Accounting & Financial Reporting

ABCs of Municipal Finance

CPE:  4 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Cost:  $125 ($165 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  60

In response to popular demand, CSMFO is excited to offer its “ABCs of Municipal Finance” course.  This course is for anybody interested in learning the basics of local government finance.  Topics covered include how finance departments are organized, the roles of each functional area, what you need to know about accounting, and the major financial documents, such as the budget and annual financial report, financial policies, and key legal frameworks.  While the course is designed to be an introduction to local government finance, participants with all levels of experience are welcome.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructor:

            David Cain, Retired Finance Director, City of Fountain Valley (April)

            Russ Branson, Founder, Russ Branson Consulting

Introduction to Governmental Accounting

CPE:  6 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Cost:  $125 ($165 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  60

The Introduction to Government Accounting course welcomes all participants with a general interest in accounting.  The two-day course provides an overview of basic accounting concepts and terminology.  Important topics that are unique to governmental accounting are highlighted throughout the course.  Participants with all levels of experience are welcome.  The course covers these topics:

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructors:

            Debbie Harper, Retired Partner, LSL (February, May, September, November)

            Ryan Domino, Partner, LSL (April)

            Christian Townes, Partner, LSL (July)

Intermediate Accounting & Financial Reporting

CPE:  9 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Intermediate

Class Size:  60

The Intermediate Governmental Accounting/Financial Reporting class welcomes all accountants who are new to the government sector and anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of governmental accounting and financial reporting.  The three-day course focuses on the year-end close process and annual financial reporting, in addition to a review of certain governmental accounting concepts.  Participants with new or expanding responsibilities for government accounting and financial reporting are encouraged to attend.  To obtain the maximum benefit from this course, attendees should have previously attended the CSMFO Introduction to Governmental Accounting course, or equivalent.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructor:

            Irwin Bornstein, Municipal Finance Consultant & Retired Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services, City of Mission Viejo

Accounting for Capital Assets

CPE:  4 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Cost:  $150 ($195 non-members)

Level:  Intermediate

Class Size:  60

Accounting for capital assets can be a major challenge for local governments.  Gain a better understanding of this complex topic in CSMFO’s foundational course.  This half-day training will provide participants with real-life examples and instruction for how to properly account for capital assets.  The course will cover the following:

This is a not-to-be-missed nuts-and-bolts course that will help you dive into everything you ever wanted to know about capital assets!

Virtual Course Date:

Instructors:

Jonathan Foster, Partner, Davis Farr LLP

Christopher Woidzik, Controller, San Diego County Water Authority

Investment Accounting

CPE:  6 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Level:  Intermediate

Class Size:  60

This course will provide valuable and in-depth investment accounting training.  The course will cover the major concepts that impact how governments account for investments, as well as the financial reporting requirements under current GASB pronouncements.  The two-day class will also include investment terminology, types of investment vehicles, and a discussion of internal controls surrounding investment transactions.  This is a not-to-be-missed nuts-and-bolts course that will help you dive into everything you ever wanted to know about accounting for investments!

Virtual Course Date:

Instructors:

Amy Meyer, Partner, Maze & Associates

Alaynè Marie Sampson, Senior Portfolio Strategist, Chandler Asset Management

Advanced Specialty Topics

CPE:  2 or 3 (Accounting & Auditing, Government)

Cost:  $100 ($130 non-members)

Level:  Advanced

Class Size:  Limited to 25 to allow in-depth discussion between instructor and attendees

In response to feedback from CSMFO core accounting and financial reporting courses, we are pleased to offer a series of two-hour sessions on advanced specialty topics.

Debt Reporting (2 CPE):  Agencies don’t issue debt often – but when they do, they want the accounting and reporting to be accurate!  The Debt Reporting Specialty class will review how to report debt issuances, including new and refunding debt.  This session will include examples of how to record debt on both the modified and full accrual basis.  In addition, the impact of refunded debt and how it impacts the deferred inflows/outflows of resources will be discussed, along with the proper financial statement disclosure information and examples of journal entries.

GASB 103 (2 CPE):  Feeling uncertain about GASB 103?  You’re not alone!  This update to the financial reporting model will impact areas of your ACFR, and it’s critical to be prepared.  The session will cover things like the following:

This session will walk through the accounting entries, as well as disclosure information.

Lease Accounting & Reporting (2 CPE):  With the advent of the new rules embodied in GASB Statement No. 87, Leases, agencies are faced with new accounting and reporting complexities.  This Lease Reporting Specialty class will review lease reporting both as a lessee and as a lessor.  There will be examples for an interactive overview of reporting and recording lease activity in a government agency.  This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of lease accounting, compliance requirements, and disclosure guidelines.  Participants will walk-through the accounting entries, as well as disclosure information needed to report whether using a third-party software system or an internal tracking system.

Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA) Reporting (2 CPE):  With the advent of the new rules embodied in GASB Statement No. 96, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements, agencies are faced with new accounting and reporting complexities.  This SBITA Reporting Specialty class will review subscription-based information technology arrangements reporting for government end-users.  There will be examples for an interactive overview of reporting and recording SBITA activity in a government agency.  This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of SBITA accounting, compliance requirements, and disclosure guidelines.  Participants will walk-through the accounting entries, as well as disclosure information needed to report whether using a third-party software system or an internal tracking system.

Pension & OPEB Reporting (3 CPE):  This course will focus on two types of common GASB 68 pension employer accounting, Agent Multiple-Employer plans and Cost-Sharing plans, as well as a GASB 75 Single Employer OPEB plan.  This session will provide examples for an interactive walk-through for reporting and recording pensions and OPEB in a government agency.  Participants will walk-through the accounting entries for reporting pensions and OPEB, as well as allocated pension/OPEB related items across multiple funds.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructor:

            Debbie Harper, Retired Partner, LSL (Debt, Leases)

            Ryan Domino, Partner, LSL (Pensions & OPEB)

            Kelly Telford, Partner, LSL (SBITA, GASB 103)

Budgeting & Financial Analysis

Fundamentals of Municipal Revenue – Part 1 (Modules 1-3)

CPE:  12 (Technical)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  60

The Fundamentals of Municipal Revenue 1 series consists of three modules addressing municipal tax revenues in California:  Module 1, “Revenue Overview & Property Tax;” Module 2, “Sales Tax;” and Module 3, “Other Local Taxes.”

Module 1 provides an overview of California local government revenues and in-depth coverage of property tax.  Hosted and presented by Michael Coleman, the course is co-presented by Nichole Cone, Vice President, and Paula Cone, President of HdL Coren & Cone.

Module 2 focuses on sales tax including discussion on tax rate components and allocations, and how sales tax revenues are administered.  In addition, the course will cover revenue trends, and how remote (online) sales taxes work, as well as tools for forecasting and maximizing sales tax revenue.  This session is co-presented by Michael Coleman and Ken Nordhoff, Principal of HdL Companies.

Module 3 covers other taxes that are important revenue sources for public agencies, such as documentary transfer and property transfer taxes, hotel occupancy taxes, utility users taxes, and franchises.  This session is also co-presented by Michael Coleman and Ken Nordhoff, Principal of HdL Companies.

Virtual Course Dates:

            TBD

Instructors:

Michael Coleman, Fiscal Policy Advisor, CSMFO

Nichole Cone, Vice President, HdL Coren & Cone

            Paula Cone, President, HdL Coren & Cone

            Ken Nordhoff, Principal, HdL Companies

California Local Budgeting – Part 1

CPE:  6 (Technical)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  60

The California Local Budgeting Course welcomes all local government professionals who would like to gain a better understanding of the role that budgeting plays in financial management.  This two-day introductory course is comprised of two separate 3-hour modules:

Module I:  Foundations of Budget Management is the broadest, providing an overview of budgeting in government, types of government budgets, accounting for budget analysts, and budget’s relationship to long-term financial planning.

Overview of Module I:  Foundation of Budget Management

·         Section 1 – What is a Budget?

·         Section 2 – Types of Budgets

·         Section 3 – Accounting for Budget Analysts

·         Section 4 – Integration of Planning Documents

Module II:  Building the Budget will delve into best practices for the budget process, personnel budgeting, and non-personnel, revenue, expenditures and capital projects and debt.

Overview of Module II:  Building the Budget

·         Section 1 – Budget Philosophy, Planning and Direction

·         Section 2 – Revenues

·         Section 3 – Expenditures and Capital Projects

These two modules are led by experts in the field and provide a detailed overview of how public agency budgets work.  The content is designed for individuals who are newer to the public sector field of finance.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructors:

David Cain, Retired Director of Finance, City of Fountain Valley

Scott Catlett, Director, Eide Bailly LLP (March)

            Russ Branson, Founder, Russ Branson Consulting

California Local Budgeting – Part 2:  Advanced Budget Concepts Training

CPE:  6 (Technical)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Advanced

Class Size:  60

Part 1 of the California Local Budget Course (consisting of Module I, “Foundations of Budget Management,” and Module II, “Building the Budget”) provides the basics for local agency budget development.  Part 2, consisting of the final two 3-hour modules, will cover more advanced budgeting concepts for finance managers and directors.

