the capital city focus, october 2013 edition -
TRANSCRIPT
The Capital City Focus AGA’S MISSION:
AGA fosters learning, certification, leadership and collaboration for professionals
and stakeholders committed to advancing government accountability.
THEME: “CONNECT”
Inside this Issue:
Message from Chapter President
October’s Luncheon & Speaker
Words from National President
Registration for Annual Fall Seminar
Career Opportunities
Audio Conferences
Community Services
Congratulations to September’s
Luncheon winners, Marcus Johnson,
and Dennice Hillard
Monthly Calendar Events
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Volume XV11, Issue 2 October 2013
Hello, members and friends of the Montgomery
Chapter AGA! Welcome to our newsletter, The Cap-
ital City Focus. The Chapter’s Communications Direc-
tor, Temeka Cooper, with assistance from our fine
Chapter Executive Committee, has prepared another
outstanding issue, full of information designed to
encourage you to CONNECT! Don’t just dip your toe
in, jump in! Join us as we journey into a program
year packed with professional education, networking,
and community service opportunities just for you. This
issue includes a message from National AGA Presi-
dent Mary Peterman. Be sure to stop by and read
what’s on her mind for AGA.
I hope you are enjoying the cooler temperatures that
indicate summer is gone and fall is in full swing.
That means we are approaching an event I eagerly
look forward to each year, our Fall Educational Sem-
inar. LaTaya Lucas, President-elect and Education
Chair, and Christine Harden, Education Co-Chair,
along with their committee members, have planned
an outstanding day, to be held at the beautiful cam-
pus of Auburn University Montgomery. Registration is
now open. Sign up now while space is still available.
More information on the Fall Seminar is included in
this issue, including directions to the campus, hotel
information for out of town guests, and the agenda.
Get ready!
The Community Service Committee, under the leader-
ship of Beverlyn Dean, recently completed a school
supply drive for Adullam House. This organization
provides a loving and safe environment for children
of incarcerated parents. Thank you for the monetary
donations and school supplies. May your kindness
be returned to you in many ways. October marks
the beginning of another Community Service project,
a food drive to support the Montgomery Area Food
Bank as well as food banks in other cities around
Alabama. Several State agencies were contacted
and agreed to partner with Montgomery Chapter
AGA by allowing food barrels to be placed in their
workplaces. These agencies will be recognized
during the Fall Seminar, but let me say a big,
“THANK YOU!” shout out right now. More infor-
mation about the food drive can be found in this
issue, as well as information about the Silent Auction
being planned for November 8, the day of the Fall
Seminar.
Please note that October is Breast Cancer Aware-
ness Month. Breast cancer affects many families in
our communities, but free diagnostic services are
available. I urge our members and friends to make
health a priority. In support of the fight against
breast cancer and to honor survivors, join me in in-
cluding something pink in your attire for the October
luncheon. Men, you can wear pink, too!
It was wonderful to see so many of you at our first
luncheon of the program year last month. I look
forward to seeing even more members and friends
at our next monthly luncheon, Thursday, October 10,
at 12 noon, on the 6th floor of the RSA Plaza. Take
a moment now to visit our website at montgom-
eryaga.org to register. Our guest speaker is Jim L.
Ridling, Commissioner of the Alabama Department
of Insurance. Insurance is a hot topic that affects all
of us in one way or the other. Come on out and
CONNECT with Montgomery Chapter AGA!
Margie R. Toney, CGFM
President, Montgomery Chapter
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT
www.montgomeryaga.org
CONNECT TO AGA
AGA Montgomery on:
AGA National on:
GovLoop
CHAPTER EX ECUTIV E COMMITTEE D IRECTORS AND MEMB ERS
President Margie Toney [email protected]
President Elect LaTaya Lucas [email protected]
Immediate Past President Pamela Henderson [email protected]
Treasurer Renee’ Reese [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 Barbi Lee [email protected]
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]
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]
www.montgomeryaga.org Page 2 Volume XVII, Issue 2
FROM THE NATIO NAL PRES IDENT —MARY E . PET ERMAN, CG FM, CPA
NATIONAL
TRAINING EVENTS
NLC: Strategic
Innovation for
Government
Leaders
Feb. 11-12, 2014
Washington, DC
14 CPEs Available
Federal
Performance
Management
Training
2014: TBD
14 CPEs Available
PDC: Challenges.
Collaboration.
