Financial Management Bootcamp for New Federal Managers Course

Module 1: Size and Scope of the National Budget

• Understand national debt, annual deficit, and federal spending patterns
• Differentiate between mandatory and discretionary spending
• Analyze real-time data on revenues and expenditures
• Discuss the implications of the growing national debt

Module 2: The Federal Budget Cycle

• Learn the phases: formulation, congressional action, execution, audit, and review
• Understand rules for appropriations, apportionments, allotments, and obligations
• Explore procurement methods and rules for ratification and fund transfers
• Connect performance metrics to budget outcomes per GPRA

Module 3: Financial Professionals You Will Work With

• Identify key roles: CFO, budget officers, analysts, accountants, and certifying officers
• Understand their responsibilities in budget formulation, execution, and audit
• Clarify communication roles with program staff, vendors, and oversight bodies

Module 4: Lifecycle of Federal Financial Transactions

• Follow a dollar from appropriation to Treasury disbursement
• Understand commitments, obligations, and liquidations
• Manage aging unliquidated obligations (ULOs)

Module 5: Sources of Financial Authority and Internal Controls

• Learn key regulations: GAO Red Book, OMB Circulars, Prompt Payment Act
• Apply internal controls and compliance strategies
• Understand the purpose-time-amount test and Antideficiency Act rules

Module 6: Communicating Financial Information

• Know when and how to communicate with Congress, auditors, and the public
• Observe restrictions on pre-decisional and proprietary information
• Ensure accurate, authorized communication of financial data

Module 7: Wrapping It All Up

• Explore additional professional development opportunities
• Understand how technology affects financial data accuracy and reporting
• Review practical steps to strengthen financial literacy and performance linkage