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SAS 145, Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement, was issued in October 2021. The audit standard amends AU-C 315 including many changes to address common audit deficiencies. This course will provide an overview of SAS 145 and its changes to AU-C 315.

Key Topics 

Risk Assessment

AU-C 315

Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Maintaining independence and adhering to strict ethical standards are essential for professionals in governmental auditing. The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Yellow Book sets the benchmark for ethics and independence in this field, forming the foundation of professional compliance. This course provides a focused review of key principles and independence requirements, equipping participants with the tools to identify and mitigate common risks of noncompliance. Through practical guidance and real-world examples, attendees will learn to uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure independence in governmental auditing.

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Field(s) of Study: Regulatory Ethics
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This course provides a comprehensive overview of SOC 1 reports in the context of employee benefit plan audits. The course covers the evaluation and documentation of SOC 1 reports, understanding control objectives, complementary user entity controls (CUECs), and best practices for efficient SOC 1 review processes. Special attention is given to practical tools and templates that can streamline the review process while maintaining audit quality.

Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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The AICPA has determined than 1 in 10 firms are not compliant with the risk assessment standards. This course will discuss how to properly identify risks and assess risks under AU-C 315. We will then review how to respond to identified risks under AU-C 330. The course will focus on the inherent risk model. We will also review common deficiencies and how a proper risk assessment can drive a more efficient and effective audit. 

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Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Technology adoption often comes with resistance, but it's possible to transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth. This course explores the journey from resistance to resilience in embracing new technologies, focusing on overcoming barriers and ensuring successful implementation. Participants will examine cutting-edge audit technologies, including AI, data analytics, and automation, and learn how to align these innovations with both organizational and personal goals. Through case studies, insights into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and practical discussions, participants will gain the tools and strategies to foster acceptance, driving seamless integration of new technology into both individual tasks and team workflows.

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Field(s) of Study: Information Technology
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Obligating Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) by December 31, 2024 is essential to ensure a recipient does not have to return funds to the Treasury. There are a number of requirements to properly obligate SLFRF funds and opportunities to make changes to projects after the obligation deadline. In this course, we will define what an obligation is under SLFRF, review guidance from the Treasury, learn how to meet the SLFRF obligation deadline in multiple areas, and identify when changes can be made to estimates, contracts, and subawards after the obligation deadline.


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Field(s) of Study: Finance
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Effective governance is the cornerstone of any nonprofit organization. This course delves into the foundational elements of nonprofit governance, emphasizing fiduciary duties, board responsibilities, and best practices for board operations. Participants will explore key compliance requirements, risk management strategies, policy development, and regulatory obligations. By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped with practical tools and insights to confidently navigate the complexities of nonprofit governance.

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Field(s) of Study: Specialized Knowledge
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released the 2024 Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). This course will examine the major changes, including the shift from quality control to quality management and the introduction of key audit matters. The 2018 Yellow Book remains effective until the implementation of the 2024 edition, which applies to: financial audits, attestation engagements, and reviews of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2025, as well as Performance audits beginning on or after December 15, 2025. Organizations must design and implement a system of quality management by December 15, 2025, and complete an evaluation of the system by December 15, 2026. Early adoption of the 2024 Yellow Book is allowed. Gain the insights you need to navigate these critical updates effectively.

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Field(s) of Study: Auditing Governmental
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The Uniform Guidance identifies COSO and the Green Book as best practices for internal controls in governmental audits. This course provides a comprehensive review of the COSO framework, including its 2013 update, and explores its application to the Green Book. Attendees will learn to recall the five components and 17 principles of internal control, understand the benefits of adopting internal control frameworks, and recognize the rationale behind the COSO 2013 update and its impact on auditing practices. Additionally, the course will cover how to leverage Part 6 of the Compliance Supplement to effectively document internal controls.

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Field(s) of Study: Accounting Governmental
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Bitcoin and crypto have been in the news recently for a variety of reasons. This course will cover the basics of accounting and auditing for cryptocurrency including recent standard setting by the FASB as well as a look at the AICPA's Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets practice aid.

Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Course Description: Accurately identifying and testing controls over compliance is critical, yet it remains a common deficiency highlighted in peer reviews. This course offers a comprehensive overview of internal controls over compliance, with a focus on their application to Single Audits. Participants will learn how to effectively align internal controls with specific compliance requirements. Additionally, we will address one of the most frequent findings in audits of governmental entities receiving federal grants: the misidentification of controls and the confusion between compliance and control processes. This course will help clarify the distinction, equipping you with the tools to enhance audit quality and ensure compliance effectiveness. 

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Field(s) of Study: Auditing Governmental
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This course equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to create sustainable, long-term budgets that align with policy goals and ensure fiscal responsibility. Participants will explore key budgeting frameworks, learn techniques for forecasting revenue and expenditures, and analyze scenarios to mitigate financial risks. The course incorporates practical exercises and case studies to provide hands-on experience with scenario planning, enhancing budget transparency and resilience. By the end of the session, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to design and implement budgets that support long-term governmental priorities and strengthen financial stability.

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Field(s) of Study: Finance
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The introduction to governmental budgeting course is an overview of the typical timeline and process a government uses when creating their annual budget. Topics covered include, the basics of governmental budgeting, establishing priorities for the budget, the common steps and timeline of the budget process, what, when and how we should be monitoring the budget throughout the year, and how long-term budgets fit in with the annual budget process.

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Field(s) of Study: Finance
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Governmental accounting is distinct from other forms of accounting, requiring a unique approach to financial reporting. This course introduces the fundamentals of governmental accounting, including fund accounting principles and the modified accrual basis of accounting. Participants will explore the structure and purpose of fund financial statements alongside government-wide financial statements, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their layouts and key elements. The course also delves into critical topics such as the concept of component units, the role and structure of Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A), and the preparation and importance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Perfect for those new to governmental accounting, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying these essential principles.

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Field(s) of Study: Accounting Governmental
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Sampling is often identified as a common audit deficiency in peer review. This course will review when is sampling applicable and basics of planning a sample. We'll then focus on the application of sampling in financial statement audits with a look at sampling for substantive procedures. We'll look at the use of monetary unit sampling and tools that can be leveraged to reduce bias in sampling.

Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Stay ahead of the curve with this comprehensive ethics update, focusing on the latest developments from the AICPA's Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC). The PEEC has been active recently, issuing new guidance and updating existing rules. In this session, we'll explore the most impactful changes, including updates on fees, recruiting, CPE, and NOCLAR (noncompliance with laws and regulations). CPAs in both industry and public accounting will gain the insights needed to stay compliant in an evolving regulatory environment. We'll also provide a peek at key projects PEEC is expected to finalize soon, ensuring you're prepared for what's next.

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Field(s) of Study: Regulatory Ethics
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This course explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accounting and auditing, highlighting its vast potential while addressing the associated risks and ethical considerations. Participants will discover how to harness AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation, while mitigating challenges such as overreliance, data security vulnerabilities, and ethical dilemmas. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you'll gain practical skills to navigate AI complexities, ensure trustworthy outputs, and uphold ethical standards in today's fast-paced digital environment.

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Field(s) of Study: Information Technology
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Cash is essential to every business, and is often one of the first accounts audit staff are exposed to. This course will cover the basics of auditing cash, including the related audit assertions, risks, & threats to the cash balance. During this course, we will also highlight the various substantive auditing procedures that staff should perform, and also walk through some real-world examples. 


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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This session provides a structured approach to government budgeting through the four W’s: Who, What, When, and Which. Participants will explore WHO should be involved, including internal and external stakeholders, and discuss effective communication strategies. The session then outlines WHAT the budget process entails, covering key phases, components, legal requirements, and common pitfalls. Attendees will learn WHEN to engage the public through strategic planning, workshops, and outreach methods. Finally, the session identifies WHICH departments lead various aspects of budgeting, from financial planning to capital projects. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate government budgeting effectively and ensure financial planning aligns with community priorities.

