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THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
JANUARY 2014 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
Happy New Year to our AGA members and friends! If you’re like me, you’re trying to get back to what we call “normal”, after what I hope was a blessed and safe holiday season. The year 2013 was both rewarding and challenging for many of us--a year of growth, a year of change. “Change” is a word I am hearing quite of-ten these days. At our December luncheon, Troy University Account-ing Professor Emma Cole, Co-Director of the Chapter’s Membership and Early Career Committee, spoke on how to manage change in a
positive and productive manner. She urged leaders to show the need for change, make sure change is tied to organizational objectives, respect staff members’ perspectives, ask (and answer) questions, and not take opposition personally. I listened carefully because, like many other agencies, my agency will be affected by the Finance Department’s major upgrade of our accounting system over the next couple of years. I believe you will agree that change is not easy, but it is necessary. Change is also in the wind at the national level of AGA. Our National President, Mary E. Peterman, recently distributed a one-question survey to members, asking whether we think the Association’s name should be changed from Association of Government Accountants to Associa-tion of Government Accountability. As reported in the AGA Topics Newsletter, Ms. Peterman expressed concern that our name does not reflect the composition of our membership, the com-plexity of what we do, and our core mission of accountability. Survey responses were due Decem-ber 20. The issue will be voted on in the 2014 Professional Development Training (PDT). Even though the survey has ended, I’d be interested in knowing how you feel about this proposed change, so feel free to email me at [email protected]. Another change coming down the pipes is an update to the Certified Government Financial Man-ager (CGFM) exams. Starting on April 1, 2014, the exams will follow updated content guidelines. You can read more about this on page 11 of this issue. To support our members in pursuing the CGFM designation, the Chapter recently started a new study group. A schedule is provided in this issue. With the New Year starting, this is a great time to tackle this worthy challenge and earn your CGFM designation. You can do it! Our Membership and Early Career committee will start the New Year off with a fun networking and social event geared toward Early Career professionals and young professionals (YPs). If you or someone you know falls into one or both of these very important categories, mark your calendar and make plans to attend the Lunch N’ Learn Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at Baumhower’s. More information is provided in this issue. We are delighted to welcome Mayor Todd Strange, who will speak to the Chapter at our January 9 luncheon meeting, to be held at the RSA Activity Center on Dexter Avenue. We also welcome our friends and partners from the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC). ASMC is the non-profit educational and professional organization for persons, military and civilian, involved in the overall field of military comptrollership. ASMC promotes the education and training of its members, and supports the development and advancement of the profession of military comptrol-lership. One final note: information on academic scholarship opportunities is included in the issue. So are you ready to roll with AGA in 2014? Change is in the air, but it is necessary for our growth, sustainability, and accountability in the world of financial management. If you plan to make resolu-tions for 2014, be sure to add increased participation in AGA to your list. Come on out and get CONNECTED!
Margie Toney, President
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Message from Chapter
President
January’s Monthly
Luncheon & Speaker
Upcoming Webinars
Young Professionals
Information & Luncheon
Membership
CGFM Updates
Chapter Accounting
Scholarship Information &
Applications
Career Opportunity
December’s Door Prize
Winners & Chapter Rec-
ognition Points
CCR
Monthly CEC Meeting
Minutes
Monthly Calendar
A G A ’ S M I S S I O N : A G A f o s t e r s l e a r n i n g , c e r t i f i c a t i o n , l e a d e r s h i p a n d c o l l a b o r a t i o n f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l s a n d s t a k e h o l d e r s c o m m i t t e d t o a d v a n c i n g g o v e r n m e n t a c c o u n t -
a b i l i t y .
T H E M E : “ C O N N E C T ”
CONNECT TO AGA
AGA Montgomery on:
AGA National on:
GovLoop
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS
Page 2
President Margie Toney [email protected]
President Elect LaTaya Lucas [email protected]
Immediate Past President Pamela Henderson [email protected]
Treasurer Kay Wilson [email protected]
Secretary Shelia Hatcher [email protected]
Assistant Secretary Sandra Steele [email protected]
Directors & Committee Members Accountability Carmen Leonard [email protected]
Pamela Hill [email protected]
Angela Stokes [email protected]
Schenese Wade [email protected]
Audit Gladys Gray [email protected]
Awards Dennice Hillard [email protected]
Jackayla Baker [email protected]
LaVerne Cox-Williams [email protected]
By Laws and Procedures Vacant
CGFM/Professional Certification Patrick Hemme [email protected]
Co-Director Sandra Steele [email protected]
Dixie Black [email protected]
Rachel Chou [email protected]
Marcus Johnson [email protected]
Communications/Newsletter Temeka Cooper [email protected]
Alea DePaola [email protected]
Community Service Beverlyn Dean [email protected]
Angela Abernathy [email protected]
John Morris [email protected]
Andrette Munnerlyn [email protected]
Saketa Wilkerson [email protected]
Susie White [email protected]
Vanessa Grace [email protected]
Education LaTaya Lucas [email protected]
Co-Director Christine Harden [email protected]
Beverlyn Dean [email protected]
Rachel Chou [email protected]
Elizabeth James [email protected]
Carmen Leonard [email protected]
Wandrell Williams [email protected]
Career Opportunities/Resources Marcus Johnson [email protected]
Meetings (Registrations) Janice Duncan [email protected]
Membership/Early Career Kimwana Robinson [email protected]
Co-Director Emma Cole [email protected]
Programs (Monthly Meetings) Rachel Chou [email protected]
Scholarship Kay Wilson [email protected]
Sponsorship Keren Deal [email protected]
Webmaster Alea DePaola [email protected]
JANUARY MONTHLY LUNCHEON Thursday, January 9, 2014
12:00 NOON RSA Activity Center
201 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL 36104
Parking in parking deck adjacent to the Activity Center Use entrance on Monroe Street
Cost: $15.00
Guests are always welcome.
