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Highlights

Upcoming Audio Conferences

March 3: The War Against Fraud and Abuse: Are We Winning?

March 24: Suggested Guidelines for Voluntary Reporting—SEA Performance Information

April 21: The Latest Tools and Techniques for Auditors

May 19: Those Faint Signals: Learning to Catch Ethical Slippage Before It's Too Late

Entire 2010 Audio Conference Schedule

Training Opportunities

Looking for a Job

Reason No. 7 to be an AGA Member
Enhance Your Skills and Value to Your Employer. Lifelong learning is not an option. AGA’s monthly audio conferences and more than 40 onsite training courses are popular ways to get the training you need conveniently and at a low cost. Thousands of hours of continuing professional education are available through AGA. Learn new techniques to help improve workplace efficiencies and effectiveness.

Watch upcoming issues of TOPICS for the other top reasons to be an AGA member!

Member News
Stephen M. Eells, CPA, a member of AGA’s Trenton Chapter, was recently appointed and sworn in as New Jersey State Auditor. The ceremony took place Feb. 11, 2010 before a joint session of the New Jersey State Legislature. Eells has worked for the New Jersey Office of the State Auditor since 1982. He joined AGA shortly thereafter in May 1983. Prior to his appointment, Eells was the assistant state auditor in charge of operations, providing program development and managerial oversight for the office. Congratulations!

The Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) has announced that Michael H. Granof, Ph.D., CPA, a member of AGA’s Austin Chapter, Ernst & Young Distinguished Centennial Professor of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to serve as a member of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), starting July 1, 2010. The appointment was made by the FAF Board of Trustees, which oversees the activities of GASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. (FASB). Granof is also a member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB).

Angie Lowi-Teng, a member of AGA’s Sacramento Chapter since 1995, has been promoted to accounting administrator I supervisor at the California State Controller’s Office.

In Their Own Words: AGA Members Tell Us What's In It For Them
"This has allowed me to think of ways we could do things differently as well as to give me some contacts at various agencies should I ever have any questions. I hope that as the years continue to come and go I can continue to be as active as I am now and can only hope that my contact list will continue to grow!" Jeff Hughes, MBA, CFE, AGA’s Nashville Chapter, 2008 Member of the Year

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Take the 16th Annual AGA CFO Survey!
The 16th Annual AGA CFO survey is waiting for your participation. This year’s topics cover financial management, operations and reporting (including for the Recovery Act). Results will be presented at AGA's Professional Development Conference & Exposition this July in Orlando. Remember, AGA will give the chapter with the highest response rate to this survey a cash award of $300; second highest will receive $200 and third will receive $100. The award will be based on the number of responses received per chapter divided by the total registered membership of a chapter. Please be sure to enter your chapter’s name when you fill out the survey. Take the survey.

From the National Office
The AGA National Office welcomes Pamella Shaw as the certification program specialist in the Office of Professional Certification, where she reviews and processes CGFM applications and provides administrative support to the CGFM team.

Pamella most recently worked as a classroom teacher at a Washington, D.C. charter school teaching 7th and 8th grade mathematics. She has also worked as an accountant, manager and office administrator. “I am impressed by the mission of AGA. The AGA staff is dedicated and thoughtful. I look forward to helping the CGFM Program grow,” she said. She lives with her husband and youngest son in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA. Pamella can be reached at pshaw@agacgfm.org or 800.AGA.7211, ext. 306. Welcome!

Des Moines Chapter Awards Scholarship
AGA's Des Moines Chapter is offering a $500 college tuition scholarship to Zach Rowley, a senior majoring in accounting and economics at the University of Northern Iowa. Zach has a 3.85 grade point average. He will be awarded his scholarship at the March 3 chapter meeting.

AGA’s Montgomery Chapter Raising Money to Fight Cancer
AGA’s Montgomery Chapter is participating in two fund-raising events for the American Cancer Society and the Joy to Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing free mammograms for medically under-served women under 50 years of age in 28 counties in South Central Alabama. The foundation’s 2010 Walk of Life event is set for April 17 at Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery. A second event, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, is set for May 7 at Village Green Park in Millbrook. Pamela Henderson, who is coordinating the effort for the chapter, aims to raise $3,000 or more for each cause. Contact her at 334.242.1058 to participate. Read more.

AGA Advertising Opportunities!
Advertise in AGA's electronic newsletters—TOPICS and AGA Today! Get maximum exposure and build your brand. Find out what's available in an upcoming issue. Click here for all the information you need to run your ad. Or, you can contact April Pardoe.