Shared Solutions
July 13-16, 2014
Orlando, FL
24 CPEs Available
The Capital City Focus www.montgomeryaga.org
WOOT! The AGA Program Year is off and running! The start of the year is always exciting. Chapter, regional and national leaders are inspired and moti-vated. Training and events are scheduled, and shaping the delivery to and engagement of our growing 15,000 member population across the country is our greatest focus. Being public accountability professionals today isn’t easy – take the “normal” pressures of year end, audits and then add sequestration, reduced budgets, increasing complexity and public scrutiny – and what do you get … even MORE reason to be AGA mem-bers to access top quality education, training, certifi-cation and most importantly – “CONNECTING” with each other for collective thought leadership and best practices. For example, AGA just concluded our National Inter-
nal Control and Fraud training event with over 550 people in attendance, a fantastic agenda of insightful speakers, and practical tools and techniques our attendees captured to immediately imple-ment, strengthening controls and preventing and detecting fraud. With great sponsor support, and a very affordable cost per CPE, AGA training like this continues to deliver relevant information and networking, and, to quote our keynote speaker Janine Driver, to help keep “bad people from doing bad things to good people!” I also want to draw your attention to some tangible things happening in AGA to increase and quan-tify your member-value proposition. Now, and over the coming months, you will notice some signifi-cant changes to our AGA website – with all of our very valuable thought leadership research, tools and resources becoming a “member-only” benefit. Our virtual strategy has been further realized with a web-based training enhancement to our audio conferences, and some “free-to-members-only” web-based training. We’ve already tripled your AGA member dues investment – and I en-courage you to stay connected, as even more valuable offerings are in the works. AGA is the collective strength of us – YOU ARE AGA. You have the ability to make a difference in the future of our accountability profession. I challenge you to be active and connect in new ways this year within AGA, and define your future leadership path both within your professional positions and within AGA leadership. What is next for you? Are you a chapter leader, regional leader, interested in becoming a national leader? National nominations are open right now and due by Oct. 31. Go to the AGA website, read the position descriptions and qualifications, and let’s nomi-nate our future leaders now. Finally, look around the room at your office and at AGA meetings. The single biggest demographic shift in the world is happening right here, right now. As you will note from my picture this month, I have a “milestone birthday” coming up in October. And with this age, I have developed the wisdom of observation. Every day, great institutional knowledge is leaving our public-sector organizations, technology continues to inject even more change in how we work, and younger generations communi-
cating, networking and working in new and innovative ways. Is your organization identifying and growing those “NexGen” leaders? The sustainability and success of our governments and your pro-fessional organization depends on it! So my final challenge to you this month is to identify the public sector leaders of the future, whether it is you or the “up and comers” in your organization. How can you and AGA help them be success-ful – to be prepared, to be effective and to be stars? Let’s get these professionals to AGA mem-bership and meetings, to chapter, regional and national leadership opportunities. Pay attention to their needs, how they communicate – learn from them and how AGA is relevant to their professional success. Your government, your organizations, and our accountability profession will prosper as a result! And, then, tell me more about how AGA can support your efforts. Email me at [email protected]. See you next month …
Page 3
SCHEDULED CHAPTER
MEETINGS
October 10, 2013
Commissioner Jim Ridling
RSA Plaza
November 8, 2013
Fall Seminar
AUM
December 5, 2013
Speaker
RSA Activity Center
January 9, 2014
Speaker
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
October Menu
ENTREE Fried Chicken
Salisbury Steak
VEGETABLES Rice & Gravy
Collard Greens Whole Corn
Blackeye Peas
DESSERT Cherry Cobbler
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. Phone 334-242-6367
Email: [email protected]
When: Thursday, October 10, 2013
at 12:00 NOON
Where: RSA Plaza
Washington Avenue Parking in parking deck adjacent to the Plaza
Use entrance on Adams Avenue
Cost: $15.00
Guests are always welcome. Make your reservation today!!!
Online: Visit our new website at montgomeryaga.org
Please contact Janice Duncan by 12:00 noon, Tuesday, October 8 Reservations via phone 334-242-6367 Or
Email: [email protected]
ATTENTION! Members will be invoiced for the cost of the lunch for cancellations made AFTER the close of business on Tuesday, October 10 (Including the failure
to attend without cancellation notice.)
www.montgomeryaga.org Volume XVII, Issue 2 Page 4
COMMISSIONER JIM RIDLING
Page 5 The Capital City Focus www.montgomeryaga.org
Jim L. Ridling, a native Arkansan who has lived and worked in Montgomery for more than 20 years, was first
appointed Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Alabama in 2008 by former Governor Bob Riley. Continu-
ing in that role after Governor Riley left office, Commissioner Ridling was reappointed by Governor Robert Bent-
ley on January 17, 2011. He is a graduate of the University of the Ozarks. Upon graduation in 1967, he entered
a management training program with Fireman’s Fund Insurance, leading to several management positions and
culminating in his service as Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations, based in California.
In 1987, Commissioner Ridling embraced a new challenge, leaving California to come back to his native South.
He exchanged his interest in American Express (which owned Fireman’s Fund at the time) for ownership in South-
ern Guaranty Insurance Companies, a Fireman’s Fund subsidiary headquartered in Montgomery and served as
its President and Chief Executive Officer. The following year, Southern Guaranty sold Winterthur Swiss. Commis-
sioner Ridling maintained his previous position in the company adding the duties of Chairman until his retire-
ment on December 31, 2003.
He came to Montgomery as President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Guaranty. The following year,
Southern Guaranty sold to Winterthur Swiss, and Commissioner Ridling remained in his previous role and added
the duties of Chairman until his retirement on December 31, 2003.
Following his retirement from Southern Guaranty, Commissioner Ridling remained active. He and other local
business leaders formed River Bank and Trust, where he serves today as its Vice Chairman. He has also been an
integral part of many community, civic and charitable endeavors.