Make your reservation today! Online: Visit our new website at www.montgomeryaga.org
Or contact Janice Duncan By 12:00 noon, Tuesday, January 7
Reservations via Email: [email protected]
ATTENTION! Members will be invoiced for the cost of the lunch for cancellations made
AFTER the close of business on Tuesday, January 7 (Including the failure to attend without cancellation notice.)
Page 3
SCHEDULED CHAPTER MEETINGS
January 9, 2014
Mayor Todd Strange RSA Activity Ctr., Joint Meeting with Military
Comptrollers
February 13, 2014 Speaker
RSA Plaza
March 13, 2014 Speaker
RSA Plaza
April 11, 2014 Spring Seminar
May 8, 2014
Speaker RSA Plaza,
Award Luncheon
VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
ENTRÉE FRIED CHICKEN
BEEF TIPS
VEGETABLES RICE & GRAVY
TURNIP GREENS BUTTER PEAS
STEWED OKRA & TOMATOES
DESSERT PINEAPPLE PUDDING
BEVERAGE
TEA COFFEE
A Chef Salad or Vegetable Plate is also available
upon request. Please notify Janice Duncan if you
would prefer a Chef Salad or Vegetable Plate.
Email: [email protected]
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
JANUARY’S SPEAKER MAYOR TODD R. STRANGE
Page 4
Born— April 26, 1944 in Mobile, Alabama Education—University of Montevallo, 1966 with B.A. in Political Science
Married—wife, Linda Davis Strange; two daughters, Jennifer Strange Crumpton & Elizabeth Strange Burt; five grand-children
CAREER HISTORY
March 2009 to Present—Mayor, City of Montgomery, AL November 2004 to March 2009—Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioner (re-elected in November 2008)
November 2001 to January 2003—Director, Alabama Development Office January 1990 to March 2000—President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-owner of Blount Strange Automotive Group
July 1985 to 1989—President, CEO, Blount Development Corp., June 1983 to July 1985—Senior Vice President, Administration, Blount International, Ltd.
1977 to June 1983—District Manager and Chairman, District Operations Council, South Central Bell, Montgomery, AL 1974 to 1977—District Manager, Residence Service Center, South Central Bell, Birmingham, AL
1969 to 1974—Group Manager, South Central Bell, Florence/Sheffield, AL June 1966 to 1969—Management Assistant and Unit Manager, South Central Bell, Birmingham, AL
CIVIC ACTIVITIES
Due to the business philosophy of the companies he has represented, as well as his own personal desires, Mayor Strange has been actively involved in various civic and community affairs in locations throughout the state of Alabama
and other states.
HONORS & AWARDS 2009—Honorary Citizen Pietrasanta, Italy
2005-2006—Governor Riley’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Reform of State Government 2004—March of Dimes of the River Region Citizen of the Year
2000—Outstanding Business Leader Award - Auburn University at Montgomery 1999—Alabama Volunteer Economic Developer - EDAA
1998—Marketer of the Year, Sales & Marketing Executives Award 1998—Chamber of Commerce Company of the Year
1998—Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award (Top Ten in the Nation) 1997—Business in the Arts Award
1994 to 1995—Leadership Alabama Class V 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999—Five Star Award of Excellence-Chrysler
1990 to 1994—Pontiac Master Dealer 1987—Distinguished Alumnus, University of Montevallo
1979—Business and Professional Women Boss of the Year
Page 5
FRAUD DETECTION & PREVENTION: USING TECHNOLOGY FOR AUDITING
Jan. 15, 2014 | 12:30—3:00 p.m. Central Time | 2 CPEs Available LOCATION: TROY UNIVERSITY MONTGOMERY
Whitley Hall, room 328 231 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104
COST: $25 members $35 non-members Register at http://montgomeryaga.org
Registration deadline: Jan 10th
Learning Objectives: To understand how data analysis tools can help identify unusual patterns and allow auditors and investigators to make better audit selection decisions. Field of Study: Auditing Identifying fraud within the billions of dollars spent on public programs on a case-by-case basis is like searching for needle in a haystack. But new technology allows auditors to sift through all of the spending and to identify patterns outside the norm. Bringing in information from other systems provides more penetrating insight and allows investigators to focus time and energy more productively and meaningfully. The Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office has employed data analytics tools to make risk-based audit selec-tions, enhance risk analysis in audits, and conduct data-driven, proactive investigations. This web confer-ence will examine the case of a doctor’s fraudulent billing of the state health program to illustrate the value of these tools. You will hear the story of how they uncovered the fraud as the team takes you through the investigative process step-by-step. Speaker: Laura M. Marlin, Esq., First Deputy Auditor, Office of the State Auditor, Massachusetts
UPCOMING
AGA AUDIO /
WEBINAR
CONFERENCES
Jan. 15
Fraud Detection/
Prevention
Feb. 5
Government Finan-
cial Management
Mar. 5
Accountability in
Government
May 7
Performance
WHAT’S TRENDING IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, OVERSIGHT AND IT?