Volume 50: Issue 4, March 1, 2010

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
For the past two weeks, many of us have been glued to the television watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. I am always in awe of the athleticism displayed by these young men and women—the "best of the best" from around the world. Further, I am just amazed how at how close the scores are between the gold medal winner and those in 15th place. Sometimes only hundredths of seconds separate them. Often times, we quickly forget the names of those who did not place in the medal round; but, those who are in fourth place and beyond to the last person scoring are all tremendous athletes, each of them can probably run circles around us. My goodness, they made it to the Olympics! What an accomplishment!

Well, AGA is somewhat like these top athletes. AGA is made up of many members who represent the "best of the best" in their profession. As an organization, AGA represents the "best of the best" as we continue to move forward in Advancing Government Accountability. On February 18 and 19, AGA held another successful National Leadership Conference with more than 700 registered attendees. The conference was, by all accounts, an extreme success—a gold medal winner, if you will accept this analogy. It is such a privilege to serve as your National President and be a part of AGA’s success AGA as we reap the benefits of many who have served before us. Read more.

Log In and Win Big
Although renewal season is well under way, AGA thanks members who updated their profiles before Dec. 31. By doing so, you enabled AGA to keep in contact with you and ensure that our services and events remain focused on your needs in 2010. Three winners were drawn out of thousands who updated their profiles.

AGA sends a warm congratulation to the three lucky winners of the Sony Webbie camcorder systems:

Edward P. Jeye, Boston Chapter
Amanda Green, CGFM, New Orleans Chapter
Margaret Munson, Des Moines Chapter

Even if your name was not drawn for a camcorder, the time you took to edit your profile will be rewarded with superior member service. Update your information today. Simply go to AGA's website and log in using your member ID. Your password is your first initial immediately followed by your last name (unless you have changed it).

Remember to renew your membership before March 31, 2010 and look out for more opportunities to get involved. Thank you for being an AGA member and for your contribution to building a more diverse and inclusive financial management community.

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Save the Dates, Mark Your Calendars… And Get Ready for AGA PDC 2010
Make plans now to join us July 11–14 in Orlando, FL for AGA’s 59th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition—the premier education and networking event for government financial managers and accountability professionals.

Earn 24 CPE hours, gain useful information and get technical training. Learn about the latest research, receive up-to-the-minute information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, share best practices, discuss new management techniques, and hear about technological advances and practical tips for bringing greater efficiency to government operations.

The PDC offers a comprehensive program, captivating speakers, lively discussions, top-quality education sessions and equips you with knowledge and skills you need to be more effective leader. Exhibitors will be available to demonstrate the newest products, tools and cutting-edge technology available to help your agency achieve its mission.

In addition to an outstanding program, the PDC offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, sharing solutions to common problems, exchanging ideas, connecting with colleagues and meeting new friends.

Registration fees are $800 for AGA members and $1,000 for nonmembers until June 11, 2010. Early registration saves you money and increases your chances of obtaining accommodations at the conference hotel.

Save Money by Registering Online Now

Print Registration Form

Visit the website

Information about the agenda, speakers, travel discounts and tours is coming soon. Stay tuned to the website, www.agacgfm.org/pdc, for more information…See you in Orlando!

Hotel Accommodations: We reserved a block of rooms at the Orlando World Center Marriott to accommodate PDC attendees. The rate is $108 per night (plus tax) until June 18, 2010, or until the room block is sold out. Reservations received after June 18, or after the room block has been filled, will only be made on a space-available basis, and may be subject to significantly higher rates.

AGA’s room block is already 50 percent sold. We encourage you to reserve your room as quickly as possible to secure your spot at the headquarters hotel.

To make a reservation, please call the Marriott at 800.621.0638 and mention the “AGA PDC” to receive the discounted rate. You can also reserve a room online.

The Latest Tools and Techniques for Auditors
AGA, in conjunction with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers and the Association of Local Government Auditors is pleased to announce a new and increasingly important topic to our audio conference schedule—using auditing analytics to add value to your organization—set for 2 – 3:50 p.m. (EDT), April 21. The audio conference is worth 2 CPE hours.

The use of technology—particularly audit analytics—is an internal audit industry best practice. Find out how government departments of all types can add significant value to the organization by using audit analytics to increase productivity and mitigate risks that lead to error, fraud and waste.

Learn to:

Develop an audit analytics strategy to support the risk assessment process
Align audit analytics with strategic direction of your department
Assign responsibility for key roles
Standardize audit-relevant data into a controlled repository
Identify key factors to ensure successful implementation of these analytic approaches

This audio conference features a case study. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a crucial role to play in today's economy through their commitment to sustaining home ownership, creating housing opportunities and supporting community development for those in need. The agency's staff is challenged to oversee numerous programs nationwide and to provide assurance to the Office of the Inspector General in the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of HUD operations.