Commissioner Ridling served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jackson Hospital and on the Boards of
Directors of the Montgomery Airport Authority, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central
Alabama Community Foundation. He is a former Chairman of the River Region United Way.
He is married to the former Cathy Turner. He has two daughters – Erin Ridling and the late Hannah Ridling.
Page 6 www.montgomeryaga.org
Whistleblower gets record $14 million payout from SEC
By Jonathan Dienst and Jim Forkin NBC News
Regulators said Tuesday they had given a record $14 million reward to a whistleblower whose information led to an enforcement action by the Securities and Exchange Commission that recovered “substantial investor funds.”
The SEC did not identify the case or the company that was sanctioned because the whistleblower has chosen to remain anonymous, but the $14 million award was the biggest yet granted by the SEC’s whistleblower program, which was launched in 2011.
“Our whistleblower program already has had a big impact on our investigations by providing us with high-quality, meaningful tips,” said SEC chair Mary Jo White. “We hope an award like this encourages more individuals with information to come forward.”
The SEC’s Office of the Whistleblower rewards original information that results in enforcement with sanctions above $1 million. Awards to tipsters can range up to 30 percent of the money recovered.
The whistleblower who received $14 million provided information that allowed the SEC to investigate an enforcement action more quickly, said regulators. Less than six months after the initial tip, the SEC brought an action against the perpetrator and recovered investor funds.
The SEC made its first payment to a whistleblower in August 2012. The award totaled $50,000. In August and September of this year, the SEC awarded more than $25,000 to three tipsters who helped the government stop what it called a “sham hedge fund,” with total payments to the whistleblowers likely to continue and top $125,000.
REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hangs on the wall at their headquarters in Washington, in this June 24, 2011 file photo.
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 7 www.montgomeryaga.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON
AGA CHAPTER COMMITTEES
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As an AGA member, you gain access to a host of benefits designed to support your career growth
and your success, including:
Education and networking opportunities through more than 100 AGA Chapters
Four annual national training events with member rates that save you more than $150 per event
Social networking on LinkedIn
Access to the online members' directory
Awards and Scholarship programs
Leadership and Volunteer opportunities at the chapter and national level
Career Center and Online Job Bank
Young Professionals program
Hundreds of Continuing Professional Education opportunities
Complimentary webinars
Member discounts for online CPE opportunities
Advocacy: AGA provides valuable input to standards-setting bodies and policy-makers on be-half of the government financial management profession
Subscription to the quarterly Journal of Government Financial Management
Topics weekly e-newsletter
Thought Leadership library
Discount on CGFM renewal fees
Audio Conferences
Join Today! View the membership types and choose the one that's right for you.
CONNECT TO AGA
AGA Montgomery on:
AGA National on:
GovLoop
The Capital City Focus
AGA Committees are in need of volunteers to sign up and assist in the following areas: Newsletter contact: Temeka Cooper by email at [email protected] Career Opportunities contact: Marcus Johnson by email at [email protected] Membership contact: Kimwana Robinson by email at [email protected]
or Emma Cole by email at [email protected] For more information about duties and responsibilities within these committees, please contact the above Committee Director(s). You must be a current AGA member to volunteer your resources and time.
Page 8 www.montgomeryaga.org
REGISTRATION FORM
26th Annual Fall Education Seminar Friday, November 8, 2013
Auburn University – Montgomery Taylor Center
THEME: “Managing Scarce Resources and Maximizing Government Transparency”
First Name __________________________ Last Name _________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State ____ Zip Code __________________
Company Name __________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State ____ Zip Code __________________
Work Phone _______________________ Fax _______________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________________________
PAYMENT INFORMATION
REGISTRATION FEE: ____$199 Government AGA Member
(check the appropriate box) ____$225 Non-member
____$249 Corporate Member
METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Bill My Agency (Agency Name) ______________________________________________
Agency Contact _____________________________________Phone #_______________
Agency PO Number _______________________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 9 www.montgomeryaga.org
PERSONAL PAYMENTS: ______ Check # _____ Visa _____ MasterCard ______ AMX
(Please log onto www.montgomeryaga.com for credit card payments)
SELECTION OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS
SELECTION OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS
REGISTRANT NAME: _______________________________________________________ Indicate your preference by numbering 1-3 for each session. We will work hard to accommo-date your choices. MORNING SESSION – 10:20 – 12:00 pm ______ Session ID: CS #1 Planning Ahead for Implementing GASB Pronouncements ______ Session ID: CS #2 Healthcare Analytics – The Final Mile ______ Session ID: CS #3 Big Data – What’s the Buzz All About? AFTERNOON SESSION – 1:30 – 2:30 pm _____ Session ID: CS #4 Internal Control _____ Session ID: CS #5 Current Financial Scams & Wise/Safe Investing Tips _____ Session ID: CS #6 Digital Evidence Gathering
SUBMITTING INFORMATION
MAIL REGISTRATION FORM TO: FAX FORM TO: 334-353-5543 Association of Government Accountants P.O. Box 1001 SCAN FORM TO: Montgomery, AL 36101 [email protected]
The Capital City Focus
The Ca Page 10 www.montgomeryaga.org
26th Annual Fall Seminar Agenda “Managing Scarce Resources and Maximizing
Government Transparency”
Auburn Montgomery – Taylor Center Friday, November 8, 2013
7 : 0 0 a m – 8 : 3 0 a m REGISTRATION
8 : 0 0 a m – 8 : 1 5 a m
Opening Remarks TAYLOR CENTER – ROOMS 221-222-223
8 : 1 5 a m – 9 : 0 5 a m “Simply Lead with Less” Nicole Pinkham – Senior Training Consultant with Alabama Training Institute
9 : 0 5 a m – 1 0 : 0 0 a m “Accountability” National Officer: Evie Barry - Director of Performance Reporting
10 : 00 am – 1 0 : 20 am BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10 : 20 am - 1 2 : 00 pm “Planning Ahead for Imple-menting GASB Pronounce-
ments”
Blake Rodgers GASB
Session ID: CS#1 Location: TC 223
“Healthcare Analytics - The
Final Mile”
Ken Jones Marikay Corcoran
KPMG Session ID: CS#2 Location: TC 222
“Big Data - What’s the Buzz All
About?”