Module III:  Provides more in-depth information on the essential elements of an outstanding budget document; budgeting best practices; GFOA and CSMFO awards criteria; and tools for reporting this financial information to your organization and community via various engagement tools.  These engagement tools will include a look at the “Priority Based” budgeting model as a means to address your community’s service priorities.

Module IV:  Covers advanced budgeting concepts and examines the legal and policy framework of budgeting, along with budget monitoring.  It also examines staff dynamics with a focus on finance committees, and agency staff and department managers, along with a discussion of the variety of competing interests and priorities within our communities.  Time will be spent looking at budgeting pitfalls through the “lessons learned” from others along with tools to help develop political astuteness.  There will also be information on the essential tools used for longer term financial planning to ensure long-run fiscal sustainability.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructors:

David Cain, Retired Director of Finance, City of Fountain Valley

Scott Catlett, Director, Eide Bailly LLP (March)

            Russ Branson, Founder, Russ Branson Consulting

Financial Management & Analysis – Modules 1 and 2

CPE:  6 (Technical)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  60

CSMFO has developed a four-part course in Financial Management and Analysis.  You will learn from practitioners with a deep understanding of financial management concepts about how best to implement sound managerial and financial policy decisions.  These decisions will then be oriented towards achieving the goals and priorities of the organization while helping to achieve financial sustainability.  The first part of this course, consisting of Modules 1 and 2, is scheduled for two days and provides the foundation to understanding a number of key financial management and analysis concepts and tools. 

Module 1 provides context for the importance of these issues and provides an understanding of best practices, assessing fiscal condition, and effective data collection and analysis techniques. 

Module 2 discusses fiscal policies in detail, long-term financial planning, effective cost allocation, and properly valuing and setting aside resources for needed facility, vehicle/equipment, maintenance, and other recurring needs.

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructors:

David Cain, Retired Director of Finance, City of Fountain Valley

Scott Catlett, Director, Eide Bailly LLP

Financial Management & Analysis – Modules 3 and 4

CPE:  6 (Technical)

Cost:  $200 ($260 non-members)

Level:  Advanced

Class Size:  60

CSMFO has developed a four-part course in Financial Management and Analysis.  You will learn from practitioners with a deep understanding of financial management concepts about how best to implement sound managerial and financial policy decisions.  These decisions will then be oriented towards achieving the goals and priorities of the organization while helping to achieve financial sustainability.  The second part of this course, consisting of Modules 3 and 4, is scheduled over two days, builds on the foundation of the first two modules, and will go into more depth about financial management analysis and provide opportunities to work through various case studies and learn about forecasting, analysis, and reporting in practice.

Module 3 will cover how to manage short-term resources and obligations, the importance of internal controls, understanding the roles of cash, treasury, and investment management, and budgetary control through legislative agenda management.  It will also provide an understanding of periodic monitoring and reporting of fiscal condition along with some practical examples and case studies.

Module 4 will offer specific financial health diagnostic tools, identifying tools to analyze complex data and key elements of financial statement analysis.  There will be discussions about practical tools for financial condition analysis, financial forecasting, and financial statement analysis, along with a variety of case studies and exercises.

Successful Outcomes:

Virtual Course Dates:

Instructors:

David Cain, Retired Director of Finance, City of Fountain Valley

Scott Catlett, Director, Eide Bailly LLP

Professional Development

Public Speaking for Finance Professionals

CPE:  6 (Non-Technical)

Cost:  $150 ($195 non-members)

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  35

Your communication style and your core values are part of everything you do every day; whether that’s your digital presence, public speaking, or even what it says about your own personal identity.  In this full-day foundational skills session, explore and reflect on your personal values and how they manifest themselves in everyday life.  Learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking (if you fear it) and how to speak more effectively in public.  Ultimately, learn to connect with your audience and be more confident in who you are.  This workshop breaks down into bite size and actionable chunks what to do.  The session is engaging with exercises that allow you to move around, interact with others, and do some self-reflection.  Learn, practice, master. and have fun!

In-Person Course Dates and Locations:

TBD

Instructor:

Steve Yu, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, UCLA South Bay

Weekend Training

CPE:  Up to 20 (Accounting & Auditing, Government, Technical, Non-Technical)

Cost:   TBD

Level:  Basic

Class Size:  40

Weekend Training is an intensive two and a half day program that covers a broad range of municipal finance content.  The course provides members with education, professional development, and skills necessary to carry out a high level of professionalism in the field of municipal finance.  Generally held in November, Weekend Training is one of the most affordable programs available.  Full registration includes two nights lodging, meals, seminar materials, and up to 20 hours of professional educational training.  Topics covered typically include the following:

Attendance is limited to 40, which enables attendees to network with members and develop long lasting relationships.

In-Person Course Dates and Location (Southern California):
             TBD
Instructors:
             Various