AGA TOPICS Newsletter
Government Financial Management TOPICS
Vol. 43, #2, January 20, 2004
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Next Issue:
February 2, 2004—Spotlight on Performance & Accountability. Copy
Deadline: January 28, 2004.
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Welcome to
Government Financial Management TOPICS, the Bi-weekly Briefing of
AGA News
SPOTLIGHT ON AGA’S CGFM PROGRAM
IN OTHER NEWS FROM AGA…
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Download a copy
of AGA’s 2002-2003 Annual Report at
www.agacgfm.org.
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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.
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SPOTLIGHT ON
AGA’S CGFM PROGRAM
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From the Professional Certification Board
Chair William L. Taylor, CGFM
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With the start of the New Year, I
am pleased to announce a renewed effort for the CGFM Program—the
hiring of Pete Rose, CGFM, to direct AGA’s professional
certification program. Many of you already know Pete. A strong
advocate of certification throughout his career, Pete has been a
member of AGA’s Professional Certification Board since its inception
and served as its chairman for several years. He was one of the
first AGA members to receive the credential, holding certificate No.
10. He is also a popular instructor of what many consider to be the
most difficult CGFM preparatory course, Governmental Accounting,
Financial Reporting and Budgeting, which is offered through a
partnership with AGA and Management Concepts. You could say he wrote
the book on the subject since he was one of the main authors of the
newly published CGFM Exam 2 Study Guide. His students praise Pete’s
skills, saying he pulls not only from his vast knowledge of state
and local government reporting standards, but his experience as a
former finance director. Read more at
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/taylor.aspx
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TOPICS is brought to you by AGA Corporate Partner Management
Concepts
Management Concepts provides federal financial management
solutions to help you reach your performance goals.
-
Link budget activities to program outcomes
-
Support accountability for results
-
Promote successful financial system implementation
Learn more about
how Management Concepts can address your financial management
challenges. Visit
www.managementconcepts.com/financial
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CGFM Profile: Linda Bagwell
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It wasn’t enough for Linda “Birdie”
Bagwell to rely upon the governmental accounting courses she took
toward her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She wanted more
depth, and looked to the CGFM as a way to bridge the gap between her
professional and educational experiences. And now that Bagwell has
passed the three CGFM Examinations, she is glad she decided to earn
the certification because she learned new skills and gained
knowledge that she uses on the job every day. Read more at
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/bagwell.aspx
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CGFM Profile: Stephen Driscoll
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“The old days of
doing a good job and getting promoted to the top are gone.”
So says AGA member
Stephen Driscoll, CGFM, the assistant city manager of Sparks, NV.
Employers are not only focusing on work experience, he said, but
advanced degrees and certifications when choosing the best
applicants for financial management positions. Earning another
degree or a new credential shows an employer that the applicant can
set long-range goals and achieve them. Renewing the
credential—through an annual commitment to continuing professional
education—means the applicant is serious about maintaining the
integrity of their certification.
The top three financial
professionals in Sparks all hold certifications, he said. “When
people start asking questions, we bring something to the table
beyond accounting degrees and 25 years of experience.” Read
the complete story at
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/driscoll.aspx
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Who’s Earning the
CGFM?
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AGA’s Department of Professional
Certification thought it would be a good idea to find out about who
is participating in the CGFM Program and earning the CGFM
designation. The department recently reviewed demographic data for
the 2002-2003 fiscal year and discovered some interesting
information. The following data was reviewed: sex, enrollment date,
CGFM completion date, birth date (when available) and response data
for the question: How did you learn about the CGFM? Read more at
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/application.aspx
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Other Items of
Interest to CGFMs and CGFM Candidates
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Congratulations
to the Newest CGFMs: Cecilia Catlin, CGFM, Office of the City
Attorney, San Diego, CA; Suzanne Luster, CGFM, County of Orange,
Santa Ana, CA; Betty L. Miller-Barnard, CGFM, CDC, Buford, GA;
John G. Parish, CGFM, CPA, Augusta Housing Authority, Martinez,
GA; Abdus Samee, CGFM, CPA, U.S. Department of Labor, Alexandria,
VA; and Michael Scott Wetklow, CGFM, CPA, GAO, Arlington, VA.
