ASC 980 - Regulatory Accounting for Electric Cooperatives

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 02:00 PM ET / 01:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenters: Aaron Clayton, CPA, CGMA, National Energy Services Industry Leader, Eide Bailly LLP, Parker Van Zee, Senior Manager, Eide Bailly Advisory LLC
Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives
Learning Objectives:
• Identify the scope criteria required for electric cooperatives to apply ASC 980 and understand why most cooperatives qualify for regulatory accounting.
• Analyze real-world examples of regulatory accounting transactions frequently encountered by electric cooperatives.
• Apply best practices for documentation, financial statement presentation, disclosure requirements, and annual assessments of recoverability under ASC 980.
• Identify key audit risks and common deficiencies related to ASC 980 documentation
Field of Study: Accounting
Program Level: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Description

Electric cooperatives operate in a unique environment where board-approved rates are designed to recover costs and maintain long-term financial stability. This session examines how ASC 980, Regulated Operations, allows cooperatives to align accounting results with the realities of the ratemaking process. Through practical examples and real-world cooperative scenarios, participants will learn how to account for regulatory assets and liabilities, navigate RUS considerations, and implement effective policies surrounding and supporting revenue and expense deferrals. 

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Aaron Clayton, CPA, CGMA, National Energy Services Industry Leader, Eide Bailly LLP

Aaron Clayton is a seasoned public accounting professional and Partner at Eide Bailly LLP, where he leads the firm’s Telecommunications & Electric Industry Practice. With over two decades of experience, Aaron has built a reputation for delivering insightful financial audits and consulting services to clients across the electric utility industry sector.

Since joining Eide Bailly in 2004, Aaron has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments and adapt to industry changes through a combination of strategic insight, technical expertise, and personalized service. Aaron is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their goals and develop strategies that foster long-term success.

His commitment to client success is matched by his passion for mentorship and professional development—he actively engages with local universities and professional societies to inspire the next generation of CPAs. In addition to his technical skills, Aaron is an active contributor to his professional community, staying current on industry trends and continuously seeking opportunities to enhance his expertise. His dedication to providing value and delivering results has earned him a reputation for reliability and integrity within the accounting profession.

Aaron is a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy and a recipient of the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award. He has served in leadership roles within the South Dakota CPA Society and contributes to community initiatives through Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys coaching youth sports, spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and golf – of course for the arithmetic.

Presenter: Parker Van Zee, Senior Manager, Eide Bailly Advisory LLC

Parker Van Zee, CPA, is a Senior Manager with Eide Bailly Advisory LLC. He has extensive experience working with cooperative clients, including electric cooperatives, and serving clients through audit and financial reporting engagements.Parker earned his degree from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business and became a licensed CPA in South Dakota in 2018. 

Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives

After retiring as Tax Director of a regional supply cooperative on the East Coast, Wayne Sine was asked to serve as Education Director for NSAC. As an active and long-term member of NSAC, Wayne previously served as Chair of NSAC’s Tax Committee, President of the Atlantic Chapter, and was a recipient of NSAC’s Silver Bowl Award. In addition to his work with NSAC, Wayne has also served on the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Chaired the Tax Committees for both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association, served on the Tax Policy Committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and served as Region Vice President for Tax Executives Institute.

Cost
Free for NSAC Members / $65.00 for Non-Members

  Online Registration

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 CLN’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 and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.

Refund Policy

NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN 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. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.

For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.

What is NSAC's Cooperative Learning Network?
The NSAC Cooperative Learning Network is a live, interactive webinar, and you can attend from any location with internet and/or telephone access. NSAC members can attend an unlimited number of CLNs at no charge!

Each Cooperative Learning Network will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. CLNs typically include a Q&A session where participants can ask questions live or by chat. No advance preparation or prerequisites are required, unless otherwise stated in the course information. Attendees are able to download copies of the slides and/or handouts and are provided a link to view the recording (unless the description states the session will not be recorded). These tools help continue your learning experience after the session.

CPE Credits
The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor (#103068) of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Internet Based.

Why NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks?

Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a course designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

Convenient.
No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your desk, device or conference room.

Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.

Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.

Affordable.
NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks are free for members and available to non members at a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars.