AGA TOPICS Newsletter
Government
Financial Management TOPICS
Vol. 43, #3, February 3, 2004
We
are pleased to present TOPICS in this new easy-to-read format with
no downloads necessary. Tell us what you think! Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=87269341782
to register your feedback! If you’d like a reply from staff,
please include your e-mail address with your comment.
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Early Registration Extended for National Leadership Conference
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Early registration rates for AGA’s Second Annual National
Leadership Conference have been extended until Friday, Feb. 6. Take
advantage of lower rates for this top-level conference, slated for
February 19-20, 2004 in Washington, D.C. “First Responders:
Financial Leadership in an Era of Crisis,” is the theme, and
attendees can earn up to 14 CPE hours. To review the conference
agenda, register or learn about accommodations, go to www.agacgfm.org/nlc
Contact Julie Cupp at jcupp@agacgfm.org
with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Washington!
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Next Issue: February 17, 2004—Spotlight on Membership
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Welcome to Government Financial Management TOPICS,
the
Bi-weekly Briefing of AGA News
SPOTLIGHT
ON AGA’S PERFORMANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
IN
OTHER NEWS FROM AGA…
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TOPICS
is Brought to you by AGA Corporate Partner 
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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ISSUE
SPOTLIGHT: PERFORMANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
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Advancing Accountability Through CEAR, SEA
—by Jullin Renthrope, CGFM, AGA National President
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Recently,
Immediate Past National President William J. Anderson Jr., CGFM,
began the dialog about changing the name of the organization to the
“Association for Government Accountability,” with the acronym
and associated tagline, “AGA–Advancing Government
Accountability.” I agree with this idea because it so aptly
captures our mission and spotlights the core principle of
accountability, which serves as the cornerstone for everything we
do.
Since
this topic is particularly timely, this month I will highlight two
AGA programs that boldly embody this critical principle of
accountability: the Certificate of Excellence in Accountability
Reporting (CEAR) Program and the Certificate of Excellence in
Service Efforts and Accomplishments (COE in SEA Reporting) Program.
Both programs are built on the premise that government is
accountable to citizens for producing results, and both programs
will help shape the future of our Association. Here is why this
matters for AGA as an organization and for you as a member. To read
the complete article, go to www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/020204/president.aspx
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Act Now to Be Included in AGA’s CEAR Program
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Expertise.
Access. Value. Demonstrate your agency’s commitment to excellence
and participate in AGA’s Certificate of Excellence in
Accountability Reporting (CEAR) Program. A five-person team
comprised of experts from the CFO, IG, performance management and
independent public accounting communities perform an
in-depth
peer review of your agency’s Performance and Accountability Report
(PAR). They then develop valuable recommendations for improving your
report’s structure and content. All agencies are encouraged to
participate, whether or not they are statutorily required to produce
a PAR and whether or not they have received an unqualified audit
opinion. Fiscal Year 2003 PARs are due to AGA by
March
1, 2004. Visit www.agacgfm.org/performance/cear
for more information or contact Lisa Thatcher at lthatcher@agacgfm.org
or 800.AGA.7211, ext. 212.
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TOPICS
is Brought to you by AGA Corporate Partner 
Management
Concepts helps accounting personnel strengthen their knowledge of
federal accounting principles and procedures.
-
Earn
the professional development credits you need
-
Develop
JFMIP Core Competencies
-
Acquire
critical reference tools
Management
Concepts can address your federal accounting challenges. Visit www.managementconcepts.com/financial
to learn more.
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Pilot
Year for SEA Program Off to Strong Start
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The
20 evaluations performed under AGA's Certificate of Excellence in
Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) Program are well under
way. The first sets of comments will be returned to charter
participants in early February and the rest of the evaluations will
be returned by late March. A program evaluation summary will be
developed and available in late spring, 2004. If your government is
reporting performance information, consider submitting your report
for evaluation under this new program. The implementation Phase
begins October 2004 and runs through February 2005. AGA is also
looking for individuals to serve as program reviewers. Under the
Implementation Phase, we need approximately 200 evaluators! Take
advantage of this opportunity to get involved with this pioneering
effort. Visit www.agacgfm.org/performance/sea
for details.
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AGA
Hires Anna D. Gowans Miller, CPA, as Technical Manager
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Anna
D. Gowans Miller, CPA, has accepted the newly created AGA staff
position of technical manager. Having a technical manager on staff
will enable AGA to better represent the interests of members in
matters regarding government financial management legislation and
regulation. Anna will monitor, research and analyze government
financial management issues and develop strategies and position
papers for committee review. She will work with the AGA team to keep
the membership informed on legislative and regulatory developments,
and with the executive director to identify emerging issues and
topics for research projects and educational programs. She will be
AGA’s liaison to OMB, GAO, FASAB, JFMIP, GASB and FASB, IFAC,
PCAOB for governmental and public sector financial management
issues. Go to www.agacgfm.org/publications/topics/020204/miller.aspx
to read more.