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Field(s) of Study: Finance
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Understanding independence is essential for CPAs providing Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS) to attest clients. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, focusing on the guidelines for maintaining independence while delivering CAAS. We’ll review the overall independence process and its application to CAAS engagements, followed by an in-depth exploration of specific services, including reconciliations, accounting standard implementation, information system services, bookkeeping, hosting, and payroll services. Attendees will gain clarity on what services are permissible and how to navigate potential independence issues to remain compliant and uphold professional standards.

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Field(s) of Study: Regulatory Ethics
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Internal control frameworks help organizations identify the right controls without recreating the wheel. This webinar is designed to provide an overview of the updated 2013 COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework as well as the Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (AKA the "Green Book“). We will review a history of COSO and its evolution until today. The updated Framework formalizes 17 principles which must be present and functioning in order to demonstrate effective internal controls. We’ll discuss each of these principles and related points of focus in detail including practical waits to implement. We’ll then look at how GAO leveraged the update of COSO to update the Green Book. We’ll then take a closer look at enterprise risk management and provide an overview of how entities can perform an effective risk assessment and mitigate risks through a control self-assessment (CSA) process. We’ll review the steps for control self-assessments and how small to medium entities can leverage CSAs to improve their internal controls.


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has become a hot topic among standard setters. This session will look at the work of the FASB, GASB, and AICPA in the areas of ESG. We’ll also look at the types of engagements CPAs can provide to entities who want assurance around their ESG reporting.


Field(s) of Study: Auditing , Accounting
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AU-C Section 315 requires the auditor to gain an understanding of the entity and its environment and the entity's internal controls in order to design appropriate audit procedures. This course will review the key requirements of COSO which is one of the most widely used internal control frameworks. We'll also review the limitations of internal controls. Additionally, this course will introduce the risk assessment process and the various audit procedures to evaluate controls and to determine whether to test the operating effectiveness of controls.


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Procurement is a critical component of successful government operations and while there are challenges in public procurement there are a number of guidelines that offer a pathway for success.  This course will offer guidance on how governments can meet complicated procurement needs and develop practices that protect public funds.


Field(s) of Study: Finance
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When auditing management's accounting estimates, increased professional skepticism is necessary as there is always the potential for bias in areas of increased subjectivity & complexity. This course will demonstrate procedures to test the process used by management to develop estimates, as well as walk through common examples of accounting estimates that are included in the financial statements. It includes the updated requirements in SAS 143.

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Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Proper risk assessment is essential to designing an appropriate risk response during engagements. This course will introduce the audit risk model, as well as the various risk assessment procedures that auditors perform.


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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This course is an introduction to preparation, compilation, & review engagements. During this course, we will compare and contrast these different engagements by reviewing the procedures that should be performed, different reports, as well as the level of assurance specific to each type of engagement. 


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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AU-C Section 230 requires that auditors maintain sufficient audit documentation throughout the engagement. Audit documentation is essential, as it serves as the evidence that auditors performed appropriate procedures to support their opinion on the financial statements. This course will cover the basis and best practices of audit workpapers and proper audit documentation, as well as the common deficiencies in audit documentation. 


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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One of the three major forms of occupational fraud, along with corruption and asset misappropriation, is financial statement fraud.  From improper asset valuation to fictitious revenues, this course will review financial statement fraud red flags and examine real-life examples. 


Field(s) of Study: Auditing
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Stay ahead of the curve with this VBOA-approved ethics course designed to meet Virginia's ethics requirements while keeping you informed on the latest developments at the AICPA. The Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has been active recently, issuing new guidance and updating existing rules. In this session, we'll explore the most impactful changes, including updates on fees, recruiting, CPE, and NOCLAR (noncompliance with laws and regulations). CPAs in both industry and public accounting will gain the insights needed to stay compliant in an evolving regulatory environment. We'll also provide a sneak peek at key projects PEEC is expected to finalize soon, ensuring you're prepared for what's next.

This course is for CPAs Licenced in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  If you do not need Virginia specific ethics, please take our standard 2025 AICPA Regulatory Ethics Update.

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Field(s) of Study: Regulatory Ethics
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