|
|
|
Highlights Upcoming Audio Conferences, Webinar Jan. 21—Last Week to Register Early for Performance Reporting Audio Conference Jan. 29—Ethics in Work and Life webinar, sponsored by NASACT Feb. 11—Building Fraud Risk Assessment Into Audit Planning Feb. 25 AC (New!)—Cost Recovery Auditing with a High Payback View the 2009 Audio Conference Schedule AGA Offers Internal Controls and Fraud Detection
Courses
The courses are taught at the location of your choice and include lectures, group discussion and exercises and class problem-solving. They can be customized to meet your needs and participants are awarded up to 16 CPE hours upon completion of each course. For pricing and additional information, please contact Bekka Gehrmann, AGA's Education Manager, at 800.AGA.7211 x309. This Week on the AGA Blog AGA Needs You on the Blog! Come share your opinions with the AGA community! We are now booking for February. Contact Marie Force to book your day on the AGA Blog. First Gold Award Recipient Announced Member News Rashad Holloway, a member of AGA's Baltimore Chapter and an employee of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Inspector General, recently was voted in as president of Toastmaster Club 8428, the EPA Breakfast Club. Congratulations to Brandon Phillips </ strong>of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Phillips, a member of AGA's Baltimore Chapter, has been promoted to a management analyst in SSA’s Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (ORES). He will be involved in the administration of ORES's budget and coordinating a number of extramural research grants SSA has with Boston College, the University of Michigan and the National Bureau of Economic Research. Shannon Wittman, a member of AGA's Baltimore Chapter, has been promoted within the Office of Financial Administrative Systems, Social Security Administration. Congratulations. Intergovernmental Cooperation Focus of AGA Radio Show
on WFED AM 1500 on Tuesday AGA Welcomes Newest Corporate Partner
TeraThink Corporation (TeraThink) is a leading edge Information Technology (IT) and management consulting firm focused on providing high value to its customers. TeraThink specializes in project management and system integration services in enterprise IT environments and has experience implementing Financial Management, Loan Management, ERP, HR and Acquisition systems for federal and state government customers. TeraThink's services encompass the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and are delivered through methodologies that focus on business processes optimization and operational performance improvement through enabling technologies. TeraThink is a Native American-owned 8(a) small business headquartered in Reston, VA. For more information, visit www.terathink.com or contact Doug Davidson, 703.234.7735. AGA Advertising Opportunities! |
Volume 49: Issue 1, January 12, 2009 TOPICS is Brought to You by AGA Corporate Partner Grant
Thornton Grant Thornton Global Public Sector delivers financial, technology and performance management solutions to federal, state and local government clients, and international organizations. Call us to see if we can help your agency manage its resources more efficiently and effectively at 703.637.2750. From the National President These past five months as your president have been like watching a foreign art film on fast forward. I am finally getting accustomed to the accent, the nuances and the unfamiliar story setting. Still, I am occasionally surprised by the developments unfolding before my eyes. I am working on anticipating and adapting to these unexpected plot twists, rather than just trying to keep up with the "storyline." Since September, I have raised many issues in this TOPICS column. I expressed my concern over the lack of a validated executive director succession plan, the need for enhanced internal control documentation for the National Office finance operation, the consequences of not formally institutionalizing the governance protocol between the elected National President and the executive director and his executive staff, and the clear demarcation of the responsibilities and accountability of the National President. Additionally, a number of Past National Presidents expressed concern over the National President nomination process, the role of the executive director in that process, and the appearance that Corporate Partner members are calling the shots at AGA conferences. I want to take this opportunity to submit to you a mid-term report on the status of these challenges. Read the full mid-term report. Sam AGA’s NLC Registration Deadline Quickly Approaching The NLC brings together the top minds in the industry to share leadership secrets, the newest management techniques and the most recent information on always-changing standards and regulations. Sessions will cover hot topics, current issues and look at the effects of political transitions and what the future holds. NLC 2009 will be bigger and better than ever. In addition to offering 14 CPE hours and an outstanding technical program, the NLC also provides unparalleled opportunities to network, exchange ideas and meet new friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with your peers and learn from the top financial management leaders and industry experts, including:
Don’t forget to reserve your room at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue. The AGA room rate is $209 (plus tax) until Jan. 31, 2009, or until the block is sold out. To make a reservation, please call the hotel at 800.393.2503 and mention you are attending the “AGA NLC” to receive the discounted rate. Or, for your convenience, you may also reserve a room online. Information about the conference agenda, speakers and sessions is coming soon. Show your commitment to excellence—register today! TOPICS is Brought to You by Virginia Resources
Authority AGA PDC 2009 in New Orleans—Register and
Reserve Your Hotel Accommodations Today</ span> The PDC attracts more than 1,700 government financial management and accountability professionals to hear from the best minds in the industry at education sessions, in the Exhibit Hall and at daily social events. The PDC is the authoritative source for the knowledge and contacts you need to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment. At the PDC, you can hear from dynamic speakers, make new contacts, learn about the latest research, discover innovative management techniques and see the technological tools that can aid efficiency and improve effectiveness. In addition to an excellent technical education program, the PDC is packed with opportunities to network with colleagues from around the country and make new friends. While you’re here, please be sure to experience all the music, culture, history and fine dining New Orleans has to offer. Hotel Accommodations: This year’s conference activities will take place in two hotels. The New Orleans Marriott will play host to the Registration Desk, Exhibit Hall, concurrent sessions and most of AGA’s business meetings. The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel will host all of the general sessions and luncheons. For your convenience, both hotels are located on Canal Street and are directly across the street from each other. We have reserved a block of rooms at both the New Orleans Marriott and the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel to accommodate PDC attendees. The AGA room rate is $120 per night (plus tax) for single and double occupancy. Rates are only guaranteed until May 29, 2009, or until the block is sold out</ em>. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations early, for the best price and availability.
