AGA-Sponsored Training Courses

Single Audits (A-133)—Bridging the Expectation Gap

Many entities have questioned the quality of Single Audits that are conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133. In June 2007, the federal inspectors general reported their findings after reviewing a statistical sample of 208 Single Audits. They found that more than half of the reports in the sample were either unacceptable or “of limited reliability.”

The report made three recommendations:

• Revise and improve single audit criteria, standards and guidance.

• Establish minimum standards for comprehensive training on performing single audits.

• Review and enhance the processes to address unacceptable audits.

This course is focused on the needs of auditors conducting A-133 audits and is intended to address the second of the above recommendations. It concentrates on the areas in which the report noted demonstrated weaknesses.

It will cover:

• Concerns expressed about Single Audits

• Internal controls

• General concepts

• Specific applications to Single Audits

• Federal cross-cutting requirements

• Administrative rules

• Cost principles

• Identifying specific program requirements

Federal Financial Management

This course is an introduction to federal financial management for entry-level accountants or experienced accountants who are being exposed to federal accounting and financial management for the first time. It also can serve as a refresher for accountants who may be returning to federal client service.

The course material covers the following topics:

• Federal financial management legislation

• The federal budget—process, phases, execution

• Proprietary and budgetary accounting

• Role of the central agencies

• Financial systems

• Audited financial statements

The course is taught by a recognized expert and practitioner in the field and includes lectures as well as problem-solving cases and detailed exercises.

Fiscal Anatomy of a State or Local Government Program

State and local government financial managers know that their accounting and financial management systems are unique. But how can the differences be explained to new personnel? Do program managers understand how their activities fit into the big picture? Do auditors of government programs understand the nuances of encumbrances, appropriations and allotments?

This course is designed to highlight the differences in accounting and financial management at the state and local level versus the private sector. The course follows a program from its inception—adoption by appropriation—to budget execution, which includes establishing allotments and allocations, processing personnel and payroll, procuring goods, services and capital, and revenue processing. The timeline for the program is approximately 24 months—from budget development through the GAAP reporting requirements—even though the actual activity takes place in one fiscal year.

The course is intended for those who are new to the government environment, as well as program managers, fiscal personnel and auditors.

Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical decision-making has never been as important as it is today for public and private sector managers and leaders. This seminar goes beyond compliance, beyond reviewing the rules, codes of conduct and conflicts of interest. It is designed to help the participants recognize, analyze and confidently resolve the many ethical dilemmas they face every day.

This course presents ethical dilemmas in a unique “right versus right” framework, with participants determining which choice is the “higher right.” This hands-on seminar allows participants to learn through continued practice in small groups. Participants use their own experiences to “test drive” the ethical framework offered in the course. A certified, master trainer will facilitate the course, which has been presented to government officials and private sector managers for many years.

Internal Controls for Auditors—Assessing Risk and Controls in Government Audits

Government auditors at all levels will gain a better appreciation and understanding of internal control systems and how to assess their effectiveness.

The course material covers the following topics:

• Auditing standards and internal controls

• Control frameworks from around the world

• Understanding COSO

• Risk assessment model from an auditor’s perspective

• Assessment document for internal controls

• Element of an audit finding and the relationship to internal controls

• Strong controls, but the wrong controls—when to recommend preventive controls versus detective controls

• Effectively conveying audit results and internal control findings

Internal Controls for Managers and Staff—Running an Effective Government Organization

Government managers and staff will gain a better appreciation and understanding of how internal controls must be built into an organization—not tacked on.

The course material covers the following topics:

• Why internal controls are important and your responsibilities

• Internal control frameworks

• Why COSO

• Risk assessment model from a manager’s perspective

• Assessing and changing control systems

• Are the right controls in place

Internal Controls in the Federal Government—Understanding A-123

Federal government managers and staff will gain a better understanding of the significance of A-123 and its requirements.

The course material covers the following topics:

• GAO Standards for internal controls

• OMB Circular A-123 requirements and reporting

• Risk assessment model

• Assessment document for internal controls

• Changing cultures to gain compliance and increase organizational effectiveness

Fraud Detection and Prevention

Fraud is a serious and growing problem in our society and is a particular threat to the public and private sectors’ bottom line. How to detect and prevent fraud and fraudulent activities is crucial to effective program management and accountability.

This course is designed to highlight the genesis of fraud in today’s environment, ways to detect it, solutions for correcting it and methods to mitigate future risk. The course is intended for financial and program managers, auditors and information technology professionals.

The course is taught by a certified professional trainer and involves classroom lectures and case studies. It can be adapted to meet the requirements and needs of the participants and their sponsoring organization.

Contract Auditing

This course provides participants with an awareness of audit and financial oversight issues related to construction, equipment and engineering contracts awarded by government entities.

Participants will learn through lecture, group discussion and case studies about the following:

• Purpose of contract auditing

• Types of contracts

• Audit classes to include in contracts

• Types of audits included in contract audit oversight

• Development of audit programs

• Internal audit, accounting and financial issues involved with procurements

• Potential for fraud in contracts

Transitional Leadership

This course focuses on making the transition from being an individual contributor to leader. Emphasis is placed on understanding the leadership role, and what tools and techniques new leaders need to succeed. For those new to supervision, this training will also provide insight and promote confidence for taking on this important role. Participants will gain knowledge in applying several techniques to enhance productivity and teamwork, and as a result, will be able to:

• Understand the "performance skills" required to be a successful leader.

• Apply a model for determining what type of leadership styles are necessary to get team members to accomplish tasks and goals

• Set goals with team members that increase productivity and improve performance.

• Delegate tasks more effectively and empower team members.

• Develop strategies for improving team functioning and cohesion.

• Create self-motivation and group ownership among team leaders.

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All of the courses are taught on-site and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For further information or to discuss your training needs in more detail, please feel to call Joseph Jozefczyk at 800.AGA.7211 or at jjozefczyk@agacgfm.org.

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