Assessing Financial-Related Activities and Controls Course

Module 1: A Working Introduction

• Overview of accountability, funding, and budgeting in government
• Federal appropriations law and budget formulation process
• Key principles of financial audits and internal control
• Information technology systems and their role in financial management

Module 2: Control Definitions and Concepts

• Understanding internal control standards (GAO Green Book)
• Identifying and assessing risks associated with financial activities
• Evaluating internal control systems through different approaches

Module 3: Cash and Fund Control

• Challenges and reforms in government cash management
• Application of budget authority and specific cash handling controls
• Techniques for evaluating and ensuring adequate controls over cash

Module 4: Revenues and Receivables

• Sources and methods of collecting government revenues
• Controls specific to revenue collection and accounts receivable
• Analysis of common problems and causes in revenue management

Module 5: Procurement and Payables

• Role and organization of procurement within government agencies
• Risks associated with procurement and accounts payable processes
• Specific control activities for managing procurement effectively

Module 6: Property Management

• Control objectives and risks related to government property
• Procedures for safeguarding, maintaining, and accounting for assets
• Disaster planning and contingency management

Module 7: Employee Compensation

• Payroll processing and management control objectives
• Risks and internal controls associated with payroll activities
• Transaction testing methods to evaluate payroll controls

Module 8: Financial Reporting

• Purposes and principles of effective financial reporting
• Requirements and formats for external and internal financial reports
• Ensuring transparency and accountability through financial reporting