Due Diligence - CLIENT ACCEPTANCE PRACTICES IN THE ACCOUNTNG INDUSTRY

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2006
Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter(s): Kevin P. Prendergast, President of Research Associates, and Arthur Sommer, Vice President
Objective(s):
CLIENT ACCEPTANCE PRACTICES IN THE ACCOUNTNG INDUSTRY Considerations in Establishing a Client Assurance Program
Elements of an Investigation
Accounting Industry Best Practices
Field of Study: Accounting & Auditing
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
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Course Description

The accounting profession is under increasing scrutiny by state and federal regulators, requiring firms to become more selective with the entities and people with whom they do business. More and more leading firms are conducting investigations into the backgrounds of their prospective clients, employees and business partners.

The US Patriot Act, Sarbanes-Oxley and plain common sense dictate that accounting firms take an active approach to verifying the integrity of prospective clients. The failure to do so can result in the creation of unnecessary risk and exposure. In many cases, the unpleasant consequences resulting from a poor decision can be avoided by prospectively obtaining information before an engagement commences.

Poor performing companies typically do not deliver promised results, causing legitimate companies to spend unnecessary human and capital resources unraveling problems. They can disrupt supply chains, jeopardize customer relationships and tax internal resources. They are more likely to get companies involved in litigation and often vanish or become "uncollectable" when a judgment is obtained.

This seminar will focus upon strategies and procedures for performing client assurance investigations. The seminar will discuss what information is available, the legal requirements for obtaining information, how to structure a program, and best practices among accounting firms.

Presenter and Moderator Bios
The seminar will be presented by Kevin P. Prendergast, President of Research Associates, and Arthur Sommer, Vice President. Mr. Prendergast is an attorney and has served in an executive capacity at RAI since 1993. He is a published author on privacy issues. Mr. Sommer oversees RAI's business investigations unit and has performed and/or supervised thousands of client assurance investigations for the accounting profession.

RAI was founded in 1953 by two former Special Agents of the FBI and now conducts investigations in over 200 countries worldwide. RAI currently serves 11 of the 20 largest accounting firms worldwide, as well as regional and local firms throughout the United States and Canada. They have preferred relationships with PKF North America, Horwath International, Leading Edge Alliance and Association of Accounting Administration.

Cost
$25.00 for CPAFMA Members / $40.00 for Non-Members / Free for PAFMs

Delivery System

• All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
• Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
• Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
• All registrants will receive a link to the webinar’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
• There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line with the names and email addresses of each individual guest. Log-in details will be emailed to all registrants approximately 1-2 days prior to each session.

Refund Policy

CPAFMA will not issue refunds for webinars. If a registrant is unable to participate in the webinar and sends written notice to info@cpafma.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future webinar. Alert the CPAFMA staff member monitoring the webinar if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future webinars.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to show active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the webinar recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits.

For more information regarding CPAFMA webinars or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the CPAFMA Headquarters at 937-222-0030, or info@cpafma.org.