Feb. 5, 2014 | 1:00—2:50 p.m. Central Time | 2 CPEs Available LOCATION: TBA
COST: $25 members $35 non-members Register at http://montgomeryaga.org
Learning Objectives: To understand trends in governmental financial management, auditing/oversight work, and information technology management. Participants will learn about common issues faced by officials in all three areas. Field of Study: Finance What challenges do chief financial officers, inspectors general, and chief information officers have in com-mon? AGA recently surveyed hundreds of people in these offices to identify the issues that consume their time and resources. While each office—CFO, IG and CIO—was surveyed for a separate report, several common themes emerged. This web conference will explore these issues that cut across government and address the interrelated nature of public sector work. Topics will include the impact of reduced budgets on operations, human resources challenges, use of data analytics, and audit issues. Speakers:
Relmond P. Van Daniker, DBA, CPA, Executive Director, AGA Kevin Greer, CPA, CDFM, PMP, Managing Director, Accenture Federal Services Denise Lippuner, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP David M. Zavada, Partner, Kearney & Company
VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
WHY Young Professionals should join AGA
Expand their professional network
Professional organizations help grow careers
Obtain leadership skills through volunteer roles at the chapter level that transfer to the workplace
Social media outlets specifically for Young Professionals
Obtaining the CGFM designation to demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the industry
AGA is the only organization that offers unprecedented access to leaders in the industry and giving them the opportunity to learn from and network with the leaders in the field.
Designated complimentary registration at AGA National Conferences for Young Professional volunteers.
Page 6
WHO ARE THEY? YOUNG PROFESSIONALS/STUDENTS
& AGA EARLY CAREER MEMBERS
AGA Montgomery is looking for its next generation of leaders. There are many opportunities available for young professionals (YPs: under age 30) to acquire or practice their leadership skills while being a part of the Montgomery AGA Chapter. AGA chapters worldwide are the best places to network through training events, business meetings, community service activities, educational seminars and social events. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU HERE IN MONTGOMERY. Please contact the Membership Committee so we can create an YP ‘Group ME’ to start discussing how the Chapter can meet your needs. All YPs, employed or not, along with those early in their careers (5 years or less) are encouraged to get CONNECTED with Montgomery AGA. Academia, private, state, city, county, and more...tell us who you are! MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CONTACTS [email protected] or [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected]
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
Page 7 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (YPs) EARLY CAREER MEMBERS
NEW AGA MEMBERS
LUNCHEON
“Get Connected To Take It To The Next Level” TUESDAY, January 21, 2014
12:00 Noon – 1:30 P.M.
Baumhower’s (RSA Building)
201 South Union Street, 8th Floor Banquet Room
Montgomery, AL 36104 To register, email name, employer and/or school, and contact number to [email protected]
JOIN other AGA Young Professionals
www.linkedin.com
The AGA Young Professionals group is for the "under 30" segment of the Government Financial Management profes-sion. It seeks to inspire community, promote participation and streamline professional development. The group is an effective means to communicate ongoing challenges that members face and provide real solutions to those real challenges. It is to help members further develop professionally, technically and socially, and serve as a new resource for AGA.
Early Career Members and Young Professionals (YPs), you are the future of financial government. The Montgomery AGA Chap-
ter wants to help you “Take It to The Next Level.”
The Montgomery AGA Chapter cordially invites you to attend a complimentary session that will provide insight on opportunities
to develop your professional career. At this luncheon, you will have the chance to network with representatives from the private
sector, state government and academia. There will be three 10 minute presentations about career options, professional develop-
ment, and professional certifications followed by a brief question and answer discussion. We will also giveaway great door prizes.
Most importantly, the Montgomery AGA Chapter wants to hear from you. We want to give you a voice by launching an AGA
Young Professional group within the Montgomery chapter. You can provide valuable insight to help answer the question: “How
may the Montgomery AGA Chapter help you?”
If you are not a member of the Montgomery Chapter of AGA, there will be representatives from the Executive Council and Mem-
bership Committee in attendance ready to answer questions about the benefits of AGA and the membership application process.
Make the Most of Your Membership
GET CONNECTED. GET INVOLVED. GET STARTED.
AGA is the only association supporting more than 15,000 professionals working in federal, state and local governments as well as the private, nonprofit and academic sectors. AGA membership will give you the tools and support you need to make your mark on the profession.
AGA Mentoring Program
As part of its commitment to the professional development needs of its members, AGA offers an online mentoring program that features a user-driven mentor matching resource. This unique online networking and career develop-ment tool is designed to help AGA members find and connect with one another to establish mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. Once you have enrolled as a mentor, a mentee, or both, you can search the database of AGA members to find mentors and/or mentees with whom you can connect online, by phone, or face-to-face at AGA events. As a mem-ber of AGA's online mentoring community, you can take advantage of other features such as tracking your mentor-ing relationships, participating in discussion forums on mentoring topics, and find helpful information resources. AGA Members: Get started by enrolling below. Already Registered? Start your search for a mentor now!
A Smart Investment
A 12-month subscription to Becker’s distance learning catalog provides unlimited use of more than 180 On-Demand and Webcast courses, with new offerings added every month. With Becker, the commitment of time and resources it takes to move ahead will pay dividends for the rest of your career. It’s a return on investment you can’t afford to miss.
CPE pricing for Government: Federal - $100.00 subscription price – NO AGREEMENT NEEDED any more! Agency must purchase to qual-ify (whoever is authorized to use credit card or contracts department if no card is used). No minimum number to sign up for this price! State and Local - $100.00 subscription price – Must sign an agreement. Agency must purchase to qualify. No minimum number to sign up for this price! This allows on demand and webcasts. Individuals can buy subscription via AGA for $349.00 (annual subscription). You can get on demand and web-cast courses. Tip: you don’t have to take exam at end of webcast courses! Individuals can buy subscription B2C for $295.00 (annual subscription). You can only get on demand courses for this price. Available to everyone!
For more information contact: John Gioeli
Director of Government Programs
Page 8 THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
Page 9
$10 Minimum Wage Proposal Has Growing Support From White House
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call, via Getty Images Representative George Miller, left, and Senator Tom Harkin introduced a bill in March to increase the federal minimum wage. By CATHERINE RAMPELL and STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Published: November 7, 2013
The White House has thrown its weight behind a proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to at least $10 an hour. “The president has long supported raising the minimum wage so hard-working Americans can have a decent wage for a day’s work to support their families and make ends meet,” a White House official said. President Obama, the official continued, supports the Harkin-Miller bill, also known as the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, from its current $7.25. The legislation is sponsored in the Senate by Tom Harkin of Iowa and in the House by George Miller of California, both Democ-rats. It would raise the minimum wage — in three steps of 95 cents each, taking place over two years — to $10.10, and then in-dex it to inflation. The legislation will probably be coupled with some tax sweeteners for small businesses, traditionally the loudest opponents of increases to the minimum wage. “The combination of an increase to $10.10 and some breaks for small business on expensing unite virtually the whole Democ-ratic caucus, and we are prepared to move forward shortly,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, the Senate’s third-ranking Democrat. Jason Furman, the chairman of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers, attended a Senate luncheon on Thursday with a focus on raising the minimum wage. One official at the luncheon said that some Democratic senators from more conservative states favored an increase to $9 an hour, but including the expensing provision was enough of a sweetener to bring them be-hind the $10.10 proposal. Under that provision, small businesses would be able to deduct the total cost of investments in equipment or expansions, up to a maximum of $500,000 in the first year. Including such a provision helped persuade the Senate to vote overwhelmingly in favor of the last two minimum wage increases. Democratic strategists say they are backing a higher minimum wage to help lift millions of low-wage workers at a time of in-creasing income inequality. Some also acknowledge that pushing a higher minimum wage is a way to put Republicans on the spot — caught between a business lobby and many conservatives who oppose an increased minimum wage and a public that strongly supports a higher minimum. In his State of the Union speech in February, Mr. Obama called for a federal minimum wage of $9 an hour. But there has been little movement in Washington on that front, despite action at the state level. Some states set their minimum wage above the federal minimum, and in September, California passed a law that will steadily raise its minimum wage to $10 an hour by 2016. Washington State currently has the highest state minimum wage at $9.19 an hour, a level indexed to inflation. Some cities have higher wages, including San Francisco, where the wage minimum is $10.55. On Tuesday, New Jersey voters approved a consti-tutional amendment, by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent, that will raise the minimum wage to $8.25 an hour on Jan. 1, from $7.25. That measure includes annual increases based on inflation. On March 15, the House voted 233 to 184 against a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2015. The proposal came as an amendment to a job-training bill, and all 227 Republican members voted against the increase. In July, on the fourth anniversary of the most recent minimum wage increase, Mr. Harkin and Mr. Miller stepped up their ef-fort, citing a poll by Hart Research that found that 80 percent of Americans support increasing the minimum to $10.10. The Hart poll found that 92 percent of Democrats, 80 percent of independents and 62 percent of Republicans backed their pro-posal. Mr. Miller said that he was confident that the House would vote to approve a higher minimum wage next summer because he thought several dozen Republicans would back the measure for fear of angering moderate-income voters as the Congressional elections approach. Economists are somewhat more divided than the public about the effects of a minimum-wage increase, with conservatives con-cerned that raising the cost of labor could reduce the total number of low-wage workers employed. But at least one well-regarded study found that raising the minimum wage increased employment of low-wage workers.
VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
Page 10
Pamela Hill has located a place and developed a schedule to help individuals prepare for the CGFM Exam. The CGFM Committee invites you to participate in this CGFM Study Group. Please study each session’s material in advance so that you will be able to actively participate in the discussions. If you are unable to meet with the group, please feel free to use the schedule below as a guide to keep you focused on the ultimate goal: Becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call or email the CGFM Committee.
Time 5:15 pm – 7:00pm
Location
207 Montgomery Street Bell Building Suite 425
Troy University Montgomery Campus
Exam 1 Review Dates Tuesday, November 19 – Sections 1 and 2 Tuesday, December 3 – Sections 3 and 4
Tuesday, December 17 – Sections 5, 6, and 7 Review and take Exam 1 by January 13.
Exam 2 Review Dates
Tuesday, January 14 – Section 1 Tuesday, January 28 – Section 2
Tuesday, February 11 – Section 3 Tuesday, February 25 – Sections 1, 2 and 3
Review and take Exam 2 by March 10.
Exam 3 Review Dates Tuesday, March 11 – Section 1
Tuesday, March 18 – Sections 2 and 3 Tuesday, April 1 – Section 4 Tuesday, April 15 – Section 5
Review and take Exam 3 by April 28.
CGFM exams passed by May 1, 2014! Highlight your calendar for this date and make it happen!! You ARE the next CGFM!
ATTENTION!!! CGFM STUDY GROUP UPDATE
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
Page 11
The CGFM Committee will have a drawing for a free luncheon at the January luncheon meeting. This coupon entitles you to a free lunch during Febru-ary-May meetings.
