Highlights

Upcoming Audio Conferences

Nov. 16: Using XBRL to Improve Accountability, Transparency and Efficiency in Government

Dec. 7: Using Performance Information to Drive Performance Improvement

Jan. 11: Getting a Handle on Internal Controls

April 18: Find Strength in Numbers: Sampling Techniques to Improve Financial Audit, Control and Program Performance

2011 – 2012 Audio Conference Schedule

New DoD Financial Management Certification Program
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has recently introduced the DoD Financial Management Certification Program for the DoD Financial Management (FM) work force. The Program is mandatory for the DoD FM work force and offers training and professional development opportunities while establishing a standard financial management body of knowledge throughout the department.

This program is an overarching program, not a specific test-based certification program. The program elements include completion of specific education, experience and certifications. The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification is one of 20 certifications that the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) has approved for reimbursement. Completion of the CGFM meets the recommended program element for a test-based certification. More information on this program can be found in “Where is The DoD Financial Management Community Heading?” article from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Office of Financial Workforce Management. Read the article.

Training Opportunities

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Member News
The following members of AGA's Boston Chapter were recently elected to the executive committee of the New England Intergovernmental Audit Forum:
Joanna Aalt, Michael Armstrong, Suzanne Bump, Steve Burbank, Maureen Duddy and
John Mahoney.

Erica Fleischer , a member of AGA's Cleveland Chapter, has obtained her financial accounting certificate from Lakeland Community College. She exceeded the 24 credit hour requirement by completing additional accounting courses. This certificate will augment her bachelor's degree in business administration. Well done!

Che Johnson, a member of AGA's Cleveland Chapter, has received his accounting certificate from Management Concepts' Federal Financial Management Certificate Program. This education will complement the Management Concepts' financial management certificate Che received in June 2010. Congratulations.

Robert A. Pewanick, CGFM-Retired, a member of AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter since 1972, died Oct. 29 at age 69. He was president of the Washington, D.C. Chapter in 1982–1983 and the 1986–1987 Capital Regional Vice President. He worked for 38 years at the Government Accountability Office, where he served as assistant director for Financial Management and Accountability. He was the recipient of GAO's Meritorious Service Award and Distinguished Service Award. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol Ann Pewanick, a niece and nephew as well as a grandniece and grandnephew.

Final CEAR Guidelines Now Available
With the release of the revised A-136 on Oct. 27, the CEAR Guidelines have been revised and finalized. Please visit AGA's website to get the updated copy.

Volume 51: Issue 21, November 14, 2011

TOPICS is Brought to You by AGA Corporate Partner GCE
Getting to the Cloud is easier than you think. With GCE’s Federal Financial Management Cloud, you can modernize your financial enterprise one-step at a time. Start with one agency or a single business process. The results are the same - dramatic cost savings with all upgrades built in. Visit www.GCEFederal.com for details.
GCE: Redefining Federal Financial Management Solutions

From the National President, Richard O. Bunce Jr., CGFM, CPA
We’re headed into one of AGA’s busy seasons. Chapter events are in full swing, and there are several regional PDCs on the calendar this month. In addition, your National Executive Committee is monitoring the implementation of the newly updated Strategic Plan, and the Finance & Budget Committee has begun to draft the operating budget for the 2012–2013 program year.

AGA’s Seventh Annual Performance Management Conference in Seattle last week was a huge success. More than 150 attendees participated in sessions on Budgeting for Outcomes, Performance-Based Contracting and Data Analytics. In addition, the state of Oregon’s first chief operating officer, Michael Jordan, generated a lot of interest when he discussed the state’s initiative to develop a 10-year performance-based budget plan to reduce costs and improve effectiveness.

I was fortunate to be able to visit the Nashville and Northern Virginia Chapters last month. In Nashville, I was impressed with the chapter’s efforts to recognize and welcome new members and guests, which made everyone feel at ease and part of the AGA family. The Nashville Chapter is home to Past National Presidents Richard Norment, CGFM, and Charles Harrison, CGFM, as well as current NEC members Gerry Boaz, CGFM, and Melinda Parton, CGFM. Thanks so much for your Southern hospitality. A good crowd came out on a cold and rainy night for the Northern Virginia Chapter’s monthly meeting to discuss “Ethics and Why Good Leaders Go Bad.” The Northern Virginia Chapter boasts three of our current NEC members—Mia Leswing, CGFM, Joe Kull, CGFM, and John Homan, CGFM. Read more.