Emily Jones Nic Cofield
Jackson Thornton
Session ID: CS#3 Location: 221
1 2 : 0 0 p m – 1 : 3 0 p m Lunch Break SPEAKER: Dr. Keivan Deravi – “Economic Update”
1 : 1 5 p m – 1 : 3 0 p m New Member Reception National Officer: Evie Barry & Chapter Officers
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
1 : 3 0 p m – 2 : 3 0 p m “Internal Control”
Michelle Cummings
Cummings Properties, LLC Session ID: CS#4 Location: TC 223
“Current Financial Scams & Wise/Safe Investing Tips”
Dan Lord
AL Securities Exchange Com-mission
Session ID: CS#5 Location: TC 222
“Digital Evidence Gathering”
Lindsay Gill
Forensic Strategic Solutions, Inc. Session ID: CS#6 Location: TC 221
2 : 3 0 p m – 2 : 4 5 p m BREAK
2 : 4 5 p m – 3 : 4 5 p m General Session – State Updates Fleet Management and Time Management Systems
Willie L. Bradley (DOT) and Marty Redden (Finance)
3 : 4 5 p m – 4 : 3 5 p m General Session - TBD
4 : 3 5 p m – 5 : 0 0 p m Door Prizes, Closing Remarks / Adjourn
Approved by the Alabama State Board of Accountancy for (__ CPE)
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 11 www.montgomeryaga.org
Association of Government Accountants
P.O. Box 1001
Montgomery, AL 36101
26th
Annual Fall Education Seminar Friday, November 8, 2013
Auburn University – Montgomery Taylor Center
REGISTRATION FEE:
Government AGA Members $199 (state/federal/county/city) Non-Members $225 Corporate Rate $249
(All registration fees include a one-year membership)
Register online at www.montgomeryaga.org
SPONSORS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Support the Montgomery Area Food Bank's mission to ease the suffering caused by hunger by bringing can goods to the seminar. Dona-tions of money are also welcome. At MAFB, every donated dollar is turned into 6.5 pounds of food to feed the needy.
The Capital City Focus
Hampton Inn & Suites
7651 Eastchase Pkwy
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 277-1818
Book for $99 using code: AGA
Volume XVII, Issue 2 Page 12 www.montgomeryaga.org
Certified Government Financial Managers (CGFMs) represent a diverse group of professionals working
in the government financial management field, including accountants, auditors, budget analysts, control-
lers, finance directors, financial analysts, program managers, IT professionals, CFOs and consultants.
Many government financial managers come to this profession with varied academic backgrounds and
expertise, which brings a breadth of knowledge that enhances the field of government financial manage-
ment. In light of this diversity and ongoing changes in the profession since the CGFM program’s inception
in 1994, AGA’s Professional Certification Board (PCB) has updated the eligibility requirement to take the
CGFM examinations. From the onset of the program, a prerequisite to sit for the CGFM examinations
has been a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with 24 credit hours in certain
designated areas, such as accounting, auditing, finance or public administration. The PCB determined that
the focus of the 24-hour requirement was too limiting to completely capture the full and ever expanding
range of knowledge, skills and abilities that represent today’s government financial management work-
force. Therefore, effective immediately, CGFM candidates are no longer required to have 24 credit
hours in a particular discipline or range of disciplines to be eligible to take the CGFM examinations. In
order to establish their eligibility, CGFM applicants still must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredit-
ed college or university and must provide a copy of an official transcript documenting their degree. In
addition to the education requirement, the knowledge and experience in government financial manage-
ment remain essential components of the CGFM certification program. Accordingly, to earn their CGFM,
all candidates must also pass the three rigorous CGFM examinations that test knowledge of govern-
ment financial management and have at least two years of professional-level work experience in gov-
ernment financial management.
If you have any questions about the CGFM eligibility requirements or any other aspects about the CGFM program, please contact AGA’s Director of Professional Certification, Katya Silver or at (800.AGA.7211, ext. 305) or Certification Manager Brian Watkins ([email protected] or at ext. 341).
