January 3, 2008 • AGA Education News

Good internal controls can be used for far more than just making sure we have the right numbers in the financial statements. Good controls can improve accountability, prevent problems and most importantly, improve the delivery of services to the public. For example, one area is grants management. In this audio conference, find out how one State is using controls to improve its grant management process to provide better oversight and accountability for grants all the way down to the sub-recipient level.

Further, too often government professionals focus on the budget cycle or a mayor’s, governor’s or President’s term. Projects come and go. How does an organization build and sustain a strong internal control environment that does not fall into complacency? Hear how one Federal agency is integrating its internal control program with its enterprise risk management program and business modernization activity.

But what would any discussion of internal controls be without including the COSO framework and understanding its concepts? Listen as one of our presenters discusses controls as a motivator. The primary focus of this segment of the audio conference is applying four very important conceptual models: COSO Integrated Framework of Internal Control; Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; Herzberg’s Hygiene and Motivator Factors; and the Situational Leadership Model. This unique approach to applying human behavior concepts to internal control applications should be quite interesting and thought provoking.

To share their expertise in internal controls are Janet Hayes, MBA, CPM, CICA, Director of the  Management Services and Nongovernmental Compliance Division, Office of the State Auditor, State of North Carolina; Michael L. Piazza, MBA, CICA, Principal Associate and lead consultant of Professional Development Associates and Director of Program Development and Training for the Institute for Internal Controls; and Martha J. Stearns, Central Site Director, Cleveland Center, U.S. Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Please join us for two hours of lively discussion about this important and timely topic. In addition to the speakers’ commentary, there will be approximately 20 minutes for Q & A so that the participants can ask the speakers questions and share their own experiences. Cost: $249 per site (UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE) if you register by Feb. 1, 2008 and $299 thereafter. SPECIAL PROMOTION: Register five or more offices from your government agency or CPAG firm and receive a 20 percent discount (so the price would be $200 per site).

You can register online, or print the registration form or special promotion form and fax it to 703.684.6933.

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

© Association of Government Accountants 2008

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