Auditing Grants Course

Module 1: Introduction to Auditing Assistance Agreements (Grants and Cooperative Agreements)

• Understand the differences between grants and cooperative agreements
• Identify key laws, regulations, and policies governing federal assistance
• Explore roles and responsibilities of awarding agencies and recipients
• Define the scope and objectives of grant audits

Module 2: Phases of the Assistance Agreement Process

• Review pre-award, award, and post-award phases of assistance agreements
• Understand the role of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs)
• Identify common compliance risks and internal control challenges
• Learn how grants management affects audit focus and findings

Module 3: Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements

• Explore 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) and related federal regulations
• Understand cost principles, allowable/unallowable costs, and procurement rules
• Apply internal control standards and audit requirements for federal awards
• Recognize responsibilities of pass-through entities and subrecipients

Module 4: Developing an Audit Program

• Design audit steps tailored to the grant objectives and risks
• Develop audit objectives based on compliance, performance, and financial criteria
• Select testing methods and sampling techniques appropriate for grant audits
• Identify audit red flags and common pitfalls in assistance agreements

Module 5: Practical Exercise

• Apply concepts to a simulated grant audit case
• Develop and document audit findings with evidence and criteria
• Write recommendations based on audit conclusions
• Present audit results in a structured, standards-compliant format