current without feeling constantly overwhelmed

Perfect for: Accounting professionals who need to understand how technology is reshaping the profession but don’t have time to become tech experts. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or feeling behind the curve, you’ll gain valuable insights to help guide your technology decisions.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Explain how artificial intelligence is transforming accounting work and anticipate upcoming developments Describe the potential impact of quantum computing on financial analysis in accessible terms Identify practical uses of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies relevant to accounting professionals Evaluate smart hardware and software investments that offer measurable returns Understand recent advancements and ongoing evolution in tools like Excel Apply practical strategies to maximize returns on technology investments in their practices Distinguish between meaningful technological innovations and marketing hype Develop a personalized roadmap for staying current with technology trends without becoming overwhelmedClose Course Details

Planning for Clients After OBBA 2025

Course Description

The legislative landscape has shifted with the passing of the OBBBA 2025, creating a new set of rules, opportunities, and pitfalls for tax and financial advisors. This critical course, led by Steven Siegel, JD, LLM, provides a comprehensive analysis of the new law and its profound impact on client planning strategies.

Move beyond the headlines and into practical application. We will decode the permanent changes to income, estate, and gift tax provisions, including the heightened $15 million exemption and the new, complex phase-ins for SALT, charitable, and itemized deductions. The curriculum provides a strategic framework for adapting to this new environment, with a sharp focus on actionable techniques: navigating the treacherous new phaseouts for Roth conversions and senior deductions, leveraging enhanced Opportunity Zones and QSBS rules, and executing advanced basis-building strategies using powers of appointment and non-grantor trusts. Equip yourself to provide forward-looking, value-added counsel that protects client assets and optimizes their financial position under this new regime.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the key provisions of the OBBBA 2025, including the permanent estate tax exemption, changes to SALT and charitable deductions, and the introduction of new credits, to assess their impact on a client's overall tax liability.
• Develop strategic Roth conversion plans that navigate the new MAGI phaseouts for the senior deduction and SALT limitation to avoid effective marginal tax rates exceeding 45%.
• Evaluate new planning opportunities within the revised rules for Opportunity Zones, Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), and Pass-Through Entity Taxes (PTET) to maximize client benefits.
• Apply advanced basis-planning techniques, such as the strategic use of general powers of appointment and upstream gifting, to secure a step-up in basis for assets held in trust or gifted during life.
• Formulate updated estate and income tax plans that shift focus from pure transfer tax avoidance to the strategic use of non-grantor trusts, flexible trust provisions, and entity structuring to optimize for the new law.

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Fraud’s Greatest Hits: A Playlist of Financial Crimes

Course Description

This innovative session transforms the study of accounting fraud from mundane to memorable through an examination of history’s most infamous financial scandals. Rather than a dry recitation of facts, Jeff delivers an entertaining and educational journey through the top ten accounting fraud cases, complete with custom song parodies that serve as mnemonic devices for each scandal’s key lessons.

Behind the engaging presentation lies serious content designed to sharpen your fraud detection skills. By analyzing these landmark cases, you’ll recognize recurring patterns and warning signs that could help you identify future schemes before they cause irreparable damage.

Throughout this high-energy session, you’ll:

• Uncover the psychological traits common among white-collar criminals
• Master the three-pronged framework for understanding fraud motivation and execution
• Discover practical techniques to detect financial statement manipulation
• Develop a more discerning approach to audit risk assessment
• Connect historical fraud patterns to present-day financial reporting risks

Perfect for: Auditors, financial statement preparers, internal control specialists, and accounting professionals who want to enhance their fraud detection capabilities while enjoying a uniquely entertaining learning experience. If traditional CPE puts you to sleep, this engaging approach will keep you alert and absorbing critical knowledge throughout.

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Rainmaker Strategies: Winning New Business in a Dynamic Market

Course Description

This action-oriented course revolutionizes traditional approaches to business development by integrating complementary sales and marketing strategies into a unified system for client acquisition and retention. Rather than presenting disconnected tactics, Robinson delivers a comprehensive framework that creates predictable revenue growth regardless of economic conditions.

Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you’ll construct a customized business development approach that leverages your organization’s unique strengths while addressing its specific challenges.

