Financial Management Bootcamp for Federal Auditors Course

Module 1: The Size and Scope of the National Budget

• Explore the U.S. national debt, annual deficit, and budget authority concepts
• Analyze mandatory vs. discretionary spending and spending trends
• Interpret real-time data on revenue and expenditures using government sources
• Understand the implications of deficit spending for federal auditors

Module 2: The Federal Budget Cycle

• Review the phases of the budget cycle from formulation to execution
• Understand budget authority, apportionment, allotments, and obligations
• Differentiate between reprogramming and illegal transfers of funds
• Explore year-end closeout practices, including unfunded requirements (UFRs)

Module 3: The Functions of Budget and Finance Professionals

• Meet key players in financial operations: CFOs, analysts, accountants, certifying officers
• Understand their roles in formulation, execution, reporting, and compliance
• Identify audit-relevant responsibilities of each function

Module 4: The Lifecycle of Federal Financial Transactions

• Follow a federal dollar from appropriation through disbursement
• Identify key internal controls and transaction documentation steps
• Understand how to detect and address unliquidated obligations (ULOs)

Module 5: Sources of Financial Authority and Internal Controls

• Review critical federal guidance including GAO’s Red Book, Green Book, and OMB Circulars
• Apply the Purpose, Time, and Amount tests for spending legitimacy
• Link funding to performance through the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

Module 6: Communications: Interactions and Restrictions

• Understand rules for communicating budget data within and outside the agency
• Navigate restrictions related to Congressional inquiries and the Anti-Lobbying Act
• Review OIG audit communication exceptions

Module 7: Wrapping It All Up

• Explore financial intelligence resources and government-wide collaboration forums
• Understand the role of technology in data integrity and auditability
• Reinforce the auditor's role in safeguarding federal funds and performance accountability