Within One Year of Graduation?
If you are currently enrolled and are within one year of graduation with a bachelor’s degree, you
may be able to apply for the CGFM Program and start taking the CGFM Examinations before your
degree is conferred. (Proof of the degree and work verification will be required before the CGFM can
be awarded.) Contact the Office of Professional Certification at 800.AGA.7211 (703.684.6931) for
more information. Please indicate the number of college credits completed and your expected gradua-
tion date.
CGFM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT UPDATE
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 13 www.montgomeryaga.org
AGA AUDIO CONFERENCES
What’s changing? AGA is adding a live view of presentations using webinar technology. You will see presentations in real -time, making them easier to follow and more engag-
ing.
In order to bring the web conferences to our chapter members we must have a minimum of 12 registered participants. Please register early to help us offer
CPE throughout the year.
Oct. 9, 2013 | 1-2:50 p.m. Central Time | 2 CPEs Available LOCATION: TBD
COST: $25 members $35 non-members Register at http://montgomeryaga.org
Registration deadline: October 1st
Learning Objectives: To understand updates to the COSO internal control framework. Field of Study: Auditing The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) recently published a new Internal Control–Integrated Framework to provide updated guidance on designing and implementing internal controls. The Framework, first released in 1992, is widely regarded as a leading source of information on how to design and assess an organization’s internal control environment. The update provides new explanation for the components of effective internal control—the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities—and clarifies how they operate together. This web conference will explain what has changed in the new release and how it is relevant to public sector entities. The speaker is Mary E. Peck, CIA, CCSA, CGAP, CRMA, Director of the Office of Internal Control, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Effective Internal Control: Understanding the New COSO Framework
A Smart Investment
CPE pricing for Government:
Federal - $100.00 subscription price – NO AGREEMENT NEEDED any more! Agency must purchase to qualify (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 webcast 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 every-
one!
UPCOMING AGA
AUDIO
CONFERENCES
Jan. 15
Fraud Detection/
Prevention
Feb. 5
Government Finan-
cial Management
Mar. 5
Accountability in Government
May 7
Performance Management
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.
The Capital City Focus
Page 14 www.montgomeryaga.org
With the retiring of so many young and healthy employees, we wanted to enlighten everyone on career resources for profes-
sional retirees. The following email address will connect you to all types of part-time professional employment:
www.retirementliving.com/jobs-for-seniors (some examples are listed below.)
RetirementJobs.com
RetirementJobs.com seeks to identify and certify companies that are most-suited and most friendly to workers over age 50
and match them with active, productive, conscientious, mature adults seeking a job or project that matches their lifestyle.
Whether you are seeking to supplement your income, a new challenge, a way to get out and meet people, or another reason,
this Web site should be very helpful. It is recognized as the leading specialty electronic job posting board for people 50 and
older.
Indeed.com Job Search Engine
Indeed.com is a job search engine that allows job seekers to find employment opportunities posted on thousands of company
career site and job boards. It is an aggregator of employment advertising and currently lists jobs in more than 53 countries.
BetterJobs.com
BetterJobs is a comprehensive job search site with over 5 million U.S. jobs available. Job information is updated daily with
direct connections to employer career pages and other job boards. You can easily create email alerts to help simplify and auto-
mate your job search with BetterJobs.com.
Retired Brains
This organization connects retiring or retired workers with employers and provides information on charitable organizations
and nonprofits looking for senior volunteers.
Employment Network for Retired Government Experts
This site is aimed at retired federal, state, and local government employees who choose to remain productive in their profes-
sions or fields of expertise. Many would like to work in the private sector.
RETIRING???????? REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Auditor---- Regions Bank--- Montgomery, AL
www.regionsbank.com
Position Summary
At Regions, the Auditor will perform various internal audit activities in accordance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
Primary Responsibilities
Performs audit activities for various areas of the bank. Activities include understanding risks of the business, determining control objectives and
ensuring audit programs are executed appropriately to test those objectives.
Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of required auditing standards, accounting policies, applicable laws and regulations, etc.
Assists and/or supervises audit team members in the performance of internal audit fieldwork for audit areas assigned by audit management.
Assists in the development of audit programs that clearly and accurately indicate method to achieve all desired objectives.
This position provides Audit support to the Branch Audit Team based in Montgomery.
Bachelor's degree required in Accounting or Finance or related field.
Minimum 2 years internal audit experience.
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 15 www.montgomeryaga.org The Capital City Focus
Maggie Fox NBC News
The federal government shut down on Tuesday, but Obamacare was full steam ahead … sort of. The new HealthCare.Gov website collapsed early Tuesday morning under the weight of 2.8 million users, said Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "As with any product launch, there will be glitches. We will fix them," Tavenner told reporters on a conference call. “Sorry, Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat isn’t available right now,” the website advised. “We apologize for the inconvenience. Please try again later, or call your Customer Service Center at 1-800-318-2596.” President Barack Obama said it crashed under the weight of a flood of users. "“More than 1 million people visited healthcare.gov before 7 in the morning,” he said, adding: “There were five times more users than have ever been on medicare.gov at one time. That gives you a sense of how important this is to Americans around the country," Obama said in an address aimed mostly at criticizing the federal government shutdown.