The session delivers:

• A structured process for cultivating long-term, profitable client relationships
• Techniques for identifying your optimal marketing mix to ensure continuous business flow
• A systematic selling methodology that increases closing percentages while building trust
• Tools for setting measurable business development goals and implementing effective action plans
• Strategies for creating a proactive growth engine that functions in any market environment
• Over a dozen immediately applicable skills and processes to accelerate revenue generation

Designed for: Partners, principals, managers, and business development professionals seeking to enhance their rainmaking capabilities. This course benefits both seasoned professionals looking to refine their approach and those newer to business development responsibilities.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Implement a structured process to cultivate and sustain long-term, profitable client relationships. Identify and optimize the marketing mix best suited to their organization’s strengths and market conditions. Apply a systematic selling methodology that enhances trust and improves closing rates. Set measurable business development goals and develop actionable plans to achieve consistent growth. Build a proactive and adaptable business development engine that drives revenue in any economic environment. Utilize practical skills and techniques that accelerate client acquisition and retention immediately.Close Course Details

Privacy and Security 2025: Staying Ahead of the Threats

Course Description

Worried your business might be the next cybercrime headline? You’re right to be concerned. This eye-opening session reveals the shocking reality of today’s security threats and then gives you practical, affordable ways to protect what matters most.

Rather than complicated technical jargon, we’ll focus on straightforward strategies that actually work for businesses of all sizes. You’ll learn not just what the risks are, but exactly what steps to take when you get back to the office.

We’ll cover:

• The critical difference between data security and privacy (and why you need both)
• How cybercriminals actually target businesses like yours right now
• The true costs of breaches beyond just the dollars—reputation damage, client trust, and operational downtime
• Simple security measures that give you the biggest protection for the least effort
• Practical policies you can implement immediately, even without a dedicated IT team

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of your biggest security vulnerabilities
• A checklist of specific actions to strengthen your defenses
• Cost-effective tools that fit your budget
• Simple ways to train your team to become your first line of defense
• Peace of mind knowing you’ve taken reasonable steps to protect your business

Perfect for: Business owners, executives, and financial professionals responsible for protecting sensitive data. No technical background required—just a desire to keep your business, clients, and data safe from increasingly sophisticated threats.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Distinguish between data security and privacy, understanding why both are essential for protecting business assets. Identify common cyberattack methods currently targeting businesses of all sizes. Recognize the full scope of costs associated with data breaches, including non-financial impacts like reputation and client trust. Implement straightforward, cost-effective security measures that provide strong protection with minimal complexity. Develop practical policies and protocols that enhance organizational data privacy and security without requiring specialized IT resources. Train and empower employees to act as an effective first line of defense against cyber threats.Close Course Details

Social Security and Medicare in 2025

Course Description

Social Security and Medicare represent two of the most critical components of retirement security, yet their complex rules and recent legislative changes present significant planning challenges. This essential course, led by Steven Siegel, JD, LLM, provides a deep dive into the 2025 landscape of these vital programs.

Participants will gain a masterful understanding of Social Security, from calculating benefits and navigating the pivotal “when to claim” decision to analyzing the impacts of the new OBBBA senior deduction and the historic repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The course then demystifies the intricacies of Medicare, including the cost structures of Parts A, B, C, and D, the often-overlooked IRMAA surcharges, and the critical differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Armed with this knowledge, practitioners will be equipped to guide clients through maximizing lifetime benefits, avoiding costly penalties, and integrating these government benefits into a holistic and secure retirement income plan.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze Social Security benefit calculations, including the effects of early retirement, delayed credits, and the "earnings test," to advise clients on optimal claiming strategies.
• Evaluate the eligibility for and implications of spousal, divorced spousal, and survivor benefits to maximize family benefits and navigate life changes.
• Assess the 2025 Medicare program structure, including premiums, deductibles, IRMAA surcharges, and enrollment deadlines to help clients avoid lifelong penalties and manage healthcare costs.
• Differentiate between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medigap plans to provide informed recommendations based on client healthcare needs and financial situations.
• Integrate knowledge of the OBBBA's senior deduction and the repeal of the WEP/GPO rules into a comprehensive retirement plan that optimizes after-tax income and government benefits.

