CPE Catalog & Events

This course is a complement to our series on Becoming a Forensic Accountant and the focus of the course is on steganography techniques. Steganography is the art and science of embedding secret messages in a cover message in such a way that no one, apart from the sender and intended recipient, suspects the existence of the message. The first use of steganography can be traced to 440 BC when ancient Greece, people wrote messages on wood and covered it with wax, that acted as a covering medium Romans used forms of Invisible Inks, to decipher those hidden messages light or heat were used. During World War II the Germans introduced microdots, which were complete documents, pictures, and plans reduced in size to the size of a dot and were attached to normal paperwork. Null Ciphers were also used to hide unencrypted secret messages in an innocent looking message. Given the amount of data being generated and transmitted electronically, it’s no surprise that numerous methods of protecting that data have evolved. There are various types of steganography: Text Steganography - Hiding information inside the text files. This involves changing format of existing text, changing words in a text, generating random character sequences or using context-free grammars to generate readable texts. Image Steganography - Process of hiding text in an image without distorting the picture. Video Steganography - Technique to hide any kind of files into a cover video file. Audio Steganography - The secret message is embedded into an audio signal which alters the binary sequence of the corresponding audio file. Network Steganography - The process of utilizing active network protocols as carriers to transmit a covert message, undetectable by an uninformed party, from a host to its destination. This session will review these methods and also discuss relevant software.   Speaker - Lynn Fountain

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This course provides a high-level overview of the most important issues facing nonprofit entities and their auditors.  The focus of this course is on explaining the theory behind major issues and trends, enabling professionals to understand the most important aspects of relevant professional and regulatory standards related to reliable financial reporting for nonprofit entities.       Speaker - Jennifer Louis

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A harmonious working environment is one in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected. Critical to maintaining it are that employees have high self-esteem, are treated with respect, and work in a safe, non-violent setting. This course provides practical knowledge and scripts on how to take appropriate action and deal effectively with discriminatory comments, sexual harassment, and threats and acts of violence, such that personal and employer liability is avoided. Speaker - Mike Mirarchi

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According to the Gallup Organization, only 10% of employees believe that their organization does a good job onboarding new employees. This means most organizations are overlooking this crucial phase of the employee lifecycle, which not only includes the often-neglected pre-boarding stage but also the continuous efforts to reduce uncertainty, bolster excitement, and foster connections for their new recruits. By streamlining these processes and crafting impactful moments from pre-boarding through the initial weeks, HR and Business leaders can significantly enhance efficiency, foster trust, and establish a foundation of psychological safety for years to come. In this session, attendees will discover strategies and resources that craft a holistic onboarding experience, mitigating risks like employee ghosting, and paving the way for heightened engagement and retention. Speaker - LeAnne Lagasse

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Organizations that use primitive costing methods make predictable mistakes, allocating too much cost to easy, high-volume "gravy" products and too little cost to difficult, low-volume "dog" jobs,  putting an organization with inferior information at a significant competitive disadvantage.  The secret to being the “smart competitor” is learning how to deal with overhead.  This session will show you how to assign 16 key overhead categories.  Whether you work in a wholesale, retail, healthcare, service or manufacturing business, you will find this session invaluable.  Get your cost right, and you will be able to give the "dogs" to your competitors and keep the "gravy" for yourself. Speaker - John Daly

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Excel has long been included in the accountant's toolbox. Even though Microsoft Power BI and other big data tools such as Qlik and Tableau are becoming more important, Excel is still a "must have" tool. We cover what the accountants of today should know about Excel to improve their efficiency, access data, and gain insights into the company, industry, and economy.