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Frequently Asked Questions on
Renewing Your CGFM Certification
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/faq.aspx
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CGFM Program Application
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/start/application_form.aspx
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Contact Katya Silver at
ksilver@agacgfm.org
for more information about the CGFM Program
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TOPICS is brought to you by AGA Corporate Partner Oracle
Oracle
Corporation (www.oracle.com),
the world's second largest enterprise software company, offers an
integrated suite of business solutions that help federal agencies
meet their financials goals. Our Federal Financials Product
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government experience to be part of a team of product managers to
design, develop and deliver financial applications to the federal
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)
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IN OTHER NEWS FROM AGA…
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AGA's Second Annual National Leadership Conference (NLC)
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Act quickly to
register for AGA’s National Leadership Conference, set for Feb.
19-20, 2004, in Washington, D.C. The theme of this year’s conference
is "First Responders: Financial Leadership in an Era of Crisis," and
it will bring together federal, state and local government leaders
to discuss common challenges.
In an age of
heightened security and increased demand for services, the three
levels of government are working together to do more with less. Join
us to earn up to 14 CPE hours and hear from top-ranking government
leaders who are facing these challenges head on.
Confirmed speakers
include Ralph Campbell, Jr., State Auditor, State of North Carolina;
Margret Kellems, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice,
District of Columbia; Andrew Mitchell, Acting Director, Office for
Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Paul L.
Posner, Managing Director, Federal Budget, Strategic Issues, U.S.
General Accounting Office; and Linda M. Springer, Controller, Office
of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget.
Hotel Reservation
Deadline: January 30, 2004. For the complete agenda and for more
information, go to
www.agacgfm.org/nlc
Contact Julie Cupp
at jcupp@agacgfm.org with any
questions. See you in February!
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AGA Announces the Recipients of the 2004 State & Local Leadership,
Federal Leadership Awards
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AGA is pleased to
recognize this outstanding group of professionals with its 2004
Federal Leadership and State & Local Government Leadership Awards,
which will be presented at the Second Annual National Leadership
Conference in February.
State & Local Government Leadership Awards
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EXCELLENCE IN
GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: Lawrence F. Alwin, CGFM, AGA’s
Austin Chapter, State Auditor, State of Texas.
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WILLIAM R.
SNODGRASS DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD: Laura J. Mester,
AGA’s Greater Lansing Chapter, Director of Financial Control
Division, State of Michigan.
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DISTINGUISHED
LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: Susan E. Cohen, CGFM, AGA’s
Seattle Chapter, City Auditor, City of Seattle; and Rita C. Kidd,
CGFM, AGA’s Sacramento Chapter, President, Rita C. Kidd
Consulting, Inc.
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PRIVATE SECTOR
FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD: Donna S. Morea, Executive Vice
President, American Management Systems, Inc.
Federal Leadership Awards
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ANDY BARR
AWARD: William H. Oliver, CGFM, AGA’s Baltimore Chapter,
Partner, Clifton Gunderson LLP.
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DISTINGUISHED
FEDERAL LEADERSHIP AWARD: Nikki L. Tinsley, AGA’s Northern
Virginia Chapter, Inspector General, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.
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ELMER STAATS
AWARD: Irwin T. David, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter,
Chief Financial Officer, National Atmospheric and Ocean
Administration.
