Agenda and Education Sessions

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

PDC Registration Desk Open

Location: Marquis Ballroom Foyer

7 – 8 a.m.

Membership Awards Breakfast

Location: Atrium Ballroom

Sponsored by (Deloitte LOGO)

Location: Atrium Ballroom

Kurt Eichenwald, Business Journalist and Best-selling Author, Conspiracy of Fools

Moderator: Ira Goldstein, Managing Director, Federal Practice, Deloitte

Corporate governance, compliance and accountability have become the business buzzwords of the new millennium. But what, in truth, does any of that mean? In a lively, humorous and at times outrageous discussion, Kurt Eichenwald, author of Conspiracy of Fools, dissects the Enron case to explore the lessons it holds for government agencies and corporate America, and what it means both for senior executives, mid-level managers and other employees. The presentation is followed by a lively question and answer period. The bottom-line message: Good compliance is good business.

FOS: BETH Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W101: Financial and Performance Reports that Make a Difference

Location: International 6–8

James A. Brimson, ABD, Researcher, ABMI

Kristine L. Leiphart, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Federal Transit Administration

Martin J. Rajk, MBA, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Coast Guard

Moderator: Sam M. McCall, CGFM, CPA, CIA, CGAP, City Auditor, City of Tallahassee, FL; AGA Past National President

In 2007, Phase 1 of AGA-sponsored research on process-based accounting showed it is possible to create annual financial and performance reports that are useful in managerial decision-making. In 2008, Phase 2 used pilot agencies to test the value of the new approach, now called performance-based management. Pilot agencies report on their experiences in applying new methods in integrating performance and financial information and the benefits they derived. See how cost and performance information is arrayed for predictive and control purposes. A common complaint directed at the current financial statement framework in government is that these reports do not provide information that is useful in decision-making. Performance-based management reports do. AGA Corporate Partners Advisory Group members Grant Thornton LLP, IBM and SAS sponsored and managed this research.

FOS: MAS Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W102: Putting and Keeping Professional Relationships on Track

Location: Atrium Rooms 706 & 707

Robert A. Carnegie, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, R. Carnegie Associates, Inc.

Moderator: Joseph Jozefczyk, MBA, Director of Education, AGA

This session focuses on creating a stable, productive and mutually confident relationship with others, how to recognize when a relationship is starting to derail, and what to do to put it on track. Learn a common language to communicate the existence of a “pinch point” to others, and open windows of opportunity for the parties to work out a satisfactory solution to their conflict.

FOS: PRD Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W103: Looking Ahead: How to Generate More Value from Financial Management in the 21st Century

Location: International 4 & 5

Richard L. Haley II, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Carrie A. Hug, CGFM, CPA, Chief of Financial Standards and Grants, Office of Federal Financial Management, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Lee J. Lofthus, MBA, Assistant Attorney General for Administration, U.S. Department of Justice

Moderator: Young Kim, Director, Grant Thornton LLP

This session explores what changes are needed in the world of financial management to generate more value from investments in process improvement, talent and systems. How can we leverage all the efforts on financial statements and new standards to bring more value to improving operations?

FOS: ACC Audience: Federal

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W104: Data Standardization: The Benefits and Challenges of Establishing Enterprise-Wide Standards in the Federal Government

Location: Atrium Rooms 601 & 602

Raymond Bombac, Standard Financial Information Structure (SFIS) Program Lead, Business Transformation Agency, U.S. Department of Defense

Karen R. McBride, Policy Analyst, Office of Federal Financial Management, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Radha C. Sekar, MBA, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (FM), Business Integration Office, U.S. Department of Defense

Moderator: Doris A. Chew, CGFM, CPA, Deputy Director, Financial Systems Integration Office

This session highlights two of the most ambitious financial management data standardization efforts in the federal government: The U.S. Department of Defense’s Standard Financial Information Structure (SFIS) and the Financial Management Line of Business Common Government-wide Accounting Classification (CGAC) Structure. These efforts establish standard methods for classifying the financial effects of government business activities. We highlight the benefits and challenges of establishing enterprise-wide standards in the government environment. Hear about implementation strategies and some of the exciting new changes envisioned for both SFIS and CGAC as the DoD deploys SFIS in business systems managing an annual half-trillion-dollar budget, and OMB and FSIO work with federal agencies to eventually implement CGAC in all federal agencies. Noted speakers discuss the development challenges and lessons learned, as well as the implementation approaches and recent success stories of both of these important government efforts.