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Speaker - James Lindell

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Welcome to a course that makes the process of M&A easy to understand and easy to implement within your organization or your clients' organization. The course will provide an intensive overview of the M&A process. Focus will be on practical techniques to guide you through the M&A jungle and avoid the traps that have befallen many organizations. Speaker - James Lindell

In May 2023, the IIA released a draft of the new Global Internal Audit Standards. The intent was to provide more effective standards for Internal Audit globally. The new Global Internal Audit Standards were released on January 9, 2024, and will become effective January 9, 2025. The previous version, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, released in 2017, remains approved for use during a one-year transition period. The Global Internal Audit Standards guide the worldwide professional practice of internal audit. They serve as a basis for evaluating and elevating the quality of the internal audit function. The Standards use 15 guiding principles with five separate domains that enable effective internal audit implementation and examples of evidence of conformance. The Global Standards are organized into five domains. Domain I: Purpose of Internal Auditing Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism Domain III: Governing the Internal Audit Function Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Service Speaker - Lynn Fountain

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If sales increase, so should profits.  Yet, the opposite result often leaves executive’s scratching their heads.  When organizations work with inferior cost information, they make mistakes in four specific situations.  Bad information causes sellers to overprice easy, high-volume work and under-price difficult, low-volume work.  This session discusses how to use activity-based costing to build accurate costing models that consider far more than just the labor and materials necessary to provide goods and services.  Speaker - John Daly

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Many for-profit entities receive government assistance or are required to have financial statement or compliance audits due to law or regulation. This course will discuss the requirements under Generally Accepted Auditing Standards relevant to for-profit entity audits. Speaker - Jennifer Louis

This session is the beginning in a series on the new revenue recognition standard. The standard outlines five steps for proper compliance. At the surface, these steps seem simplistic. However, there are many considerations that should be considered within each step based on your process and industry. This course is designed to provide an overview of the technical guidance and outline the five steps involved in the revenue recognition model. We also explore some concepts to consider within each step and then evaluate some challenges that specific industry's may have when complying with the standard. Future courses will further delve into each step and provide example and scenarios that should be considered to properly apply the step. Speaker - Lynn Fountain

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When the leadership in any organizations carries out their responsibilities of establishing, maintaining and monitoring internal controls, it significantly reduces the possibility of fraud occurring.  When and if it does occur, a good system of internal controls will often detect it early on.  This presentation is an illustration of what can happen when top management fails to carry out their responsibility of protecting an entity’s assets through a good system of internal controls. Speaker - Dennis Dycus