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Audit Power-Up: Maximizing Analytical Procedures for Stronger Evidence

Course Description

Many audit findings point to the same issue: weak analytical procedures. This focused workshop shows you how to transform basic analytics into powerful audit evidence that satisfies peer reviewers while enhancing audit quality.

Instead of treating analytics as a documentation checkbox, you’ll learn to design procedures that actually provide meaningful assurance. Through practical examples and case studies, you’ll discover how to strengthen each phase of analytical testing—from preliminary planning to final review.

You’ll learn how to:

• Design analytics that provide genuine audit evidence rather than superficial comparisons
• Select the most appropriate analytical techniques for different audit assertions
• Establish expectations with proper precision levels and defensible rationales
• Evaluate data reliability to ensure your analytics rest on solid foundations
• Document your analytics in ways that clearly demonstrate professional judgment
• Determine when analytics can reduce detailed testing and when they cannot

Other topics covered:

• Common peer review findings related to analytical procedures
• Elements that transform weak analytics into strong audit evidence
• Documentation approaches that satisfy reviewers and regulators
• Techniques for investigating unexpected fluctuations more effectively
• Methods for integrating analytics throughout the audit process

Valuable for: Audit partners, managers, seniors, and staff looking to improve audit quality and efficiency. This workshop provides practical guidance on using analytics to enhance evidence while satisfying documentation requirements.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

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Breaking Up Without Breaking Down: Financial Strategies for Divorce

Course Description

In essence, a marriage can be considered a financial contract. This practical session helps you guide clients through divorce with knowledge that can save them thousands of dollars and years of financial recovery.

Most people enter marriage never imagining it might end, which means they’re completely unprepared for the complex financial decisions divorce demands. As their trusted advisor, you can provide invaluable guidance during this emotional time when clear thinking is most needed.

You’ll learn how to help clients:

• Recognize which assets are truly worth fighting for (and which aren’t)
• Understand the tax consequences of different settlement options
• Navigate the complexities of dividing retirement accounts and business interests
• Make informed decisions about the family home and other major assets
• Develop realistic post-divorce financial plans
• Protect themselves in future relationships through proper documentation

This session covers:

• Key differences between community property and common law states
• Practical strategies for valuing complex assets like businesses and stock options
• Smart approaches to alimony and child support negotiations
• Essential protective documents like prenuptial and cohabitation agreements
• Critical tax issues that can dramatically impact settlement outcomes

Perfect for: CPAs, financial planners, and advisors who want to provide comprehensive guidance to clients facing divorce. Whether you specialize in divorce planning or occasionally assist clients through this transition, you’ll gain practical tools to help them achieve the best possible financial outcome.

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Getting Smart with AI: An Introduction for Professionals

Course Description

This groundbreaking course strips away the mystique surrounding Artificial Intelligence to reveal its practical, tangible benefits for financial professionals. Moving beyond theoretical concepts, you’ll discover how AI technologies are already embedded in your daily tools and workflows, waiting to be leveraged.

Through real-world demonstrations and interactive examples, you’ll learn to distinguish between genuine AI capabilities and marketing hype, allowing you to make strategic decisions about which technologies truly merit your attention and investment.

The course illuminates:

• Core differences between AI, Machine Learning, and Robotic Process Automation and their specific applications in finance
• Hidden AI features within familiar applications like Excel that dramatically improve data analysis and pattern recognition
• Practical applications for fraud detection, error identification, and anomaly spotting in financial datasets
• Implementation strategies that complement your existing expertise rather than replacing it
• Forward-looking insights into how AI will reshape financial roles and create new opportunities for professionals

Designed for: Accounting and finance professionals at all levels who want to harness AI’s capabilities without becoming technical experts. This course provides the practical knowledge needed to stay relevant in an increasingly AI-enhanced financial landscape while improving your current productivity and effectiveness.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and describe their practical applications in financial settings Identify embedded AI features in commonly used tools such as Excel that can enhance data analysis and workflow efficiency Recognize the role of AI in fraud detection, error identification, and anomaly recognition within financial datasets Evaluate the benefits and limitations of various AI technologies in the context of finance and accounting Develop strategies for integrating AI tools into existing financial workflows without needing technical expertise Describe how AI is reshaping the finance profession and identify emerging opportunities for professionals in an AI-enhanced environmentClose Course Details

Trust Course Part 3 – Advanced Planning (IDGTs, Dynasty Trusts, QSST, ESBT, etc.)