FOS: FIN Audience: Federal

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W105: A Success Story about Succession Planning

Location: International 9 & 10

David A. Krieg, Director, Human Capital Office Leadership, Education and Development, Internal Revenue Service

Moderator: TBD

We all hear and read about the pending retirement wave sweeping through the work force as the baby boomers reach retirement age. But it's more than just retirements, as people move back and forth between agencies, as well as between the public and private sector. Hear how one agency developed a leadership review process, in which executives and senior managers reviewed the leadership potential of frontline and senior managers to identify the future leaders of the agency. Through this process, they were able to identify highly skilled people for leadership positions whom they previously had not thought were willing to move to senior positions, thus creating a robust leadership bench. It was so successful that the results are used as input for decisions about upcoming vacancies, readiness programs and development programs.

FOS: HR Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W106: Adding Value from Internal Control Assessments: Improving Risk Assessments and Integrating Requirements

Location: Imperial B

Molly Dawson, Director, Office of Financial Policy and Reporting, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Daniel L. Fletcher, CPA, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of the Interior

Hartley Jones, CGFM, Deputy Financial Officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Moderator: William A. Morehead, CGFM, CPA, Chair of Accountancy, CIS & Finance, Delta State University; AGA National President-Elect Designate

This session looks at how to get the most value from your A-123 program. Panelists offer a strategic look at the A-123 process from risk assessment through process improvement. Panelists discuss how their organizations have focused the A-123 process to identify risks and deficiencies, develop corrective action plans and lay the groundwork for more efficient processes.

FOS: AUD Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W107: Enterprise Prospective of IT—Current Status and Vision for the Future

Location: Atrium Rooms 703 & 704

Patrick Moore, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, Georgia Technology Authority

Doug Robinson, Executive Director, National Association of State Chief Information Officers

Moderator: Harvey C. Eckert, CPA, Comptroller (Retired), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Member, AGA National Executive Committee

Hear about major IT initiatives either completed or being implemented at the state level, and CIOs’ visions for the short- and long-term future of IT.

FOS: CS Audience: S&L

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W108: Managing Risk to Maximize Efficiencies

Location: Imperial A

Peter Relich, Independent Consultant, Maximus Consulting

Kim R. Wallin, CMA, CFM, CPA, Controller, State of Nevada

Moderator: Laura R. Secondo, Senior Vice President, Bank of America

Industry and government risk specialists discuss the importance of managing and monitoring growth and revenue risk in this new era of decreasing budgets and increasing scrutiny. Panelists showcase successful practices in their states, including case studies that demonstrate the criticality of managing risk for overall program success. This thought-provoking panel explores the risk associated with not managing risk—and the potential media and oversight impacts. The session focuses on how policy and processes can be shaped to instill risk management at every level of an organization.

FOS: MAS Audience: All

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.

W109: CGFM: Government Financial Management Certification for the Future

Location: Marquis Rooms 103 – 105

Peter V. Aliferis, CGFM, Director of Professional Certification, AGA

Richard O. Bunce, CGFM, CPA, Executive Director, Department of Assurance Services, Commonwealth of Virginia; Chair, AGA Professional Certification Board and Member, AGA National Executive Committee

Moderator: Katya Silver, Director of Professional Certification Administration, AGA

Improved service to citizens, a competitive advantage in the industry, a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning—these are just some of the benefits of the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification. Learn about the value and importance of the CGFM from the perspective of employers and recent CGFMs. If you haven’t yet earned the CGFM designation, this session is for you.

FOS: SKA Audience: All

10:30 – 11 a.m.

Coffee Break

Location: Marquis Ballroom Foyer & International Ballroom Foyer

Sponsored by Graduate School, USDA LOGO

Give yourself that mid-morning boost to get you through the day. Join us for a cup of coffee, tea or a soda and take advantage of this opportunity to network with colleagues and friends. Compliments of Graduate School, USDA. Enjoy!

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on Membership

Location: Atrium Room 705

All chapter leaders have a role to play in membership recruitment and retention. It is not something that just the membership department or membership chair handles—everyone in the organization has a vested interest in seeing the membership function carried out successfully. Let’s expand upon the great ideas that were shared at the Sectional Leadership Meetings (SLMs) surrounding recruitment and retention activities. Bring your successful practices to share with other chapter leaders.