CGFM Preparation Q&A Webinar January 27 | 2-4 p.m. ET | Fee: $39.99 | No CPE Credits
Instructor: Mitch Laine, CGFM
Have you made earning the CGFM designation a goal? This is your opportunity for Q&A with one of our very knowledgeable and dynamic CGFM instructors. We will be discussing topics from the three CGFM study guides, as well as reviewing CGFM Examination sample questions and study tips.
So, if there’s a concept you have not yet mastered, or if you need clarification on something you’ve been studying, please bring your questions and join us!
Questions? Contact Kimberly Jones.
CGFM Examinations Update To ensure the CGFM Examinations’ content continues to reflect the current government financial management field, AGA periodically conducts a Job Analysis Study of the role of government financial manager. The latest Job Analysis Study was conducted in 2013 and, as a result, the CGFM Examinations will be updated in 2014. The revised examinations content outlines can be found here. The schedule of the update is as follows: 1. Current CGFM Examinations using the existing content outlines will be administered until March 31, 2014. 2. Starting on April 1, the CGFM Examinations will follow the updated content outlines. 3. From April 1 to May 31, AGA will offer beta CGFM Examinations: the updated examinations will be administered in Pearson VUE testing centers; however, the
scores will not be reported to the candidates taking these examinations until the end of June. Beta CGFM Examinations will be offered at a discounted rate of $89 per exam.
4. There will be no CGFM Examinations administered in June 2014. 5. Starting on July 1, 2014, regular (updated) CGFM Examinations will be administered, with immediate score reporting. If you are planning on taking the exams by March 31, AGA has scheduled a CGFM Preparation Q&A Webinar, a great opportunity for Q&A on topics from the three CGFM study guides with one of our knowledgeable and dynamic instructors. To register for the CGFM Preparation Q&A Webinar click here. If you are planning on taking the exams after April 1, AGA is in the process of revising the three CGFM study guides to reflect the updated examinations content outlines. The updated study guides will be available in February 2014. AGA is also planning two Intensive Review Courses that will cover the updated examinations content outlines for March 31 to April 1 in Washington, DC and April 2–3 in Oklahoma City. Visit this link for more information. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below about the examinations update. If you have any additional questions, contact Katya Silver in the Office of Profes-sional Certification at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 305.
Exam Update FAQs Q: What is the difference between beta and regular CGFM Examinations? A: Beta CGFM Examinations are the same examinations (same content, number of questions and timeframe) as the regular examinations, but do not provide an immediate score. Beta examinations will only be administered in April and May 2014, with the scores available during the week of June 30. Beta examinations are priced at $89, as opposed to $109 for regular CGFM Examinations. Q: If I pass beta exams, will it count towards my CGFM? A: Yes. Q: I still have the three CGFM Examinations to pass. Can I take some beta and some regular CGFM Examinations? A: Yes, you can take both beta and regular exams — it just depends on the dates you schedule your exam appointments. Q: If I don’t pass, will beta exams have the same waiting period as the regular exams? A: Yes. Q: If I take beta exams in April, can I find out my score before June? A: No. In order to have high-quality CGFM Examinations, we need to collect statistics and analyze beta exams before we can report scores to the candidates. The beta exam scores will be available during the week of June 30. Q: What if my eligibility expires while I am waiting for my beta scores? A: If you take and don’t pass the beta CGFM Examinations and your eligibility expires in the April through July timeframe, contact AGA’s Office of Professional Certifica-tion for an extension to complete your exams. Q: What areas are new on the examinations? A: A lot of objectives on the CGFM Examinations content outlines were revised, some were re-ordered and some were added, so we recommend reviewing the entire updated content outlines, rather than selected areas. That said, we would like to point out that CGFM Examination 1 has completely new content for its Section VII. Q: Can I use my existing study guides to prepare for the CGFM Examinations? A: While a lot of objectives on the examination content outlines remained the same, there were a number of revised objectives. If you are planning to utilize the CGFM Study Guides for preparation, we recommend ordering the 2014 editions of the study guides that will be available in February.
ATTENTION!!! ACTIVE CGFM STUDY GROUP MEMBERS UPDATE
VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
Page 12
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - AGA SCHOLARSHIP
STATE EMPLOYEE
DEADLINE APRIL 7, 2014
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: The Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants announces the availability of scholarships for full-time State employees for the upcoming academic year. The total scholarship amount to be awarded is up to $1,000. Undergraduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must be an accounting major with an interest in government accounting. 2. The applicant must have obtained a junior standing by the upcoming fall term. 3. The applicant must have completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent) and have declared
accounting as his or her major course of study. 4. The applicant must have at least one term of study remaining as of May 1 of current year. 5. The applicant must be a full-time or part-time student as determined by the university require-
ments. 6. The applicant must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on a 3.0 scale or 3.0 on a
4.0 scale. 7. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States. Graduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree in accounting or a concentration in ac-
counting as defined by the Alabama State Board of Accountancy. 2. The applicant must be working toward one of the following: MBA, MPA, MIS, Master’s Degree in
Accounting or other closely related course of study. 3. The applicant must be at least a part-time student as determined by university requirements. 4. The applicant must have maintained an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 on a 3.0
scale or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 5. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States.