Course Description

Move beyond foundational trust concepts and into the realm of advanced, strategic estate and tax planning. This intensive course, led by renowned expert Steven G. Siegel, JD, LLM, is designed for seasoned practitioners ready to master the technical nuances and practical applications of the most powerful tools in the modern planner’s arsenal.

Participants will engage in a deep dive into Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), exploring their unique ability to freeze estates, shift future appreciation outside the taxable estate, and facilitate tax-free gifting through installment sales. The course will also unravel the complexities of Dynasty Trusts, demonstrating how to leverage Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax exemptions to create multi-generational, tax-advantaged wealth transfer vehicles.

Further sessions will cover critical S corporation trust structures—the Qualified Subchapter S Trust (QSST) and Electing Small Business Trust (ESBT)—along with specialized trusts for asset protection (DAPTs), state income tax savings (INGs), and special needs planning. We will conclude with an examination of modern administrative structures like Directed Trusts and Silent Trusts, equipping you to design robust, flexible, and efficient plans for your highest-net-worth clients.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the mechanics and tax implications of Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), including how to structure installment sales to effectively remove appreciating assets from an estate while the grantor pays the income tax.
• Design and implement a Dynasty Trust strategy, leveraging GST tax exemptions to protect assets from transfer taxes for multiple generations and selecting appropriate jurisdictions based on state perpetuities laws.
• Differentiate between the Qualified Subchapter S Trust (QSST) and Electing Small Business Trust (ESBT), and advise clients on the optimal structure for holding S corporation stock within a trust, considering income tax consequences and beneficiary flexibility.
• Evaluate the use of specialized trusts—including Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs), and Incomplete Non-Grantor (ING) Trusts—to achieve specific goals such as spousal access, creditor protection, and state income tax minimization.
• Apply key provisions for Special Needs Trusts (self-settled, pooled, and third-party) to preserve a beneficiary's eligibility for public assistance benefits.
• Integrate modern trust administration features—such as Directed Trusts, Silent Trusts, and trust protectors—into estate plans to enhance flexibility, manage liability, and address family dynamics.

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Simplifying the Complex: GAAP Alternatives for Private Companies

Course Description

This strategic course unveils the competitive advantages available exclusively to nonpublic entities through the FASB’s Private Company Council alternatives. Moving beyond mere technical explanations, this session helps you identify which GAAP simplifications deliver the greatest practical benefits for your organization or clients.

Through side-by-side comparisons and real-world scenarios, you’ll visualize how financial statements transform when these alternatives are applied, allowing you to make informed decisions about implementation timing and stakeholder impact.

The course thoroughly examines:

• The complete spectrum of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure options available to private companies under U.S. GAAP
• Cost-benefit analysis of each alternative to determine which provide meaningful relief
• Strategic considerations for timing the adoption of these alternatives
• Implementation approaches and communication that minimize disruption to existing accounting processes

Especially valuable for: Controllers and CFOs of private companies, accounting professionals who serve private company clients, and financial statement preparers seeking to streamline reporting while maintaining GAAP compliance. This course provides practical guidance for leveraging private company accounting advantages while satisfying user needs.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify the range of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure alternatives available to private companies under the FASB Private Company Council framework. Evaluate the cost-benefit trade-offs of various GAAP alternatives to determine which provide meaningful practical relief for private companies. Develop strategic plans for the timing and implementation of GAAP alternatives to optimize operational and reporting benefits. Apply best practices for minimizing disruption to existing accounting processes when adopting alternative treatments. Effectively communicate changes in accounting methods and their impact to stakeholders, including management and financial statement users. Analyze financial statement transformations through before-and-after comparisons to better understand the tangible effects of adopting GAAP alternatives.Close Course Details

Closely Held, Financially Free: Strategies for Business Owners

Course Description

Running a successful business takes so much focus that many owners neglect their personal financial planning. This comprehensive session helps you guide business owner clients through the unique opportunities and challenges they face.