That doesn't make the exchanges a failure, however, Obama said. "A couple of weeks ago, Apple rolled out a new operating system, and within a few days they found a glitch and fixed it," he said. “I don’t remember anybody suggesting Apple should stop selling iPhones or iPads -- or threatening to shut down the company if they didn’t. That’s not we do things in America. We don’t actually root for failure.” The federal government apologized via Twitter. “We're working to fix these issues as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience,” @HealthCareGov tweeted. That means people in the 36 states where the federal government is running the health insurance exchanges couldn’t sign up right away on the first day. Republicans in Congress used the new ammunition to immediately attack the Administration's plans for health reform. "Today, across the country, Americans are attempting to purchase health insurance on Obamacare exchanges and are being met with crashing websites, missing price information, confusing forms and in some cases, exchanges that had to delay their start date because they aren't ready yet," said California Republican Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. "These 'glitches,' which the President is trying to brush off, reveal how totally unprepared the government is for this launch even with three and a half years to prepare." Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican who has been a critic of the ACA, tweeted a picture of her state's malfunctioning site. "#ObamaCare exchanges open today and #WA State's website isn't even working. Precursor to the complications to come," she said. Tony Jewell of Ventnor, N.J., was disappointed but not surprised. “I did not log on this morning expecting to sign up for health care today and they didn’t let me down,” said Jewell, who says he quit a full-time job to open his own public rela-tions business, in the expectation that he could buy health insurance on the new exchanges. “I would have been pleasantly surprised if it had worked,” added Jewell, who tried to log onto the federal exchange website in his home state of New Jersey. Maryland's site for enrolling people crashed early Tuesday. "We are currently experiencing a high volume of traffic on MarylandHealthConnection.gov and we want to make the experience as positive for everyone as possible. Please check back later," the site advised. California's site also seemed stuck. The health insurance exchanges are at the heart of the changes being made by the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which is taking effect in stages. Tuesday is the first day that peo-ple who don't have health insurance can begin to sign up, either on the federal exchange, or on state exchanges in the 14 states that are running their own. But it's a six-month open enrollment period, so people do not have to get signed up the first day. The government and advocacy groups, anticipating problems, have hired thou-sands of "navigators" to help walk people through the process, which even on a good day was expected to take 45 minutes or longer. Jewell, a Republican who says he is embracing Obamacare reluctantly because there’s nothing better being offered, is confident the health exchanges will eventually work. “As a patient, I assume they will get the program up and running,” he said. And he knows it can be difficult to launch a new program. Jewell was a spokesman at the Health and Human Services Department under former President George W. Bush. "I am a Republican who is sympathetic to the program. It would be helpful if it worked for me. I assume it will,” he said. He and his wife have pre-existing health conditions that make it difficult to buy private insurance, but the ACA forces insurers offering new policies to take all comers, regardless of previous health issues. Jewell was among thousands of Americans who were ready to try the new online marketplace. He doesn’t think it crashed under the weight of demand, however. “I was trying during the 7 am hour on the East Coast. I can’t believe people were setting their alarms to get up for Obamacare,” Jewell said. But some states suggested that is what did happen. “We logged 10,000 visitors in the last 3 hours,” Connecticut’s exchange administrators tweeted at @AccessHealthCT. “22 enrollments so far. Make sure your browser is updated if you are having problems!” Some saw the website crashes as a sign of success. "This plan that the Radical GOP says is so bad is on the verge of crashing due to such high volume," said Mark Nelson of King-man, Ariz., in a Facebook posting.
And they're off! Insurance markets open, but not quickly
KAREN BLEIER / AFP - Getty Images
A woman looks at the HealthCare.gov insurance exchange internet site October 1, 2013 in Washington, DC. But the site crashed almost immediately after opening.
Page 16 Volume XVII, Issue 2 www.montgomeryaga.org
The Best Items for Food Drives
MONETARY DONATIONS: For every $1 donated, Area Food Banks can provide 6.5 pounds of food products or an equivalent of 5 meals.