**Hotel reservation link will be sent in your Conference Registration Confirmation email. Open to all CPAs, featuring a diverse range of hot topics to keep you informed and ahead in the field.All CPAs are invited to join the Alabama, Arkansas,Florida, Louisiana, and Texas CPA Societies for the Summer Education Conference in Gulf Shores, AL. Pack up the family and enjoy 4 hours of CPE each morning, with the rest of the day free to relax on the beach, kayak, or explore local attractions. It’s the perfect blend of vacation and professional growth, offering a unique chance to network with CPAs from across the SEC!Sunday, July 194:00 pm Conference Registration 6:00 - 7:30 pm   SEC Networking Reception Tailgate Show your school spirit by wearing your team colors and join us for a lively tailgate reception to kick off the conference! Network with fellow state societies, enjoy delicious food, and connect before the sessions begin. The reception is complimentary for registrants, with adult guests at $25 and children at $10. Please remember to rsvp and pre-pay for any reception guests before arriving in Gulf Shores to secure your spot.Monday, July 208:00 - 9:40 am  Professional Opportunities Update (Rise to the Future Together)Mark Koziel Join Mark Koziel, President & CEO of the AICPA and CEO of the Association of Certified Professional Accountants, as he looks to the future and provides an update on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Discover how the profession is rising to meet the moment and how the Association is working to empower innovation, leadership, and inspiration for the next generation of CPAs and CGMAs.9:40-10:00 Break10:00 - 11:40 amDo You Smell Something Burning? Dr. Angela White Bazile, Esq. • Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc. • Mandeville, LABurnout is a form of chronic stress that stems from prolonged workloads, tight deadlines, and intense pressure to maintain accuracy and compliance. It can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness. The cyclical nature of peak seasons and the demand for precision can make it difficult for accountants to find work-life balance, contributing to long-term mental and emotional strain.Tuesday, July 218:00 - 11:40amTax Update Lisa McKinney, CPA • University of Alabama, Culverhouse School of Accountancy • Tuscaloosa, ALThis workshop will cover recent legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect tax compliance and consulting. CPAs from all levels can benefit from the workshop.Wednesday, July 228:00 - 9:40 amAI and Auditing AI Paul M. Perry, FHFMA, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, CPA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, AL9:40-10:00 am Break10:00 - 11:40 amMergers and Acquisitions, Business Valuations Robert P. Gray, CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA, CFE • Gray Schrupp & Associates • Dallas, TXThursday, July 238:00 - 11:40 amAccounting and Auditing Update Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LAThis session will cover new standards issued by the FASB, Auditing Standards Board, and AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee. Hot topics in peer review will also be covered, along with emerging issues in the accounting and auditing field.Friday, July 248:00-9:40Economic Update Stephen Morgan • Senior Vice President, Investment Director – Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA9:40-10:00 am Break10:00 - 11:40The CPA as Connector: Adding Value Without Being the Forensic Expert Ralph A. Litolff, Jr., CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, MBA • RAL Forensics, LLC • Metairie, LAForensic accounting is often treated as a single specialty, but it encompasses multiple distinct disciplines, each designed to address different client needs and situations. This session is designed for CPAs across all practice areas and focuses on helping attendees understand how forensic accounting differs from traditional CPA services and how to identify which type of forensic expertise best fits a client’s circumstances. The session emphasizes the CPA’s role as a trusted advisor and connector. Attendees will learn how to recognize when matters move beyond traditional CPA services, what information is helpful to gather early, and how to manage client expectations before a forensic specialist is engaged. The goal is for CPAs to leave feeling more confident adding value by connecting clients with the right forensic expertise at the right time. Learning ObjectivesUpon completion of this session, participants will be able to:•                    Identify major forensic accounting disciplines and their common use cases•                    Recognize client scenarios where forensic expertise may be appropriate•                    Understand how CPAs add value by serving as connectors  Important Note: Starting June 30th, a $200 cancellation fee will apply due to commitments with the hotel, catering, and event planning. We appreciate your understanding.

CPA Crossings' Unlimited Self-Study Package (5/1/2025 - 4/30/2026) Unlimited access to over 100 self-study courses including white papers, webinars, product guides, case studies, industry analysis, and more. You will also be able to access any new self-study courses that are added during your subscription term. Access to LCPA Anytime begins immediately upon purchase of your subscription and ends on April 30, 2025. This product is not prorated. Please review our FAQ page for more detail.

Both businesses and individual clients face major changes as a result of tax reform, and tax professionals face the considerable challenge of delivering effective planning advice and services to address this myriad of recent developments. This course addresses this challenge and also encompasses the latest tax legislation applicable to individual and business clients. Continually updated to reflect enacted legislation.

Client advisory services (CAS) professionals are becoming a more integral part of the operations of any CPA firm. As such, they must stay on top of changing tax law. In this course, we will explore tax changes in areas CAS professionals are involved with - information reporting, payroll tax issues, and tax credit and deduction documentation. We will also discuss relevant changes to individual and business tax returns so that CAS professionals can better assist clients with tax needs in the upcoming year.

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If you work with governments and not-for-profits, a thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential. This course will equip you with a comprehensive knowledge of the Yellow Book requirements and increase your confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. The course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format including over 20 focused exercises on key practice issues.

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If you work with governments and not-for-profits, a thorough understanding of the Yellow Book is essential. This course will equip you with a comprehensive knowledge of the Yellow Book requirements and increase your confidence and proficiency in performing Yellow Book audits. Updated for the 2024 Yellow Book revision, the course materials utilize a highly illustrative and innovative format. Over 20 focused exercises are included to provide an enhanced knowledge of the Yellow Book.

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When exit planning, it is important to weigh various issues, including tax implications, to achieve an effective management and/or ownership change. Many envision tax-free reorganizations being the most preferable structure to avoid capital gains tax, but the opportunities come at a cost to the seller. This course will provide a well-rounded discussion of the various strategies to consider when advising on exiting a business.

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