Unlike employees with steady paychecks and benefits, business owners need specialized strategies that recognize the blurred line between personal and business finances. We’ll show you practical approaches to help these valuable clients protect what they’ve built while setting themselves up for long-term financial success.

You’ll learn how to help business owners:

• Choose the right business structure to balance tax benefits, liability protection, and operational flexibility
• Implement smart cash flow management strategies that work with unpredictable business income
• Select appropriate insurance coverage for both business and personal risks
• Create investment strategies that complement (not duplicate) their business risk
• Build retirement plans that maximize tax benefits and wealth accumulation
• Navigate complex estate planning issues, especially for transferring the business
• Structure compensation and benefits to achieve personal financial goals
• Special planning considerations for business owners going through divorce
• Strategies for funding children’s education while maintaining business liquidity
• Approaches for high-income and high-net-worth business owners
• Business succession planning that protects both the owner and the company

Perfect for: CPAs, financial planners, and advisors who work with business owner clients and want to provide more comprehensive guidance beyond basic tax and accounting services.

Learning Objectives

Understand the unique financial planning challenges and opportunities faced by business owners Apply specialized strategies for business structure, cash flow, insurance, and investments Develop integrated plans that align business and personal financial goals Navigate complex issues such as succession, divorce, education funding, and estate planning Expand advisory services to deliver holistic, client-centered financial guidanceClose Course Details

Data-Driven Leadership: Essential Metrics for Controllers and CFOs

Course Description

This practical course reveals the powerful analytical tools that financial leaders rely on to make strategic decisions and monitor business performance. Moving beyond basic calculations, you’ll learn how to select, interpret, and leverage various financial and operational metrics to drive business improvement.

Through hands-on examples and case studies, the session unpacks the art and science of performance measurement, helping you transform raw financial data into actionable business intelligence.

The course explores:

• The strategic purpose of metrics and how to align them with organizational objectives
• Key distinctions between leading and lagging indicators, KPIs, and traditional ratios
• Practical calculation methods for essential financial metrics across different industries
• Common interpretation pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Techniques for presenting metrics effectively to non-financial stakeholders
• Building a balanced performance measurement system tailored to your organization

Ideal for: Controllers, CFOs, financial analysts, business advisors, and accounting professionals who need to evaluate business performance, identify trends, and support strategic decision-making. This course provides valuable insights whether you’re developing new metrics or refining your existing measurement approach.

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Anatomy of a SLAT

Course Description

Delve into the intricate mechanics of one of the most powerful estate planning tools for married couples: the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT). This advanced-level course, led by nationally recognized expert Steven G. Siegel, JD, LLM, provides a comprehensive “anatomy” of the SLAT, dissecting its structure, strategic advantages, and potential pitfalls.

Participants will move beyond a basic understanding to a mastery of the critical nuances required for successful implementation. We will thoroughly explore the central challenge of avoiding the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine and provide a detailed, practical checklist for drafting distinct, non-reciprocal trusts. The course will also cover essential considerations such as proper funding, step-transaction doctrine risks, asset protection features, and the delicate balance between maintaining access for the grantor spouse and ensuring assets remain outside the estate. Finally, we will address “back-end” issues, including basis planning, the use of trust protectors, and the strategic choice between a SLAT and a Spousal Lifetime Access Non-Grantor Trust (SLANT).

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the strategic use of Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) to leverage current high gift tax exemptions, remove asset appreciation from a client's taxable estate, and provide a layer of asset protection.
• Design and implement strategies to avoid the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine by incorporating material differences in trust terms, trustees, funding, and beneficiary provisions between spousal trusts.
• Identify and mitigate critical risks in SLAT planning, including step-transaction doctrine challenges, improper funding with community property, and administrative practices that could lead to estate inclusion under IRC §§ 2036 or 2038.
• Analyze the income, gift, and estate tax consequences of SLATs, including the implications of grantor trust status, the careful use of tax reimbursement clauses, and planning for the loss of a step-up in basis.
• Implement advanced provisions to enhance flexibility and address client concerns, such as the use of trust protectors, "floating spouse" clauses, and mechanisms to provide the grantor with indirect access in the event of the beneficiary spouse's premature death.
• Differentiate between a SLAT (grantor trust) and a SLANT (non-grantor trust) to determine the optimal structure based on a client's income tax situation, asset profile, and long-term goals.