BOXED GOODS: Dry milk, instant potatoes, rice, Stove-Top stuffing, pie crusts, puddings, etc…
CANNED VEGETABLES: Green beans, sweet potatoes, yams, broccoli, pumpkin, cranberry, mixed vegetables, corn, etc…
CANNED FRUITS: Peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, applesauce, apricots, plums, pineapple chunks, etc…
OTHER NEEDED ITEMS: Marshmallows, walnuts, pecans, peanut butter, cookie morsels, cream of soups — (mushroom, chicken, celery, and
broccoli), beef or chicken both, bag stuffing, etc…
Aim for low sodium/salt/syrups/sugars—high in protein/fibers
Beverlyn Dean
Community Service Director
Montgomery AGA
Phone: (334) 242-7169
Fax: (334) 353-8135
Community Service Updates:
The Community Service Committee has gained commitment from several State Agencies: ADECA, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Transportation, Department of Revenue, Department of Insurance, Alabama Ethics Commission, Department of Examin-ers of Public Accounts, and the Department of Mental Health to support the Chapter in the fight against hunger on behalf of the Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB). Agencies will be responsible for collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations from their staff. Each agency’s generosity will be recognized in our Chapter’s website, newsletter, and at our annual awards ceremo-ny. The agency is also encouraged to provide an incentive for the section/unit that has the largest donation. The Community Service Committee will be hosting a one-day Area Food Drive at the Wal-Mart on Cobb Ford in Prattville. The Drive will take place in October. Details will be provided upon final confirmations with the store. Volunteers are needed, so please con-tact me via e-mail at [email protected] if you wish to participate. In November – We will be working with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers are needed to fill a one-day shift from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Wal-Mart (Cobb Ford Road) in Prattville. Further details will be provided soon. If you or someone you know would like to donate items for the Silent Auction to be held during the Fall Seminar, please contact Bev-erlyn Dean at 242-7169 ([email protected]) no later than Thursday, October 31, 2013. Proceeds will benefit the Sickle Cell Foundation, Central Alabama Chapter. Items donated for the auction will be on display during the Fall Seminar and will be sold to the highest bidder. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on shopping for holiday, anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion gifts. Monetary donations should be made payable to AGA Montgomery Chapter, and clearly indicate 2013 Silent
Auction in the memo area. All donations are tax-deductible.
In December – The Salvation Army will need volunteers to assist with preparing food boxes and toys for the needy. If you are inter-ested, please let me know. Further details will be provided soon. Thank you for your support as “We make a difference”.
Page 17 www.montgomeryaga.org The Capital City Focus
Dennice Hillard
SEPTEMBER’S LUNCHEON DRAWING RECIPIENTS
WON TICKETS TO HOLIDAY MARKET Debra Thrash
Charlene Wachs
This was not my first attempt at trying to pass the CPA
exam. I first attempted the CPA exam back in 2010 but
quit in 2011 after passing only one of the four sections.
In 2011, I was expecting my first child, Gabriel, so I
decided to no longer dedicate anymore time to gaining
my CPA license. However, this time around I was more
focused and determined to accomplish my personal goal
of obtaining my CPA license. I was expecting my sec-
ond child so my goal was to pass three sections of the
exam before Garrison’s expected arrival date of June
10, 2013. Initially, my plan got off track because I
made a 73 on my first exam, auditing. I was disap-
pointed but not defeated. I began studying for the next
two sections as scheduled. I passed both of the sec-
tions on the first attempt and prepared for my auditing
retake. I was so determined to reach my goal that I
ended up taking business and auditing while I was 36
and 37 weeks pregnant, respectively. On June 8th
I found out that I had passed auditing. I began to
see the light at the end of the tunnel. While I was
out on maternity leave with Garrison, I reviewed
as much as I could for my final exam section,
regulation. I took regulation in August and re-
ceived my last passing score that same month. I
took a chance on a dream and I can firmly say
today that dreams certainly do come true!
I am thankful for my family’s love, support, and
encouragement throughout the process. Whenev-
er I’m faced with difficult situations or circum-
stances, I always remember Philippians 4:13, “I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me.”
I graduated from The University of Alabama –
Tuscaloosa with a B.S. in accounting in 2007 and
a Masters of taxation 2009. I work for the Ala-
bama Department of Revenue as a Revenue Tax
Specialist. I serve as Director of the AGA Mont-
gomery awards committee for the 2013-2014
program year. I became a certified government
financial manager (“CGFM”) in October of 2012.
After preparing and studying, I passed all three
exams in four (4) months. Shortly after becom-
ing a CGFM, I began studying for the CPA exam
at the beginning of 2013.
Page 18 www.montgomeryaga.org
CGFM Member on the move…
Congratulations to Marcus Johnson who was promoted to a Senior Accountant with the
Department of Public Health. Previously, he served as a Staff Accountant with the Depart-
ment of Revenue in the Financial Operations Section for over six years. He received his Bach-
elor’s Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in Accounting December 2001. Current-
ly, he is seeking a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Troy University Montgomery. He has
been a member of AGA since 2006 and is currently serving as Career Opportunities/
Resources Director and on the CGFM Committee. He has served as Chairperson of Employ-
ment and as a committee member on the CGFM and Early Career Committees. He received
his CGFM in 2012. Marcus was introduced to AGA by Delvin Seawright.
Danielle Self
Grace McDuffie
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 19 www.montgomeryaga.org The Capital City Focus
Checking:
Balance as of May 31, 2013: $ 14,356.17
Total Receipts: $ 5,286.83
Total Expenditures: $ 5,228.39
Balance as of August 31, 2013: $ 14,414.61
Share:
Balance as of May 31, 2013: $ 30.72
Total Receipts: $ 0.03
Balance as of August 31, 2013: $ 30.75
Montgomery Chapter Treasurer’s Report
June 1, 2013 – August 31, 2013
Page 20 www.montgomeryaga.org
AGA CEC BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 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 Plaza on the 6th Floor, Thursday, September 12,
2013 by President Margie Toney.