To find out more
about the awards and to read the complete citations, go to
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/nlcawards.aspx
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Save Time…Renew Your Membership Online in 2004
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Annual renewal time
is upon us. Membership and CGFM renewal packages will be mailed in
early February and are due to be paid by March 31, 2004. To expedite
your dues renewal, you have the option of renewing online via the
password protected Members Only section of the AGA website at
www.agacgfm.org. Login using
your membership ID number and password (your first initial followed
by your last name—no spaces), click on the gray ‘billing’ icon in
the top right hand corner of the screen. Your dues renewal fees will
automatically appear (this will include your CGFM renewal if
applicable). All you have to do is put in your credit card
information and hit ‘Submit.’ The transaction will automatically
process via our secure server and the updated renewal information
will be automatically updated in AGA’s in-house membership system!
All online transactions are secure!
You save time, AGA
saves time and your renewal is processed more efficiently! It’s a
win-win situation! While you are logged into the Members Only site,
be sure to take a look at your contact information and make any
updates as necessary (such as a new email address and/or phone
number). Remember…please renew on time – renewals are due March 31,
2004. If you have any questions, please contact the AGA Customer
Satisfaction Center at 800.AGA.7211 and/or
agamembers@agacgfm.org
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Call for 2004
National Awards Nominations
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AGA’s National
Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for 10 National Awards
that recognize the leaders advancing our profession and setting the
standards of excellence:
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Robert W. King
Memorial Award
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Einhorn-Gary
Award
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Frank Greathouse
Distinguished Leadership Award
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Achievement of
the Year Award
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Educator Award
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Cornelius E.
Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award
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Special
Achievement Award
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Chapter Service
Award
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Chapter Education
Award
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Community Service
Award
These awards will
be presented during AGA’s Professional Development Conference &
Exposition in Washington, D.C. June 27-30, 2004. In many cases,
individuals do not have to be members of AGA to be eligible. All
nominations are due Friday, March 5, 2004.
Visit
www.agacgfm.org/membership/awards/ for all nomination forms and
more information or contact Sebrina Bridgers at
sbridgers@agacgfm.org or
800.AGA.7211, ext. 131, for a Microsoft Word version of the forms.
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Call for Scholarship Nominations
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Extend the value of
your AGA membership and encourage a family member to apply for an
AGA National Scholarship. Each year, AGA awards six $1,000 full-time
merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members; two $500
part-time merit scholarship to AGA members and their family members;
and one $1,000 community service scholarship to an AGA member or
nonmember. The deadline for receipt of AGA National Scholarship
applications is April 2, 2004. Visit
www.agacgfm.org/membership/awards/ for more details and an
application, or, contact Sebrina Bridgers, at
sbridgers@agacgfm.org or
800.242.7211, ext. 131.
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A
Free AGA Chapter Educational Event Opportunity
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This is a
not-to-be-missed opportunity for the nation's top state and local
government financial accounting and reporting experts to provide
FREE CPE at your AGA chapter! The AGA National Office is pleased to
extend a special opportunity to AGA chapters. Between Jan. 1, 2004
and Dec. 31, 2004, Jay Fountain, CGFM, former assistant director of
research, now retired, and Wilson Campbell, CGFM, project director,
SEA Program, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), are
available as educational event and conference speakers. Visit
www.agacgfm.org/education/chpedu.aspx for more details or
contact AGA's Director of Education Lin Latham at
llatham@agacgfm.org
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REGULAR FEATURES
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CHAPTER NEWS
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Idaho Centennial
Chapter Recaps Successful Community Service Year
www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/012004/idaho.aspx
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CPE
OPPORTUNITIES—ORGANIZED BY REGION
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NATIONAL
02/04/04
GASB Service Efforts and Accomplishment Overview
This audio conference, worth 2 CPE hours, features Jay Fountain,
CGFM, former assistant director of Research at GASB, now retired.
Fountain will discuss GASB’s special report identifying 16 suggested
criteria and 11 best practices to help governmental organizations
effectively communicate performance information. From 2 to 3:50 p.m.
EST, Fountain will present these criteria with a discussion of how
they might be applied and examples of how they are being used in
performance reporting. Cost is $249 per phone line (toll-free to
caller, unlimited attendance), if you register on or before Jan. 28,
and $299 afterward. Visit
www.agacgfm.org/education/audioconferences/gasbconference0204.aspx
to register. For registration information, call Julie Cupp at
703.684.6831, ext. 207. For topic information, contact Lin Latham,
703.694.6931, ext. 209.