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Think Like an Auditor: Mastering Financial Statement Preparation

Course Description

This insightful course flips the traditional perspective by teaching financial statement preparers to adopt an auditor’s mindset. By understanding how external auditors approach financial statements, preparers can anticipate questions, strengthen controls, and create more robust financial reporting processes.

Through practical examples and interactive scenarios, you’ll learn to apply critical auditing concepts such as materiality, risk assessment, and professional skepticism to your financial statement preparation process.

The session delves into:

• Techniques for determining appropriate quantitative and qualitative materiality thresholds
• Methods for identifying financial statement components most scrutinized by users and auditors
• Strategies for evaluating fraud and error risk within your specific financial reporting environment
• Practical approaches to strengthening internal controls in high-risk areas
• Documentation practices that demonstrate sound professional judgment
• Communication strategies that facilitate smoother audit engagements

Well-suited for: Controllers, accounting managers, financial reporting specialists, and accounting staff who prepare financial statements and supporting documentation. This course is particularly valuable for professionals seeking to improve audit readiness, reduce audit adjustments, and enhance the overall quality of financial reporting.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Apply key auditing concepts such as materiality, risk assessment, and professional skepticism to the financial statement preparation process Determine appropriate materiality thresholds using both quantitative and qualitative factors Identify financial statement areas most likely to draw auditor scrutiny and user focus Evaluate the risk of fraud and error within the organization’s financial reporting environment Strengthen internal controls in high-risk reporting areas through practical techniques Document financial reporting decisions in a manner that reflects sound professional judgment Employ communication strategies that promote more efficient and collaborative audit engagements Enhance audit readiness by aligning preparation practices with auditor expectationsClose Course Details

Starting Over Strong: 25 Steps to Financial Success After Divorce

Course Description

Nothing throws a financial plan off track like divorce after decades of marriage. In this focused workshop, you’ll learn how to guide clients who suddenly find themselves rebuilding their financial lives when they thought they’d be well into their retirement plans.

For clients divorcing after long marriages, the emotional and financial challenges are uniquely difficult. Their carefully crafted retirement plans are shattered, and they now face achieving similar goals with half the assets and much less time. You can be their most valuable resource during this critical transition.

You’ll learn how to help clients:

• Create a realistic financial assessment of their post-divorce situation
• Rebuild their retirement strategy with adjusted timelines and expectations
• Update essential insurance coverage to protect their new single status
• Develop investment approaches that balance growth needs with security
• Navigate tax filing changes that impact their overall financial picture
• Completely revamp estate planning documents for their new circumstances
• Protect themselves in future relationships through proper documentation

We’ll cover actionable strategies for:

• Managing immediate cash flow challenges after divorce
• Adjusting retirement expectations and creating new viable plans
• Addressing housing decisions (keep the family home or start fresh?)
• Rebuilding credit and financial identity as a single person
• Protecting against future relationship financial risks

Perfect for: Financial advisors, CPAs, and planners who work with divorcing clients in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. You’ll gain valuable tools to help these vulnerable clients rebuild financial security when they have the least time to recover from setbacks.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Conduct comprehensive financial assessments tailored to clients’ post-divorce realities, identifying immediate and long-term needs. Develop adjusted retirement strategies that reflect reduced assets, changed timelines, and new financial goals. Advise clients on updating insurance coverage to align with their new single status and risk profile. Implement investment approaches that balance growth potential with the need for financial security in later life stages. Navigate tax filing changes resulting from divorce and understand their impact on clients’ overall financial plans. Guide clients through revamping estate plans to protect their interests under new circumstances. Counsel clients on protecting their financial well-being in future relationships through proper legal and financial documentation. Address practical challenges such as cash flow management, housing decisions, and rebuilding credit as a single individual.Close Course Details

Business Succession Planning Challenges in 2025

Course Description

The impending transfer of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation presents both a massive challenge and a significant opportunity for advisors. This advanced course, led by Steven G. Siegel, JD, LLM, tackles the multifaceted problems of business succession head-on, moving beyond the theoretical to provide actionable, sophisticated solutions. Participants will learn how to overcome client inertia, manage complex family dynamics, and address the stark reality that most family businesses fail to survive beyond the first generation.

