CPE Catalog & Events

We have all heard the statement that it is the people that work at a company that gives it value. It is, sometimes and unfortunately, also the people that provide fraudsters with an entry point into an organization that can lead to hardship. This is even more true now because cyber-attacks on both organization and individuals have increased notably. Many highly publicized corporate hacking events are successful, at least in part, because an individual was targeted. In this session, we look the types of fraud that take aim at individuals with a special focus on the growth of cyber-attacks. We then discuss measures that can be put forth to help employees protect both themselves and the organization. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Karl Egnatoff, CPA.CITP

Navigating through change Against the backdrop of change and uncertainty, there's an immediate need for accountants and finance professionals to evolve and accelerate. Technology, demographics, regulations and standards are driving changes in the way CPA firms work. What can you do to better navigate a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA)? How can you influence others to join you? This webcast will help you make sense of the dizzying array of challenges around culture, technology, generations and the speed of change.Speaker - Tom Hood

In this session we focus on the early stages of a fraud investigation, including: who should be on the team, how to create an investigation plan, and the evidence that should be acquired and evaluated. Investigative techniques involving a variety of different sources will be covered, including financial document analysis, background checks, data analysis, and interviewing. This is the most practical fraud investigation course you will ever take. Rather than learning only the theory of fraud, you will learn how a forensic accountant actually investigates fraud from the beginning to the end. We focus on forensic accounting techniques used in the field to prove what happened, who was involved, how much money was stolen, and where the money went. Starting a Fraud Investigation is Part 2 of a series of four courses on fraud investigations. Each course is a stand-alone class that may be taken individually. For comprehensive instruction on completing a fraud investigation from start to finish, take all four. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, CFF

Many of our clients are moving to one of the seven states with no personal income tax, particularly Florida and Texas. Others may maintain multiple homes with an eye toward eventually establishing residency in a state with no income tax. This course will give you practical tips for your clients seeking to establish residency in a new jurisdiction. Cash-strapped states are increasingly attempting to assess taxpayers who have declared domicile and residency elsewhere, for example in Florida, to maintain their diminishing tax base. Arm your clients with the tools needed to save money by successfully establishing domicile and residency. As a practitioner, you can't afford to be unaware of the latest issues affecting so many relocating baby boomers and others. Avoid that state audit with the information provided in this entertaining webinar.

More Dates

This event is limited to full- and part-time educators and adjuncts and is designed to support their vital contributions to the future of the profession. It is made possible through the support of LCPA and our generous sponsors.The Accounting Educators Workshop brings together Louisiana educators to exchange knowledge and collaborate to find new ways to push the CPA profession forward. TOPICS & SPEAKERS 8:30 – 8:55 am  Registration & Continental Breakfast/Visit Sponsors8:55 – 9:00 am  Welcome & Opening RemarksChristine Smith, CPA, MBA, MACCT • Senior Professor of Practice, A.B. Freeman School of Business - Tulane University • New Orleans, LA Chair, LCPA Accounting Education Issues Committee.9:00 – 9:50 amProfessional Issues Update Jan Taylor, CPA, CGMA, PhD • AICPA, Academic in Residence and Senior Director, Academic and Student Engagement • Durham, NCJan will discuss the current pipeline initiatives of AICPA in response to the declining number of young people entering the accounting profession and becoming CPAs. In addition, Jan will discuss the impact that CPA Evolution has had on the CPA Exam metrics and what the AICPA is envisioning for the future of the profession. Jan will also share AICPA resources to help educators stay informed about CPA initiatives and resources. 9:50 – 10:40 amState Board – State Society Update  Lisa A. Benefield, JD • Executive Director - State Board of CPAs of Louisiana • New Orleans, LACaren Singleton • Deputy Director - State Board of CPAs of Louisiana • New Orleans, LARon Gitz, CPA, CGMA • CEO – Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA10:40 – 11:00 am  Break/Visit Sponsors11:00 am – 12:30 pmStrategies to Boost Student Engagement (panel) Laura D. Wiley, PhD, CPA • Assistant Department Chair & Distinguished Instructor – LSU • Baton Rouge, LACathy Gray, PhD, CPA • Professor of Practice • A.B. Freeman School of Business - Tulane University • New Orleans, LA Beverly Alwell, DBA • Assistant Professor of Accounting – LSU of Alexandria • Alexandria, LADiscussion of strategies to increase student engagement in the classroom and with course materials. We’ll cover strategies for both in-person and online classes. 12:30 – 1:00 pm  Lunch (provided) 1:00 – 2:30 pmExperiential Learning (panel)Candice R. Boucree, PhD, CPA • Assistant Professor of Accounting • Southeastern Louisiana University • Hammond, LAThomas Celles • J.D. Candidate at Tulane Law School, Director of Tulane VITA Clinic • New Orleans, LALillian S. Grose, CPA, MBA, PhD • Assistant Professor-Accounting • University of Holy Cross • New Orleans, LA How do we prepare our students for the workforce? Educators discuss ways they use experiential learning to integrate accounting theory into accounting practice. 2:30 - 2:40 pm  Break/Visit Sponsors2:40 – 3:30 pmCybersecurity: The Next Big Thing in Accounting and How We Can Prepare StudentsJeremy Thibodeaux, CPA, CFE • Ericksen Krentel • New Orleans, LACybersecurity is rapidly becoming a critical focus in the accounting profession as financial data faces increasing threats from cyberattacks. This session will explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape, its impact on accounting, and the essential skills future accountants need to protect financial information. Attendees will gain insights into how universities can integrate cybersecurity education to better prepare students for the challenges of the digital age.EVENT LOCATION City Club at River Ranch 1100 Camellia Blvd. Lafayette, LA 70508NEED A ROOM?Carriage House Hotel 603 Silverstone RdLafayette, LA 70508Call 337.769.8400 to make a reservation. 

