Overview
In this self-study webinar taken from our SEC Conference, you will discover the latest issues that the SEC is targeting, what factors trigger investigations and enforcement actions, and the possible outcomes.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
• SEC Leadership & Enforcement Highlights
• Enforcement Process
– Chronology
– Investigations sources
– Remedies in corporate cases
• Current Trends, Developments & Predictions
– Recent priorities
– Extensive rulemaking
– Wide-ranging enforcement
– Accountability
– Earnings management
– Non-GAAP Measures
– Internal Controls
– Insider trading
– ESG
– AI disclosures
– Cybersecurity
– Clawbacks
– Retaliation
LEARNING OBJECTIVE To update accountants and other financial professionals on the latest SEC enforcement issues, and show them
the best ways to avoid problems and handle SEC investigations.
PREREQUISITE None. ADVANCE PREPARATION None. PROGRAM LEVEL Update. NASBA FIELD OF STUDY Accounting.
DELIVERY METHOD Self-Study.
Speakers
SPEAKERS
Anne McKinley, Assistant Regional Director, Division of Enforcement, SEC
Brad Mroski, Managing Director, AlixPartners, former Assistant Chief Accountant, Division of Enforcement, SEC
John Sikora, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP, formerly in the SEC's Enforcement Division
Detailed Learning Objectives
• Identify the primary areas of focus in recent SEC enforcement actions, including earnings management and Non-GAAP disclosures
• Recognize the importance of accurate reporting in corporate disclosures and segment reporting
• Understand the common sources of SEC investigations, such as whistleblower tips, public complaints, and market surveillance
• Explore the role of data analytics in detecting anomalies and improper financial practices
• Differentiate between monetary and non-monetary remedies pursued by the SEC, such as disgorgement and officer and director bars
• Learn how financial penalties are calculated and imposed in SEC enforcement cases
• Recognize practices deemed misleading under SEC guidelines, including improper labeling of recurring expenses as non-recurring
• Understand the importance of transparency and reconciliation in Non-GAAP financial measures
• Learn the SEC’s rules prohibiting employment agreements that prevent whistleblowers from communicating with the SEC
• Identify the goals of the whistleblower program, including financial incentives and legal protections for reporters
• Explore the SEC’s EPS Initiative and its role in detecting improper earnings management practices
• Understand how enhanced data analytics tools are used to monitor financial reporting
• Identify the SEC’s expectations for corporate executives and public companies in ensuring accurate reporting and strong internal controls
• Learn the significance of regular assessments of internal controls to avoid enforcement actions
• Explore the SEC’s concerns with misrepresentation in environmental credit asset disclosures and its enforcement of transparency in this area