We will delve into the critical technical aspects of succession planning, including advanced valuation techniques and the strategic use of discounts. The course provides an in-depth analysis of powerful estate freezing techniques such as Installment Sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), GRATs, and SCINs, comparing their risks and rewards in the current economic climate. Key operational tools like Buy-Sell Agreements will be examined in light of the landmark Connelly Supreme Court decision, and we will explore liquidity solutions under Sections 303 and 6166. This session is essential for any advisor helping business owners preserve their legacy and transition their enterprise successfully.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the unique challenges in business succession planning, including client reluctance, family dynamics, and the statistical likelihood of multi-generational success, to effectively initiate the planning process.
• Apply advanced business valuation principles and defensible discounts—such as for lack of control and marketability—to establish a fair market value for transfer purposes while understanding the associated audit risks.
• Differentiate between sophisticated transfer techniques—including SCINs, Private Annuities, GRATs, and Installment Sales to IDGTs—to recommend the optimal "estate freeze" strategy based on a client's health, goals, and risk tolerance.
• Design and critique Buy-Sell Agreements, analyzing the implications of the Connelly decision on corporate-owned life insurance and advocating for cross-purchase or hybrid structures to avoid estate tax inclusion.
• Implement strategies to address estate liquidity needs, utilizing Code Sections 303 and 6166 to defer tax payments and fund obligations without forcing a fire sale of the business.
• Integrate multi-generational and charitable planning strategies, such as Dynasty Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts, to transfer business interests in a tax-efficient manner that aligns with the client's broader legacy goals.

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Private Company Equity Financing: Your FAQ Guide

Course Description

This practical course answers the most frequently asked questions about equity financing for private companies, providing clear, actionable insights to help financial professionals, entrepreneurs, and advisors navigate this complex area. From understanding different types of equity instruments to negotiating terms and managing investor relationships, you’ll gain essential knowledge to support your clients or business through successful capital raises.

Through detailed explanations and real-world examples, the course demystifies key concepts such as valuation, shareholder rights, dilution, and regulatory considerations. Whether you’re new to equity financing or looking to sharpen your expertise, this FAQ-style guide equips you with the tools to confidently address common challenges and opportunities.

• Describe the accounting for issuing common stock, preferred stock, and convertible debt instruments
• Discuss accounting implications for hybrid debt and equity instruments
• Explain the impact of modifying or extinguishing equity securities

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe the various types of equity financing available to private companies, including common stock, preferred stock, convertible notes, and SAFEs. Explain valuation methods and their impact on equity financing transactions. Identify key terms and conditions in equity financing agreements and their implications for founders and investors. Assess the effects of equity financing on ownership dilution and control. Navigate regulatory and compliance issues relevant to private equity offerings. Develop strategies for managing investor relations and communicating effectively throughout the financing process.Close Course Details

Life Insurance and Annuities: Exploring the Unknown

Course Description

This insightful course unpacks the complexities of life insurance and annuity products, revealing their strategic roles in financial planning, tax management, and estate preservation. Many financial professionals find these areas challenging due to intricate policy features and evolving regulations. This session demystifies these products by providing clear explanations, practical case studies, and up-to-date regulatory insights.

You will explore how life insurance and annuities can be leveraged to protect wealth, provide retirement income, and address clients’ unique financial goals. Whether advising individuals or business owners, this course equips you with the knowledge to confidently incorporate these tools into comprehensive financial strategies.

Ideal for financial advisors, tax professionals, estate planners, and accountants seeking a deeper understanding of life insurance and annuities to enhance client service and expand advisory capabilities.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Explain the fundamental types and structures of life insurance and annuities and their purposes in financial planning Identify tax considerations and regulatory requirements affecting life insurance and annuity products Analyze common policy features, riders, and contractual elements that influence product performance and suitability Evaluate strategic applications of life insurance and annuities for retirement planning, estate planning, and business succession Recognize potential risks and pitfalls, and develop strategies to mitigate client exposureClose Course Details