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Success in today's international business arena requires the ability to account for foreign currency and accurately translate assets, expenses, and gains and losses in compliance with GAAP. Learn how to apply the "functional currency" approach by utilizing both the current (translation) and temporal (re-measurement) methods.

Learning Objectives:
Through practical exercises and examples that lay the foundation for real-world familiarity and success, participants will learn how to determine functional currency while gaining a thorough understanding of Foreign Currency Accounting (ASC 830/SFAS 52), including its objectives, purpose, disclosure requirements and critical definitions. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Outline the measurement methods and current cost determination, and the classification of the balance sheet into monetary and non-monetary items under ASC 255 (SFAS 89)
• Define the objectives and purpose of ASC 830 (SFAS 52)(Foreign Currency Translation)
• Explain the critical definitions within ASC 830 (SFAS 52)
• List the critical steps in restating foreign financial statements
• Compare and contrast, and apply the proper accounting treatment under the following methods:

• Translation (Current) method
• Remeasurement (Temporal) method

• Describe the principles followed when there is a change to the functional currency
• Outline the disclosure requirements under ASC 830 (SFAS 52)

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Overview

When businesses join forces and invest in one another, a number of complex accounting requirements and potential pitfalls arise. Learn when to use consolidated statements and when not to, and how to choose and execute the right accounting method for your organization's portfolio of subsidiaries and investments.

Learning Objectives:
In this first of a two-part course, we provide the rules and best practices for consolidating financial statements. In this session you will explore Marketable Securities and the Cost and Equity Methods of accounting for investments and consolidations. At the conclusion of this session you will be able to:

• Understand the definition of Marketable Securities and the impact they have on your balance sheet and income statement
• Compare and contrast the various criteria utilized to determine how and when to consolidate financial statements
• Define and apply the Cost Method
• Outline and apply the Equity Method
• Understand and apply Change in Ownership

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Intermediate

Different definitions and guidance in the measurement of fair value have led to inconsistency and added complexity in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. And with more than 60 FASB standards dependent on fair value measurements, a practical understanding of ASC 820 (SFAS 157) is critical. Gain the practical insight that can help bring transparency and accuracy to your organization's financial statements.

Learning Objectives:
This course will begin with a practical overview of fair value and recent standards updates. Participants will review ASC 820 (SFAS 157) requirements and learn how the standards apply to investment securities, future obligations, and a variety of assets and liabilities. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define Fair Value (ASC 820)
• Outline what is not addressed within ASC 820
• Describe the unit of accounting
• Describe, compare and contrast the following considerations/principles:

• Market-based Measures vs. Entity-based Measures
• Exit Price vs. Entry Price
• Market Participants
• Orderly Transactions
• Highest Use/Principal Market vs. Most Advantageous Market
• Transaction Costs
• Transportation

• Define the accounting principles applied when valuing assets and liabilities
• Outline the three available techniques to measuring fair value
• Describe the multiple levels within the Fair Value Hierarchy
• Define the Unit of Valuation utilized within ASC 820
• Outline the reporting requirements under ASC 820

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-based

Program Level:
Basic

Cash flow is crucial to any company's success, but it's also vulnerable to a wide range of internal and external forces. The ability to identify those factors and produce accurate and timely cash flow statements is critical. Participants will come away with specific knowledge of the three categories within a Statement of Cash Flows - operating, investing, and financing. In addition, by participating in a case study with journal entries and working schedules, you'll get a uniquely realistic opportunity to practice real-life strategies while preparing a statement to completion.

Learning Objectives:
The Statement of Cash Flows is a required U.S. GAAP financial statement that requires knowledge of ASC 230 (SFAS 95) as well as the ability to understand the significant but sometimes subtle differences between net income, cash flow, and operating, investing and financing activities. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define the evolution and purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows
• Identify the major classifications of cash flows
• Compare, contrast and apply the direct and indirect methods of preparing the Statement of Cash Flows
• Compare and contrast operating, investing and financing activities that impact cash inflows and outflows
• Identify the sources of information for the Statement of Cash Flows

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Basic

Controversial and revised IASB and FASB requirements have made accounting for business combinations under ASC 805/SFAS 141-R particularly complex. At the same time, ASC 810/SFAS 160 has amended ARB 51 and aligns with IASB's IAS 27 revisions. Compliance today requires a clear understanding of the related critical issues.