This course is an updated overview of the single audit of state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations under the OMB Unified Circular, as well as the applicable AICPA standards for compliance audits.  Speaker - J. Michael Inzina

More Dates

Sampling - Avoiding Common Mistakes on Financial Statement and Compliance Audits will describe the proper process for both attribute testing and variable sampling in financial statement and compliance audits. Sampling is an important method for determining the extent of testing controls, testing compliance, and tests of substantive details. It allows the auditor to apply procedures to less than 100% of the population yet extend results to project likely conclusions about the entire population. Note: This course is recommended as a part of a 16-hour audit skills curriculum for experienced staff auditors, while it is also appropriate for anyone who has sampling responsibilities. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Jennifer F. Louis, CPA

Each year, more states legalize cannabis (i.e., marijuana) for medical or recreational purposes. As legalization grows, so too does the cannabis industry. While some financial professionals have stayed away from this growing sector of the economy, others have embraced the opportunities the cannabis industry has to offer. The legalization of cannabis brings with it a complex regulatory landscape, which includes strict compliance with federal and state regulations. However, the complexity of this emerging market provides opportunities for accountants and other financial professionals. Behind the cannabis dispensaries are scores of related business sectors including food production, retail, farming, and chemical production, as well as facilities, design, and construction. Simply stated, the commercialization of marijuana offers financial professionals an opportunity to participate in an industry expected to reach $73 billion worldwide within six years.

More Dates

This CPE course explains Yellow Book independence including the general requirements, requirements for auditors providing non-audit services and documentation requirements. This course also explains the basic elements of a Uniform Guidance compliance audit, including an overview of requirements, major program determination with examples, an understanding of compliance requirements and related internal control over compliance, sampling, and single audit reporting. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Adelina Burke, CPA

This program presents a detailed analysis of the self-rental passive activity rules, including forms reporting examples and integrates them with the flow-through entity rules related to self-rental. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Steven C. Dilley, CPA, JD, PhD

The course provides a concise overview of how accountants can use ChatGPT to assist with communications involving intricate and often sensitive topics that require a deep understanding of both financial principles and human resource policies. These conversations can range from budgeting and compensation to ethical considerations and regulatory compliance. The course also explores the use of ChatGPT in crafting clear, accurate, and empathetic responses to complex queries related to financial audits, tax planning, and employee benefits. It emphasizes the importance of balancing technical financial knowledge with effective communication skills to address diverse stakeholders' needs in various scenarios, from internal team discussions to client consultations. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Garrett Wasny, MA, CMC, CITP/FIBP

Managerial accounting provides economic and financial information for managers and other internal users. Managerial and Financial Accounting have similarities and differences. Each field of accounting deals with the economic events of a business. Both managerial and financial accounting require that a company’s economic events be quantified and communicated to interested parties. This another course in our series on the controller’s role. The controller’s role encompasses many traditional functions. Within this segment of our controllership series, we discuss the area of managerial accounting and the basic concepts that surround this discipline as it primarily relates to cost accounting issues.   Speaker - Lynn Fountain