Page 13 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - AGA SCHOLARSHIP
CHAPTER MEMBER
DEADLINE APRIL 7, 2014
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: The Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants announces the availability of scholarships for Chapter members for the upcoming academic year. The applicant must be a paid-up member of the Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants and must have been a member for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the scholarship application. The total scholarship amount to be awarded is up to $1,000. Undergraduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must be an accounting major with an interest in government accounting. 2. The applicant must have obtained a junior standing by the upcoming fall term. 3. The applicant must have completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent) and have declared
accounting as his or her major course of study. 4. The applicant must have at least one term of study remaining as of May 1 of current year. 5. The applicant must be a full-time or part-time student as determined by the university require-
ments. 6. The applicant must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on a 3.0 scale or 3.0 on a
4.0 scale. 7. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States. Graduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree in accounting or a concentration in ac-
counting as defined by the Alabama State Board of Accountancy. 2. The applicant must be working toward one of the following: MBA, MPA, MIS, Master’s Degree in
Accounting or other closely related course of study. 3. The applicant must be at least a part-time student as determined by university requirements. 4. The applicant must have maintained an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 on a
3.0 scale or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 5. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States
Page 14
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - AGA SCHOLARSHIP
CHILD OF CHAPTER MEMBER
DEADLINE APRIL 7, 2014
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: The Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants announces the availability of scholarships to a child of a Chapter member for the upcoming academic year. The applicant’s parent must be a paid-up member of the Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Ac-countants and must have been a member for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the scholarship application. The total scholarship amount to be awarded is up to $1,000. Undergraduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must be an accounting major with an interest in government accounting. 2. The applicant must have obtained a junior standing by the upcoming fall term. 3. The applicant must have completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent) and have declared
accounting as his or her major course of study. 4. The applicant must have at least one term of study remaining as of May 1 of current year. 5. The applicant must be a full-time or part-time student as determined by the university require-
ments. 6. The applicant must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on a 3.0 scale or 3.0 on a
4.0 scale. 7. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States. Graduate Student Qualifications: 1. The applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree in accounting or a concentration in
accounting as defined by the Alabama State Board of Accountancy. 2. The applicant must be working toward one of the following: MBA, MPA, MIS, Master’s Degree in
Accounting or other closely related course of study. 3. The applicant must be at least a part-time student as determined by university requirements. 4. The applicant must have maintained an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 on a
3.0 scale or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 5. The applicant must be a legal resident of Alabama and a citizen of the United States.
Page 15 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - AGA SCHOLARSHIP
(Applicant not a State employee and not AGA-affiliated)
DEADLINE APRIL 7, 2014
The Montgomery Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants announces the availability of accounting scholarships for the upcoming academic year for students not eligible for the State employee, Chapter member, or child of a Chapter member scholarship. The total scholarship amount to be awarded is up to $1,000. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. The applicant must be an accounting major with an interest in government accounting. 2. The applicant must have obtained at least a junior standing by the upcoming fall term. 3. The applicant must have completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent) and have declared
accounting as his or her major course of study. 4. The applicant must have at least one term of study remaining as of May 1 of the current year. 5. The applicant must be a full-time or part-time student as determined by the university require-
ments. 6. The applicant must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on a 3.0 scale or 3.0 on a
Completed Application Form, Written Statement and Official Transcript from your university must be re-ceived by April 7, 2014 of current year to be considered for upcoming academic year.
Page 16
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (Applicant not a State employee and not AGA-affiliated)
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
Name:
Campus Address:
Campus Telephone:
Home Address:
Home Telephone:
Classification for upcoming fall term: Junior
Senior
Term in which applicant completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent):
Grade Point Average and Scale:
Is applicant a full-time student? Yes
No
Credit hours planned for next term (specify semester hours)
Is applicant a legal resident of Alabama (state residency in years/months):
NOTE TO APPLICANT:
Your written statement, in fifty (50) words or less, giving the reason you are applying for this scholarship and indicating your interest in government must accompany this application. The completed application, written statement, and official transcript (mailed by your university) must be received by April 7, 2014. Mail to: Association of Government Accountants, Kay Wilson, Scholarship Committee Chair, P. O. Box 1001, Montgomery, Alabama 36101.
Name:
Signature:
Social Security Number Last 4 Digits:
Date:
Page 17 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FULL-TIME STATE EMPLOYEE
Name:
Employer and Address:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone:
Classification for upcoming fall term: Junior
Senior
Graduate
If Graduate, date undergraduate degree received or date of concentration in accounting was completed:
Major: Grade Point Average & Scale:
Graduate Applicants - Source of Graduate Study Planned:
Term in which applicant completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent):
Is applicant a full-time student? Yes
No
Credit hours planned for next term (specify semester hours)
Is applicant a legal resident of Alabama (state residency in years/months):
NOTE TO APPLICANT:
Your written statement, in fifty (50) words or less, giving the reason you are applying for this scholarship and indicating your interest in government must accompany this application. The completed application, written statement, and official transcript (mailed by your university) must be received by April 7, 2014. Mail to: Association of Government Accountants, Kay Wilson, Scholarship Committee Chair, P. O. Box 1001, Montgomery, Alabama 36101.
Name:
Signature:
Social Security Number Last 4 Digits:
Date:
Page 18 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CHAPTER MEMBER OR CHILD OF CHAPTER MEMBER
Name:
Chapter Member’s Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone:
Classification for upcoming fall term: Junior
Senior
Graduate
If Graduate, date undergraduate degree received or date of concentration in accounting was completed:
Major: Grade Point Average & Scale:
Graduate Applicants - Source of Graduate Study Planned:
Term in which applicant completed Intermediate Accounting I (or equivalent):
Is applicant a full-time student? Yes
No
Credit hours planned for next term (specify semester hours)
Is applicant a legal resident of Alabama (state residency in years/months):
NOTE TO APPLICANT:
Your written statement, in fifty (50) words or less, giving the reason you are applying for this scholarship and indicating your interest in government must accompany this application. The completed application, written statement, and official transcript (mailed by your university) must be received by April 7, 2014. Mail to: Association of Government Accountants, Kay Wilson, Scholarship Committee Chair, P. O. Box 1001, Montgomery, Alabama 36101.
