Title:
Year End Close- Best Practices for a Smooth Audit

Description:
And just like that, another June 30 has come and gone! Year- end closing processes have the largest impact on whether or not an Agency’s fiscal year audit is smooth, putting the least amount of stress on the Agency’s staff and the contracted Auditor. Our panel of speakers from Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, with special guest, Jennifer Ustation, Director of Finance at the City of Beaumont, will present on industry best practices such as creating, maintaining, and following a year-end closing checklist; starting early; creating an environment that promotes open collaboration, and communicating with your Auditor often and in detail, to ensure that a year-end close is done properly and timely. Our speakers will also cover how to become aware of common delays and knowing where to start preparing to allow maximum efficiency. Whether you want to get the latest on Fiscal Year End closing practices or simply want to hang out with cool finance people and expand your network, your inland empire chapter has got you covered. Please join us for some intellectually stimulating conversation and plan to stay for some swings in the tee box. Register today!

Speakers:
-Jennifer Ustation, CPFO
-Jacob Weatherbie, CPA, MSA
-Brad A.nWelebir, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Partner
-Evelyn Morentin-Barcena CPA, Audit Manager
-Laura Arvizu, CPA, Audit Manager
-Yolanda Acosta, Consulting Manager

Speaker Bios:
Jacob Weatherbie, CPA, MSA Senior Accountant – Auditing and Consulting Professional Experience Mr. Weatherbie joined Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP in 2020, primarily providing accounting and auditing services for municipalities, special districts, and various nonprofit organizations with experience using multiple accounting systems including, Tyler New World, Tyler Munis, Tyler Eden, Springbrook, and Quickbooks. He worked as an accountant at a full-service municipality for two years before returning to the firm in May 2023 at an interim capacity and now fully resuming his career as an auditor. As the Senior Accountant, he will work closely with the engagement Partner and Manager and be responsible in all areas of the engagement, including the preparation of reconciliations, journal entries, and other workpapers requested. In addition, he will also be responsible for the review of work performed by any staff assisting the on project. Education Master of Science in Accountancy – California State University, San Bernardino Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – California State University, San Bernardino Certified Public Accountant – State of California 

Brad A. Welebir, CPA, CGMA, MBA Partner Professional experience Mr. Welebir joined Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP in 2004. He primarily provides audits and advisory services to governmental agencies, small to mid sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Welebir serves as a technical reviewer for the GFOA ACFR Award program. He also serves as the CalCPA Inland Empire chapter chair of the governmental accounting and auditing committee and as the representative for the chapter at the state committee. Education/licenses Master of Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis – California State University, Fullerton Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – La Sierra University Certified Public Accountant – State of California Chartered Global Management Accountant – American Institute of CertifiedPublic Accountants 

Evelyn Morentin-Barcena, CPA Audit Manager Professional Experience Evelyn is an Audit Manager with the firm. She has over 8 years of experience in providing accounting and auditing services for municipalities, special districts and various nonprofit organizations. As an audit supervisor, she will work closely with the engagement partner and manager and be responsible for planning the audit, supervising the staff assigned to the engagement, and performing reviews of all workpapers prepared for the engagement. In addition, she will also be responsible for the preparation of any required reports. Currently, Evelyn serves as a technical reviewer for the GFOA ACFR Award program. Education Bachelor of Science – California State University, San Bernardino Certified Public Accountant – State of California Intermediate Single Audit Certificate – AICPA 

Laura Arvizu, CPA Audit Manager Professional Experience Mrs. Arvizu began her career with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP in July 2016. During her time with the firm, she has worked primarily on audits of municipalities, special districts and redevelopment agencies, as well as various non-profit organizations. Currently, Mrs. Arvizu serves as a technical reviewer for the GFOA ACFR Award program. Education Bachelor of Arts – California State University, San Bernardino Certified Public Accountant – State of California Yolanda Acosta Consulting Manager Professional Experience Mrs. Acosta is a Consulting Manager with the firm. She has over 20 years’ experience in providing accounting and auditing services for municipalities, special districts, nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations. As a consulting manager, she will work closely with the engagement partner and staff, and be responsible for ensuring the City’s expectations are met. Education Bachelor of Arts - California State University, San Bernardino 

Jennifer Ustation, CPFO is the Finance Director for the City of Beaumont, where she is responsible for all Finance Department services and activities including finance, purchasing, investing, debt management, budgeting, revenue collection, and accounting. She has been with the City for seven years having started out as a Senior Accountant and promoting to Finance Director after four years. Previously she worked at the City of Calimesa and the Moreno Valley Unified School District as an Accountant. She has more than eleven years of experience in municipal finance. Jennifer is active in committees including the Government Finance Officers Association Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee and is the Chair of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Membership Committee. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Accounting Concentration from California State University, San Bernardino. She has the Certified Public Finance Officer designation from the Government Finance Officers Association. Outside of work you will find Jennifer with her husband and three children enjoying traveling, bowling, local mountain and river activities, and spending time with her lab mix dog.

Registration Deadline:
7/18/2024

Registration Fee:
Members $75, Non-Members $85 (Registration includes session, appetizers and top golf event from 5pm to 7pm.)

This event qualifies for 1 CPE credit

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