This intensive two-hour course addresses the critical need for accuracy and efficiency when developing spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Recognizing that even minor errors can have significant implications, this course delves deep into strategies and skills required to detect and correct errors in Excel. By the end of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to efficiently identify and correct errors in Excel spreadsheets, enhancing their overall productivity and accuracy in their professional roles. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Nonprofit entities have a high degree of public accountability. This course will examine the most common fraud schemes and provide multiple examples of how to prevent or detect these schemes. Nonprofit entities have a high degree of public accountability. This course will examine the most common fraud schemes and provide multiple examples of how to prevent or detect these schemes. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Jennifer F. Louis, CPA

Audit Reporting Fundamentals - Introducing Core Concepts in the Audited Financial Statement Drafting and Issuance Process will provide tips and techniques necessary for issuing and reporting on high-quality financial statements prepared under any applicable financial reporting framework. The ultimate objective of a financial statement audit is to issue an auditor's report. Note: This course is recommended as a part of a 16-hour audit skills curriculum for experienced staff auditors, while it is also appropriate for anyone who has responsibilities for drafting and issuing audit reports. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Jennifer F. Louis, CPA

Forensic accounting encompasses fraud investigation and prevention, as well as a wide variety of functions in litigation. Forensic accountants provide services ranging from serving as an expert witness, to litigation consultant and bankruptcy trustee. As our economy grows more complex, the need for forensic accountants grows as well. One critical role of the forensic accountant is exposing and examining financial fraud. Technology expands the way companies conduct business; however, technology also provides greater opportunities for those willing to commit fraud. Forensic accountants rely on their skills in accounting, coupled with their investigative skills, to explain to clients, courts, and jurors how fraudulent schemes occur and the effect caused by fraud. Forensic accountants also provide expert opinions in calculating damages in litigation and administering bankruptcy estates, as well as a host of other services.

More Dates

Now more than ever, navigating loss, grief and crisis in the workplace is a skillset that leaders must possess. Keeping the heart in human resources is so important, especially in this post-pandemic state we are living in. We will explore ways that you can show empathy to your employees while also balancing your business needs.  Speaker - Kelly Simants

This webcast is part of the 2020 Power BI Series. Please see below for the suggested viewing order. Data can be messy! In other words, it is not always clean and neat. Data comes from various sources like text files, Excel spreadsheets, databases, report files, etc. This is how most data analysis projects fail - the inability to get the correct data. This webcast focuses on using Power Query (Get and Transform) to clean, shape and transform your messy data while still allowing you a one-click refresh. We will review various data issues including appending files, combining multiple files from a folder, adding custom columns, unpivoting data, creating a lookup table, and much more. This series is presented using Excel 2019/Office 365. Regardless of the version you are using, most concepts covered in this webcast series apply to all versions of Excel. (bold) Explore the other webcasts in the 2020 Power BI Series: Power BI - Introduction to MS Power BI Tools Power BI - Prepare Your Data Efficiently for Excel Analysis Power BI - Analyze Your Data With Excel Pivot Tables Power BI - Create Excel Dashboards for Maximum Impact Power BI - Go Beyond PivotTables with Power Pivot Power BI - Use Advanced Calculations with DAX Formulas Power BI - Use PBI Desktop to Create Reports and Dashboards Power BI - Share Your Data Analysis using PowerBI.comSpeaker - Bryan Smith

QuickBooks Desktop has been the go-to solution for companies since 1984 (Intuit originally created Quicken for bank reconciliations) and has grown into a powerful tool to track business finances. QuickBooks Online is one of the fastest growing applications in the accounting market today. With its ability to be an "on-the-go" solution, many service providers, entrepreneurs, and other industries prefer to keep it simple and use QuickBooks Online. Understanding the pros and cons of QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online will help you advise your client on the best solution for their business. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.Speaker - Dawn W. Brolin, CPA, CFE

We see multiple stories about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its entry into our lives in the form of AI tools, including ChatGPT. They seem to be everywhere. It is difficult to overstate how much things will change with the rise of these new technologies, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to execute them correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper adoption of these technologies and tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful implementation and use. This course will define the state of AI tools, what benefits and risks exist, and which steps to take to begin adopting these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that AI will destroy industries, and more likely that companies that embrace AI will overtake those companies that do not.

More Dates