Name:
Signature:
Social Security Number Last 4 Digits:
Date:
Page 19
City of Auburn Revenue Accountant
www.auburnalabama.org/jobs $3,586 - $4,282.31/Monthly
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
Job Summary This position performs financial accounting and revenue compliance auditing duties in support of the City’s revenue collection functions. Major Duties Conducts external examinations of taxpayer records to determine consistency with City laws and regulations. (25%) Meets with taxpayers for initial conference to explain purpose of examination. Develops program for conducting taxpayer compliance audits; implements audit program; and revises audit program as appropriate based on results of audit procedures performed to determine taxpayer’s compliance with tax and license fee requirements and calculates any additional amounts due. Prepares comprehensive written examination report to document examination results. Meets with taxpayers to explain results of examination. Conducts internal examinations of taxpayer records to determine consistence with City laws and regulations. (15%) Compares annual gross revenues to reported tax/licensing fees. Performs industry comparison of gross revenues and tax/licensing fees. Performs analytical reviews of taxpayer data to identify noncompliance with City laws and regulations; assesses and collects any additional tax due; identifies possible tax/licensing fee overpayments. Analyzes taxpayer database for delinquencies. (10%) Generates listing of delinquent taxpayers on a monthly basis. Reviews listing for internal errors and identification of problematic accounts. Prepares and mails monthly delinquent notices. Responds to and resolves taxpayers’ inquiries concerning delinquent notices. Enforces City tax and licensing ordinances. (15%) Issues citations to appear in Municipal Court for taxpayers with unresolved delinquencies or other ordinance violations. Represents the City in Municipal Court and coordinates the status of each case with Municipal Judge, City Attorney and Court Administrator. Maintains records on the status and results of each court case. Develops effective policies and procedures to encourage taxpayer compliance. Reviews media publications for reports of new business operations and possible violations of City licensing ordinances. Patrols the City for random inspection and in response to internal/external reports of possible violations. Coordinates with public safety, codes enforcement, planning and other City personnel to identify violations and ensure compliance. Reviews applications for alcoholic beverage licenses and advises of tax and license issues that affect the processing of such applications. Reviews taxpayer database for correctness. (10%) Ensures tax/licensing fees are properly assigned and assessed. Ensures the accuracy of filing frequency and account status. Determines correct assignment of licensing code and associated fee category. Processes taxpayer request requiring analysis. (10%) Processes refund requests, amended returns, exemptions, and waiver requests. Prepares appropriate request forms and submits for management approval. Processes systems adjustments as needed. Assists the Taxpayer Service Representative as needed. (5%) Processes tax and licensing fee payments. Provides information and assistance to taxpayers and potential taxpayers. Processes general ledger and accounts receivable payments. Processes departmental deposits. Reconciles general ledger revenue accounts and prepares correcting journal entries as needed. Performs related duties. (10%) Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions. Demonstrates punctual, regular and reliable attendance. Completes required reports. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge Required By The Position Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. Knowledge of City and state tax and licensing ordinances and codes. Knowledge of federal business classification system. Knowledge of financial analysis techniques. Knowledge of policies and procedures involving the issuance, assessment and collection of tax and licensing fees. Knowledge of business management and operations methods and principles. Skill in applying analytical methods and in organizing significant quantities of detailed financial and finance-related information. Skill in applying City revenue ordinances to specific fact situations. Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations. Skill in the use of job-related software programs. Skill in the interpretation of taxpayers’ financial statements. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to work cooperatively with others. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for two to three years.
DECEMBER’S LUNCHEON DOOR PRIZE WINNERS
Page 20 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
TAMEKA WEATHERS (NEW AGA MEMBER & 1ST MEETING)
MILITARY DEPARTMENT
KAREN HENDERSON (IIA MEMBER)
ALFA MUTUAL
DEANNE LINCOLN (IIA MEMBER)
ALFA MUTUAL
1ST QUARTER TOTALS
CHAPTER RECOGNITION PROGRAM: PROGRAM YEAR 2013-2014
Goal 2012-2013 19,501
% of Goal 30.64%
Chapter Leadership Planning and Participation 2,325
Education & Professional Development 0
Certification 0
Communications 1,675
Membership / Early Career and Student Members 0
Accountability 850
Community Service 1,125
Awards 0
5,975
Frank Stafford Marketplace Un-Fairness Act? Finance Articles | November 14, 2013
This summer, MFA, the "Marketplace Fairness Act" was passed by U.S. policymakers amid a combined 69-27 bipartisan vote. The Marketplace Fairness Act gives states the opportunity to enact laws which force retailers to take a sales tax for their home state, even if the purchaser does not live in the state in question and has no legal connection to it. For example, if a boutique store in Washington sells jeans to a person who lives in Arizona, the merchant would collect Washington tax on the purchase and take it for Washington. The case Quill Corp. v. North Dakota ('92) is mainly responsible for The MFA. In the case, the U.S. Supreme Court prohib-ited North Dakota from forcing a sales tax on sales to North Dakota residents by a strictly out-of-state seller. The Supreme Court went on to urge Legislative officials to respond to the matter with new legislation; The MFA is the Senate's (belated) ac-ceptance of the court's invitation. The meaning of the bill is twofold: Firstly, under their current legislation, states don't earn the income that they absolutely need. Under current legislation of most states, if purchasers are not charged sales tax on a purchase, they