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

AGA Financial Management Standards Board (FMSB) Meeting

Location: Atrium Room 701

Members of AGA’s Financial Management Standards Board seldom get a chance to meet face-to-face to talk about issues important to the profession. This meeting is your chance to get to know other members and learn more about the board’s role in influencing accounting and auditing standards in the public sector, both in the United States and internationally. Any conference attendee who is interested in the board’s work is invited.

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W110: Keeping the Dream Alive—Overcoming the Sub-Prime Crisis-FHA Responds

Location: International 6–8

Ronald E. Crupi, CGFM, Deputy Comptroller, Federal Housing Administration

Randall M. Scheessele, Senior Economist, Office of Evaluation, Federal Housing Administration

Moderator: Steve Watson, CGFM, CPA, CMA, CIA, Partner, IBM Global Business Services

Estimates of sub-prime lending losses are staggering and effects are rippling across the U.S. and global economy. Federal Housing Administration experts reveal factors that led to the sub-prime problem, describe the extent of the problem, and share measures FHA is taking to help alleviate the current problem and avoid recurrence. FHA’s access to the right financial data at the right time has enabled targeted actions to manage risk and financial losses.

FOS: FIN Audience: All

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W111: Developing a Cost Culture

Location: Atrium Rooms 706 & 707

Stephen T. Bagby, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Cost and Economics, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller, U.S. Department of Defense

Moderator: Nancy K. Zmyslinski, CGFM, Director, Columbus Office, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Learn how the U.S. Army is developing a new cost culture that focuses on resource optimization in support of effective and efficient operations.

FOS: ACCG Audience: All

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W112: Enterprise Risk Management

Location: International 4 & 5

Barbara L. Burkhalter, CGFM, CPA, Risk Management Officer, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Martha J. Smith, Director, Cleveland Office, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Nancy K. Zmyslinski, CGFM, Director, Columbus Office, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Moderator: Ronald L. Cox, CGFM, Executive Assistant to the Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service; Member, AGA National Executive Committee

Looking for ways to blend internal controls, risk management and OMB Circular A-123 principles into a coherent risk management strategy? This presentation provides practical approaches to using technology, such as business activity monitoring and enterprise risk management, to deal with ever-changing demands upon all levels or managers.

FOS: MAS Audience: All

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W113: Connecting the Dots: Automating A-123 Internal Controls Monitoring

Location: Atrium Rooms 601 & 602

Joseph W. Bossi, Deputy Controller, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Stuart Kurlancheek, CGFM, CPA, Deputy Chief, Office of Audit, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Sherry L. Weir, MSC, PMP, Partner, Kearney & Company, P.C.

Moderator: Tim Hurlebaus, Vice President, Consulting Services, CGI

Automated internal controls audit/monitoring as a component of A-123 compliance and reporting can exploit controls problems that human review might never uncover. Join this panel discussion of the benefits, results and peace of mind that can come from using automated tools to track internal controls across processes and systems.

FOS: AUD Audience: Federal

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W114: Finance Transformation: Beyond Talking at Federal Agencies

Location: International 9 & 10

Owen Barwell, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Energy

John H. Gibson II, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, U.S. Department of Defense

Doug W. Webster, DBA, CGFM, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Labor

Moderator: Donna C. McCullough, Senior Managing Consultant, IBM Global Business Services

What does transformation really mean? Why is it important for government leaders to begin thinking about transforming the way they do business? How do agencies move past the talking stage and get started defining a vision, strategy and roadmap? Come hear from senior executives at the U.S. Departments of Labor, Energy and the Air Force on what transformation means in government and why it is critically important to begin the journey of transformation.

FOS: MAS Audience: All

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W115: Best Practices in Business Intelligence—From Data Warehouses to Financial Statements

Location: Imperial B

Eric McNutt, PMP, Vice President, Delta Solutions

Albert Smalls, Director, Financial Management Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Moderator: David R. Bennett, CGFM, CPA, Assistant County Mayor and Finance Director, Blount County Government, Tennessee; AGA National Treasurer and Member, AGA National Executive Committee

The session reviews proven approaches and tools for extracting data from your legacy applications to produce more timely and useful reports. Panelists discuss impacts and lessons learned from sample business intelligence implementations, focusing on ways to combine CFO data with key organizational metrics to drive performance-based reporting. Speakers also address techniques to improve the accuracy and timeliness of mandatory federal financial reports

FOS: CS Audience: Federal

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W116: Beyond Financial Reporting—Financial Analytics

Location: Atrium Rooms 703 & 704

Linda M. Combs, Former Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Mark A. Forman, Principal, KPMG LLP

Melinda B. Morgan, Director, Finance Staff, Justice Management Division, U.S. Department of Justice

The panel discusses federal financial management strategic opportunities regarding information management and the use of business analytics. Business analytics helps to answer the more complex business questions that are required to accurately drive strategy and execution. As an ongoing process, analytics continually increase knowledge, based on the expanding historic information gathered in today's data warehouses.