A quorum was present with the following officers and directors in attendance: President Margie Toney, Shelia M.
Hatcher, Alea Depaola, Christine Harden, Kimwana Robinson, Barbi Lee, Renee’ S. Reese, Carmen Leonard,
Janice Duncan, Sandra Steele, Marcus Johnson, Beverlyn Dean, LaTaya Lucas, Dennice Hillard, Kay Wilson, Em-
ma Cole, Karen Deal, and Rachel Chou.
President: President Toney thanked everyone for coming to the CEC meeting. Asked if anyone needed to add any
additions to the agenda- nothing added- agenda adopted.
Proceeded with the Meeting Agenda
Minutes: Shelia Hatcher-Minutes for the August 2013 planning meeting were unavailable. Minutes received via e-
mail for June 21, 2013 CEC’s Board meeting were read and reviewed. Motion to accept the minutes, seconded,
carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Renee’ Reese distributed copies of the Treasurer’s report for June through August of 2013 for
review. The PDC expenses for past and current president came in under budget. Final reimbursements for Imme-
diate Past-President’s PDC travel expense for incidentals are still pending payment. Motion to accept Treasurer’s
report was made by Barbi Lee, seconded by Sandra Steele, no opposers, motion carried.
President Address: President Toney recognized new CEC members/ first time attending CEC- thank you to all.
Chapter Recognition Points: Recognition points are due to LaTaya Lucas by Sept. 16, 2013. She will be sending
an e-mail to each committee director. Please check the book/guide for a better understanding of the scoring.
Immediate Past President: Unable to attend the meeting/she is working as the National Regional Membership
Coordinator.
Director of Accountability: Carmen Leonard discussed the case challenge, which will be sent out to the stu-
dents. Request to increase the budget from the original budget of $215.00 to $300.00 – edit the budget by increasing
it $85.00 to finance copying cost. (Additional $25.00 added to Awards budget to assist Accountability.)
Audits: Gladys Gray- Not present at the meeting. Update – committee still waiting for the letter of engagement
from CPA Robert Vogel in reference to the compilation he will prepare.
Awards: Dennice Hillard – requested an increase in the budget to $450.00 to reflect and cover the costs incurred
for the AGA Fall Conference and Spring Seminar. A motion was made to revise and increase the Awards budget by
$85.00 and the Accountability budget by $50.00. Motion accepted, seconded; carried. Today the door prizes for
the luncheon include 4 tickets to the Holiday Market.
Volume XVII, Issue 2
Page 21 www.montgomeryaga.org The Capital City Focus
Karen Deal noted that during her term as President, it was voted that the CEC would be excluded from door
prizes. The floor was open for comments. What would everyone like to do? After discussion, the President
tabled the decision until next month.
CGFM: Sandra Steele- The committee is not getting a lot of participation with the study groups. President
Toney is concerned about what we should do about getting CGFM up and running. Suggested trying differ-
ent methods or ways to change the way the group is discussing the information. Suggested doing something
web-based. Dr. Deal offered to assist technology-wise, but noted she cannot teach due to a conflict of inter-
est. Because we may encounter technology problems, she will look into it before January.
Community Service: Beverlyn Dean- Have already received a lot of responses from non-members. The
Adullam House school supplies drive is still going on until the end of September. Food Bank drive has been
launched. She asked that we encourage the people donating money to pay through the AGA website.
Education Committee: LaTaya Lucas- Fall Conference price is $200.00/ marketing at $199.00 for mem-
bers/ non-members $225.00. She is trying to show a distinction between members and nonmembers. Mo-
tion to approve the higher cost, seconded, and carried. Have four (4) audio conferences selected for this
year. Motion to increase Audio conference cost to $25.00 for members/ $35.00 for non-members; motion
offered, seconded, no opposes, motion carried. AGA Fall Conference will have a general session in the
morning, concurrent sessions in the afternoon, and a speaker during lunch, Dr. Keivan Deravi. She is hop-
ing to have everything finalized by next week. Lataya will also explore the possibility of granting free booth/
table space to certain vendors in exchange for the vendor providing speakers at no cost.
Web Master: Alea Depaola – Stated that any requests related to the website may be directed to her. Just let
her know what needs to be done.
Membership/ Early Career: Kimwana Robinson- Would like to start an AGA student chapter on campus;
she will get with Emma Cole on getting it started.
Newsletter: Temeka Cooper – Discussed deadlines for the newsletter and requested two (2) volunteers to
assist with editing.
President Toney: Recommended we install a new position, “Assistant Treasurer”. She will post what the du-
ties are; will have to get the by-laws changed to reflect the new position. Kay Wilson volunteered to fill the
position for this term.
Career Opportunities and Resources: Marcus Johnson- nothing to report.
Meeting dismissed / Adjourned at 11:52 am.
OCTOBER 2013
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
Montgomery
Area Food
Bank Drive
Begins
2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Audio
Conference
(New COSO
Framework)
10
AGA Monthly
Luncheon @
12:00
11 12
13 14
Columbus
Day
15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
MONTHLY CALENDAR EVENTS
www.montgomeryaga.org The Capital City Focus