Learning Objectives:
With practical examples, a clear presentation of facts and review of relevant definitions, participants will familiarize themselves with the critical background, context and tools to understand the issues and changes related to business combinations and noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements. After completing this session you will be able to:

• List the scope and exceptions under Business Combinations (ASC 805/SFAS 141-R)
• Define, compare, contrast and apply the following concepts and how they are accounted for under ASC 805/SFAS 141-R

• Fair Value
• Contingent consideration
• Restructuring or Exit activity costs
• Acquisition related costs
• Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
• Goodwill
• Contingent assets and liabilities
• Indemnification assets
• Reacquired rights
• In-process R&D
• Bargain purchases

• Define the effective date of ASC 805/SFAS 141-R
• List the scope and definitions under Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements (ASC 810/SFAS 160)
• Define, compare, contrast and apply the following concepts and how they are accounted for under ASC 810/SFAS 160

• Measurement
• Geography
• Net loss
• Step acquisition
• More control and Loss of control

• Compare and contrast US GAAP with IFRS regarding Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements

Delivery Method:
Self-Study

Program Level:
Basic

Recent and significant changes to accounting for derivatives and hedging activities (ASC 815/SFAS 133 & 149) have meant additional complexities as corporations today seek to neutralize their economic risk. Learn how to account for hedging and derivatives activities and ensure compliance with the new standard.

Learning Objectives:
Using relevant examples and illustrations, participants will explore the specifics of ASC 815 and how the revised standards differ from previous guidance. Review the hedging activities and derivative instruments available today, and separate myth from reality as you gain the knowledge and hands-on experience that can ensure compliance. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Outline the risks that corporations face
• Compare and contrast foreign exchange and derivative instruments
• Outline the key accounting principles followed under ASC 815
• Compare, contrast and apply reporting of Comprehensive Income under ASC 220 (SFAS 130)
• Identify the criteria to utilize hedge accounting principles – e.g., formal documentation, hedge effectiveness, ineffective hedges
• Define the three types of FX Risk, FX Hedging philosophy, the associated FX terminology, review embedded derivatives and the calculations utilized to determine a gain or loss on currency hedging activities
• Define embedded derivatives and common variations under ASC 815

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Basic

Join the many tax and accounting professionals who understand the very real need to become increasingly familiar with the significant and complicated provisions of ASC 740 (SFAS 109), Accounting for Deferred Income Taxes, as well as the way ASC 740 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions, provides additional accounting and financial reporting challenges.

Learning Objectives:
Gain the foundational knowledge and critical strategies that will allow you to successfully address intraperiod and interperiod tax allocation and the other relevant issues surrounding Accounting for Deferred Income Taxes & Uncertain Tax Positions. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define Interperiod Tax Allocation and define how they are properly accounted
• Compare and contrast Permanent and Temporary differences
• Define and apply the proper accounting for Operating losses
• Define Subsidiary Undistributed Earnings and apply the proper accounting
• Outline the required disclosures
• Uncertain tax provisions –

• Define the effective date
• Define and apply the Two-Step approach utilized for recognition & measurement
• Outline the disclosure requirements
• Access to FAQ's

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-based

Program Level:
Basic

Different definitions and guidance in the measurement of fair value have led to inconsistency and added complexity in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. And with more than 60 FASB standards dependent on fair value measurements, a practical understanding of ASC 820 (SFAS 157) is critical. Gain the practical insight that can help bring transparency and accuracy to your organization's financial statements.

Learning Objectives:
This course will begin with a practical overview of fair value and recent standards updates. Participants will review ASC 820 (SFAS 157) requirements and learn how the standards apply to investment securities, future obligations, and a variety of assets and liabilities. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define Fair Value (ASC 820)
• Outline what is not addressed within ASC 820
• Describe the unit of accounting
• Describe, compare and contrast the following considerations/principles:

• Market-based Measures vs. Entity-based Measures
• Exit Price vs. Entry Price
• Market Participants
• Orderly Transactions
• Highest Use/Principal Market vs. Most Advantageous Market
• Transaction Costs
• Transportation

• Define the accounting principles applied when valuing assets and liabilities
• Outline the three available techniques to measuring fair value
• Describe the multiple levels within the Fair Value Hierarchy
• Define the Unit of Valuation utilized within ASC 820
• Outline the reporting requirements under ASC 820

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-based

Program Level:
Basic

U.S. GAAP standards have been cobbled together and revised by various parties for more than 50 years, and their patchwork nature has made it time consuming and overly complex to research accounting and financial reporting issues. Learn how the FASB Accounting Standards Codification - presents all relevant U.S. accounting and financial reporting literature in a single, authoritative offering, and obtain the skills and knowledge to easily use the Codification in critical real-world applications.