FOS: FIN Audience: All

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W117: Federal Financial Management Advisory Committees: Lessons from a Decade of Noble Experiments

Location: Imperial A

Edward J. Mazur, CPA, Senior Adviser for Government Financial Management, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, LLP

David M. Zavada, CPA, CDFM, Partner, Kearney & Company P.C.

Moderator: Joseph L. Kull, CGFM, CPA, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Co-Chair PDC 2008 Technical Committee

It seemed like a good idea at the time: regularly convene the best available minds to find an agency’s silver bullets of oversight. And then it got complicated—with the debate over who got to oversee what concerning whom. Still-speaking survivors vent their memories of what ultimately worked in these “experimental” forums, as well as inherent tensions with the turf of agency heads, CFOs, auditors, boards and inspectors general. “FMACs” might have evolved as the creative antidote to the ritual of an audit committee. Occasional sightings still continue in such diverse habitats as GAO, SBA, FAA and Alaska.

FOS: FIN Audience: Federal

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

W118: Transforming Federal Budgeting—Integration of Performance and Cost Measures Enabled By Automation

Location: Marquis Rooms 103 – 105

Daniel L. Fletcher, CPA, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of the Interior

Steve Porter, Director, Activity-Based Information Division, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Moderator: Srikant Sastry, CGFM, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP

Hear perspectives from agency representatives who have gone through budget transformation experiences: lessons learned, best practices and more.

FOS: AUD Audience: Federal

12:15 – 1:30 p.m.

National Awards Luncheon

Location: Atrium Ballroom

Sponsored by Oracle LOGO

Join us for a luncheon and awards ceremony as we recognize leaders who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management. The luncheon gives you another chance to network with colleagues and friends. Today's luncheon is sponsored by Oracle USA, Inc. Enjoy!

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W119: Improving Government Transparency Through Citizen-Centric Reporting

Location: International 6–8

Richard Eckstrom, CPA, Comptroller General, Office of the Comptroller General, State of South Carolina

Susan Fritzlen, Deputy Executive Director of Programs, AGA

Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, Assistant Commandant for Resources and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Coast Guard

Moderator: Susan Fritzlen

Because current financial reports are too complicated for the average citizen, AGA is encouraging governments to produce four-page reports to simply explain how governments are spending taxpayers’ money, how government performance is measured as well as demographics and future challenges. The reports should answer the question, “Are we better off today than we were last year?” Hear what tools are available from AGA to produce such a report and hear from government officials who have recently published reports.

FOS: SKA Audience: All

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W120: Emerging FASAB Issues

Location: Atrium Rooms 706 & 707

Wendy M. Payne, CGFM, CPA, Executive Director, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

Moderator: William J. Anderson, CGFM, Manager, Professional Development, U.S. Government Accountability Office; AGA Past National President

Learn about the continuing discussions with the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board that could impact financial reporting. Topics include accounting for deferred maintenance and impaired assets, and valuation of deployed assets.

FOS: ACC Audience: Federal

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W121: Why Consider a Shared Service Model?

Location: International 4 & 5

Tom Bianco, CPA, PMP, Deputy Director, Office of Financial/Administrative Systems, U.S. Social Security Administration

Bo Peeler, Program Director, Office of Operational Services, Enterprise Service Center, U.S. Department of Transportation

Jerry E. Williams, CGFM, Director of Financial Improvement, Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Moderator: TBD

The federal government requires that agencies consider public and/or private sector shared service centers when modernizing their financial systems. Learn about shared service models in this lively session.

FOS: MAS Audience: All

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W122: Improving Acquisition Services

Location: Atrium Rooms 601 & 602

Robert A. Burton, Deputy Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Rear Admiral Lenn Vincent, U.S. Navy (retired), Industry Chair, Defense Acquisition University

Moderator: TBD

Everyone is looking for ways to improve the way they buy and manage services. This session provides a look at a federal acquisition maturity model that provides a framework of five levels of acquisition “maturity” that can improve an organization's capability to expertly deliver acquisition services. This structured approach helps pinpoint opportunities for improvement and builds a roadmap to prioritize changes that improve acquisition service delivery.