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Performance
& Accountability News & Notes
-
Visit
AGA's website for "AGA in the News," the program's
Review Guidelines, program value and benefits, and more. Go to www.agacgfm.org/performance/performancedefault.aspx
-
Upcoming
CEAR and SEA Events: The launch of the Fiscal Year 2004 PAR
evaluation cycle (FY 2004 PARs) begins late July 2004 with
AGA’s Annual Performance and Accountability Report
Preparer’s Workshop, “Producing an Excellent Performance and
Accountability Report.” Visit www.agacgfm.org/performance/cear/ceartraining.aspx
for updated details.
MARK
YOUR CALENDARS: To attend AGA’s Annual CEAR Program Awards
Ceremony the afternoon of Thursday, September 16, 2004.
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IN
OTHER NEWS FROM AGA…
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CGFM
Study Guide Discount Offered to AGA Chapters
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Attention
chapter education leaders! Have you been thinking of putting on a
training course at your chapter to help individuals prepare for the
CGFM Examinations? AGA is now offering a volume discount to AGA
chapters who want to purchase the CGFM Exam 2 Study Guide.
Interested chapters should contact Katya Silver at ksilver@agacgfm.org
or 800.AGA.7211, ext. 313.
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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:
-
Robert
W. King Memorial Award
-
Einhorn-Gary
Award
-
Frank
Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
-
Achievement
of the Year Award
-
Educator
Award
-
Cornelius
E. Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award
-
Special
Achievement Award
-
Chapter
Service Award
-
Chapter
Education Award
-
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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REGULAR
FEATURES
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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, (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 $299 per phone line (toll-free to
caller, unlimited attendance). Visit www.agacgfm.org/education/audioconferences/gasbconference0204.aspx
to register. For more details, call Julie Cupp at 703.684.6831 ext.
207, or Lin Latham, 703.694.6931, ext. 209.
02/19/04
- 02/20/04 AGA’s
Second 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 Montoring 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
03/15-17/04
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.
NORTHWEST
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
non-profit 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.
04/22/04
- 04/23/04 Annual Regional Government Accounting and Auditing
Conference
AGA's
Seattle Chapter is co-sponsoring this conference, worth 16 CPE
hours, with the Washington Society of CPAs (WSCPA) at the Seatac
Doubletree Inn. The conference features GASB and Yellow Book
updates. Other topics include: Grant Accounting and Reporting
Changes, hands-on Performance Measures & Managing for Results
training, and Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee: A State
Perspective. COSO Revisited—Enterprise Risk Management,
Applicability and Common Sense Approach to Implementing COSO,
Economic Environment & Associated Risks, Derivatives and Hedging
Activities: Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Governments,
and Performance Auditing—Issues and Applications. The cost for AGA
and WSCPA members: Early bird price (April 2 deadline) for the
two-day course is $275,and $320 afterward. One-day price is $185
early bird and $230 afterward. Register online at www.wscpa.org
or contact Pat Seaton at 206.287.4824.
SOUTHEAST
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
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. Topics include
forensic techniques and fraud detection, fraud hotlines, forensic
data analysis, investigative interviewing and securities fraud. Cost
is $390 for members; $460 for nonmembers. Contact Martin Krone,
CGFM, conference coordinator at 408.277.8319, or at MartinKroneIIA@aol.com.
Visit the conference website at www.sfaga.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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AGA
Advertising Opportunities!
Take
advantage of several advertising opportunities from AGA! Get maximum
exposure and build your brand. Advertise on the AGA website, within
AGA Today as well as AGA’s TOPICS newsletter.
For
information about rates and mechanical specifications, contact
Jennifer Curtin at 410.257.4562, or via e-mail at jcurtin@agacgfm.org.
______________________________________________________________________________________
In
need of CPE? Have you visited AGA’s online professional
development center? Act now and take advantage of great courses,
affordable prices and desktop convenience. Visit
www.agacgfm.org/education/onlinecpe.aspx.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Interested
in joining the best of the best in government financial
management? It’s easy…join AGA. To become a member, visit
www.agacgfm.org/membership/membershipdefault.aspx.
Subscribers
can remove themselves from the AGA Today listserve by
writing a message to our list's leave address:
leave-agatoday@mh.databack.com.
Technical
difficulties? Send an e-mail to jcurtin@agacgfm.org.
Thanks.