are required to concede a use tax to their state of residence. Due to the lack of enforcement, it's not surprising that many buyers do not perform this legal ob-ligation when they buy an item from an online, out-of-state retailer; MFA seeks to address this issue by asking retailers to aid in the tax collection process. Second, the new piece of legislation wants to balance the obvious advantage that online retailers with no presence in a state have over brick-and-mortar retailers. If buyers acquire a good for 1 dollar at a shop, the seller will charge the current states tax (maybe 5 percent), creating a total of $1.05. On the other hand, if he/she purchases that exact item for the same price from an e-commerce business with absolutely no connection with the state, and does not self-report the particular state tax, he or she has basically purchased the good at a lower price. Brick-and-mortar stores (understandably) think that this puts them at a serious disadvantage, particularly in consideration of the fact that they typically provide more tax revenue, employment and capital in-vestment for the state than online, out-of-state stores. Small retailers and Ecommerce businesses are strongly opposed the legislation. Although The Marketplace Fairness Act re-quires the assignment of free software to businesses in order to help them collect the proposed sales taxes, the majority of small companies disagree that such software will be compatible with their current ordering systems. Not to mention, even though MFA won't apply to companies that generate less than one million annually, lots of small companies with modest profits may find themselves getting hit with compliance costs that are much greater than the tax revenue generated by their collections. Per-haps most importantly, the bill's opponents emphasize that a small business which ships to 30 states could be subject to an ex-pensive and cumbersome sales tax audit in each of those 30 states. Although The MFA will ultimately make states simplify their taxing tendencies, it does not explicitly ease the apprehensions that many sellers have about suffering from more than one state sales tax audit. Furthermore, there are several trade groups, such as the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries , who have indicated that the broad language of the bill essentially authorizes states to apply tax many purchases not currently addressed in the current draft of The MFA - even employee contri-butions to retirement and 401(k) plans could be affected.
Page 21
CITIZEN-CENTRIC REPORT
THE CAPITAL CITY FOCUS
VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 5
Page 22
AGA CEC BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, December 5, 2013
The CEC meeting of the officers and directors of the Montgomery, AL Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) was called to order at 11:00 a.m. at the RSA Activity Center in the basement, Thursday, December 5, 2013 by President Margie Toney. A quorum was present with the following officers and directors in attendance: President Margie Toney, Shelia M. Hatcher, Carmen Leonard, Sandra Steele, LaTaya Lucas, Kay Wilson, Temeka Cooper, Patrick Hemme, Gladys Gray, Kimwana Robinson and Rachel Chou, Alea Depaola. President: President Toney thanked everyone for coming to the CEC meeting and extended a welcome. Proceeded with the Meeting Agenda Minutes: No meeting minutes were available due to the Fall Conference. Treasurer’s Report: President would like each committee to have their own line item and abbreviation in the budget. The report distributed is current through November.
$175.00 is a rollover from the spring seminar. The monies were paid directly to the National chapter.
A correction is needed on Sponsorship money that came in and was incorrectly posted against a receivable. Education and the Treasurer will look into the payment process.
Budget report will be tabled until it is updated and corrected.
Bank Account balance is $21,033.27 (unreconciled). The share account balance is $30.77. President Toney: The President would like to address the CEC participation in the door prize drawings. A motion was made to in-clude the CEC members in the drawings by LaTaya Lucas; seconded by Sandra Steele. All were in favor by a show of hands. The mo-tion carried. A motion was made for the Chapter to pay for the President’s lunch at the monthly luncheons from this day forward. The motion was seconded and carried. In regard to a change in the process for remitting of receipts from committee directors to the Treas-urer, President Toney addressed an email which provided a description of the duties of the Treasurer and Financial Secretary. A mo-tion was made to accept the proposed change, allowing receipts to be submitted to the Financial Secretary instead. The motion was seconded by Gladys Gray and carried. Renee‘ Reese resigned as Treasurer. Kay Wilson volunteered to become the Treasurer. The President made a motion to ratify Kay‘s appointment to Treasurer; all accepted by voice. The appointment was ratified. The President stated the By-Laws need to be changed to allow the Financial Secretary to automatically move forward to become the Treasurer. In addition, a Financial Secretary should be elected every year to train under the Treasurer in preparation to become Treas-urer the next year. A suggestion was offered that we hold the CEC meeting at a different time or different day rather than the same day of the luncheon. The President asked the CEC to give this some thought. Sandra Steele offered to ask one of her employees to volunteer to fill the Financial Secretary position for the remainder of the program year. The President informed the CEC that a replacement is needed for By-Laws Director due to Barbi Lee’s resignation. The President will be traveling to the GAAF conference to represent the AGA Montgomery Chapter. The GAAF planning committee members from the Chapter should be the current President, Past-president and Immediate past-president. The current President is on the agenda to speak at the luncheon. Newsletter: Temeka Cooper – The newsletter is doing well. Reminders will be sent out for the deadline on submissions. Meeting dismissed / Adjourned at 11:58 am.
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 JANUARY’S MONTHLY
LUNCHEON @ 12 NOON
10 WEBINAR
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
11
12 13 14 15 WEBINAR
TUM @ 12:30—3:00
WHITLEY HALL, ROOM 328
16 17 18
19 20 21 YP MEETING BAUMHOWERS
(RSA BLDG)
@ 12:00– 1:30
22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
January 2014