FOS: FIN Audience: All

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W123: Emerging Issues in Government Financial Management

Location: International 9 & 10

Steve Isakowitz, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Energy

David Norquist, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Daniel I. Werfel, Deputy Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Moderator: TBD

AGA's Emerging Issues Committee is charged with identifying and developing issues emerging within the federal, state and local government financial management community. AGA recently published a report on emerging Issues based upon the topics discussed at a recent Emerging Issues Forum. Hear from a panel of participants in the recent forum about the issues that were discussed and other issues coming to the fore as we approach an administration change at the federal level—possibly another pivotal time in financial management reform.

FOS: FIN Audience: All

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W124: Developing a Risk-Based Oversight Program

Location: Imperial B

Daniel R. Blair, CPA, Assistant Director, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense

William S. Maharay, CGFM, CPA, Deputy Inspector General for Audit Services, U.S. Department of Energy

James L. Taylor, Deputy Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Moderator: Jeffrey W. Green, CPA, Partner, Kearney & Company, P.C.

This session highlights how oversight organizations plan and focus their audit and evaluation efforts. From year to year, program and financial risks within an agency and the environment in which it operates change. How do inspector general offices focus on promoting long-term management improvement while remaining flexible to focus on new areas at risk for fraud, waste and abuse? This session highlights best practices in this area.

FOS: AU Audience: Federal

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W125: Collaboration Among Federal, State & Local Agencies: Cost of Implementing New Programs

Location: Atrium Rooms 703 & 704

Margot Bean, JD, Commissioner, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Agency for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Nick Young, MBA, Director, Child Support Enforcement, Department of Social Services, Commonwealth of Virginia

Moderator: Curt Coy, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Agency for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

More and more programs, such as immigration enforcement, require collaboration among local municipalities, state governments and federal government. These cross-jurisdictional programs require creative funding mechanisms to be effective.

FOS: FIN Audience: All

1:45 – 3 p.m.

W126: Internal Control in an ERP environment

Location: Imperial A

Paul Carlson, Comptroller, Department of Administration Services, State of Nebraska; Co-Chair, PDC 2008 Technical Committee

Nancy A. Valley, CGFM, Partner, National Government Line of Business Leader, KPMG LLP

Moderator: TBD

An ERP system has many owners. The IT folks own the hardware and software, the accounting folks own the accounting data, the HR folks own the HR data, the payroll people own the payroll data, the fixed asset people own the fixed assets, the purchasing people own the contracts, and so on. So, who is in charge of internal control? Who controls the access to all the various pieces of an ERP system? How much access should the IT folks have in a production environment? How about the people who do training on the system, how much access to production data should they have? Presenters discuss these and other issues.

FOS: AUD Audience: All

3 – 3:30 p.m.

AGA National President Gavel Exchange

Location: Atrium Ballroom

Join us as we bid a fond farewell to AGA National President Richard L. Fair, CGFM, CPA, and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the Association and the profession it serves. We are also pleased to welcome Samuel T. Mok, CGFM, CIA, CICA as he takes over as AGA’s new National President and gets us ready for PDC 2009 in New Orleans.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

W127: Strengthening America's Competitiveness in the 21st Century

Location: Atrium Ballroom

Elaine L. Chao, Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor

Moderator: Samuel T. Mok, CGFM, CIA, CICA, Managing Member, Condor International Advisors LLC; AGA National President and Member, AGA National Executive Committee

U.S Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao discusses the importance of ensuring that America's work force remains competitive in the worldwide economy.

FOS: HR Audience: All

4:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks and Adjournment

Location: Atrium Ballroom

See you next year! PDC 2009: June 21–24 • New Orleans, LA

5 – 10 p.m.

President's Reception and Karaoke Party

Location: Marquis Ballroom

Get out your bell bottoms, put on your dancing shoes and hustle on over for a fun-filled evening and the last social event of the PDC. Enjoy sizzling food, fiery cocktails and the opportunity to dance and network with friends. Join us as we bring you back the decade that popularized platforms, polyester, pinball and (of course) disco. A band will turn up the heat by playing the hottest ‘70s music hits. Don’t worry, if disco isn’t your thing, we’ll also have plenty of rock, R & B, oldies and country music too. Dance the night away with karaoke and music from your favorite eras.

Agenda and Education Sessions Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Agenda and Education Sessions

Wednesday, July 30, 2008