AGA Unveils Certificate of Excellence
in Citizen-Centric Reporting These reports, known as Citizen-Centric Reports, have been adopted by 31 governmental entities, including cities, counties, states and federal agencies. The reports have proven to be an effective tool in increasing citizen awareness, involvement and trust in government, as they describe government finances in a way that avoids complex, off-putting technical detail and present the information in a visually appealing, straightforward way. The Citizen-Centric Reports follow a suggested format, with the first page laying out community information; the second, a performance report on key missions and services; the third, cost and revenue information; and the fourth, a look forward to the year ahead. Read about eligibility and judging guidelines. For more information, please contact Susan Fritzlen. TOPICS is Brought to You by Virginia Resources Authority</ span>  Fiscal and
Administrative Manager. Virginia Resources Authority is seeking a skilled
professional to support the Director of Administration and Finance. CPA is
strongly preferred. Salary is negotiable, based on qualifications and
experience. Excellent benefit package. This position is open until filled. For
further information visit www.virginiaresources.org/ employment.shtml.
EOE
Logging In and Winning Big
Jennifer Paperman, CPA, New York Capital Chapter Richard Guadalupe, Northern Virginia Chapter</ strong> ; ; Even if you were not drawn for a GPS, the time you took to edit your profile will be rewarded with superior member service. You can still make sure you receive this great reward by updating your information today. Simply go to www.agacgfm.org and login using your member ID. Your password is your first initial immediately followed by your last name (unless you have changed it). Remember to look for your 2009–2010 membership invoice during February. Thank you. We look forward to serving you this coming year! TOPICS is Brought to You by Virginia
Resources Authority AGA and LinkedIn Both AGA professional members and CGFMs can utilize the online networking site. The AGA Group on LinkedIn provides an area where you as a professional can connect with your government financial manager peers and enhance your profiles by promoting your affiliations. In addition, the AGA group is an excellent place for sharing ideas. It is simple and free to join. Leap into the New Year and get started today. Upon joining LinkedIn, you create a profile that summarizes your professional history and endeavors. You can add more connections to broaden and strengthen your network by inviting trusted contacts to connect to you. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients and partners, and can assist you in finding new jobs. Visit LinkedIn. Guam Chapter Hosts CGFM Workshops |
Other AGA Links Bring New AGA-Sponsored Training Courses to Your Organization
|
|
© Association of Government Accountants 2009</ FONT> Disclaimer: AGA serves government accountability professionals by providing quality education, fostering professional development and certification, and supporting standards and research to advance government accountability. If you would like to opt off of future AGA mailings, please e-mail agawebmaster@agacgfm.org. Thank you. |
January marks the midpoint of my term as
AGA’s National President. I am only serving an 11-month term because of the PDC
dates set years ago by the National Office staff. Given the contracted length of
my term, my focus has always been on quality over quantity. As you will probably
agree, good perfume usually comes in tiny bottles. 
If you have already registered for our
Seventh Annual National Leadership Conference, we look forward to seeing you.
You’ve made a smart investment in yourself and your organization. But if you
have not yet registered, don’t worry… there’s still time. Discounts apply to all
registration forms received on or before Jan. 16, 2009. Register online and save
even more.
Join us in the “Big Easy” June
21–24, 2009, for AGA’s 58th Annual Professional Development Conference &
Exposition (PDC) —the premier education and networking event of the
year!
Gloria Sheffield, CGFM, CPA, CIA, Tallahassee Chapter
Honorable Speaker Judith Won Pat
presented a resolution that commends and congratulates the Guam Chapter of the
Association of Government Accountants for its efforts in improving government
accountability in Guam through the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Program. The resolution was presented Dec. 11, and was attended by all 35
participants of the CGFM review courses in a luncheon ceremony hosted by
Deloitte & Touche. Past Presidents Matt Quinata and
Chris Wolseley, current President Rodalyn Marquez, CGFM,
President-Elect Jojo Guevarra</ strong>, Department of Administration
Director Lourdes Perez and courses instructor and past National President
Virginia Robinson, CGFM, joined Education Committee Chairperson
Zeny Nace, CGFM, and Co-Chairperson Maripaz Perez, CGFM,
in accepting the resolution.