02/19/04 - 02/20/04 AGA’s Second Annual National Leadership
Conference
Register now
for this conference, ”First Responders: Financial Leadership in an
Era of Crisis.” Earn 14 CPE hours hearing from the top leaders in
federal, state and local government. Go to
www.agacgfm.org/nlc for
program and registration information.
06/27/04 - 06/30/04 AGA’s 53rd Annual Professional Development
Conference & Exposition
“Technology:
Powering the Accountability Age”
To stay at the top of the profession, it’s not enough for government
financial managers to keep up to date on current developments in the
field. To position yourself as a leader, you must understand
emerging issues and trends to be prepared to handle the
inevitable challenges and crises that arise in an ever-changing
environment. Technological advances in government financial
management have changed financial reporting. New regulations have
made those changes mandatory. Are you prepared to face these
challenges? Join AGA in Washington D.C. to hear from the people
leading the way to more accountable governments. Go to
www.agacgfm.org/pdc for
agenda and registration information.
CAPITAL
02/11/04 • Washington, D.C.
CGFM Training Course 1: The Governmental Environment
This course,
worth 8 CPE hours, is designed for financial management
professionals who are interested in learning more about the ways in
which government entities differ from private entities, and the
interactions among the different levels of government and the people
they serve. Contact Management Concepts at 703.790.9595 or go to
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/course5601.aspx
02/12/04 -
2/13/04 • Washington, D.C.
CGFM Training Course 3: Government Financial Management and Control
This course, worth 16 CPE hours, is designed for financial
management professionals who are interested in learning more about
the internal and management control process in government
organizations, and how this process can aid managers in meeting
objectives for reliable financial and performance reporting. Contact
Management Concepts at 703.790.9595 or go to
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/course5603.aspx
02/18/04 -
2/20/04 • Washington, D.C.
CGFM Training Course 2: Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting
and Budgeting
This course, worth 24 CPE hours, is designed for financial
management professionals who want to learn more about the standards
under which the government financial manager performs financial
accounting, reporting and budgeting tasks. Contact Management
Concepts at 703.790.9595 or go to
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/course5602.aspx
MIDWEST
02/03/04
- 02/04/04 “Awarding and Monitoring Subawards Under Federal Grants”
AGA’s Mid-Missouri Chapter is hosting the two-day Management
Concepts course, “Awarding and Monitoring Subawards Under Federal
Grants,” worth 16 CPE hours, at the Governor’s Office Building in
Jefferson City, MO. The course fee for AGA members is $425. For
course details and registration information, go to
www.midmoaga.org/CPE/Subawards/Subawards.htm. Direct questions
to Connie Qutami at 573.751.1597.
03/23/04 –
03/24/04 Regional PDC
AGA’s Mid-Missouri Chapter is sponsoring a regional PDC, worth 16
CPE hours, at the Inn at the Grand Glaize, Lake of the Ozarks.
Contact Dwayne Rasmussen, CGFM, at 573.751.1973 for more
information.
NORTHEAST
01/28/04
Fourth Annual Technology Conference
AGA's New York Capital Chapter is co-sponsoring this conference at
the New York State Museum Theatre in Albany, with the local chapters
of the IIA and ISACA. Forensic experts and investigators from the
State Police, U.S. Secret Service and various state agencies will
discuss how and when an audit may lead to a forensic investigation,
complement an investigation or interrelate with one, and the leading
edge tools being used in this field. The cost is $50 for members and
$100 for nonmembers; there is a $25 discount if registration and
payment is received by Jan. 14. Continental breakfast and lunch are
provided. Eight CPE hours are offered. Contact Rebekah Stanton at
rstanton@kpmg.com or
518.427.4811, or register online at
www.aganycap.org
March 15-17,
2004 AGA's New York Capital Chapter is co-sponsoring its 9th Annual
"The Conference That Counts (TCTC)" with featured keynote
luncheon speakers Alan G. Hevesi, NYS Comptroller and Lamar Hill,
Albany NanoTech. The three-day, three-track conference offers a
variety of technology, audit and general management subjects with
nationally known speakers, including Sam McCall, CGFM, City Auditor
for the City of Tallahassee, Florida and AGA National
President-Elect Designate. TCTC will be held at the Holiday Inn –
Turf on Wolf Road in Colonie and offers 21 CPE hours. Visit the
chapter's website at
www.aganycap.org to register and obtain details on the program.