Learning Objectives:
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification is not only a first step in organizing U.S. accounting standards for possible convergence with IFRS, but it also has simplified the ability to research related issues. This course will provide a practical overview of the Codification. At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to:

• Understand the back ground on the Codification Project (development & purpose)
• List how the Codification is structured
• Understand how to conduct accounting and financial reporting research using the Codification
• Understand how to conduct accounting and financial reporting research using the Codification

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Basic

Join the many tax and accounting professionals who understand the very real need to become increasingly familiar with the significant and complicated provisions of ASC 740 (SFAS 109), Accounting for Deferred Income Taxes, as well as the way ASC 740 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions, provides additional accounting and financial reporting challenges.

Learning Objectives:
Gain the foundational knowledge and critical strategies that will allow you to successfully address intraperiod and interperiod tax allocation and the other relevant issues surrounding Accounting for Deferred Income Taxes & Uncertain Tax Positions. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define Interperiod Tax Allocation and define how they are properly accounted
• Compare and contrast Permanent and Temporary differences
• Define and apply the proper accounting for Operating losses
• Define Subsidiary Undistributed Earnings and apply the proper accounting
• Outline the required disclosures
• Uncertain tax provisions –

• Define the effective date
• Define and apply the Two-Step approach utilized for recognition & measurement
• Outline the disclosure requirements
• Access to FAQ's

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Basic

With fraud devastating to large and small companies alike today – nearly one in four instances caused at least $1 million in losses, with fraudulent financial statements the most expensive form of fraud – CPAs are in a unique position to help address this critical issue. In this two-part course you will learn what motivates people to commit fraud, CPA’s responsibilities and how financial statement fraud can be prevented.

Learning Objectives:
In this first of this two-part course, participants will learn how to help protect companies, employees and investors from the most common and disastrous forms of fraud today through effective internal control guidance practices. See how the CPA’s duties relate to fraud and are guided by standards and legislation. After the completing the session you will be able to:

• Outline the cost of fraud and ways it is committed.
• Define the CPA’s general duties relating to fraud as defined by SAS No. 99, Sarbanes-Oxley, Private Securities Litigation reform Act, etc.
• Outline the profile of employees who commit fraud.
• Define the major categories of employee fraud, the impact, and how they are committed.
• Identify how to prevent financial statement fraud.

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-Based

Program Level:
Basic

Today's business world requires an understanding of COSO-not just as it stands today, but how it's likely to be shaped tomorrow. Developed in 1985, the framework is undergoing yet another update, meaning new guidelines are arriving related to internal control and fraudulent financial reporting. Gain the practical insight and background to ensure compliance.

Learning Objectives:
In the second of Becker's two-part series on the COSO Internal Control Framework Exposure Draft, you will explore the proposed changes to the framework. At the conclusion of this update you will be able to:

• Examine the guidance on internal control over external financial reporting
• Define the key changes to internal control components
• Outline the professionals involved in the COSO update process
• Define the timetable-e.g., comment period and process

Delivery Method:
Group Internet-based

Program Level:
Intermediate

The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) is a joint initiative of five prominent accounting, finance, and auditing organizations created in 1985 to study fraudulent financial reporting. Professionals seeking to stay in compliance today will gain a critical understanding of proposed updates to COSO's "Internal Control-Integrated Framework" section intended to reflect the current technology and business environment.

Learning Objectives:
In the first of Becker's two-part series you will explore previous Committee on Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) work and its underlying principles. Participants will discuss the five components of effective internal control and explore proposed changes and their potential impact. At the conclusion of this update you will be able to:

• Outline the previous work of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and the rationale behind the update
• Define the five principles of internal control in the development of the expanded principles
• Identify the proposed changes within the original framework, including the impact on specific internal control components

Delivery Method:
Gourp Internet-based

Program Level:
Intermediate

Check with your State Board of Accountancy to determine if this course will meet your Ethics CPE requirement. Well-developed accounting standards and independent audits have helped make U.S. capital markets a national asset. Because auditor objectivity is critical to investor confidence, regulators and others become concerned when they perceive actions that may impair, or appear to impair, independence. That's why accounting compliance in today's business world demands a solid understanding of the most current ethics rules relating to independence, no matter the regulatory body.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will obtain relevant and useful information about ethics rules regarding independence, including the similarities and differences between the independence rules of today's regulatory bodies. After completing this session you will be able to:

• Define the rationale that has driven the accounting profession to adopt Independence rules
• Compare, contrast and apply the Independence rules of the following organizations:

• Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

Delivery Method:
Internet Group-Based

Program Level:
Basic