TOPICS is Brought to You by Real Asset Management
Explore reasons to consider a hosted solution for your financial software, how it works and what steps to take in the buying decision with Real Asset Management’s FREE whitepaper, Finance Software & the Cloud. Real Asset Management offers all encompassing fixed asset management solutions. Contact RAM at solution@realassetmgt.com or 617-426-0893.

Earn 14 CPE Hours at 10th Annual National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Registration is now open for AGA’s 10th Annual National Leadership Conference being held February 16-17, 2012 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington D.C.

In today’s challenging economic times, now more than ever, government financial managers and accountability professionals must stay abreast of the latest developments, policies and issues affecting our citizens, and continually enhance their skills. Staying up to date on new regulations, while maintaining a clear vision of government transformation, can be accomplished through the best training.

The NLC offers a cost-effective way of doing just that. Earn 14 CPE hours, learn from top-notch speakers, discuss the latest research, discover innovative management techniques, and see technological tools that can help your agency achieve its mission.

For Attendees—Register today!

For Exhibitors & Sponsors—The NLC is the perfect place to reach your target audience. Space is limited.

Reserve your booth space.

Consider becoming a sponsor.

TOPICS is Brought to You by AGA Corporate Partner Accenture 
Payment and vendor pricing errors can cost 0.10 percent or more of total spending. Organizations around the world rely on the Accenture Improper Payment solution to prevent such costly mistakes. Our solution quickly addresses the Office of Management and Budget’s call to prevent improper payments, taking federal agencies beyond simply reacting and into post-payment recovery. The solution proactively prevents overpayments, inaccurate payments and lost funding with advanced analytics before payments are made.

See our success stories.

Accenture: Delivering Public Service for the Future

Reserve Your Room Today for PDC in San Diego
Registration and hotel information for AGA's 61st Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition is available online. Plan now to attend the PDC in San Diego, July 29–Aug. 1, 2012. You can reserve a room at one of five hotels near the conference site, the San Diego Convention Center. The room rate is $133 (plus tax) for single and double occupancy. Rates are guaranteed until July 6, or until the block is sold out.
To make a reservation, please call the conference hotels directly and mention you are attending the AGA PDC to ensure you receive the discounted rate. All hotel rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis until the hotel is sold out. Make your reservations early!

CEAR Program Reviewers Training Information
Are you planning on becoming a reviewer for AGA’s Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting (CEAR®) Program? If so, attend AGA’s reviewer training, which will be held 10 a.m. – noon, Friday, Dec. 9 in the GAO Auditorium at 441 G St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Please contact Louise Kapelewski at 800.AGA.721, ext. 321 by Friday, Nov. 18 to sign up as a reviewer and for the training. For additional information on becoming a reviewer, please visit the AGA CEAR Reviewers’ Web page

TOPICS is Brought to You by Federal Publications Seminars
Master the complexities of accounting, costs, and pricing for federal government contracts through the expert guidance of Federal Publications Seminars. All of our courses, taught by the field’s foremost authorities, are 40% off for AGA members. To receive this offer, register by December 31, 2011.

Learn more at fedpubseminars.com/promotion/AGA

Apply for 2012 National Academic Scholarships
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,
  • Up to two $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 Friday, March 30, 2012.  Apply now and take full advantage of your AGA membership.
Download a copy of the application, or contact Louise Kapelewski.

Earn Your CGFM in February—Examinations Are Free
Don't miss the opportunity to take the CGFM Examinations and earn your CGFM at the next Intensive Review Course event in February. AGA is offering a two-day Intensive Review Course on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 and Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 and an opportunity to take CGFM Examinations on Feb. 29–March 2, 2012. The cost of the course is only $279 for qualified participants, and it offers 18 CPE hours. Special Bonus: The CGFM Examinations are offered at no cost to course attendees.

This course is designed as a supplement to previous preparation for the CGFM Examinations, so this is a perfect opportunity for those individuals who have already attended GFM training courses or have been preparing by using the CGFM Study Guides. Enrollment is limited and participants must first apply and be accepted into the CGFM Program, so don't delay.

More information and a registration form for this event are available on AGA's website.

Nomination Deadline Extended for AGA National Awards
Help AGA acknowledge financial professionals at the federal, state and local level by submitting a nomination for AGA's national awards. Nominees are not required to be AGA members. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Friday, Nov. 18, 2011.These awards will be presented at AGA’s 10th Annual National Leadership Conference, Feb. 16–17, 2012 in Washington, D.C. View the complete list of awards here.

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 Marie Force.
   

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CGFM Certification—Learn More

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(C) Association of Government Accountants 2011

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