A discount is available for early registration. Contact Katie
Gavigan at 518.402.2507 for registration and program questions.
SOUTHEAST
01/26/04
Annual Auditors and Accountants Seminar
The Government Affairs Committee of the Nashville Chapter of the
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is sponsoring this conference,
worth 8 CPE hours, at the Willis Conference Center, Nashville. See
www.nashvilleaga.org/iia2004.pdf for a brochure. Direct
questions to Robbie Hunter, CGFM, at 615.741.6537 or
Robbie.Hunter@state.tn.us
02/12/04 Winter
Seminar
AGA’s Nashville Chapter is sponsoring this seminar, worth 8 CPE
hours, at the Shamblin Theatre at Lipscomb University. The morning
speaker is Jay Fountain, CGFM, former assistant director of research
at GASB, who will discuss "GASB Service Efforts and
Accomplishments." Rep. Charles Curtis and Courtney Dillard, TSAC,
will also speak. Cost is $50 for AGA members; $75 for nonmembers. To
register contact Mason Ball at
mason.ball@state.tn.us.
See the brochure at
www.nashvilleaga.org/agawinter04.pdf
WEST
01/26/04 Ninth Annual Northern California Conference
This conference, themed, “Redefining Government” is set for the
Holiday Inn Northeast in Sacramento. AGA National President Jullin
Renthrope, CGFM, will open the conference, and Sacramento Mayor
Heather Fargo is an invited keynote speaker. Sessions will address
models for improving government performance, ethics discussions, new
requirements for government accounting and auditing and more. Early
registration fees are $110 for members; $150 for nonmembers. Eight
CPE hours are offered. To register, contact Marcia Durst at
marcia@mdurst.com. For more
information, go to
www.sacramentoAGA.com
02/19/04 - 02/20/04 Awareness of Fraud, Waste and Abuse
AGA’s
Silicon Valley Chapter is joining local chapters of the Institute of
Internal Auditors and the Information Systems Audit and Control
Association to sponsor this conference, worth 15 CPE hours, at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Square in San Francisco. Contact Martin
Krone, CGFM, conference coordinator at 408.277.8319, or at
MartinKroneIIA@aol.com.
Visit the conference website at
www.sfaga.org
03/03/05 -
03/05/04 Pacific Northwest Intergovernmental Audit Forum
The conference, set for the Red Lion Inn in Olympia, WA will include
an address by Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag, GAO’s Chief
Public Affairs Officer Jeff Nelligan, panel discussions on auditing
fraud and successfully surviving peer review, as well as sessions on
nonprofit accounting standards for auditors and transforming
audit-related professional development, among other topics. A
special session has been scheduled Friday morning with the
improvisational group, “On Your Feet,” for a workshop for applying
collaborative and critical thinking strategies to common
office/organizational issues. Cost is $180 and includes two
breakfasts, a luncheon, an evening reception and 16 CPE hours.
Conference registration is available at
www.auditforum.org
03/18/04 OMB
Circular A-87
AGA’s Sacramento Chapter will be offering this course on OMB
Circular A-87, and cost principles for state and local government,
worth 8 CPE hours, in Rancho Cordova. Fee is $100 for AGA members
(with early registration discount). The instructor is Sefton Boyers,
CGFM. Register at
www.sacramentoAGA.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
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