To share their practical experiences in information technology audits and the use of audit analytics are Steve Biskie, CPA, CITP, CISA, director of services product management, ACL Services, Ltd. who has more than15 years of experience in information technology audit for public accounting (as a former Deloitte manager), private industry and with specialized risk management consulting firms; and Cliff Cole, computer audit specialist, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Cost: $249 per site (UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE) if you register on or before April 16, 2010 and $299 thereafter. SPECIAL PROMOTION: Government agencies and CPAG members who register five or more office will receive a 20 percent discount ($200 per site).

Register online
Print the registration form or the Special Promotion Registration and fax it to 703.684.6933

If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Maria Lucas at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 308. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Raymond Harris, CGFM, ext. 339.

TOPICS is Brought to You by Federal News Radio

If you missed anything at AGA’s National Leadership Conference, check out Federal News Radio’s coverage by clicking HERE.

Keep up with the latest news affecting the federal community with Federal News Radio’s specialized emails:
Federal News Flash, Mike Causey’s Federal Report, and the DorobekInsider.

AGA to Hold Federal Performance Conference
AGA will hold its first Federal Performance Conference on April 27–28, 2010 in Washington, D.C. This day-and-a-half event will focus on the latest mandates and leading practices within federal government agencies. The challenges in producing performance reports and their usefulness, the obstacles to producing those reports and the administration’s initiatives will be covered. If you are new to the performance process or are a veteran looking to hone your skills and learn firsthand what is new for 2010, you won’t want to miss this event.

Sponsorships are available! For more information, contact Ada Phillips. For program information, contact Evie Barry. Watch AGA’s newsletters and website for more information as it becomes available.

One Month Left to Submit Your 2010 National Academic Scholarship Application
Are you or a family member pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in disciplines such as accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, finance, information technology, public administration, etc.? If so, consider applying for an AGA National Academic Scholarship today!

Each year, AGA National awards:

Up to four $3,000 full-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members,
One $1,000 part-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members, and
One $3,000 community service scholarship

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Apply now and take full advantage of your AGA membership.

Click here to download a copy of the application or contact Louise Kapelewski.

Six Weeks Left to Submit 2010 National Award Nominations
AGA’s National Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for our 13 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
Chapter Education Award
Chapter Service Award
Community Service Award
International Achievement Award
Chapter CGFM Award
Emerging Leader Award of Excellence
Regional Coordinator Award

These awards will be presented during AGA's 58th Annual Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Orlando, July 11–14, 2010. In many cases, individuals do not have to be members of AGA to be eligible. All nominations are due by Friday, April 16, 2010. Nomination forms are available online. For more information, contact Louise Kapelewski.

Continuing Education That Meets Your Needs
AGA now offers 41 courses, which are currently available for delivery at your organization.

Some of our newer courses include:

Administration of ARRA Grants
Building a Productive Team
Collecting Testimonial Evidence
Effective Writing Skills for Accountants and Auditors
Ethics in the Workplace
Fraud Detection and Prevention
Powerful Presentations and Briefing Techniques
The Government Audit: Basic Concepts Through Resolution
Working Papers and Audit Evidence
Writing Reports More Effectively

These AGA-sponsored courses are developed and taught by experts in their field of study. The courses are cost efficient, up-to-date, convenient and meet the growing demands of the government financial profession. Also, if your organization’s training needs are larger in scope or require a more customized approach, we can help assemble a tailored program that fits your organization needs.

For pricing and additional information, contact Joe Jozefczyk at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 307, or Lynn Hoffman at ext. 342.

The Journal Editorial Board Seeks New Member
AGA's Journal Editorial Board, which oversees the content of the Journal of Government Financial Management, seeks a new member who works in the state or local government environment to begin a three-year term on July 1, 2010. Journal Board members are responsible for performing critical reviews of submitted articles, guiding the development of the annual editorial calendar and judging the annual national Author Award contest. Members spend between 10 and 15 hours per quarter on board business. Interested AGA members should contact Journal Editor Marie Force.

Members Who Made a Difference, 2000–2010
In recognition of AGA’s 60th Anniversary this September, we will issue a special issue of the Journal of Government Financial Management to commemorate the occasion. We’d like to feature a cross-section of members who contributed to AGA’s success over the last 10 years. Whether on the national, regional or local level, members are hard at work every day to ensure AGA’s continued success. Please help us to recognize deserving members by suggesting them for our “Members Who Made a Difference” profiles in the Fall 2010 issue of The Journal. We’re looking for the foot soldiers and unsung heroes who have served AGA faithfully during the 2000s. Please return this form to Marie Force by April 15, 2010. Thank you in advance for your participation!

AGA Government Finance Case Challenge Winner Announced
AGA congratulates the University of Wisconsin – Platteville team on its award. Both finalist teams, which included North Carolina State University, did an outstanding job with their reports and presentations at AGA’s Eighth Annual National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. All teams constructed a Citizen-Centric Report for a fictional city. The 2010–2011 competition will begin in October 2010. Read more.

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